rje

Well, I'm prejudiced because I had such a great experience with TGS, so I'd say go with them. I had prices that were a bit lower from others also, but decided to go with TGS because of Nikhil. His information and suggestions were always excellent, and I appreciated his calls to us while we were in the car checking in on us to see if there was anything we needed. His driver was also excellent and knew exactly where everyplace was we wanted to go, no matter how obscure and seldom-visited.

BostonWriter

RJE - did you use TGS for South, too? Just firming up my plans (some based on your trip) and trying to decide if we (my mom, 70, and I, 43) are going through someone or just going direct? Will use TGS for Northern trip in March with my son.

rje

No, I only went with TGS for the north. I'd been to South India before, and in general I found the south "easier" in most ways than the north, so I was less concerned about having backup and assistance. Also, I was in the south for a shorter time than in the north, with less driving.

On both trips to the south I used the same small 2-person company. I used them based on good recommendations on IndiaMike.com.

They were supposed to get me the same driver for the south this time that I'd had on my last trip there, but at the last minute he wasn't available. Then the owner said he'd drive us, but on the day we were picked up, he couldn't do it either. Based on those 2 last-minute switches from what I'd been promised, I'd be reluctant to recommend them now.

dgunbug recently had a very good experience with her driver in the south, and maybe she will see this.

BostonWriter

I read about your issues with the son subbing in for the dad whom you'd actually booked - makes me less likely to book with them. I hear good things about Earthy Routes and, if I just can't get my mother to buy in to going without backup, Ampersand or something...any suggestions for a houseboat? Or wonderful backwater experience?

Cyansiam

Bit late on this thread but Mihir Garh is amazing, you would need 2 nights though to appreciate it!

For insurance cover I use World Nomads, recommended by expats living here as their main health cover but I have not had to claim yet.

Kirthi

Hi,

We did a do it yourself trip. We flew into Delhi from US. Because of jet lag we got an early start in the mornings. That helped us beat the rush at a lot of places. We used orbitz/travelocity to book our hotels and got great properties at a reasonable price. We booked train tickets online as we wanted to add some train travel as well.

We used Four Wheel Drive India for our travel in Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Ranthambore tiger reserve and Bharatpur bird sanctuary.

ANIL SINHA (24 HRS): +91 98297 66640 or +91 98292 48899 or +91 92127 82201

The bookings for the tiger reserve were made online as well.

I just did a month and half trip with my 18 year old. He got bored with the heritage sites after a while and said they all look the same.

We try to combine heritage sites and nature to keep it interesting for him.

If you are staying at good properties, they will have some kind of cooking lessons with their chefs.

Since you have time, check out and price the hotels on your own and talk to Mr. Sinha about the package. His drivers were well trained, spoke english and very polite. Also, most hotels will help you with the sight seeing. $5900 for 2 is not cheap.

Kirthi

knightriders1950

BostonWriter

Hi,
I have gone through the different good suggestions made by different visitors. Accepting all these I just add/amend itinerary a little bit.
1. DELHI 2 days, for going to JAIPUR you can avail,train service leaving delhi(DELHI-AJMER SHATABDI EXP at 6.05am early morning and reached JAIPUR at 10.35 am.) or flight which you feel comfortable.
2. JAIPUR 2 days, next to UDAIPUR by flight
3.UDAIPUR 2 days, next drive to Jodhpur
4. JODHUR 1 day, next drive to JAISALMIR( I am really surprised why no one has mentioned about Jaisalmir, Its a wonderful place to must visit)
5.JAISALMIR 2 days,
take flight from jaisalmir to delhi.(if no air connection then back to joadhpur then fly for delhi) ,I am nor sure about jaisalmir air connection
If you like add AGRA(should be) then DELHI TO AGRA(there are 2/3 train shatabdi) then AGRA to JAIPUR by train(AGRA CANTT TO AJMER, SUPER FAST leaving Agra at 5.05am reaching Jaipur at 9.30am) or drive . For AGRA one day is sufficient
As an Indian citizen my suggestion definitely will give you much comfort
You may have few more days in your hand which can be utilize as per your convenience/ interest


Robin

thursdaysd

Typical lousy travel agent itinerary. Ignore it.