seattle2012

How do I find out about hiring a driver from Agra to Jaipur and from Jaipur to Dehli? Can or should this be done ahead of time? Do you hire a new driver for each leg of the journey from your city of departure?

Kathie

You can do it either way. Some people like an agency to provide a driver for the whole trip, others hire drivers point to point (often your hotel can arrange this, or there are small agencies everywhere who can do this). In part, this depends on what your itinerary looks like.

jan47ete

It was many years ago, so I don't remember any names, but we stopped at a travel agency. We started from Delhi, did the other cities all with one driver. We had hotels in each city (the driver made his own accommodations but I believe he either slept in the car or had relatives/friends). Of course he knows a great carpet factory and you must be extremely insistent every time the driver mentions it on not going if you do not want to go.

lcuy

You are going on the Indian Triangle, except you are starting in Agra (taking the train from Delhi?) You will be charged for that leg anyway, as the drivers always charge to get home.

I'd arrange for a driver in advance, and have him meet you at the train station in Agra, if that's how you're arriving. There is more than one station, so be clear which train you are on.

Elainee

Recommendations on who to use to make this arrangement. We, too, want to tour the Golden Triangle. Is it better to arrange different drivers if we want to spend several days in each city? Or one driver who we will use for city touring?

lcuy

Yes. Most drivers or agencies will quote you a set rate for xx days. The rate should include tolls and gas. The driver will get his own meals and housing.

If you do it as you go, you will have to negotiate over and over. many people will find this very tiring, especially if they are first timers. You'll really be glad to have a driver in Agra and Jaipur. In Delhi, you can go point to point in taxis, auto-rickshaws, walking, and the new metro.

Cicerone

I agree with lucy that driving from Delhi to Agra is unnecessary, both from a time and expense standpoint. The drive is 4-hours and is not that interesting (it's relative, most any Indian road has some interest, but this one is fairly low on the scale, IMO). The drive will cost you quite a bit of money as well.

Instead, take one of the super-fast 2-hour Shatabadi trains. (Some trains take 2.5 - 3 hours, consult the schedule.) US$15-22 for first or executive class, or even cheaper in other classes like les than US$5 for third class. Once you are done seeing Agra, you can either hire a car through your hotel (expensive- again relative) or through a service if someone here can recommend one, or by walking outside the gates of your hotel and hiring one.

It's a 4-5 hour drive between the 2. The drive should include a stop at Fatephur Sikri for 2 hours or so. Bring a packed lunch and start early. Don't drive this at night.

From Jaipur, again, I don't see the point in driving. It's national highway virtually all the way, and not that interesting, and will cost you far more than taking the train which is about US$20 for first class. Another option is to fly, esp if you are going to Delhi only to get a flight back home; you may be able to connect rather easily by flying.

For other parts of your itin, whether you need a car and driver to go between cities will depend on your itin. You may be flying or taking trains between destinations, so won't need a driver. My general rule of thumb is no more than 5 hours on the road a day, and no driving at night; so once one or both come into play I take a train or fly. Some people like to hire the same car and driver to take them around a circuit for all or most of a trip. You can of course do that and people on this site should be able to offer recommendations and hopefully email contact info. I tend more toward using different drivers for short hops. Also, using the same driver for a circuit may entail some backtracking, so consult a map and make sure that driving one way and then going out by train or air is not a better way to save time.

mrwunrfl

I am planning a trip for 9 nights: Delhi- Udaipur- Jaipur- Agra- Delhi. Each stop is for two nights, except 1 for Agra.

I contacted a travel agent saying that I would fly Delhi-Udaipur and take the train for Agra-Delhi. I then got a quote for car + guide for $899 USD.

That seems like a lot considering that in an article that Kathie linked on another thread the author gave a rate of 1000 rps for hiring a car for 500 miles or 8 hours.

mrwunrfl

That $899 averages out to $100 per day. That is a big difference from that author wrote. I understand that there is a difference between hiring a taxi for a day and getting a (probably) better car and a guide.

Is taking a bus from Udaipur to Jaipur a good option?

travelaw

We have twice used Ramesh Meena who owns India by Car and Driver and have been extremely pleased. Many others on this board have also used him and by all accounts have had excellent experiences as well. His prices seem fair, he hires very safe drivers who are prompt and courteous, and the vehicles are quite nice. http://www.indiabycaranddriver.com/ or call +91 9829807074. His drivers know Rajasthan like the back of their hands and really understand service to the customer. Other companies have been recommended on this board, worth a search, but I can personally recommend Ram and his company.

Cicerone

While a bus is probably possible, I think it will take you about 10-12 hours, based on the fact that going by private car will take about 8-9 hours, and public buses tend to take a bit longer as they usually make stops.

But I would suggest the train in any event. IMO the best is the evening Chetak Express (train 12982) which makes the trip in about 6.5 hours; departing Udaipur at 5:20 pm and arriving in Jaipur at midnight. The first class fare is 720 Rupees or about US$13, and even less if you go in other classes. Much cheaper than a driver. There are also some night train options which depart between 11 pm – 1 am and arrive between 7 – 9 am which you may prefer (I am too old now to enjoy night trains…)

You an also fly between Udaipur and Jaipur, look at prices and see if they are competitive with a car. I would probably say to avoid Kingfisher as quite strong rumors indicate they are headed toward bankruptcy soon.

