Hello Fodorites: The good news first: my dream journey of a lifetime to India (basic touristy-Rajastan with a few chill days in Goa) set to take place after many false starts the last week Sept/first week Oct 2008!! The not-so good news:
I am not up on my tricks and tips for getting good airfares: when should I book? What should I pay? Which airlines are preferred? I usually book via consolidators and the prices I am seeing now are around $1400 USD per person which seems high to me, I would really appreciate any feedback on this. Also, just general stuff, I am using a tour provider for this, given the time limitation (2 weeks) but still appreciate any additional information anyone has for me to make this trip really great. I have been to Egypt, Kenya and Thailand in the past but I am guessing that NOTHING really prepares you for the
wild/magic of India! Thanks in advance.

We just got back from India and it was fantastic! I'll post a report shortly. What do you mean by "tour provider"? India is easy to do on your own if you make prior arrangements with a company that designs custom trips. You can have your own car and driver for very little money.

Dear Marijia, I have contacted a company based in India for a private driver/guide custom itinerary. This company was recommended by another Fodorite called India Invites. I have been quite happy with their responsiveness and also, with the responses of the references I have spoken to. I am anxiously waiting for your trip report, my biggest question mark this far is airfare and where/when to get the best rates.

Where are u flying from?? Somewhere in the U.S. i presume??...I fly often to Mumbai and usually pay minimum 1500.00 from Western Canada.

Depending on where u live there are several ways to get there...

I have used Cathay 3 times via HKG/BKK, Northwest once (via Amsterdam) and Emirates once via Dubai/Maldives.

I find it a quicker flight to go via Europe, but it depends if u wanna stop over anywhere between your home and your destination!!

Anyways, i am probably of no help to u, but just offering suggestions...

there are now some direct flights from newark/ny and from chicago....look for these...

jet aviation was going to add a flight to ny but not sure that they did

there are tons of indians living in the usa now so getting flights is much harder than in years past...

as far as hotels are concerned, i would try to book all of my own hotels and just rely on the agent for the touring parts...most will agree to this and you can save money...this is not thailand, you cannot stay in many low class hotels and be happy...but you also do not need to pay $500 per nite...

we stayed at the neemrana palace hotel our last nite on our way back to delhi and loved it....take a look at it...

I just got back on Feb 18 from 9 nts in India. Yes, it was short but I did cover a lot. I did Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and Udiapur. All were wonderful. Rajhastan is FABULOUS. I had a car and driver for Delhi and from Delhi to Agra and Agra to Jaipur. I flew from Jaipur to Udiapur and then Udaipur to Delhi. I had car and drivers in these locations also. You must do Fatepur Sikrit outside of Agra and of course the Amber Fort in Jaipur. I like to go to non touristy places and so asked my guides to bring me to local markets and off the beaten track locations which all did. In Delhi I did the Sunday book market which stretches for about 5 blocks near the fort.
Nothing prepares you for India. I have been to all continents except Antarctica and India was the most amazing place I have ever been to. The people are fantastic. I was met everywhere with smiles. As a middle aged woman nearly 6 foot tall, blonde and blue eyes, I was not a normal sight in India but everyone was so nice and seemed generally interested in speaking to me. Enjoy all India has to offer
For airfare I used FF miles and flew on Swiss from the US to Zurich and then to Del. I flew Lufthansa thru Munich back to the US. I liked the times of the flts. There are a number of Indian consolidators you can try. There are many Indian travel agencies in NJ/NY also which have good airfares
Good luck

Many thanks for your replies, actually I suppose including our departure city would have been helpful.. duh! We leave from Los Angeles Intl, so we can either go via Europe or directly East. Any additional tips welcome,I am really excited!

I think 1400 is not excessive in a good airline but target 1250 or so if you want to. I have heard cheap fares but good flights with Emirates and Kuwait airlines - I have never personally flown that but my father has and he didn't have complaints.

Goa is very touristy place. Do enjoy the drinking and sea food of Goa but be careful about where you buy/eat them. Several years ago a Brit friend of mine had a case of food poisoning and we suspect it was something he ate on the sly when he snuck out

I have heard a lot about a drink called Kaju Feni (kaju meaning cashew) - a brew fermented of cashew. Everyone of my friends with kindered spirits highly recommend it, I have to try it !

In Rajasthan I assume you will visit Mt.Abu? The marble carvings of the Dilwara Jain temple are the best I have seen