cost of using a travel agent
 

My husband and I are going to India for 8 weeks. After reading the trip reports and replies to others' questions, we realize that we should use a travel agent to make some of our transportation and room reservations. Many of you use VP Singh at Legends and Palaces. Can anyone tell me how much it costs to use an agent to help with itinerary and reservations? We would not have an agent plan the entire trip for us, but would like someone to make a few train reservations and room reservations in advance and then to help with more as we travel around and the need arises. Even a ballpark figure will help. Thanks.

Unlike the US, it does nor cost you to use an agent in India or in many other countries. In these countries, hotels and airlines still pay commissions to agents.

Give castle and king a chance to bid too...

A few comments on your posting.
First of all, I unqualifiedly and very highly recommend VP Singh . He is the best.
Second, let him know your desires, etc. and let him suggest an entire itinerary, not just make a few reservations for hotels or trains.
Quite frankly, it will save you much money and time and his comments and recommendations will prove to be invaluable. He will introduce you to India and not just the major cities and sights. If you think you can have a better experience and save money by doing it without someone like VP, you are kidding yourself.

I just noticed your comment about experiencing Holi.
We were in Jaipur with VP during Holi and it was wonderful. Not at all intimidating.
However, after we left Jaipur by car with VP, we ran into 3 or 4 roadblocks and children/teenagers seeking payments. That was a bit intimidating but VP handled it well by giving them a few rupees each time and by being firm with them about letting us through.
Have a great trip

JerryS,
Did you only use a driver or did you also take trains? I realize that drivers and guides are necessary for some parts of the trip, but we also love train rides and need to hold down the costs. Can you let me know how expensive it was to use a driver rather than take the trains? Also, did you stay in any budget or any moderately priced lodging? We are in our 60s, but like staying in youth hostels. I don't see that there are many youth hostels in India, but you get the picture.

Me and my husband have returned recently from india, it was a great tour, it was our 5th tour , I agree with Jerry, taking help of a travel agent will only help you in india and cost is also not much, We took help of a person who is not a travel agent but promote tourism in india, he helped us with all the booking and hotel reservations,the best part is he did not plan our trip but we have given him the locations where we want to visit and he did all the booking.his suggestions has also helped us in planning our trip.You can try a similar person who can book your ticket and hotels for you.

We are going to travel for just over 3 weeks in February with Legends and Palaces. Designing our trip was a lot of fun, and VP Singh has been terrific to work with. I have a friend whose daughter lived in India for several years, and she suggested we be sure to experience train travel at least once...and so our trip does include a train trip...also a couple of short flights. I envy your 8 weeks.

Our desire to go to India was fueled by a friend who did a tour with Road Scholars (a US travel company). We talked with him about what he liked and didn't like, and included some things that fit in more with our travel style (a cooking class, tiger safari, local guides) so the trip Mr Singh designed for us cost about $800pp less than the Road Scholar trip. Plus it is just the two of us, with private drivers and guides where we want them.