For this portion of my trip, does it make a difference if I travel by car instead of taking the train? The only reason I prefer the car is that the train has to leave in the evening. How is the road condition?

For everyday expenses, should I take cash along or is the ATM easily accesible?

Point to point the car and train is almost the same as the train necessitates a car transfer vto and fro the repsective train stations in Agra and Delhi. I did this last year. Good roads, Maybe 3 hours. In most cities ATMs are very easy to find - are you going very off the beaten track?

The highway is fine. The problems are getting out of Agra and into Delhi, esp. the latter. We did this last Feb. and found it took nearly 6! hrs. to get to our hotel in Agra due to the heavy conjestion both leaving Delhi and entering Agra. The reverse wasn't much better. I think it depends on WHERE in Delhi you have to go to. OIf there is alot of city traffic to get to your Delhi destination then the ride will be longer.

I think driving is fine. The road is good but not like a western highway - very colorful - lots to see along the way. See the recent post on driving in India - the rules of the road are "different". ATM's are common at banks in major cities. The most important thing about cash in India is obtaining small denominations for tips - not always an easy thing to do - be persistant.

Thanks for the suggestion, I think I'll go by car.

Craig, I've booked my trip with Durjay. I'll be going at the end of Jan.

Have fun - hope everything goes smoothly with Compass and Durjay - post a trip report when you get back.