KristinInLou

My son is going to film school in Mumbai, and my husband and I are thinking of traveling during his break mid December through mid January to see him. We're thinking a 10-day trip, flying direct from Newark to Mumbai. We could also fly from the West Coast as we have family there and may travel there for Christmas.

We are thinking of spending a few days in Mumbai and also traveling to Delhi and Agra. This will likely be our only trip to India, so we'd like to see as much as possible and also take him places he hasn't been.

What else might we want to see? What else should we consider? How can we get the best airfare? Shall we fly or take the train once we get to Mumbai?

Thank you in advance!

guptapriyagupta10

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Holy Name Cathedral, Colaba,
Saint John's Church, Colaba
Saint Thomas's Cathedral, Fort
Gloria Church, Byculla
Mount Mary's Basilica, Bandra
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julies

We've done that Newark to India flight, and it is grueling. If you do this (I assume you would take United) and are going to fly coach definitely spend the little bit extra to upgrade to economy plus. Are your dates set in stone? If not, use itasoftware.com and do a flexible search. This will help you to figure out which days are cheapest to fly. The time frame you are looking at is super peak season, so things all around will probably be more expensive.

We've made three long trips to India and have spent a total of four months there. We definitely have our favorite places, and for us Delhi isn't one of them. OTOH we enjoyed Mumbai. Check out Hotel Ascot in Mumbai for a nice, moderately priced, well-located hotel.

Travel is slow in India, and the train is very interesting. But, you are short of time, and I'd probably opt for using the budget domestic carriers. Check out various flight itineraries as the problem is that many connect through Delhi, and flying direct isn't always available. In your shoes I'd stick to three, four at most locales.

You need to decide if you want to visit north or south India. North India is India intense and probably what most people envision when they think of India. South India is often referred to as India lite because it isn't as noisy and dirty and in your face.

Are you looking for more relaxation or more sightseeing? More decisions for you.

The one place that comes to mind for me as quintessential India is Varanasi. However, it is a place that engenders strong mixed reactions. India itself isn't a place for everyone, and Varanasi truly isn't a place everyone appreciates.

needmorevacation

Also something to consider- Delhi/Agra will be chilly in Dec/Jan. I only mention this because I had no idea it got chilly there- ever! But I was there in October and they were selling down coats so I asked my guide why this was- due to the freezing temps!

theloststory

If you are in India for Christmas, you could try Goa, but try booking well in advance.
On a short visit, I would probably pick Udaipur in Rajasthan over Delhi and combine with Agra.

Winters will be cold, but at around a minimum of 6-10 degrees c, very manageable.