sag3gonzals

My husband and I are considering India for our five year anniversary in an attempt to find something nearly comparable to an amazing honeymoon in Tanzania and Zanzibar. We are really struggling, however, with an itinerary and were hoping the individuals on this board can help us. We are thinking of spending a week in the Andaman Islands and then a week of seeing tigers (safari-like) and visiting unique palaces in Rajasthan. The biggest problem I think is that flights to the Andamans only fly into Kolkata and Chennai and so if we land in Kolkata after the islands, we were thinking of taking some sort of overnight train to the tiger/rajasthan area. Does anyone have any recommendations for an itinerary that would work well/a local travel agent who can help book things and/or recommendations of amazing (but not super expensive) places to stay and unique experiences. Thanks in advance for any help!

Cicerone

I am in an airport lounge today, so don't have all the contact website info with me, you may have to do some hunting around yourself.

First, how long do you have and what time of year are you going? Without knowing how much time you have, it is hard to suggest an itinerary. Good time of year in the Andamans may not coincide with good (i.e. cool) weather in Rajasthan. Take a look at weatherbase.com for an idea of temps and rainfall.

I have not been, but I know that the Andamans are very undveloped for tourism, much less so than Tanzania and Zanzibar. Just bear that in mind when looking at hotels, I think you will find them quite basic, and don't believe anything you might read about them, a star rating system would be sort of meaninless. Have you considered a place like Sri Lanka which is more developed and you could combine beach and inland wildlife areas?

An overnight train is certainly going to be a possibility from either Chenaii or Koklata. There are also many low-cost carriers to should be able to fly you from Chennai or Kolkata to Jaipur (possibly via a change in Delhi) where you can then get to Ranthambore. Check Jetwings (not really low cost anymore but certainly the best of the independents), Sahara Air, Deccan Air (or Air Deccan), Kingfisher for a start.

In the back of my mind is the thought that there is a nature preserve for tigers in Bengal not far from Kolkata. I may be imagining this, and can only check guidebooks when I return, but you may want to check yourself. If I am correct, this may be a better combintation for you than trying to go all the way to Rajathsan. That area is certainly interesting, but could be saved for another trip. As I don't know how mucht time you have, it is hard to suggest an intinerary.

Don't rule out going down the east coast of India from Chennai, a really interesting trip to see parts of old French India around Ponidcherry and interesting temples, etc. There is lots to see and do in this area. You would not want to go there in November, when rains can be quite heavy, but I am guessing that you would want to avoid the Andmans at that time as well.

For interesting hotels, try neemranahotels.com, which runs some good ones. The Oberoi groups does as well, although those are much more expensive. Try the Taj group as well (Google Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces)

Most of us here do not use travel agents. I have not used one for India in more than 10 years.

shwetaofcompass

Hi,

In reference to your tour, as you will be landing in Kolkata, as there is no direct train service from Kolkata to rajasthan, you can take a low cost airlines from Kolkata to Delhi and from there you can start your tour.

You can visit Agra which is famous for the symbol of love - Taj mahal.

then further proceed to ranthambhore where you can enjoy the wildlife and then to jaipur.

From Jaipur you can proceed further for your rajasthn tour visiting mandawa , Bikaner , jaisalmer whewre you can enjot the camel ride in the desert and then to Jodhpur and Udaipur.

you tour ending also depnd on the city from where you will take your flight back home.

And also the number of days you have in hand.

If you need any help in designing your tour, it would be my pleasure to help you out.

If you have not yet decided on your trip then oit is better to decide on your preferences first and then contact any of the travel agent.

As there are many options if you talk about travelin to India.

sag3gonzals

Thanks for the help thus far - we are planning to be gone for 2 weeks and can depart/arrive via mumbai, delhi, kolkata, or chennai, depending on what will be the least expensive based on the domestic flights that we need. (basic does not scare us - we are usually budget backpackers who splurge on unique experiences - we can stay anywhere from $5 per night to $1000! we just tend to avoid the middle-end) Thanks!

thursdaysd

cicerone - I'm home with my guidebooks... Would you be thinking of Sundarbans south of Kolkata? Best Dec-Feb with around 300 Bengal tigers. Permit and Forest Ranger escort required (although this book is a bit out of date).

From Kolkata I'd also suggest taking the "toy" train up to Darjeeling, and staying at the Windamere Hotel. Or if going south don't miss out Orissa.

Bonita

Hello there and Namaste!
India is certainly a great destination for a spectacular aniversary trip! There are so many fascinating places to see, superb and romantic places to stay, and of course, great food, friendly people, art, history, culture, everything!

As others have mentioned, no problem getting from either Kolkata or Chennai to Delhi. Of course u can take the train if u want the full on Indian train experince, but there are ample carriers these days that are making flying in India a more eco friendly option.

