India 15 Days

Old Nov 5th, 2010, 12:18 AM
  #21  
 
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lol lol lol Poor ol' scraggy.

You're getting it from all sides, aren't you? Are you cashed up? I have just the thing - but it's very expensive. This is EXACTLY what you want.

Because it's important for people to remember that the vast majority of tourists to India do EXACTLY what scragster is planning. Not in quite such a lunatic form, true, but yer 'classic two-weeks in India' is not an unknown concept.

That said, everything above is totally correct. So - how to do the whirlwind tour without dying from exhaustion of the way. There are stacks of cashed-up punters who really don't want to 'experience' India - they want to see the good bits and go back to the Oberoi.

So, scrags, there's a circuit that can accomodate you. Several, in fact - BUT they are all at the top end of the food chain.

http://www.theluxurytrains.com/
http://www.oberoihotels.com/india/ex...ons_winter.asp

So: what to do? Spend money or rethink. I know you want a smorgasbord; a tasting menu of India, a smash thru and crash trip thru amazing things.

Get yerself a Golden Triangle tour of Rajasthan.
Look, here's an example from the esteemed VP Singh

http://www.legendsandpalaces.com/cul...age_7_days.htm

add in Bundi or wherever you want. Fly back from Udaipur to Delhi. then Fly to Varanasi. Train to Kolkata.

It's done. Don't try to do all this yourself. Varanasi is easy, do a package deal for the Rajasthan bit. That way things will go fine. Busy, but fine.
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Old Nov 5th, 2010, 06:00 AM
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So you're driving from Agra to Jaipur to Chattra Sagar to Udaipur to Bundi to Jaipur with one night in each place? I hope you have MediEvac insurance because you will need it. So will your poor driver! They're human beings and deserve to be treated with consideration.

I checked into Chattra Sagar before we went to India last year. Will there be water in the tank? If not, you'll have a fetid swamp to see. How about Udaipur? Were the monsoons good this year?
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Old Nov 5th, 2010, 08:27 PM
  #23  
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I am truly greatful for the tips & sage advice! Tho I kinda wanna laugh and cry at the same time - what a roller coaster!

After reading your generous suggestions.... Voilà

Day 1 . Arrive Afternoon Delhi. 1 night.
Day 2 . Sightsee Delhi. 1 night.
Day 3 . Train to Bundi (via Kota). 1 night.
Day 4 . Sightsee Bundi. 1 night
Day 5 . Train/Drive to Jaipur. 1 night
Day 6 . Sightsee Jaipur. 1 night
Day 7 . Train/Drive to Agra. Visit FSikri. 1 night
Day 8 . Sightsee Agra. Night train to Varanasi
Day 9 . Sightsee Varanasi. 1 night
Day 10. Sightsee Varanasi. 1 night
Day 11. Train to Kolkata. 4 nights exploring the region.
Day 15. Evening flight to NYC

It's unfortunate that Udaipur and Cchatra Sagar don't fit in our schedule, but so it is. Do you think it's worth hiring a driver between Bundi and Jaipur so we can stop by villages, roadside food stands, or tiny markets (for unique craft items or textiles) along the way?

Also perhaps staying in heritage hotels and homestays will add to the personal feel that we were hoping to find at Cchatra S?
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Old Nov 5th, 2010, 09:49 PM
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http://www.mahindrahomestays.com/Pag...stays_All.aspx

http://blog.mahindrahomestays.com/go...le-india-tour/
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Old Nov 5th, 2010, 10:25 PM
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VARANASI
http://www.palaceonriver.com/

And why, oh why do you need to travel to Bundi?

Delhi to Bundi driving is 480 k - 10 hours - so the train is gonna be lo-o-o-ong. Bundi to Jaipur is 280k - say five hours.
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Old Nov 5th, 2010, 10:39 PM
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Here's the one already picked for a future trip!!! It is listed as well with mahindrahomestays website(the homestay listings Dogster frequently refers to ).

http://www.mahindrahomestays.com/hom...es/RJ0016.aspx

I have the book "From Purdah to the People" so am eager to stay there...when i finally get to Rajasthan!
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Old Nov 5th, 2010, 10:42 PM
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I'm glad you're enjoying that sire Cali. I'm tempted to do a homestay trip. There are some juicy offerings BUT you are very much in the hands of your hosts. You have to be prepared for, indeed welcome, that opportunity.
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Old Nov 6th, 2010, 05:54 AM
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I agree with Dogster about Bundi.

One other question: have you considered flying? You could pick one city in Rajasthan and fly from Delhi in a couple of hours. Jodhpur definitely has the best fort and has an elevator, thoughtfully installed by the maharaja, to take you right to the top. You can go to the little of village of Ossian which has some great temples and lots of little children in the sandy streets.
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Old Nov 6th, 2010, 06:16 AM
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Fortunately it appears there's an express train from Delhi to Kota that takes about 5 hours. We will then take a local train/bus/car from Kota to Bundi.

Has anyone done Bundi to Jaipur by car? Are there interesting villages or markets along the way?
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Old Nov 8th, 2010, 01:28 PM
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bookmarking
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Old Nov 8th, 2010, 10:58 PM
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Scagly, there are interesting villages and markets everywhere!! When people say India is a feast for the eyes and senses...it's true!
I've never been able to nap in a car during a ride in India. Why? There is just way too much to see!!!! It in no way resembles driving down a State Highway or Freeway where i live (USA)
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