thursdaysd

No, on that screen it means that the train doesn't have it. You're taking a day train, you don't need first class (and 2AC is actually fine for night trains) - see seat61.com for loads of info on Indian trains and classes, including pix.

The things you need to do at the station are to find the right platform, and the seating chart for your train, which should help you know where to stand. I'd probably get there about 15 minutes ahead for the train to Agra, but for a first timer 30 minutes might be safer. If you're too early you can enjoy the chaos around you.

lisa_m

Any hotel suggestion near Nizamuddin station for just overnight 11:30pm til 10 am before I catch the train?

live42day

I booked all my trains on 'Cleartrip.com' and it worked out really well for about the same price. You just have to remember that you cant book until the train stations are open, India time.
I had no problem just showing the conductor my cleartip print out of my reservations.

lisa_m

At Cleartrip the classes 1A,2A and 3A say General waitlist for the overnight from Agra to Udaipur on March 7. I wouldn't want SL class right?
Ugh...it'll throw my timing off if I can't take the overnight train on the 7th.

live42day

you are not spending the night on the train so it wont be that long of a trip. am i reading it right that you are going March 4? I see lots of space on cleartrip for March 4th.
Are you sure you are looking when India rail is open? not sure where you are located but google what time is it in India and try your search between 7Am and 6PM or something India time.

live42day

sorry, I was looking at your earlier post and thinking you wanted Delhi to Agra.

thursdaysd

Well, tourists do ride SL, but they tend to be backpackers. Did you read what seat61.com had to say about it? I didn't do SL, but if it really messed up my schedule I'd might go for it - but I don't stay in posh hotels, either. From www.indianrail.gov.in it looks like there's only one person on the wait list for 1AC, so it might be worth going for SL with 1AC as backup and hoping to move up. You may also be able to avoid the wait list by using the tourist quota - see seat61.com for info on that.

lisa_m

I want to take the train from Del to Agra leaves at 11:30. It does not come up with first class seats but has 2A second class seats. Seat61 says those are benches that fold out to sleeper.
The photo doesn't look very comfortable.
Any idea if this is the class to choose?
Thanks

thursdaysd

If it doesn't have 1AC, 2AC is the best there is. I don't remember it being particularly uncomfortable, and how long is the ride, anyway? And you're going to be too busy checking out the view outside, and your fellow-passengers inside, to notice.

CaliNurse

Hi Lisa, For a place to stay near Nizamuddin Railway Stn:
www.elevendelhi.com
Only 1/2 kilometer from the Station. I havent stayed there-- read about it on the about.com India website i the discussion of Delhi Bed and Breakfasts.

lisa_m

Thanks Cali. Now cleartrip says there is only 3A seat available on the train I want. Is that pretty awful?

thursdaysd

It's only for three hours. When 3AC is configured for sleeping it's a bit short on head room, and a bit bleak. But you're going to be traveling in the middle of the day. You'll have a reserved seat on a rather hard leather bench.

You may want to take your own food and water - I ate the veggie thali served on the trains with no ill effects, but I'd been traveling in Asia for a while by then.

lisa_m

I managed to get a 2A seat. Yeah. Do you know a hotel to recommend?
I will arrive 9:45 pm so will only be sleeping in the hotel then leaving for Agra the next morning.
Would I book airport pick up through the hotel? Should I get the hotel to book transport to New Delhi station for the train?
All I have left to plan now is the hotel in Udaipur. Any recomendations?

thursdaysd

I don't remember where I stayed in Agra - you might want to start a new thread with a more specific title for hotel recs. I believe you should book pick up through your hotel, but I doubt you'll have any trouble getting a taxi to the train station.

Rasputin1

You don't have to stay in a hotel. You may be better off staying in a homestay in East Nizammudin - close to the station. Try Eleven Guesthouse- 11, Nizamuddin (East), New Delhi 110013, India (Owner Ajay) Quiet guesthouse had excellent, clean and well-appointed rooms and bathrooms. Directly opposite Khan Khanna’s tomb. Good reviewson Tripadvisor. Provides rate sheets for rickshaws to various places. Free internet, TV and bottled water. A shared kitchen for guests to read, use the internet or to make a cup of tea at any time of the day. Taxi to airport Rs400.

lisa_m

I have my trip all booked now. Thanks for all the help. My question now is if it is advisable for me to sightsee in Udaipur for the first day on my own or get a guide from the hotel (Mewar Haveli). I plan to do City Palace and in town sights.

indianapearl

I've lost track of where you're staying in Udaipur, but City Palace is right on the lake front and there's a Hindu temple a short walk away from it. There's a ghat right adjacent to the Jagat Niwas where you can get a boat to toodle around Lake Pichola. You'll need a car to go to the Monsoon Palace.

lisa_m

In U. I am staying at Mewar Haveli which is on the lake. Is it advisable to grab a taxi to the palace and walk to the temple or is it better to get a guide at the hotel before venturing out for the day. It's my 1st trip to India.
I am going to have some salwar kameez made for my trip. Any suggestions on tailors in U.?
Also, I am staying at the Gateway in Agra. Should I arrange for a guide to go to the Taj from here or wait until I check in at the hotel? I will check in and head straight over to the Taj for sunset and want to go back for sunrise the next day.

thursdaysd

Why do you want a guide for the Taj? If you do really want one, there are loads waiting outside, and you'll also find people inside wanting to tell you where to stand for the best photos.

indianapearl

Mewar Haveli is on which part of the lake -- east, west, north, south? The majority of sites are on the east end of the lake. If you have a guidebook, check a map to see the locations. The tourist area around the lake is relatively small.

Don't know tailors in U. I got my salwar kameez in Jaipur. Whomever you choose, go first thing, select the fabric, get measured, then pick them up before you leave. If Ram is your driver, ask him to recommend someone. I'm trying to figure out where he joins you in your trip. He's an excellent resource, so don't hesitate to ask him for advice.

You should be able to get a guide at the Gateway or you can pick one up at the Taj itself. The place is swarming with them. If it will reassure you, tell the Gateway in advance that you want a guide pronto when you arrive. By the time we got to Agra, we were tired of guides, so didn't use one. Everything you need to know about the Taj has been written about extensively in guidebooks. It's a beautiful, but uncomplicated in its function.

Remember that there are no gas powered vehicles within a certain distance of the Taj. If you get a guide and driver at the hotel, the guide will stand in line and get your ticket for you, then find an autorickshaw to take you (and him) to the gate.