ClarkB stick to the USA or Europe, God forbid India does not need people like you traveling there. From your thread you sound like a very narrow minded person, and you have already decided you are going to hate it.

So please don't go to India, stick to wonderful Europe.

Don't forget about the bad chicken, too.

lol lol lol Clark. Poor old sod, you are getting it from all sides, aren't you? I'm a card carrying misanthrope, too. I do, actually have some comprehension of your situation. My work life was spent on the international sky-road... that's how I know you aren't seeing a thing. It's impossible to do both, I found. It's airport, hotel, work, airport. That's it.

Now my life in retirement is the same, except, these days, I can <i>see</i>. Scales <i>can</i> fall from eyes, but only if you do the brain work and remove yourself from the equation.

Yup, it's not about <i>you</i>. In this instance, it's about your long-suffering family, I suspect...

Your plans are the usual bog-ordinary, first-timer shlep. Nothing wrong with that. So, I suggest that you link in with any one of the many, many companies who specialise in exactly that. You will not be the first diva they have encountered, trust me.

In fact, there is a diva circuit, just for you. You could do the whole thing thru Taj, Oberoi or AndBeyond [ex CCAfrica] and your feet will scarcely touch the ground. You'll be provided with the India you want, sans hell.

http://www.andbeyondindia.com/
http://www.andbeyondindia.com/india_...cks/day_by_day

http://www.oberoihotels.com/special_offers.asp

It'll cost, but there'll be no diva drama. The drama only begins when you try and work it out yourself.

And, even though they are vastly expensive, the luxury trains are really rather good. [Not the Palace on Wheels, tho.]
http://www.theluxurytrains.com/

lol Siam. I'd forgotten about The Roast Chicken of Death.

Clark, here's a glimpse of all the things to avoid:
http://thedogster.wordpress.com/

Greetings, Clark,

Here's a possible solution: I would LOVE to accompany your family to India. I'm an old "auntie," my grandkids love me, and I'll make sure your kids do too!
You stay home and rest!! (-;

Dogster, I am next January planning to sample the Dindigul Roast Chicken of Death!

Dogster I don't see hot ClarkB is going to enjoy even a 5 star like Oberoi when he has mentioned this "I've stayed at both the Taj and the Oberoi and couldn't wait to get out of there."

So please ClarkB stay away from India.