Trying to finalize my plans... India has so much it's overwhelming. Others seem to have thought about their India forever, but everything sounds good to me and my primary purpose is to visit a friend. So please bear with me... now I am thinking about spening my first three days in Mumbai and then flying out to Agra for three nights (my friend really thinks I should go there!). I don't want to go crazy trying to see places with my 4 year old who probably won't be too interested, but am I really foolish to just hole up in Agra for the time? Should I really try to do Agra and Jaipur??

First of all have you been to an MD for medical prophylaxis? If you are going to India the CDC recommends various shots and/or pills for typhoid, malaria, etc. This is especially important as you will have a child with you who also needs meds too. See the pediatrician first. I don't mean to rain on your parade but I think it wise to consider this. Second, what about 2 days in Agra then go back to Mumbai? Tou can see it all in that time w/o tiring the child out. Third, if you want to see more and time is a factor Delhi is only about3-4 hrs. by car or train from Agra so your time may be spent more economically doing Agra-Delhi than Agra-Jaipur. And there is a ton to see in Delhi. I have been to India 4 times and it is a tough country to just wing it in. You may want to plan a bit more. And one more thing about meds. I got typhoid there once so I am not blowing smoke about this issue. Good preparation and wise eating when you are there should be enough to see you through. Good luck, Larry

While I agree with Larry generally I would not worry unduly. I am indian and now live in Bkk and the precautions I take here are the same as in india. Drink only bottled water or water from clean places e.g. hotels, do not eat anything raw on the streets, etc. re your trip hadn't you posted earlier? Or someone very similar. I do not think your 4 year old will at all enjoy Agra and it is a lot of travel. instead I suggest u go to Goa for the 3 days. flt connections from Mumbai are great and your child will have a ball. Great weather in Goa and hotels in every budget. Do the Taj without your 4 yr old on another trip - reason to come back!

I think it would be advisable to at least check with the pediatricin first. And Sameera I think it is different for a person going to India from another country than a native returning. You have natural immunities she probably does not have. Best to play it safe IMHO, esp. with a child.

Back to your original question. Three nights is perhaps a night too many in Agra. The sites (Fathepur Sikri, the Red Fort and --of course-- the Taj) make Agra a must-do, but the town is so horrible that, unless you're holed up in an exquisite property (like the Oberoi), you'll want to get out as soon as you can. The drive from Delhi is rough (especially with a child). We've done it three times and next time we'll take the train instead. Jaipur was a big disappointment -- my personal view is that it's not worth the grueling drive. But that was us. Do Udaipur or Jodhpur instead.

Ugh... not too enthusiastic about Agra! My friends are really pushing me to go. I guess I'll focus again on Goa or Cochin. So you might get another question or two from me before I finally pull the trigger and go. Also, thank you for your concern about my daughter. I got all my shots and malaria pills yesterday and my daughter goes today (250 euro for our medicine!) My daughter's peditrician loves India and thinks it is fine for her to go. Thanks for all the help.

Forgot to ask... what about Goa or Cochin for three days. Is that too much?

Goa 3 days will be perfect. It is a beach destination. I would suggest yoou look at staying at the Taj Hol Village in north Goa if it is within your budget. Even tho there are better beaches in south Goa this is well located, very child friendly and you are near enough things to explore the city a bit, get out to eat, go to the flea market, lifestyle stores whatever. I think your daughter will prefer Goa to Cochin - if you choose to go to Cochin I would suggest traveling further on from Cochin to Kumarokam or Munnar.

Enjoy your trip, whereever you end up going. Actually if you end up in Goa how about a trip report. We have that high on our list as well. Cheers, Larry

And why not Trivandrum while you're at it? As a city, it's nicer than Cochin. And it has better beaches than Goa. Granted, the latter has a better scene but probably better suited to adults.

Sameera's recommendations are also quite good. You could set out from Cochin, go to Kumarakom (quaint small resorts in the backwaters with absolutely nothing to do), take an overnight rice boat (just you and your family, kids will love it) to Allepey, and drive from there to Trivandrum. Munnar is reputed to be fantastic, and nearby Thekady-Periyar are so scenic.

As you can see, we've done this rather recently (we've had four sets of visitors and, between my wife and me, we've been to Kerala four times and Rajathan two in the last four months!

Thank you for all the help. I think my husband thinks I'm crazy because I'm always quoting information from the Fodors talk room! At this point, I'm thinking about three nights at the Kumarakom Lake Resort. It seems to be about 140 euro a night with meals included. I'm calling my friends in Bombay tomorrow to finalize plans. Thank you again. Margaret

Coconut Lagoon in Kumarakom is probably the best in town. The Lake Palace (four rooms) in Thekkadi-Periyar is the best there, followed by the Spice Garden (unlike the Lake Palace, it's not in the park itself). In Cochin, it's the Taj Malabar, followed closely by the Malabar House. Good luck.

I wanted to go to Coconut Lagoon, because Sameera (if I remember correctly) recommended it as well. But I couldn't find a direct website for the hotel. All the sites required me to send in a request form which for some reason I find intimidating. I'd rather the hotel post their rates. Do you know of a good website for Coconut Lagoon? I'd love to try it. Margaret

Yes, I did reco it - very highly! The website is www.casinogroup.com. E-mail ids are also on it. U will note that they also have a charming Cochin property in case you have to overnight there en route Kumarokam.