Just returned from India and have a brief summary
Dec 9th, 2003, 12:34 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 493
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just returned from India and have a brief summary
My husband and I just returned from 21 nights in India and here's a brief summary.
Hotels: Delhi - Hans Plaza - Depressing, shabby lobby and rooms. Overpriced restaurant and uninterested staff. Radisson Airport - Gorgeous lobby, excellent restaurants, gracious staff, all modern amenities in spotless rooms. One problem is that rooms facing the highway get noise all night from truck traffic.
Mandawa - Castle Mandawa - Rabbit warren of quaint Rajasthani decorated rooms in a monsterous old castle. Helpful staff and touristy dinner show.
Bikaner - Bhanwar Niwas Palace - Gorgeous red sandstone palace with large elegant rooms. Very courteous staff, delicious restaurant, evening live Rajasthani music.
Jaisalmer - Jawahar Niwas Palace - Filthy rooms, clueless staff, don't bother. Too bad because the architecture is beautiful.
Jodhpur - Balsamand Lake Palace - Elegant old palace, huge well appointed rooms with period furniture, delightful staff, enormous grounds inhabited by monkeys, peacocks, huge fruit bats, owls, mongoose, lizards, and parrots - we woke up to a chorus of songs each morning. Nice restaurant. Really a delight.
Pushkar - Pushkar Resorts - Shabby well worn cottages, excellent restaurant with Rajasthani entertainers in the evening, and helpful staff.
Jaipur - Mansingh Palace Hotel - Well appointed modern rooms, friendly staff, good restaurant with evening entertainment, located near the shopping areas.
Agra - Taj View Hotel - The staff couldn't care less, the rooms adequate, restaurant not bad.
Khajuraho - Holiday Inn - Enormous marble maze with modern rooms, friendly staff, good restaurant and evening entertainment.
Varanasi - Taj Ganges - Well maintained modern rooms, very good restaurant, sitar player in the lobby. However the management allows the local tourist grabbing "business men" to hang out in the lobby and on the grounds - watch out as they'll do all they can to pull you into their shops.
You shouldn't miss: Chandni Chowk, Humuyan's Tomb, Qutb Minar, Jaisalmer Fort, riding a camel, Amer Fort, Taj Mahal, sunrise Ganges boat ride, shopping in Jaipur, and walking through a small village.
Dissapointments: The lack of tourist facilities and a service oriented attitude. Jama Masjid and Fatehpur Sikri.
India was a very difficutl trip even for those of us who are familiar with third world countries. It was hard work because it was so filthy. The amount of animal excrement, diseased and dying animals, and the human suffering was overwhelming. I had to block out much of the above just to enjoy what India had to offer. It's not for everyone.
However, the adventure of seeing the most magnificant forts, palaces and monuments, travelling through what is still a very feudal area (Rajasthan)and meeting the people was worth the effort. Rajasthan is so collorful and India so chaotic that I never had a dull moment.
We didn't get sick because we drank and brushed our teeth only with bottled water. We ate no meat (except at the Kabob Factory in the Radisson hotel Delhi), no fresh vegetables, peeled our own fruit, ate only in our hotel restaurants (except in Jaisalmer, see above)or where many other tourists were eating. We washed our hands with soap or disinfectant scrub often -nothing went into my mouth until I washed my hands.
Believe me, India is nothing like anything you've seen before.
Hotels: Delhi - Hans Plaza - Depressing, shabby lobby and rooms. Overpriced restaurant and uninterested staff. Radisson Airport - Gorgeous lobby, excellent restaurants, gracious staff, all modern amenities in spotless rooms. One problem is that rooms facing the highway get noise all night from truck traffic.
Mandawa - Castle Mandawa - Rabbit warren of quaint Rajasthani decorated rooms in a monsterous old castle. Helpful staff and touristy dinner show.
Bikaner - Bhanwar Niwas Palace - Gorgeous red sandstone palace with large elegant rooms. Very courteous staff, delicious restaurant, evening live Rajasthani music.
Jaisalmer - Jawahar Niwas Palace - Filthy rooms, clueless staff, don't bother. Too bad because the architecture is beautiful.
