Nightclubs and bars in India

Don't plan to hang out at certain clubs if you are with the guys. Note that there are a number of popular clubs that don't accept a group of guys into the clubs. Yes, couples only. Now, when you are ready to hang out and meet some beautiful women ... this can be discouraging.

When this happened, I was with a Chinese friend (from Singapore), an Indian friend (from Durban, S. Africa), and an Indian friend (from London, UK). Both of the Indian guys went OFF on the body guards of each place that we tried to get into. I laughed it off. The told us to find 4 women then they'd let us in. It was so funny listening to the debating with all the English accents.

So, we decided to hang out some place else. Had a good time.

Dress Code: Dressing nicely may not get you in. Have someone who really knows where to go.

THE BEST nightlife is found in the rural Kerala countryside sitting out in the front yard ("muttam") or on a hammock tied between two coconut trees (is there any other type of tree??!!), with the lights turned down low, looking up at the wondrous equatorial sky filled with stars that you cannot see elsewhere, hearing the birds, insects and all the incredible night sounds of tropical fauna. That is the type of nightlife devoid of the stress you find in the "nightlife" we all normally think about. Just to hear those sounds is a treat. Drink? Who needs it? I get high just on the sounds and the constant amazement that there are still spots such as this on this earth, where pleasure is not quantified or measured by theaters, concerts, dancing, nightclubs, automobiles, etc. I actually pinch myself to verify it is real! This is the story of rural Kerala - actually, rural India - where city pollution, population, traffic noise, crime, crowds, and what have you, are out of the picture. What have you got left? Pure heaven! Immeasurable joy! Nothing more, nothing less! That is my nightlife.

Dress Code: Whatever you wear, let it be modest.

Nightlife? This is a concept India still have to witness. In Kashmir we where even asked to get back to our houseboat at 20.00 hours …well it was good for a laugh.
In Goa I was told that the police had clamped down beating tourist that tried to party.

Dress Code: I just bring you a photo to express my view on the missing nightlife

From early evening this beach in Mumbai is transformed into a festive area the atmosphere is great.
Many families come down to visit the beach. There are great food stalls selling Belpuri – do try this!
There are also massage wallas from whom you can get a feet or head massage for about Rs50.
There are many policemen around, which make it a very safe area at night.

This is an ancient colourful performing art. This is a 'must do' if you are in Kerala. Go an hour before the show to watch the transformation of the artists while doing their make-up. The show then consits of 2 parts. The first part gives a background of kathakali and also explain many of the movements and expressions used. The second part is a performance of kathakali. The Cochin Cultural Centre (Kochi (Cochin)) is an airconditioned venue which was great.
You can take photographs during make-up and the show.
Ticket costs 300Rs, and the show lasts for about an hour (March 2007).
Photography is allowed

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You must make your own party of find others that are partying at your hotel.

There is NO Disco NO Club

If you want to get a bottle of beer they are going to take you for a ride.

Bring your own booze. Hard stuff. Foreigners allowed 2 liters

If you end up partying at Pine Palace make sure you dont let Bashir talk you into playing his crazy 3 card Indian card game that only he seems to understand.

Dress Code: you can come naked if you like (except for ladies)

In most areas we were in, Alchol was not allowed, particuarlly amirstar, and Pushkar and Haridwar. The towns become quiet places, no night clubs in the pilgrimage towns. I was there in Januray it was cold and it got dark most of the time we went to bed around 8pm or 9 mostly because it was warm and in bed and there wasnt a lot to see after the ceremonies that close the sights are finished.

Dress Code: If you attend any cermeonies that either end the ganges bathing area, *Hairdwar* or to attend the putting the bed the holy book at the golden temple. *Armirstar* Dress nice. All women should dress modestly. Women should cover their hair at both ceremonies. Men just need to cover their head at the golden temple to watch the book go to bed.

There is virtually no nightlife in India. The big cities have a few bars which only come alive during the weekend and only open until 1am. Outside the big cities you'll be hard pressed to find even a decent beer.