Bihar, today, has one of the best security situations among the north-(eastern) states! IPS officers are just dying to be posted there because there is the least political interference in the law-and-order situation. Turnaround? I know!
Kolkata is a city very rich in culture but that side is a whole other trip. If you're going to Kolktata, it'd be a good idea to visit Sikkim and some of the north-eastern states. But that'd take at least 15-20 days on it's own.
My guess, aoyegui, is that you'll be touring up in the north-west. Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur, Varanasi and Rishikesh are all good ideas. Try and make a trip to Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, if you can. Shimla, Kulu-Manali and Dehradun are good places to visit.
Dress warm. It'll be cold, although perhaps not as much for a Chinese. If your in Rajasthan, be prepared for large temperature variations. The deserts at night are cold, and are very warm during the day.
Keep your wits about you. People will read your body language, and how confident you look will determine their behavior toward you. Beware of touts. Be instinctive: if you feel something is not right, avoid it. You'll learn that soon after you reach India.
Relying on professional organizations and travel agencies is always better. As opposed to semi-formal agents, even though they may offer a better price, especially since your a non-native.
Avoid eating at roadside food places. Since your palate and immunity are not accustomed to it. You can get the same road side food, at much better, hygienic joints for a slightly higher price.
Networking with student travel organizations-such as the
YHAI or Youth Hostel Association of India, the
YMCA in the city your in amd the Indian
Student Traveller may not be a bad idea. These places can offer you useful travel tips and ideas, if not cheap accommodation, transport and packages themselves.
You can do everything from your internet-enabled phone in India nowadays. From paying bills to booking reservations at restaurants to finding directions for a place you don't know. Cellphone important! Rely on websites such as
BookmyShow or
Delhievents to i know what good events are on in the city on that day. Some other useful numbers and websites are 0888 8888 or JustDial.com for city consumer/services info., 100 for police and 108 for emergencies/fire/ambulance. Beware of delays in services, especially police and ambulance. Private services are a lot more efficient than Government services in the city. Know the name of your closest hospital.
Varanasi is a dirty city, but it's beauty is not apparent, it is spiritual. You'll have to really discover the traditions and practices of the world's most ancient city to enjoy it.
Keep sipping water. It's easy to forget especially in the non humid climate of North India, to drink enough water. Wash out your face, nose and throat everytime you come from out to avoid complications.
Enjoy the food. But be careful of it's heavy-ness. North Indian food, in particular, is rich in oils, dry fruits etc. Everything in smaller than king-sized quantities is the way to go. Enjoy the fruits and vegetables. The number of vegetables and vegetarian-preparations in India is mind-boggling.
Be advised that you may not find a toilet outside, while travelling. And if you do find one, it is likely to be dirty. You can however use the loo's at upscale restaurants, and some gas stations and because you're a tourist, 'decent' shops and shop-keepers might oblige you.
Respect the: Live and let live policy. However, if confronted with overt aggression, being much more aggressive than your counterpart will work. Be street-smart.
P.S. Delhi is known for road-rage. And Varanasi, and Uttar Pradesh in general, tend to be more notorious for crime than anywhere else. Advisable to travel in groups.
P.P.S. You might want to have a little more than $1000 i.e. if it includes hotel stay- as others have said- to have a good time in India. Things in India now are expensive. In some cases, just slightly under world prices.