You can also take a train between Jaipur and Agra, that journey is 4 -5 hours. It's a pretty trip, so I would do it during the day or early evening (it's also too short for a night trip really, departure times between 2 -3 am and who needs that). The one advantage to driving is that you can stop at Fatephur Sikri on the way in to Agra; however you can also do this as a half-day trip from Agra by hiring a car and drive in Agra. That may be cheaper than hiring a one-way car transfer from Jaipur to Agra.

mrwunrfl

Ok, the bus from Udaipur is out. When I briefly looked at train options all I saw was the overnights which are not an option. Actually, 5:30 PM is a bit late for me as I would very much prefer to travel during the day. But 8-9 hours doesn't sound like fun.

I guess that flying is back in. I did see a Jet Airways flight at around 5 PM, but the problem (as I see it) is there is a connection at DEL. If the flights are on time. Is that a big IF? I can handle the 30" seat pitch, because the total travel time is under 3 hours and the flights are not long. The flight is only $140 right now.

So, these options are not meeting my wants. I would happily pay double for a nonstop flight in the middle of the day or an all-daytime train. I might settle for one of those options bur right now the options are less than ideal enough for me to consider dropping Udaipur for the itin and keeping it simpler.

Your comments about Jaipur to Agra were what I wanted to hear. A 5-hour daytime rail trip would be great. I think that Fatehpur Sikri is optional, so I like the option of going there from Agra, or not.

What website to use for rail schedules? The various fare classes are confusing. What fare classes, trains, would be closest to a shinkansen green car kind of trip?

pgill26

While in Delhi - use taxi's or rikshaws
Delhi to Agra - Train
Agra to Jaipur to Udaipur back to Delhi - hire a driver.

If you don't want any hassle - hire someone from delhi, ask at the airport or at your hotel.

I went to the exact places you are going to in December of 2011, my trip was a 8 day trip. It was sufficent. In Agra there are a few places to see, other than the Taj Mahal there are a lot of forts, I only did the Taj Mahal coz I wasn't intested walking around in big old buildings. so one day was suffecient. I think you will be good with your days.

Travel time between Jaipur and udaipur is about 6-7 hours.

There will be a lot of traveling between each city, so just be prepared for that.

mrwunrfl

Ok, a car from Udaipur to Jaipur might be the way to go.

I googled "Jaipur to Agra by train" and got here:

http://www.mustseeindia.com/how-to-r...jaipur-to-agra

The arrival station for Agra is Tundla Jn, for all of the options listed.

The super express at 11:35 AM would be ideal, but it is Thursdays only. (boy am i spoiled after using JR)

But, I would be traveling on a Monday, Dec 31, so I selected that date and got this result:
http://book.mustseeindia.com/trains?...F2012&adults=1

It shows ONE option and that is to Agra Cantt. The optons for other weekdays are only two, both to Agra Fort. So, I guess that I have to search for schedules from Jaipur to all three Agra stations.

Clearly, I have get a guide book, or at least find the one I already have.

mrwunrfl

I would be getting off the train in Agra and going directly to the ITC Mughal hotel, so a tip on the best station(s) to use for that would be appreciated.

indianapearl

I can enthusiastically second travelaw's recommendation of Ramesh Meena (indiabycaranddriver.com or +91 9829807074). We spent about three weeks with himn in 2009. He is conscientious, intelligent, and a very safe driver.

Remember that the Taj is closed on Fridays when planning your trip.

pgill26

Okay so if your starting from new delhi this is the route. New Delhi to Agra to Jaipur to Udaipur and then back to New Delhi unless you wana go backwards

Cicerone

Agra Fort is technically the closest location for the Sheraton; however Agra City and Agra Cantonment are not very far either. Tundla Junction is on the other side of the river and about 15 miles north east of the center of Agra (where the Sheraton and the other train stations are located) and would not be as convenient, but would work. Most trains make a stop at one of the central Agra stations, so check to see if Tundla is really the last stop on the trains you are looking at.

I initially suggested you use trains because you commented that drivers were expensive; if you are now back to considering drivers then you can arrange your schedule a bit more as you like. I don't know that you really can make Jaipur- Udaipur in 6-7 hours, even with the new highway. I have never done it is a straight shot for several reasons, but mostly because I like to stop off and see the fantastic fortress at Kumbulgarh; and to do that, you would be hard pressed to see it and make it to your destination in a day; you probably would have to overnight on the way. (The other main reason is that 5 hours is about my limit in a car in India. Too much honking, swerving, potholes, traffic, cows, camels, pi-dogs, construction, and general near-death experiences to make a trip of longer duration enjoyable. I also tend to like to get out and see thing which interest me along the way, like a roadside temple or a fair, which slows down my progress)

I now see that your trip is in December. One thing to bear in mind with flights into and out of Delhi in December is that fog can be an issue. This is mostly for morning and late afternoon or early evening departures. It can cause significant delays. The fog issue is generally just for November and into early Jan, and usually only affects Delhi, although Jaipur sometimes can have an issue. So given that, you might want to avoid connections via Delhi unless they are between about 11 am – 3 pm. You can also have fog delays on trains in the Delhi and Agra area, but those usually are more manageable. (I once arrived into Agra in a swirling fog that enveloped even the interior of the train station, it was like being in a film <i>noir</i>. Quite atmospheric. Not quite so much fun when the taxi driver had to stick his head out the window and drive at 2 miles an hour to get to the hotel, but we did make it eventually.)

