Expert: Nilesh Korgaokar - 7/7/2009

Question
Hi Nilesh,

  I'm looking to travel from Japan, to China and into India for a spiritual adventure. Just wondering if you would know the best land route to take through the countries(mostly china and India). Also, if you knew of any really good ashrams in India, non of that really touristy stuff, just good down to earth "real" places that would be great. Thanks!

                                Sincerely,
                                        Greg

Answer
Hi Greg,

It all depends on how much time you have at hand but since you have indicated that you're not the normal "touristy kind" I would suggest that you travel thru China by train if you have the time. They are clean, large and pretty efficient. Use the "hard sleeper" class so you can sleep comfortably during your travels. Where there are no trains you can try the buses that are also quite efficient.

In India also trains are pretty efficient and quick means of travel. For more visit www.irctc.co.in - it's a pretty good website for Indian Railways if you want to find out about the various routes. Just don't expect them to be as clean and efficient as the Chinese ones.

Get hold of good travel guides on China and India - I prefer the Lonely Planet guides but you could choose any other like Foddors, Lets Go, Rough Guide or Frommers. These books will give you more up to date information on all the questions that you may have. It will also help you with your question on Aashrams in India.

Most foreigners head for Varanasi in India where there are supposed to be a few aashrams. People also head for the Osho Aashram in Pune and the spiritual center in Pondicherry in the south.

Hope this helps and have a great trip.
Nilesh.