FromDC

It’s a bit of a late start but I’m hoping to get to India in late Jan/early Feb 2015 and would love to get some feedback. I’ve read so many of your trip reports and planning posts which were incredibly helpful, as always. I was in Mumbai on business several years ago so this will not be my first trip to India but it will be for my 71yo DH . Varanasi and the Taj Mahal are at the top of my MUST DO VERY SOON list. DH has been reluctant to go to India so I’ve promised great hotels and I’m trying to minimize rough traveling, I know that’s not easy. I don’t feel the need to visit every place in Rajastan, we travel more slowly now. Here’s what I’ve sketched out and I welcome comments:

Day 1:Arrive Delhi.
Day 2: Spend one full day getting adjusted and sightseeing in Delhi
Day 3: Fly to Varanasi.
Day 4: Varanasi
Day 5: Varanasi
Day 5: Fly to Agra (if possible, there are direct flights 3 times per week). Overnight. Alternative if we can’t arrange a flight to Agra - - Fly back to DEL and drive to Agra.
Day 6: Maybe another night in Agra, depending on flight or drive arrangements.
Days 7-12/13: Udaipur (at least 3 nights) and either Jaipur or Jodhpur (only one of these, I try to stay 3 nights in one place). Order doesn’t matter.
Last day: Fly back to Delhi, then flight home. May have to do another overnight in DEL.

I’m wondering if it will be easier to do the Taj on a day trip from Delhi, given the new expressway. It would cut down on one hotel change - - how “magical” is it to stay at the Oberoi Amarvilas and go from there? We would probably not do anything else in Agra other than going to the Taj Mahal.

I'm also ambivalent about Varanasi first or last - - is there consensus on this?

Craig

I think saving Varanasi for later in your trip after you have adjusted a bit to India would be best. We found that 2 nights in Agra (at Amarvilas) was perfect. The Agra Fort is worth seeing just for its historical connection to the Taj. The less-touristed "Baby Taj" across the river is also worth a visit. The best time to see the Taj is early in the morning when it opens. This is quite easy to do if you are staying at Amarvilas. Hopefully it is not completely booked at this point. I can't imagine doing the Taj on a day trip from Delhi unless your time in India is limited. Otherwise your itinerary looks good. If you do Jaipur, visit there before heading to Udaipur - otherwise its City Palace may be a bit of a letdown for you compared to the one in Udaipur.

FromDC

Thanks, Craig. I thought it would be worth getting feedback about the day trip to Agra for 2 reasons: first the new expressway, 2 hrs each way, and second some so-so reviews about Amarvilas. Appreciate your perspective on it as well as order of Jaipur/Udaipur.

rhkkmk

I agree 100% with craig.. strongly suggest 2 nights in agra and a visit to baby taj..

for me 2 nights would be plenty in Varanasi---that would allow an early AM boat ride and an evening on the river and walking the ghats.

we are 71 too (almost) and appreciate the slower pace.

we love having a driver and car rather than flying.

have you considered using a delhi agent to assist you?? it's worth it. as you probably know I am very fond of avrind at castle and king..

the Sheratons (IT) at Jaipur and Agra are very serviceable.. we have stayed at the hyatt and nikko in delhi. the newish Marriott in Jaipur is very lovely.. the courtyard outside delhi in gourgon (sp) is excellent for an airport stopover hotel

needmorevacation

I was on the expressway from Delhi to Agra this past fall, I'm not sure where you got the 2 hours from? It took us about 4, and we were moving at a good pace the whole time!

You'll definitely want to see the Taj at sunrise, it is beautiful and much less crowded.

FromDC

Needmore, read in a few travel reports about the 2 hour time frame, good to have personal feedback. Now convinced about staying in Agra, won't think again about a day trip.

rhkkmk

btw, I think it took us 6 hours in 2006, on a "hi-way"..

good move to stay over..

we went in late AM to taj and the sky was clear and blue giving the marble a nice backdrop. we did not go early because of fog that AM.

we did go to amarvilas for dinner one night and were blown away by it's grandeur, but I am not sure that it is worth the huge sums an overnight commands