We're at the beginning stages of planning our 9 days in Northern India. I've tried to read a lot on this forum and from guidebooks and would like a little help from those in the know.<BR><BR>Here's what we're hoping to see, looking for amounts of time to spend in these places and other suggestions:<BR><BR>Delhi, Agra for Taj Mahal, Rajasthan (Udaipur, Jaipur and possibly more based on recommendations).<BR><BR>I really would love to see some of the floating markets and also heard about a village called Rishikesh where they float flowers and candles down the River Ganges. If anyone could provide insight on these things I'd really appreciate it. <BR><BR>Happy to hire a driver for long journeys, but wasn't sure if there was an easier way to Agra/Taj. Also, looking to stay at 4-5*s and interested in the Heritage Hotels-anyone been?<BR><BR>Many, many thanks for any advice!

The most beautiful places I ve been to are ladakh,Goa ( Brazil of India), Himachal Pradesh ( Swtizerland of India) Rajasthan and most of north are typical "touristy" places and I guarantee you that you'll have a photo collection of a lifetime by visiting India. Temple of Khajorao , Grt Taj Mahal and many palace which is convt to Hotels. I am sure you will enjoy your trip. Its grate country to visit. Also its safe. <BR><BR>If you need I can give details of my tour agent who was with me during the tour and help me to plan my tour. <BR><BR>Have a nice trip<BR>

Amy.<BR>We were in Rajasthan last march. We hired, trough and agency,a driver for 12 days and also went to Agra and Benares by train. Had excellent service and stayed in the Heritage hotels. 9 days isn't very much to cover all of Rajasthan. You must see Jaisalmer and Udaipur for 2 or 3 days each. Agra for 2 days (one night is enough). If you have specific questions send email<BR>Daniel

I am from the area, belong to rishikesh, live in Delhi. I can provide all the info required for the tour. <BR>Mail or call 9811097433<BR><BR>

My dear freind, rishikesh is not a village its a town, and flowers and candles are flown down the river Ganges in this town also, although the place which is more famous for this is Haridwar which is the most sacred town for all Hindus. The ritual of flowing flowers and candles is called AARTI and its held every evening where first prayers are offered and then flowers boats are flown down the river with candles burning. Its a great spectacle and one must see. As for taj best is to move around by car from Delhi and the you move on to Jaipur and other places of Rajasthan. Be ware of agnts there who will offer you a hotel at a very cheap price and then will take you to a shop saying its his freinds shop and then when you buy souvenirs there they make a good commission on that. at times commission is up to 40% and that too when you are going through agents sitting in Delhi. Their drivers are known to all shops in agar and Jaipur and agency commission comes straight to their office. So dont go for anyone who is offering a ceap hotel as he will take you for a ride somewhere else. <BR>Best is to go for someone who is offering a reasonable price for the services. If you need more info on this then call me or mail me on 09811097433.

Namaste Amy...Hello there..I am an American woman living in Delh, who not only loves India, has traveled everywhere, but I also manage/escort American Tour Groups in the region, among other things...Okay, A great general introductory tour to North India can include Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, perhaps the temples of Khajuraho, and defiantely VAransi, (on the Ganges)where you will also see the religious ceromonies and candle prayers floating along the Ganges, even more spectacular and fascinating then Rishikish and Hardiwar, in my opinion,,,A nine day tour could include about four stops, (2 nights each)almost all the places I mentioned..Do E-mail me direct at [email protected] and I can definately help you put something remarkable togehter and connect you with amazing people in Industry..Also, I can suggest the best ways to do the program,as I have done it a million times, train, private car, flights, etc..As a matter of fact, i would probably reccomend a combo of all three..By the by, if ya want to cover alot of ground in such a short time, one really must fly..The train is really a good option to jaipur and Agra, and really fast and easy..Do contact you and I would be happy to help you out, or anyone else intersted..warm regards..Bonnie

Sanjay and Bonnie,<BR><BR>Thanks for all of your advice. However, we just returned a week ago!! <BR>We did manage to see Delhi, Varanasi (Banares), Agra, Jaipur and Udaipur all in 9 days. We took three overnight trains which was a good use of time, one leg by car, and one flight. We had an incredible trip and loved every minute of it...thanks in large part to our travel agent. <BR><BR>Varanasi was by far our favorite place and it was where we fell in love with India.<BR><BR>Thanks to all who answered my questions!