Jodhpur - Balsamand Lake Palace - Elegant old palace, huge well appointed rooms with period furniture, delightful staff, enormous grounds inhabited by monkeys, peacocks, huge fruit bats, owls, mongoose, lizards, and parrots - we woke up to a chorus of songs each morning. Nice restaurant. Really a delight.
Pushkar - Pushkar Resorts - Shabby well worn cottages, excellent restaurant with Rajasthani entertainers in the evening, and helpful staff.
Jaipur - Mansingh Palace Hotel - Well appointed modern rooms, friendly staff, good restaurant with evening entertainment, located near the shopping areas.
Agra - Taj View Hotel - The staff couldn't care less, the rooms adequate, restaurant not bad.
Khajuraho - Holiday Inn - Enormous marble maze with modern rooms, friendly staff, good restaurant and evening entertainment.
Varanasi - Taj Ganges - Well maintained modern rooms, very good restaurant, sitar player in the lobby. However the management allows the local tourist grabbing "business men" to hang out in the lobby and on the grounds - watch out as they'll do all they can to pull you into their shops.
You shouldn't miss: Chandni Chowk, Humuyan's Tomb, Qutb Minar, Jaisalmer Fort, riding a camel, Amer Fort, Taj Mahal, sunrise Ganges boat ride, shopping in Jaipur, and walking through a small village.
Dissapointments: The lack of tourist facilities and a service oriented attitude. Jama Masjid and Fatehpur Sikri.
India was a very difficutl trip even for those of us who are familiar with third world countries. It was hard work because it was so filthy. The amount of animal excrement, diseased and dying animals, and the human suffering was overwhelming. I had to block out much of the above just to enjoy what India had to offer. It's not for everyone.
However, the adventure of seeing the most magnificant forts, palaces and monuments, travelling through what is still a very feudal area (Rajasthan)and meeting the people was worth the effort. Rajasthan is so collorful and India so chaotic that I never had a dull moment.
We didn't get sick because we drank and brushed our teeth only with bottled water. We ate no meat (except at the Kabob Factory in the Radisson hotel Delhi), no fresh vegetables, peeled our own fruit, ate only in our hotel restaurants (except in Jaisalmer, see above)or where many other tourists were eating. We washed our hands with soap or disinfectant scrub often -nothing went into my mouth until I washed my hands.
Believe me, India is nothing like anything you've seen before.
Dec 9th, 2003, 01:46 PM
#2
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 10,563
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Having been to India 4 times I can see why you would say that. I too have noticed the same things. It is so unfortunate the tourist infrastructure is not more developed. It would lead to an influx of much needed foreign exchange. Indeed it is not for everyone.
Dec 25th, 2003, 06:15 AM
#3
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
HI Jalhlie. My husband and I are traveling to India early next month, and we'll be visiting many of the same places you did.
Hi. Does anyone have the phone number for that hotel in Bikaner? Bhanwar Niwas Palace? I've been trying to call, but it appears the numbers in my guidebook are outdated.
Also, Jalhlie, it was very interesting to learn about that hotel in Jaisalmer. Which hotel would you recommend?
Thanks,
Valquiria
Hi. Does anyone have the phone number for that hotel in Bikaner? Bhanwar Niwas Palace? I've been trying to call, but it appears the numbers in my guidebook are outdated.
Also, Jalhlie, it was very interesting to learn about that hotel in Jaisalmer. Which hotel would you recommend?
Thanks,
Valquiria
Dec 31st, 2003, 11:46 AM
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 493
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Valquiria, The telephone numbers I have are 2527071, 201043, or 529323. You might want to ask for the manager, Mr. Jayant Singh, who is a polite jovial fellow. Also, ask for a room on the 1st or 2nd floor - they are better than the upper floors. Definately eat dinner at the hotel as they do a very nice presentation. No matter where you stay in Bikaner you will be awakened at 4 am by singing from the Hindu temple, followed by the Mosque's call to prayer - a very interesting experience and a good time to go up on the roof to view the town.
The next time I'm in Jaisalmer I'll definately stay at the Gorbandh Palace. If you want to eat out one night, try the Golden Fort Restaurant (the staff at any hotel will know it, as it's just down the road from the hotels). Put on plenty of bug repellent and eat on the rooftop while watching the traffic round-about below and being entertained by Rajasthani musicians (don't forget to tip). It's very interesting and also has a nice view of the fort at night. Don't forget a camel ride - it's a hoot.