In terms of itinerary, so many options dependning on time, season and on your interests. In Rajashtan u may consider Rathambore,(Tiger REserve), Jaipur(pink City/Amber Fort)), Jodphur(incredible fort), Udaipur(Palaces), among others..it really depends on how much time u have and how much traveling u want to do.

and yes, aLL THRU Rajasthan there are superb hotels and Palace hotels to stay in, so this can be a real pleaseure!. U might consider the Rambagh Palace in Jaipur, The Oberoi VanyaVilas in Rathambore, the UdaiVilas or Lake Palace in Udaipur, and the Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodphur, to name a few.

Anyways, I am a American woman living/working in the region and wld be happy to help. I have helped a few Fodorites in my day with their honeymoon and or Dream trips.

Feel free to drop me a line. [email protected]

namaste and happy travels...

rhkkmk

you have been given tons of great advice....several of these people gave me good advice this past year in planning my fall 2006 trip in india....bonita gives espcially well rounded trip advice and cicerone's is always in depth...

bonita is always available to answer your questions and can help with both a usa perspective and one who has lived in india for long periods...

vp_singh

The closest destination that I can visualize is none else than the infinity resorts on the river Kosi, some 16 miles west of Ramnagar. Not only the hotel built like one of the famous African game lodges, you also have the option of fishing the Indian Mahaseer, a stout game fish, not easy to land, on the wide waterfront. The wooden verandah opens onto the river, directly below you & on a moon lit night, the pleasure of a stay here is enhanced beyond description. You have Corbett National Park but a stone throw away & you can stay in one of the many Forest Rest Houses on the river Ramganga, surrounds teeming with wildlife. You not only see them on the safari but also listen to them, as you call it a day! While the infinity resort is beautifully furnished, the Forest Rest Houses are very basic, in consonance with the tiger country.
You may now visit Rajasthan replete with tales of Rajput chivalry, beautiful palace hotels, fine dining, art & culture. Enough has been written on Rajasthan destinations to warrant repetition. You have nth number of options to choose from.
Happy Hunting!

Bonita

Hello SAg.
Hope your anniversary trip planing is going well and hope u have decided on India. Do post or drop me a line if u have more questions. Namaste! [email protected]

sag3gonzals

okay, so we've firmed things up a bit, but still have some holes and would love to hear your specific ideas based on this. We are arriving in Kolkata and then immediately taking a flight to Port Blair. We will then be at Barefoot at Havelock for 4 nights and then one night in Port Blair. Then, we fly back to Kolkata. We are then open to taking a train (we thought it might be a fun experience) or a cheap flight, but we then have 6-7 more nights to spend in Rajasthan before we depart very late at night from Delhi. So, our initial thoughts for that time are that we will spend 2 nights at Shergh Bagh in Rathambore and then maybe our last night at Neemrana Fort Palace. That is really all we have sorted at this point. Do you have any ideas about where else and what order it might make sense to do things? we are actually more inclined to go to some really unique hotels rather than see the taj mahal, for example. We also would love to do as much as possible via trains and independent travel rather than having a driver the entire time. We are travelling in early February. Thank you so much in advance for help as we get closer to figuring out our plans!

Murray_Jones

Hi, I have travelled on the night train from Kolkata to Bilaspur. After about 3 hours travel by car, stay at Palace Kawardha, and then 2 hours to Kanha National Park. I have been there 15 times. Then overnight train from Jabalpur to Agra, and so-on. Email me for a detailed suggestion.

carrom

Why not try the Laccadives or Lakhshadweep Islands instead - I know they're miles away from Rajasthan but they look marvelous and ideal for an anniversary. we are trying them out in November.

Murray_Jones

To get to Lakshadweep, you must fly via Mumbai to Cochin, and then the next day fly to the islands, and a boat to Bangaram. This takes a lot of quality time out of a short-ish holiday.

FanofIndia

Hi sag3, Your idea of Neemrana for your last night is great, as this is only about an hour and a half from Delhi airport, and a great place to be. Try the 'Loo with a view!'.

Mylene

In New Delhi, hire a taxi to visit new place outside of the city. It is very beautiful architecture " Akshardham "
visit this website. No photos allowed, no handbag,no mobile ohone, only a bottle of water or personal medicine.
http://www.akshardham.com/
Entrance is Free...

carrom

Interesting suggestion a visit to this Akshardam, Mylene. I had never heard of it. It looks amazing, a kind of Hindu disneyland. I hope it isn't too inspired by extreme hindu nationalism -I didn't see many Muslim names in the gallery of India's glorious heroes! Still I would think it's definitely worth a trip. Thanks for posting.