The Helpful Stranger

Providing an authentic and honest opinion on travel destinations

Category: Travel

  • Train travel in India: a practical guide

    Train travel in India: a practical guide

    While there are plenty of difficulties facing independent travelers in India, public transport needn’t be one of them! India has one of the largest and most established rail networks in the world. Although it may seem daunting at first and is not without its challenges, once you’ve mastered India’s trains then traveling around the country… Read more

  • Shimla self-guided walking tour

    Shimla self-guided walking tour

    Originally developed by the British during the 1800s as the summer capital of the British Raj, Shimla’s cool mountainous climate meant that it became a popular retreat from the oppressive heat of the lowlands for many British officers, enlisted personnel, administrators and their wives during the sweltering summer months. With a mix of high-ranking government… Read more

  • Isla Del Sol & Copacabana: The Best Itinerary from La Paz

    I really recommend spending at least one night on the Isla del Sol. We didn’t do this and really had to rush to pack everything into one day. Here is an ideal itinerary based on the mistakes we made. Read more

  • Ahmedabad self-guided walking tour

    India’s 5th largest city, Ahmedabad is the focal point of Gujarat state. Ideally located on the route between Mumbai and Rajasthan, the city does not see the same levels of tourism as these popular hotspots but it has plenty to offer to visitors. Founded in the early 1400s by the Sultan of Gujarat, Ahmed Shah… Read more

  • Gwalior self-guided walking tour

    Located just over an hour from Agra by train, Gwalior is a classic northern Indian city. With a rich cultural heritage, it also boasts one of the country’s largest and most iconic forts. Despite this, Gwalior is way off the established tourist trail for most visitors to India. Check out this self-guided walking tour which… Read more

  • Announcement: Free giveaway with GPSmyCity

    In conjunction with the team at GPSmyCity, we have decided to offer the following articles FREE to download on the GPSmyCity app for a limited time only. This one-time offer is to celebrate the launch of 5 articles being live on the GPSmyCity app. The following articles will be available to download on the GPSmyCity… Read more

  • Kolkata self-guided walking tour

    Kolkata self-guided walking tour

    As the former capital of British India, Kolkata has a special place in India’s history. Formerly known as Calcutta, the city gained prominence in the early 1700s after the establishment of Fort William by the British and became the centre of operations for the British East India Trading Company, which later developed into Company rule… Read more

  • Bengaluru self-guided walking tour

    Known today as a modern tech hub, Bengaluru is the capital of Karnataka state and one of the largest cities in India. Having once been a part of the Mysore kingdom under Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, it later became the regional capital when the British took control and moved administrative functions to the area… Read more

  • Chennai self-guided walking tour

    Chennai self-guided walking tour

    Formerly known as Madras, the metropolis that is now Chennai has played a key role in India’s history and has a strong cultural and religious heritage. This self-guided walking tour takes in some of the notable sites around the seafront area. I recommend completing this walk in the morning, as temperatures can get quite hot… Read more

  • A guide to public transport in Bangladesh – buses, trains and the Dhaka Metro

    Historically, Bangladesh was connected by its waterways. Passenger boats known as ‘launches’ were a major form of public transport in Bangladesh, particularly to cities in the south of the country. However in recent years the construction of a number of bridges across the country’s vast river network has greatly reduced road travel times. While the… Read more