Yes, pure economy - nothing to be bitter about. But it's also a mental issue - skipping a famous destination (or an event) is difficult even for me, a guy who lived in Asia for at least 6 years altogether and visited enough famous waterfalls and temples lol. For example, I didn't go to Jaisalmer as I just assumed the experience wouldn't be completely positive to me (despite it's a cute sandstone town and private rooms from $3). But it was hard to say "no", it was a pain despite the fact that Rajasthan is full of everything any traveler would dream about - no matter what direction you go.
By the way, I visited Ajmer - 40 minutes by bus. Real India - super overcrowded, noisy, polluted, adorable, lol. Pushkar and Ajmer are a super combo as a result. Pushkar is totally peaceful place to rest from the Indian urban hell in cheap hotels, lol, while Ajmer is a place to go for madness. Some cool attractions there, either.
Have you visited Varanasi to witness the cremations and the evening ceremonies? That tbh is one place I shall never forget.
The waga gate ceremony was good too, saw it from the Indian side a few years back. Am off to Pakistan in April, will get to see it from their side at last. Probably wont be as theatrical
Yes. And I won't forget about foggy Ganga and foggy Varanasi alleys... It was actually December so I am coming back in the same month - cool. One of the brightest memories was: I was sleeping in a tiny concrete room, and it was so cold at night in the room, +8 or so and humid AF, and I woke up in the morning, opened my eyes, and suddenly found a mouse sitting on my chest below the edge of my blanket, watching me. My first reaction was "what a beautiful mouse", but a second later I jumped like a madman, and the poor mouse disappeared. 😄 It was probably too cold for the beast, so it decided to risk sleeping on the giant's chest, lol.
The Big Friendly Giant LOL.
Wow. An off-the-beaten-path country... Would be good to travel from India to Iran through Pakistan one day. Not sure it's even possible in 2025...
It will be pretty spectacular (I hope)