For my 30th birthday I went to India and decided to stop in Egypt on the way back home.
NEW DELHI, INDIA
In Delhi India, affordability outside paying for my flight and hotel. I lived off $350 and that was considered excessive for local shopping and exploring. I would say you need a max of $30 for Uber’s and if u wanted to you could take an Uber from Delhi to Agra and see the Taj Mahal for a one way of $50. The highest I paid for a ride was $3.50 and that’s even sitting in traffic for an hour plus and also
going to the other side of the city. Airport rides tend to be $3-$5 just because it’s to and from the airport, but outside of the airport you’ll be ok. Local foods can range anywhere from $2-$20. Alcoholic beverages are a little bit more pricey ranging from $4-$15 depending on where you go. If you want to purchase alcohol, it’s cheaper to get it at the duty free in the airport upon arrival. Prices almost double when buying at the liquor stores in the city.
Now from what I was told after I got to India was that it’s best not to come in the winter because of the air quality. I can’t stress that enough, it was so horrible it’s like imagine u had burned some food and u need to open your windows and doors to get it out, yet u have this lingering smoke in your home that’s the best way I could describe it. Aside that it’s definitely a third world country so don’t have high expectations. Other than that, you’ll love India.
PS if you have more time in India, please visit Jodhpur the city has way a lot of things to do and see while in India. I’m upset we didn’t make it, the day we were heading to go got cancelled because one of our friends caught the Delhi belly (stomach virus) told him not to drink the water. (Always drink bottled water)
Now when visiting the Taj Mahal, we paid about $17 for basically a VIP entry which you don’t have to wait in the super long line that wraps around the Taj Mahal to Enter and see the tomb stones. Also keep in mind you can NOT take in food products drones chewing gum baby toys genie lamps (I bought an Alladin carpet and a genie lamp for a specific photo don’t judge me lol) or any props they will take it, unless you find someone to bargain with to hold your item(s) you won’t be able to get it back. Also, for food in Agra, right outside the entry walk to the Taj Mahal there is this restaurant called Mughal Darvar – it’s right next door to the place where they create the marble stones (the family of the original Taj Mahal builders) I promise you, this food is amazing, and you can get a full 3 course meal for under $15 some of the best Indian food I had while in the country period!
Now back to Delhi
Visit the Indian Gate and the parliament which is along the same street of each other. You can take a Tuk Tuk but bargain the price as they cost more than an Uber, but still less than $8 most cases. The temples there are 3 major ones you just have to see, just keep in mind all the temples are closed on Monday.
They are Humayuns tomb, Gurudwara Shri Bangla Sahib, and Akshardham Temple. Entry is about $5 if I’m correct. Beware of the guys with the cameras on the streets, some may actually have high quality cameras and their prices are definitely negotiable, but some are just con artist- great photo skills but quality just isn’t worth it, same goes for photos at the Taj Mahal.
This should answer a lot of key questions to start you off. Good luck and have fun and watch out for the Delhi belly!
CAIRO, EGYPT
For me this trip had the most lost or distorted History which had been explained to me in grade school. To find out so much about the culture and history of blacks in Egypt was astounding! I know now days you can google and find things but even google doesn’t give enough of a history lesson as to actually visiting and seeing it. I totally suggest doing the camel ride through the pyramids and to go inside the pyramids and other places that they allow you to go in. Also, it’s like a must to get a tour guide if you need help you can dm me on Instagram @MarcusMeetsWorld I’ll be glad to share my guide she was really helpful and had us literally on the go as soon as we landed and checked in. I stayed in Giza preferably because our view outside was literally right in front the pyramids. To wake up to the pyramids being right outside your window is just so unreal and definitely didn’t take it for granted.
Also, in Egypt please take time to stay longer than I did so that you may visit Hurghada, the most amazing beach in Egypt. Also of course, Luxor which is where our people are Nubians, they will assume a lot of black people are Nubian in a lot of places until they hear you speak. Last but not least Abu Simbel Egypt.
Best thing about Egypt one day or two in All places is really all you really need. In which if u had more time, you could grab a cheap $100 RT flight at most to Petra, Jordan.
