mandymo

We are planning the following itinerary for Feb. 2009 and would appreciate any comments/suggestions.

2/4 Arrive Del from Chicago late night; RON Delhi
2/5 RON Delhi
2/6 fly Delhi-Varanasi; RON Varanasi
2/7 RON Varanasi
2/8 RON Varanasi
2/9 fly Varanasi-Khajuraho; car/driver to Orchha; RON Orchha
2/10 train from Jhansi to Agra; RON Agra
2/11 car/driver to Jaipur; RON Jaipur
2/12 car/driver to Udaipur; RON Udaipur
2/13 RON Udaipur
2/14 fly Udaipur-Delhi; RON Delhi
2/15 RON Delhi
2/16 day in Delhi; Depart @ midnight

We have been to Delhi and Agra before and definitely want to go back to the Taj. We have experienced the roads with a car and driver We also want to experience the train, but not an overnight -- although that might be the best way to get from Varanasi to Agra. The travel via Khajuraho and Orchha/Jhansi appears to be doable.

Let me know what you think.

thursdaysd

I feel exhausted just reading this! How long will you have in Khajuraho, Orchha and Jaipur? Hardly enough to catch your breath, from the look of it.

Where is your hotel in Varanasi? If it's not on the river, do reconsider - most of the "tourist" class hotels are in the new town, quite a different experience.

mandymo

It's got me exhausted, too. But, I don't know how else to do it without overnight trains. The flights should provide a bit of a break.

Rashmi Guest House is where we will stay in Varanasi. Am working on
several B&Bs in Delhi, Jas Villas in Jaipur, and probably a B&B in Agra.

mandymo

Thursdaysd
Sorry, didn't answer your question.
Khajuraho is just a pass through on the way to Orchha. Fly mid-day from Varanasi to Khaj, driver to Orchha. Overnight there. Train to Agra mid-afternoon the next day.

One night in Orchha, one night Agra,
one night in Jaipur. I could skip Jaipur, but don't know how to do it.

thursdaysd

I'd definitely drop at least one place, better two! It looks like you can get from Agra to Udaipur by night train - see www.indianrail.gov.in - "Trains Between Important Stations". Leaves Agra Cantt. 17:40 arrives 06:10, 1AC and 2AC classes available (see seat61.com for explanation of classes).

mandymo

How about this instead.

Day 1 Arrive Delhi, RON Delhi

Day 2 RON Delhi

Day 3 fly Delhi-Varansi RON Var.

Day 4 RON Varanasi

Day 5 RON Varanasi

Day 6 fly Varanasi-Delhi-Agra
via Kingfisher
Arrive Agra 5:05; RON Agra

Day 7 Train or car/driver to Jaipur
RON Jaipur

Day 8 RON Jaipur

Day 9 car/driver to Udaipur
RON Udaipur

Day 10 RON Udaipur

Day 11 fly to Delhi; RON Delhi

Day 12 Day in Delhi; depart at midnight

thursdaysd

Still a little rushed for me, but definitely better! BTW, what does RON stand for?

mandymo

RON = remain overnight. A throwback to my corporate days.

Lyndie

Varanasi can be seen easily in one full day and maybe a early morning boat ride. Orchha deserves at least one full day as does Jaipur, which really deserves two days. I've done the trip "if it's Thursday I must be in Agra" and it simply is not the finest way to travel in India. India needs to be experienced slowly, like a good man, or cigar or fine red wine.

The overnight trains in 1AC or 2AC are very comfortable and if you travel on the train overnight you'll get a real feel for Indians & their way of life. Many are quite candid & relaxed when they travel. Check out www.indiamike.com. Maybe one of the moderators on IM will help you refine your trip. Good luck!

thursdaysd

"Varanasi can be seen easily in one full day and maybe a early morning boat ride." Well, it could be, but that would be a mistake. Varanasi is very much a place to slow down and absorb the atmosphere. Also, a side trip to Sanchi is worthwhile.

mandymo

Think we'll keep Varanasi at three nights. But, now that we are flying
Var-Del-Agra on day 6, should Jaipur be the next stop for two nights or should be choose another
less touristy place?

Thanks Lyndie and Thursdaysd for your advice!

thursdaysd

You could visit the Shekhawati area north of Jaipur, when I was there in 2001 it was very quiet. See www.wilhelmwords.com/asia2001 - Deserted Kingdoms.

BTW - what is your concern with taking night trains?

mandymo

Thank you thursdaysd. I will check out the Shekhawati area.

Guess my problem with night trains
in India is personal preference. I would rather see something when on a train and get a decent night's sleep at night (which I wouldn't on
a train).

vp_singh

Rajasthan sector is very rushed indeed. Some options you may exercise are:
a. Cut out one night in Varanasi. You are already spending 2 days and a half, infact. Add this night in Rajasthan, may be at Jaipur.
b. Udaipur is 269 miles from Jaipur. It is too long a drive. You shall reach Kishengarh in less than 3 hrs & though the highway to Chittor is a breeze through, but one does get tired in the end. The other road though picturesque, will take longer with heavy lorries keeping company till Beawar.
c. Give yourself a night say at Chhatra Sagar, near Nimaj. The campsite is beautifully located & the setting sun / gathering dusk gives it a surreal apearance.
d. I don't think Shekhavati is a good choice in this short span of time. Instead you may stay at Samode Palace. The 250 years old frescoes in the Durbar Hall are the best in terms of motif, theme & excellance of execution. None of the hotels in Shekhavati can match the ambience of this grand heritage property, as well. However if you are a student of such art than the best painted havelis are to be found in Nawalgarh & Mehensar. The road through Rewari to Delhi is a demon!
Enjoy Yourself!

mandymo

Thank you vp_singh! I will get out my map and consider all your recommendations. That is the kind
of information I was hoping for.

Carol