Guide vs. driver..you need both?
Apr 4th, 2010 | 04:46 PM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 260
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Guide vs. driver..you need both?
Ok so I can arrange a driver from recommendations on this forum or the hotel can get me one....will the hotel (likely Oberoi) be more? Also it sounds like I need a driver and a guide..is that right? Right noe thinking Delhi jaipur, Agra, and shimla....i think!!!
Juliajane
Juliajane
Apr 4th, 2010 | 07:16 PM
#2
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 27,709
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No, you don't need both - take a guide book. In fact, for your outlined itinerary you don't have to have a car and driver, either, you can take the train (toy train from Kalka to shimla, regular train elsewhere), or fly. See http://seat61.com/India.htm for info on train travel in India.
Apr 4th, 2010 | 07:25 PM
#3
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 29,053
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hotel driver can be as much as twice the cost of a private driver...
many driver will have limited english, especially for describing what it is that you are seeing, but not all...
i would say it would largely depend on the detail you want in the description and the historical notes....but a book will help, but i personally find it hard to look and read (and chew gum) at the same time when trying to be productive and move along
many driver will have limited english, especially for describing what it is that you are seeing, but not all...
i would say it would largely depend on the detail you want in the description and the historical notes....but a book will help, but i personally find it hard to look and read (and chew gum) at the same time when trying to be productive and move along
Apr 4th, 2010 | 10:25 PM
#4
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,546
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Between most towns we flew. We had a driver and guide in each city. They waited for us at every airport and accompanied us all the time.
For us, this was a very convenient solution. It shortened the travel time between cities; it was always nice to have air-conditioned car with us, to take us quickly from one sight to another without having to look for a taxi and without need to negotiate the cost.
Drivers that we had not talked at all English. We had books , we studied them, but was always nice to have a guide next to us, give us details, both about the objectives of the visit and about everyday life.
For us, this was a very convenient solution. It shortened the travel time between cities; it was always nice to have air-conditioned car with us, to take us quickly from one sight to another without having to look for a taxi and without need to negotiate the cost.
Drivers that we had not talked at all English. We had books , we studied them, but was always nice to have a guide next to us, give us details, both about the objectives of the visit and about everyday life.
Apr 5th, 2010 | 05:40 AM
#5
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,111
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I agree that flying can save time, but not all cities can connect easily by plane.
You can pick up a guide when necessary. Some monuments have audioguides that can be used at your leisure.
If you decide to book ahead, I would recommend http://www.ramindiatours.com. Ramesh Meena has started his own company now. His English is excellent and he is a very safe driver. Many other Fodorites have used his services (travelaw, bonnieheather, MrsMarge, live42day) and all sing his praises.
You can pick up a guide when necessary. Some monuments have audioguides that can be used at your leisure.
If you decide to book ahead, I would recommend http://www.ramindiatours.com. Ramesh Meena has started his own company now. His English is excellent and he is a very safe driver. Many other Fodorites have used his services (travelaw, bonnieheather, MrsMarge, live42day) and all sing his praises.
