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progol

Love my last post - nothing like iPad gibberish, made all the more nonsensical since the post I responded to has been removed!


Still working on visas, but hotels are all reserved, flights are all reserved and train tickets to be bought later this month!

Paule

travelon98

Your trip sounds AMAZING! I am myself just beginning to put together a 4 week trip in January as well. I think I will try to go sometime in the North and sometime in the South.
Whatever you can share with me in terms of contacts (car driver, etc.) would be greatly appreciated.

progol

Hi, travelon, I sure hope it will be! It's just 4 months away but places are booked and all flights are reserved. I finally sent off my visa application this past weekend, so I hope to have that in hand shortly.

As far as car/driver, i'm working with Nikhil of TGS tours, based in Jaipur, and he will be making most of the driving arrangements. Although I will have some of the places pick us up or drop us ar airport or train. I decided to do most of the booking myself, but his input has been invaluable. There are also times where it is very helpful to have him make arrangements & reservations.

I'm glad to have most of the bookings out of the way as I have a very hectic work period right now and wouldn't be able to focus on planning as much. By mid-December, I'll start looking more into the finer details (such as they can be), like when and where we should arrange for a guide and finding out more about those unique experiences that are of interest to us.

Anyway, it is an adventure, and we haven't even gone!

CaliNurse

Be sure to request and have your travel planner GUARANTEE a driver who is fluent in English. It makes a huge difference , especially when you are asking questions about the places/sites/people you pass!

progol

Thanks, I will do that, Cali.

travelon98

Thanks for your contact Progol. If you don't mind my asking, how much of your trip is going to be via car and driver? It looks as if you might have booked them to pick you up in Jaipur?
I like your itinerary a lot and am looking at doing something quite similar, although i will be able to add 2 weeks in the South as well.

progol

Hi, travelon,
I'm planning on having the car/driver upon leaving Agra. There are several stops between Agra and Jaipur I'd like to make. You're right, tho-much of the trip,after that will be with car/driver. I haven't worked out those details yet regarding the specifics of how this will work, as it's still several months away.

SailorMoonTraveler

If you are interested in the non-commercial side of Udaipur (southern Rajasthan) I have some great friendly village recommendations. I worked in two small villages in Udaipur for over a year. I really feel that the "typical" tourist misses out on the fulfilling experiences of the village life. By interacting with the real people that live in these areas you really gain an understanding of their day to day lives. I wish more people took the same initiative you are. If you are interested you can private message me so I can give you my recommendations on which villages are friendly, fun and safe to visit in Udaipur.

I wish you the best!
Happy Travels

progol

Thanks, I've got all my hotels and guesthouses booked, but will keep all options open for unique experiences and sights, so I welcome all suggestions!

travelon98

I prefer to go to smaller towns. I'm not opposed to going into the larger towns but specifically, can anyone tell me that Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer are must make stops? Also, what other towns should not be missed?

staystrangesam

Hi! Just back from Rajasthan! Made a tour blog. Please visit. I'd skip Jaipur. Udaipir (Venice of India), Pushkar and Bundi were favorites. Also Bijapur was great too, especially the castle. Good luck!

http://rottenwaves.blogspot.com/