[AYA]

Hi all,

i'll be off for 6 months starting february 2007 in India, mainly in the Tamil Nadu region working in Auroville and visiting nearby cities.Can't wait.
I was wondering wether cannabis is available in the south, wether its use is harshly banned or not and if it isnt too risky what are the best bets and tips for a successfull score?
I'm guessing seeing the rather hippy inspiration behind Auroville there's bound to be cannabisophiles there but in case i don't get to meet them i'd hate to leave india without a taste of their authentic ganja products...
It seems that indian cannabis habits are mainly present in the north near the mountains am i right?
A friend spent 3 weeks last january in Goa, he was able to score though he told me it was expensive (i suppose all the ravers and neohippies drove the prices and police controls way up) and he scored through people a friend of his knew so that made it easier. The hash was great he said, he couldn't understand how local indians could smoke it non-stop with their schillums... :

EDIT : Actually let us not limit the thread to scoring advice, any advice, recommandations or tips on things to do and live in Tamil Nadu would be great!

I suppose they only have hashich? I'd love to sample a true bred exotic sativa as i've never been out of europe! Sure i got some Thai and mexican haze in the Dam but i'm sure its got nothing to do with the real deal...
Hashich will be nice too i'm sure but i'm really into tropical sativas, if i could i'd go to the Réunion just to have a taste of the famed Zaamal and whilst i'am at it i'd go to Dalat in Vietnam for that mysterious Dalat familly weed...
Raaaahh i remember the old timer's thread on OG about the Dalat weed in particular and exotic sativas in general, i used to read it and re-read it late at night to get dreaming inspiration...

Anyway i'm sure whatever i'll score over there will make me forget those horrible laced skunks flooding europe!!!





Anywayz, thanks for your advice & contributions!

-peace love unity-

If you can visit Sri Lakshmana Swami (rarely sees people...only like 5 times a year...was a disciple of Ramana) and his disciple Sri Sarada Devi (Saradama) near Arunachala. They'll blow your mind better than any sativa.

[AYA]

Thank you Redux, i'm certainly not limiting myself to cannabis highs the more the merrier, if i can i will try to go to Arunachala. I don't want to "off-topic" myself but did you meet them? Were you just passing by or did you go there to spend time with them?

I'm very cautious about indian mistycism because i think it is something that needs a whole life devoted to it and more importantly because you can only let yourself be absorbed by it if you find THE right initiator.
But that being said i intend to take ayurveda courses in Auroville. What approach did you have when you went to meet them? Was it curiosity, certainty, luck?

peace

[naga_sadu]

I was wondering wether cannabis is available in the south, wether its use is harshly banned or not and if it isnt too risky what are the best bets and tips for a successfull score?

I live in Kerela, the state neighbouring Tamil Nadu. But I've been to TN alot. Well, the "best" ganja in TN state is to be had in the high points in Thekkady. It's a forest station. Can you drive a motorbike? Because there ain't no "official" tour guides to show u around!! Also, you should make your trip to Koddaikkanal, and then hike there thru the jungles to Munnar. Get a local to show u around, don't get the licensed guides. If you want to stay away from the commercial shit which get passed around in citys, your best bet would be to hit the Western Ghats. But you'll have to learn to maneuver a motrobike REALLY WELL, with steep climbs where there are no roads (only dirt "roads"). The portions of Tamil Nadu neighbouring Kerela state always have good greens- in terms of quality and availability.

The southern parts of Tamil Nadu, especially Kanyakumari district is well known for the availability of herbs. Even 9th graders have no difficulty finding greens.

As far as the cities go, every city w/ a professional engineering college is bound to have plenty of greens. Usually, a goalie soda vendor (a soda does not mean soft drink like 7up etc it means areated water w/ a marble circle used as the bottle seal) who has his cart by an engineering college has score. Other than that, in most cities, the soda walla is almost always happy to oblige and auto drivers are also a good source of supply for the first timer.

Be a bit careful whilst travelling w/ supplies especially while crossing into the Andra Pradesh border from Tamil Nadu. Lotsa checkposts there, due to the Naxalite rebel problem.

