Posted by Sarah
Nearly everyone I know has been going absolutely crazy for the film Slumdog Millionaire. I liked it a lot too, but I have to say, I’m not really sure it’s worth all this hype. Don’t get me wrong, I really enjoyed the film and loved the characters, especially the main guy - I loved him on Skins so I’m glad he’s doing well for himself. But whether it’s really as amazing as all these award shows are making out, I’m not so sure.
Anyway, what it has made me think about is taking another trip to India. I went backpacking there as a student - a really long time ago - but I’d love to take another trip there, maybe this time staying in some nicer hotels! If you’ve never been, I’d definitely recommend it. If you’re willing to make a stopover somewhere in the Middle East, flights from London can be pretty cheap and there are some great hotels too. Recent exchange rate fluctuations have made it more expensive than it might have been at this time last year - but, relatively speaking, it’s still a bargainous location!
Plus, if you are planning a break in India, I’d really recommend going for at least three weeks. A week in this vast country would probably leave you feeling unsatisfied, as you wouldn’t get to see as much of it as you might like. Believe me, the Taj Mahal in Agra really is as beautiful as they say, and the Golden Temple in Amritsar is truly a breathtaking sight. It’s a little off the tourist map, but I really like the hustle and bustle of Bangalore too, though I hear all the tech industry investment that’s gone into it in recent years has made even busier (if that’s possible!).
And if you’re a Slumdog Millionaire fan, of course you’ll want to go to Mumbai. I didn’t spend too much time there on my visit, but there is so much to see, like the Gateway of India and Chowpatty Beach. And there are so many shops! You’ll be able to buy a lifetime’s supply of jewellery for little more than you might pay for one dinner at a semi-fancy restaurant in the UK.
I think it’s time for me to start mapping a new route east…
Original source: http://short.superbreak.com/2009/02/14/all-this-slumdog-millionaire-hype-makes-me-want-to-go-back-to-india/