I hope I've been of some help and I wish you a great time and a happy new year.
The next time I'm in Jaisalmer I'll definately stay at the Gorbandh Palace. If you want to eat out one night, try the Golden Fort Restaurant (the staff at any hotel will know it, as it's just down the road from the hotels). Put on plenty of bug repellent and eat on the rooftop while watching the traffic round-about below and being entertained by Rajasthani musicians (don't forget to tip). It's very interesting and also has a nice view of the fort at night. Don't forget a camel ride - it's a hoot.
I hope I've been of some help and I wish you a great time and a happy new year.
Jan 1st, 2004, 09:05 PM
#5
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My husband just returned from a two week tour of India. We booked thru an Indian travel agency in Delhi called Compass Tours. They were excellent and didn't require a penny paid upfront until arrival. We traveled with a private car/driver and an escort. We then had guides meet us in each
destination.
Our hotels were as follows: Delhi (Radisson Airport--excellent facilities, but very hectic environment), Udaipur (Lake Palace Hotel--beautiful, excellent service, good restaurant), Jodpur (Ajit Bhawan--very ethnic, cozy, and very warm service), Pushkar (Pushkar Resorts--rustic, but comfortable), Jaipur (Raj Mahal Palace--not as opulant as the Ramabaugh Palace, but the service could NOT have been better. Lovely people here), Agra (Amarvilas--Fabulous!!! a six star hotel. All rooms have a view of the Taj Mahal), Varanasi (Taj Ganges--we had none of the problems that the jahlie had. The hotel was serviceable and we had a lot of fun with the staff in the restaurant), Delhi (The Imperial--excellent hotel. Be sure to eat in the Spice Route.
We didn't find India depressing at all. Yes, the people are poor, but they are proud and were always warm, caring, and gracious. We also didn't find it difficult for travel. Jahlie doesn't say if they had a guide, but we were extremely pampered and well taken care of. In fact, my husband and I commented that it was the most relaxing trip we have ever taken as we usually do the driving ourselves. I do agree that it isn't for everyone, though.
We didn't get sick either, and weren't nearly as careful and jahlie. Although we didn't drink tap water, we brushed our teeth with it. We also ate anything we wanted as long as we were in a good hotel (which all of ours were) or at a "tourist" restaurant. In retrospect, I wouldn't have even gotten the shots I did. I was no more careful with hygiene than I am in the U.S.
India is a fabulous place and we can't wait to return.
destination.
Our hotels were as follows: Delhi (Radisson Airport--excellent facilities, but very hectic environment), Udaipur (Lake Palace Hotel--beautiful, excellent service, good restaurant), Jodpur (Ajit Bhawan--very ethnic, cozy, and very warm service), Pushkar (Pushkar Resorts--rustic, but comfortable), Jaipur (Raj Mahal Palace--not as opulant as the Ramabaugh Palace, but the service could NOT have been better. Lovely people here), Agra (Amarvilas--Fabulous!!! a six star hotel. All rooms have a view of the Taj Mahal), Varanasi (Taj Ganges--we had none of the problems that the jahlie had. The hotel was serviceable and we had a lot of fun with the staff in the restaurant), Delhi (The Imperial--excellent hotel. Be sure to eat in the Spice Route.
We didn't find India depressing at all. Yes, the people are poor, but they are proud and were always warm, caring, and gracious. We also didn't find it difficult for travel. Jahlie doesn't say if they had a guide, but we were extremely pampered and well taken care of. In fact, my husband and I commented that it was the most relaxing trip we have ever taken as we usually do the driving ourselves. I do agree that it isn't for everyone, though.
We didn't get sick either, and weren't nearly as careful and jahlie. Although we didn't drink tap water, we brushed our teeth with it. We also ate anything we wanted as long as we were in a good hotel (which all of ours were) or at a "tourist" restaurant. In retrospect, I wouldn't have even gotten the shots I did. I was no more careful with hygiene than I am in the U.S.
India is a fabulous place and we can't wait to return.