You can score charas (hash) in Tamil Nadu but don't be expecting Manala cream! And charas is considerably harder to find than is mmj. If you want my recommendation, while you arrive in Tamil Nadu, get yourself a second hand Czech made 250cc Jawa bike. You can buy a good second hand for about $200-$400. And the bike is yours to use for life, and nobody really steals Jawas. When u leave, simply park it near a park by a tree or something.

The "scene" in Tamil Nadu is ok, but as a Kerala native, it falls below the standards I'm used to. Also, nobody knows what the official laws are, and for the most part nobody gives a shit about users. Sellers do get busted, but 99% of the time, it's because the seller belongs to the opposition political party to the one that's in power.

The quality of commercial bhang (weed) in places like Chennai, Madurai, Tirunelvelli, Salem, Dindugul, Coimbatore etc., didn't impress me. The "Jewel" of Tamil Nadu falls along the Western Ghats. And in particular, Thekkady. Go to Thekkady- you won't be dissapointed!! The jungle hike from Kodaikkanal- Munnar (Kerala) is also awesome. For a person in reasonable shape, the hike should take 72 hours. If u see dark green foilage- GET THE FUCK OUT OF THERE- leeches suck. Also, in Kodaikkanal, the place is known for its magic mushrooms.

If you really want a canna holiday, and in South India, you'll have a much better time in Kerela.

It seems that indian cannabis habits are mainly present in the north near the mountains am i right?

I got the impression (from all my years of living here in India) is that the Southereners prefer ganja and the northerners prefer charas. The best ganja in India is to be had in Kerela.

[AYA]

Hi naga!

thanks a million for your reply, as with all your travel post i loved reading it till the last word!I didnt know you live in Kerala, i thought about going there too but since my first goal was Auroville, i didnt plan anything about Kerala.Then again i hate planning my travels so who knows, if i can i'll sure be coming around ; i'd like to see the backwaters...

About Thekkady, i'm really interested by the prospect of spending time off the coast, though i read that because of the wildlife reserve there it seems to have become a rather luxurious resort ; is this just web talk or is the place innundated by rich westerners coming to see the elephants&tigers?According to websites hotels there are 600rs minimum which seems a lot for india?

Once in Thekkady, any hints necessary or will the Herb almost come to me?
Seeing pictures and maps on the nasa WorldWinds software sure makes me want to go there, it looks absolutely stunning ; mountains, low grass and jungle, seems like a mix of several climate and landscapes.

I've never been in a jungle before and so india will be my first time. I love the idea of jungle trekking though i'm not going in the "green hell" alone, that's for sure ; i'd have to find a local to teach&guide me through it as i'm not keen on bad things happening to me alone at dusk in the middle of a snake, tiger and leech-infested jungle!
By the way, whats this thing about "dark green foliage"?! Don't leeches live underwater?Or do they stick to leaves waiting for you to touch and push them?

Now i never heard about the Naxalite insurgency ; is it truly popular or is it more political?I mean is it similar to the brazilian or mexican local struggles for shared land and resources or is it purely political/ideological/religious ala taliban? Because if its the first option, well i'd like to meet and talk with them unless they're kidnappers or something...

Can i ride a bike without a license?

Any Keralan place near TN where i could score superior/unique sativas?I'm ready to go far for the uniqueness...But it has to be acquired from someone who knows the scene, genetics etc not a simple rickshaw driver you know what i mean? Isnt there somekind of cannabis village in the south similar to Manali in the north?


Thanks a lot for your time and precious advice!

take care

AyA

[naga_sadu]

Hi naga!

thanks a million for your reply, as with all your travel post i loved reading it till the last word!I didnt know you live in Kerala, i thought about going there too but since my first goal was Auroville, i didnt plan anything about Kerala.

Thanks man. That's why I recommend u come out here and buy a second hand Jawa 250cc motrobike. In Tamil Nadu (esp. in places like Trichnapalli) you can snag one for 8000 bucks. About 165 US bucks. Add another 50 USD and you got repairs covered. For your own 250cc biike that's cheap and easy to repair and maintain. This way, you don't have to plan anything, you can just go as you like. Where you like and when you like.

About Thekkady, i'm really interested by the prospect of spending time off the coast, though i read that because of the wildlife reserve there it seems to have become a rather luxurious resort ; is this just web talk or is the place innundated by rich westerners coming to see the elephants&tigers?According to websites hotels there are 600rs minimum which seems a lot for india?

