Craig

I'm thinking layers and possibly those long pants that "zip off" and turn into shorts. Any other suggestions for both men and women? We'll be in Agra, Jaipur, Ranthambore and Delhi. I posted this because that other post "How to Dress in India" seems oriented towards shorts, tank tops and very hot weather. Since we will be there in the Indian spring, I'm guessing that if we dress that lightly, we'll freeze. Also, how cold is it on those early morning game drives in late February?

hobbes

On the game drives it is nippy. Layers works well through out India. Forgot where u are staying in Ranthambore but if it is any of the tented properties u will also have to walk across from the tents to the main building for meals and at night that can be cold as well. Make sure your wife carries a shawl or woolen wrap coz those are ideal cover ups. Those long pants u describe sound good. Socks - not woolen. A hat for the drive. Don't worry too much re the drive as the hotels will prob allow u to carry their blankets on the jeep (are u going by jeep or canter?).

Craig

hobbes - I haven't really acknowledged how helpful you have been so far - Thank you! We are waitlisted at Vanya Vilas and reserved at Sherbagh. We are actually leaning toward Sherbagh as it seems to be a more realistic Indian safari experience. We would be going by jeep at either property. Canter makes no sense at all to me. Thanks again.

Cicerone

You are actually there in the north India "winter". Layers are right. A shawl for women AND men is good, and will be as stylish as the Indian men. . . There are great wool shawls for sale in India, so buying one would be both useful and a good memento. Sunrise at the Taj is cold, so dress warmly as well, the marble is especially cold on the bare feet (socks are permitted, but you you'll never forget the feel of the marble at different times of day). The sunrise game drives at Ranthambore are quite cold, bring a hat and gloves and a lined windbreaker. You will have about a 20 minute drive to reach the park, and that is the coldest time. The hotel will let you bring blankets. Once the sun is up, the temperature improves. On the afternoon rides, you will be coming back at dusk, and temps will drop again.

Personally, I think the most authentic experience would be to stay in a tent or the main house at Sawai Madohpur; which after all, was the hunting lodge of the Maharajah of Jaipur. . . .however as the Vanayvilas is owned and run by an Indian hotel company, I wouldn't be too concerned that you are not having an authentic experience.

hobbes

I would stay with Sher Bagh Craig - the property is the closest in terms of proximity to the game reserve and comp agree is the most authentic safari experience. Vanya Vilas' additional attractions like the pool are unlikely to be much use in Feb. Do what we did and have a meal at Vanya Vilas - maybe lunch the day u are leaving so you get a good feel for the property. If I remember correctly u are staying at other Vilas properties in Rajasthan so will get a good flavour of them. Don't know if I mentioned - this year Sher Bagh residents sited a tiger on the periphery of the property thru the fencing! Hope u know u have to ensure your hotel books your jeeps 6-8 weeks in advance as only limited jeep safaris per day. Suggest u figure it out by Nov end and get your hotel to confirm your jeeps are booked. We did one jeep and 1 mini canter safari (our group was 5 of us, some fairly heavy and got quite cramped!) - the mini canter was only a 10 seater thus able to drive off the track and stuff but if u are only 2 jeeps both times makes the most sense.

Craig

Thanks Hobbes - I'm leaning toward Sher Bagh although my wife is not. Very cool about the tiger sitings at Sher Bagh. If Vanya is not available, my problem is solved We know to make jeep reservations in advance and will do so.

hobbes

If she wants a super lxury resort with long soaks in a bath tub at the end of her day she may not like Sher bagh so maybe u should not push it too hard. The charm of Sher bagh is in being a part of the reserve, having drinks over candle light in the midst of trees and little else...I loved it but can imagine it is not everyone's cup of tea.