Jan 2nd, 2004, 05:31 AM
#6
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 10,563
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
To Marjan: I am glad you had a good time. Indeed India is fascinating AND not for everyone. I took some precautions on out first trip and did fine and on the second trip I was a bit more lax---and got thyphoid! Just a word to the wise, i.e. it can happen even if it did not happen before. Sussequent trips with med. precautions have been OK except for travelers stomach. India, despite all its splendor is still a third world country with many of the inherent problems as such including lower standards of sanitation and even poorer standards of medicine quality control. Get my drift? And do not forget there is the possibility of malaria which can bite you anytime, pun intended. Please, just be careful. Cheers, Larry.
Jan 3rd, 2004, 09:41 PM
#7
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for the info, Larry. As I am already planning my next trip for Jan. of 2006, I will keep your comments in mind and take your advice. You're right, it's better to be safe than sorry. Happy New Year.
Jan 4th, 2004, 05:06 AM
#8
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 10,563
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You're welcome! Enjoy your next trip. BTW India is a great place for your husband to get tailor made clothes if he so desires. I always get a suit made and the cost of labor and material is usually about $100.00 to $150.00. Quite a steal for a custom made suit. Just a thought. Cheers, Larry
Jan 4th, 2004, 06:39 PM
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 493
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Maryjan, I'm glad you had such a great experience with your travel agency. We plan on doing it ourselves for our next Indian adventure but I'm keeping the name of your travel agency just in case. If you're interested we booked our trip through an Indian travel agency out of Delhi, Renaissance Reisen, with driver and local "English speaking" guides provided in each city. In all honesty the local guides were more of a nuisance than an advantage (except in Varanasi). Most of the guides spoke very poor English, their recitations were memorized, not quite factual, and they were mostly interested in getting us into a shop of their choosing. A good guide book was always better or, as happened to us by accident, a local shop owner can show you around for a fee and provide interesting info about the area and answer questions.
The driver the RR provided (actually we had two, but the second was only for half a day = thank god, he was awful) was fabulous. He was an excellent driver, very professional, and was a mother hen to us for two weeks. We figure that next time all we need is a good driver, a good guide book, and lots of advanced bookings made from home.
As mentioned, the driver we had for most of the time was marvelous, the hotels were mixed and they couldn't help us when we had problems, but we had some other problems with the travel agency as well. We were supposed to have first class train tickets from Agra to Jhansi but when we boarded the train we discovered they were second class. We didn't make a fuss about the price difference because we got some hotel upgrades along the way, making up the difference.
I hope I didn't make our travels in India seem awful. In fact India was the most interesting country we've ever visited. However, it is very hard work. Considering the disease, filth, poverty, despair, and pollution I think we both lucked out in the health department and I'll certainly take Jacketwatch's advice next time.
The driver the RR provided (actually we had two, but the second was only for half a day = thank god, he was awful) was fabulous. He was an excellent driver, very professional, and was a mother hen to us for two weeks. We figure that next time all we need is a good driver, a good guide book, and lots of advanced bookings made from home.
As mentioned, the driver we had for most of the time was marvelous, the hotels were mixed and they couldn't help us when we had problems, but we had some other problems with the travel agency as well. We were supposed to have first class train tickets from Agra to Jhansi but when we boarded the train we discovered they were second class. We didn't make a fuss about the price difference because we got some hotel upgrades along the way, making up the difference.
I hope I didn't make our travels in India seem awful. In fact India was the most interesting country we've ever visited. However, it is very hard work. Considering the disease, filth, poverty, despair, and pollution I think we both lucked out in the health department and I'll certainly take Jacketwatch's advice next time.
Jan 5th, 2004, 04:38 AM
#11
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 10,563
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Jahlie: I am glad you think so about health precautions. If you travel to any 3rd world country you may want to check the CDC or a travel clinic (and they are most likely piped to the CDC) for recommendations. Actually once we had to take encephalitis precautions for our India trip because of an outbreak there at that time. Just best to be wise. Cheers, Larry.
Jan 5th, 2004, 02:24 PM
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 493
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Jacketwatch, Travelling to third world countries I've always followed the CDC advisories but my husband never did - until India. His internist's travel nurse didn't give him a choice and he is so very glad he was "forced" into getting all the shots. You are oh so right. Thanks