Only in the licensed guest houses and resorts. The areas you'll need to hit usually aren't accessible thru 4 wheeled vehicles and you need to be pretty good at handling a motorbike off road. You don't have to be a pro but you have to have some motorbiking exp. under your belt. YOu need to proceed way further hillwards from the location of the resort areas. Just do some looking around. You'll be fine.

Officially, it's not recommended to camp outside, but nobody cares most of the time- just don't get your ass mauled by that bear! I best recommend going in the early morning hours and returning before sunset. ANd if u spot wild elephants on your route (not that uncommon in some seasons), turn off your bike lights and don't sound your horn and don't freak by making sudden movements. Just chill out, and they'll pass by. There's no tour package that'll take you there, and for sure no auto rickshaw driver. Your best bet is that motorbike!

I've never been in a jungle before and so india will be my first time. I love the idea of jungle trekking though i'm not going in the "green hell" alone, that's for sure ; i'd have to find a local to teach&guide me through it as i'm not keen on bad things happening to me alone at dusk in the middle of a snake, tiger and leech-infested jungle!

As far as leeches go, check out the foilage in the area thru which u're trekking. If you find dark green foilage, stay away, ithas leeches. If u see light green foilage, ure good to go. And make sure you wear at least low leather boots w/ leather sole. And apply LOTS of neem oil on ur feet and take lotsa mosquito repellent w/u. For food, you can stop in isolated hamlets and in settlements. The quality of food is very good, though not exotic & very simple (rice + 2 vegetables + chicken).

IF u get a local guide, pick one up who don't advertise much and who you'd have to ask around to get to. One who overmarkets himself always overcharges. Some even ask for 7000 Rupees for 72 hours, which is bullshit. I never hired guides, personally though.

By the way, whats this thing about "dark green foliage"?!

The colour of the vegetation in the jungles...

Don't leeches live underwater?Or do they stick to leaves waiting for you to touch and push them?

In wet jungles, they're everywhere, where the colour of the vegetation is dark green. And yes, they're underwater as well. I've gotten bit by leeches. It ain't pretty, but it ain't traumatising either. Usually, when you walk over areas of the forest where they thrive (dark coloured vegetation- more moist) they come thru the pores of your shoes' soles, if they're synthetic. WHich is why I recommend thick leather soles. If you unfortunately get bit by 1, simply light up a cig and gently press it over the leech. It will come off. Trying to yank it out otherwise won't work.

Now i never heard about the Naxalite insurgency ; is it truly popular or is it more political?I mean is it similar to the brazilian or mexican local struggles for shared land and resources or is it purely political/ideological/religious ala taliban? Because if its the first option, well i'd like to meet and talk with them unless they're kidnappers or something...

I don't say they're like the Taliban. They have a strong Maoist agenda. For all practical purposes, large areas of Rural Andra Pradesh, Orissa are run by them. At times, they've even made commando style raids on high security prisons in population centres like Bihar and have freed prisoners. They've also made raids on garrisons, storehouses etc. Recently, it was revealed that they had a factory that made at least 1000 Rocket Propelled Grenades...in the capital of Tamil Nadu (though they don't operate there).

But watch your six, when you speak to a Naxalite. Many a time, the police send in tourists who got in trouble w/the law as undercover informants posing to be just passer bys as a part of "the deal." And if you show that you have money, or have backers who'll pay ransom, you'd be setting urself up for a kidnap. The way in which they view outsiders is necessarily not the same in the way they view a subsistance farmer.

But, again, the chances of getting harassed by a Naxalite is MUCH LESS than the chances of getting harassed by a lard-o in LA. Just be careful man and in my view, the best policy for a Western tourist is "I go my way, you go yours" kinda attitude w/ them. In Rural ANdra Pradesh, you NEVER want to flaunt ANY wealth. EVER. Just dress simple. No fancy or expensive looking tents or backpacks- or other equipment. And drive a simple motorbike which is simple yet sturdy. Like a Jawa 250cc used.