There are lots of train options between Jaipur and Agra that go into central Agra rather than Tundla:
19666 to Agra Cantonment departs 6:22 am arrives 11 am - runs daily
25631 or 15631 to Agra Fort departs 9:10 am arrives 1:10 pm – runs Monday and Wed
12988 to Agra Fort departs 3 pm arrives 7:30 pm – runs daily
]2196 to Agra Fort departs 5:20 pm arrives 9:30 pm – runs daily

You might want to use the website for Indian Railways at http://www.indianrail.gov.in/
Seat61 can also be helpful at http://www.seat61.com/India.htm as is Indiamike (you can get a link to Indiamike on Seat61.

Also bear in mind that taking a train on December 31 and planning to find a taxi at Agra station close to midnight might be pushing it. It would be somewhat like trying to find a taxi near to or after midnight on New Year's Eve in most large cities in the world. You may want to arrange for car transfers from the Sheraton. You will pay a little more, but will be assured that you can get to the hotel.

Also it is possible that the Taj may be open on December 31 which would be fun to go to if you can get tickets, so you might want to arrive earlier in the day. Check the website or ask the Sheraton.

Good advice about the Taj being closed on Fridays. Do bear that in mind.

mrwunrfl

Possible the TM will be open Dec. 31? Or do you mean it will possibly be open until after midnight that night?

Good to know about the closing day, if I change my plan. I am assuming that the TM will be open on Jan 1.

Your description of the trip from Udaipur to Jaipur was about what I expected.

5 hours of inter-city travel is my soft limit when I have an itinerary like this one where I am moving around a bit. 7 hours is pushing it.

It is not that I think that hiring a driver is too expensive. I don't want cheap. Inexepensive would be good. Expensive but hiqh quality and convenient would be ok. Am willing to pay someone for making the arrangements. Above all, I don't want over-priced, i.e. (not much) more than the going rate.

Am wondering if the $899 that I was quoted was reasonable. I told the agent I would fly Delhi to Udaipur and train Agra to Delhi and he gave that price. I do have to ask for more details and maybe ask about an a la carte menu.

My ground transport would be, at most:
1 - DEL to hotel (after arriving 11:40PM from Phuket)
2 - a day in Delhi
3 - hotel to DEL, UDR to hotel & maybe some sightseeing
5 - a day in Udaipur
6 - drive Udaipur to Jaipur
7 - a day in Jaipur
8 - Jaipur to Agra, no stop in FS, to hotel then to TM and back
9 - a day in Agra, maybe visit FS, drop off that evening for train to Delhi, Delhi rail station to hotel
10 - a day in Delhi
11 - hotel to DEL for a 9:20 AM flight to Doha, Qatar.

I was thinking that the $899 price averaged out to about $100 per night, but now, having laid it out, I see it is averaging more like $80 per day, which seems more reasonable. Double that average for some days (the two inter-city trips) and less for other days.

I was aware of the fog issue at DEL and am aware of the potential of missing a connection in DOH to DXB. Hadn't considered that fog at DEL might affect my departure from BKK and the DEL-UDR flight.

Given the negatives of traveling to/from Udaipur, I am leaning toward reducing the trip from a Golden Quadrilateral to an actual Golden Triangle trip.

Thanks for your help.

pgill26

Is the agent charging you 899USD for all your travel? Airfare from Del to Udaipur, Road travel and train travel?

According to the rate, for 1USD you get around 55 Ruppes.
899USD = 49,450 (approx). Thats 50,000 Rupees! Thats a lot of money.

one day for a car and driver should cost you no more than 2500 INR (45USD)approx.

Your flight from Delhi to Udaipur round trip should not cost more than 8000INR (145USD)approx.

I'm not sure how much the train would cost, but definetly less than 5000INR (90USD)approx.

The travek itself within India should not cost you more than 37,000 INR (672USD) approx. and when I'm calculating this figure, its the maximum price. You should be able to get it cheaper and more reasonable. You should try negotiating with the agent, or try a few others.

I went to Chandigarh and Punjab in India for a month, i paid for a driver+car = 1000 INR. Since you are going to tourist places it maybe a lil higher. Thats why I just approximately 2500 for car and driver for those places, but still 2500 is still high, if you can get it for less that would be even better. try to negotiate. I'm sure you will get a better price.

Good luck!