Please help me

[vikrant]

I am travelleing to India (via London and Spain) in February for a stay of approximately one year. I will be sure to respond with thanks in detail to any suggestions given here, but for now, I will simply post a list of queries.


1. I plan on doing a great deal of hiking/walking. Would it be in my best interests to wait until I arrive before investing in a backpack, specialty socks and underwear, durable clothing (brand names)? Even at a discount, gear is rather expensive in the US and, as well, I was hoping to travel as light as possible.

2. I suppose there are the obvious places I should visit, but I can read about those in any of dozens of travel guides. It would be wonderful if you could tell me of one such place that YOU think is a worthwile destination peg on my map.

3. Although I plan to see very much of India, I will likely arrive in the South (likelyin in Thiruvananthapuram) some time in early March as it is so far south and therefore provides a logical starting point and because it is likely very hot and extremely wet and rainy just a few months later in the year. What times of year coincide with particular times of year in terms of culture, natural beauty, etc.?

4. I have been told that I could possibly blend in in India (by Native Indians), but, as a foreigner, are there, at this moment, areas of India I should avoid? I have for a long time longed to see the beauty of the Kashmir Region and am not afraid of some risk, but I would like to know with what I am dealing ahead of time.


A thank you to all who will take the time to repond in any way even if it is simply to wish me good tidings on my journey. I'm sure it will be of value in my adventure.