But again, there is quality smoke to be had in rural Andra. If you are feelin adventurous, you can embark on a journey that will take you from Tamil Nadu to Kerela to Andra to South Orissa to Puri. It's a fuckin' hard journey, but for sure, that experience is worth it on a motorbike!! Puri is a religious town, where mmj is more or less legal. U can buy off government run shops there, just as u can in Rajestan etc.

Can i ride a bike without a license?

No comments

Any Keralan place near TN where i could score superior/unique sativas?I'm ready to go far for the uniqueness...But it has to be acquired from someone who knows the scene, genetics etc not a simple rickshaw driver you know what i mean? Isnt there somekind of cannabis village in the south similar to Manali in the north?

In Tamil Nadu? No. In Kerela? There is Idukki and Varkala. But now, those places are kinda gettin' commercialised as like Goa and Manali. Munnar (Kerela) is a good place for greens. You might also want to give Palakkad (Kerela) a shot. In Palakkad, you'd be surprised at the "average" quality, if u know what I mean, it's good!

In Tamil Nadu, you have the Western Ghats (the mountain range) but no particular "cannabis city" like Manali. Thekkady is good as well, but again...that's a forest not a city.

Thanks a lot for your time and precious advice!

No problem Though none of this is "special" info or anything of that sort, you'll figure all of what is posted the instant u get here.

Naga your info here is extermely interesting, and mind opening. Thank you.

On another note. The Israeli News broadcasting authority issued a national warning to travellers planning to be in or are in Goa over the New Year festive period.
Intelligence sources warned that Alkaida are planning an attack there.

[AYA]

Thanks for the tip Ronley! Glad i'm not going there anyway!
Thanks again naga, i dont have time to reply i'll do it later!
One thing about the Bike & license issue ; i don't have a license though i heard that in asia 2wheels don't really need a license...What i wanted to know is wether i can get arrested for not having a license or not?I'd hate to go that far to score then get the stuff taken away from me simply because of a roadside police checkpoint...
Is the "ok without a license" possibility baksheesh-powered?

cheers!

[naga_sadu]

Naga your info here is extermely interesting, and mind opening. Thank you.

No probs man anytime!!

On another note. The Israeli News broadcasting authority issued a national warning to travellers planning to be in or are in Goa over the New Year festive period.
Intelligence sources warned that Alkaida are planning an attack there.

Hey'ya Ronley, I wouldn't take that advise too seriously. My guess is that the Israeli government doesn't want to see its young populus morph into hardcore partying candy rollers. If u know what I mean. THe amount of Israeli tourist inflow into Goa for indulging in synthetic and natural fun has worried the government of Israel, not just now but ever since the late 80s.

ANd there are LOTS of Israelis in Goa. If u want to know where the parties are at, having a knowledge of Hebrew is better than having a knowledge of any local language!!!!!!

I remember another Israeli governmental warning in the late 80s regarding Kullu/ Manali, that tourists were "dissapearing" left and right. In actuality, what happened is that almost all tourists who "dissapeared" ditched their passports on the Ganges river and stayed on.

But anyways, in my view, modern day Goa sucks like every Indian city. Hey, I ain't Pol Pot but really, Indian cities in general blow nowadays. WAY too commercialised. There are greener and happier pastures elsewhere in the country.

I don't forsee the AL-Qaeda making an attack on Goa. As far as India goes, they target places where there are large HIndu and Muslim populations living side by side. Places such as Malegon, Mumbai, etc., are more prone to an Al-Q attack than a place like GOa. Inciting religious hatred amongst HIndus and Muslims has been the AL-Q's stratergy as far as India goes. Goa doesn't really fit the profile of an Al-Q targe in India, as the populus mainly consists of Christians and Anglo Indians, whom the AL-Q have very little interest over.

Originally Posted by naga_sadu

I don't forsee the AL-Qaeda making an attack on Goa. As far as India goes, they target places where there are large HIndu and Muslim populations living side by side. Places such as Malegon, Mumbai, etc., are more prone to an Al-Q attack than a place like GOa. Inciting religious hatred amongst HIndus and Muslims has been the AL-Q's stratergy as far as India goes. Goa doesn't really fit the profile of an Al-Q targe in India, as the populus mainly consists of Christians and Anglo Indians, whom the AL-Q have very little interest over.

Well hopefully A-Q will not attack anwhere.