India - 2007..help
Sep 11th, 2006, 12:57 PM
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India - 2007..help
We are thinking India for our 2007 trip. Any recommendations where to go first. North or south? Best airline? Tour company?? Best time to travel(thinking Sept-Oct)?
All comments welcome as this is new territory for us.
All comments welcome as this is new territory for us.
Sep 11th, 2006, 01:17 PM
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Hello MookieMan,
Most on this board will probably tell you that the so-called Golden Triange , Delhi, Agra-Jaipur in the north is a great introduction to India.
If you then throw in Varansai for the Ganges & Ranthambore for tigers, you have a pretty good trip.
www.waynehazle.com/india/
Also search the board for "India" this question has come up a lot lately
Most on this board will probably tell you that the so-called Golden Triange , Delhi, Agra-Jaipur in the north is a great introduction to India.
If you then throw in Varansai for the Ganges & Ranthambore for tigers, you have a pretty good trip.
www.waynehazle.com/india/
Also search the board for "India" this question has come up a lot lately
Sep 11th, 2006, 02:03 PM
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Namaste and Greetings from a American woman who lives in India!
India help is here!
First off, October is a much better month for travel in either North or South, so let us start with that point!
In terms of where to go on your first trip, so much depends on what are your interests, what would u like to see and experience, and also, how much time you have for your trip!
Many first timers to India come and go North, as this is the INDIA of folklure, Forts, Palaces, The Taj Mahal, the holy river Ganges, and a great introduction to the history and culture of the region..
If u go North, there are endless variations of the theme, again, depending on how much time u have. Those with the minimum of time often do the Golden Triangle, which is Delhi, Jaipur and Agra. If u have more time by all means go deeper into the State of Rajasthan. This can include places like Jodphur, Udaipur, Ranakpur, Rathambore, Jaisalmer, to name some suggestions. U can travel in this region using a combo of private/car/driver, perhaps a domestic flite or two, and even a train or two..so much depends how u want to route it and how u like to Travel..
If u go North India and if at all possible, u should also include a stop to Varanasi, the heart of Hindusim and one of the most fascinating places in India, if not the world over! I have written much about this city on this site, so u can do a search on Fodors.
Also, another great place to visit in the North is also Khajuraho. One of my favorite places in India. This can easily be routed on a trip such as the following, Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Khajuraho, and Varansi… to give u an idea..And if u go to Khajuraho, which u can reach after AGra, u may also consider adding a stopver in Orcha, another lovely place!
Of course, u might choose to go south on your first trip, depending on your interests and if u are seeking a more tropical, leisurely , outdoorsy and beach filled trip. If so, I would say go south..
If u go South I would suggest to start your travels in Bombay, and i just love Bombay so save time for shopping and eating in this great city!
From Bombay u might consider a flight to either the State of Goa famed for its beaches or to the port city of Cochi in Kerala. I personally love the State of kerala and u can easily spend a good week or two in this region, visiting the wildlife sanctuary, tea plantations, backwaters, beaches, etc..Places to include would be Cochi, Kumarakom, Thekady, Backwaters say from Quilon to Aleppy, perhaps Varkala beach, to name a few..
And if u go South and u have a few weeks, u might combine a visit to kerala with a visit to the state also of Tamil Nadu in one trip. In Tamil u can visit the amazing Temples and also some interesting coastal spots too. Places to include would be Madurai, Tanjore, Trichy, Mahalapuram, and u can end ur trip in Chennai and fly back to Bombay from here..Again, so many options..
And if u have three weeks, u might consider a trip that combines parts of North with parts of the South. This will give u a wonderful full on feel of the culture, colors and endless splendid variety of India.
So that is some food for thought to get u in the mood for the wonders of India!
Feel free to drop me a line/ email for more info. Happy to help! [email protected] Namaste
India help is here!
First off, October is a much better month for travel in either North or South, so let us start with that point!
In terms of where to go on your first trip, so much depends on what are your interests, what would u like to see and experience, and also, how much time you have for your trip!
Many first timers to India come and go North, as this is the INDIA of folklure, Forts, Palaces, The Taj Mahal, the holy river Ganges, and a great introduction to the history and culture of the region..
If u go North, there are endless variations of the theme, again, depending on how much time u have. Those with the minimum of time often do the Golden Triangle, which is Delhi, Jaipur and Agra. If u have more time by all means go deeper into the State of Rajasthan. This can include places like Jodphur, Udaipur, Ranakpur, Rathambore, Jaisalmer, to name some suggestions. U can travel in this region using a combo of private/car/driver, perhaps a domestic flite or two, and even a train or two..so much depends how u want to route it and how u like to Travel..
If u go North India and if at all possible, u should also include a stop to Varanasi, the heart of Hindusim and one of the most fascinating places in India, if not the world over! I have written much about this city on this site, so u can do a search on Fodors.
Also, another great place to visit in the North is also Khajuraho. One of my favorite places in India. This can easily be routed on a trip such as the following, Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Khajuraho, and Varansi… to give u an idea..And if u go to Khajuraho, which u can reach after AGra, u may also consider adding a stopver in Orcha, another lovely place!
Of course, u might choose to go south on your first trip, depending on your interests and if u are seeking a more tropical, leisurely , outdoorsy and beach filled trip. If so, I would say go south..
If u go South I would suggest to start your travels in Bombay, and i just love Bombay so save time for shopping and eating in this great city!
From Bombay u might consider a flight to either the State of Goa famed for its beaches or to the port city of Cochi in Kerala. I personally love the State of kerala and u can easily spend a good week or two in this region, visiting the wildlife sanctuary, tea plantations, backwaters, beaches, etc..Places to include would be Cochi, Kumarakom, Thekady, Backwaters say from Quilon to Aleppy, perhaps Varkala beach, to name a few..
And if u go South and u have a few weeks, u might combine a visit to kerala with a visit to the state also of Tamil Nadu in one trip. In Tamil u can visit the amazing Temples and also some interesting coastal spots too. Places to include would be Madurai, Tanjore, Trichy, Mahalapuram, and u can end ur trip in Chennai and fly back to Bombay from here..Again, so many options..
And if u have three weeks, u might consider a trip that combines parts of North with parts of the South. This will give u a wonderful full on feel of the culture, colors and endless splendid variety of India.
So that is some food for thought to get u in the mood for the wonders of India!
Feel free to drop me a line/ email for more info. Happy to help! [email protected] Namaste
Sep 11th, 2006, 02:54 PM
#4
How many days? What are your interests? Are you interested in mountains? Where do you usually travel? Wayne is right that first time recommendations are usually Rajasthan, Delhi and Agra, but if you have time there are lots of other places to consider. Tours are not really necessary, and you'll save money booking through local companies, even more if you book in country. South is cleaner but hotter.
Sep 11th, 2006, 07:27 PM
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I see U asked also about tour companies? Are u interested in going on a group tour or a custom made tour? In terms of group tour companies, there are many operating in India, and i can certainly suggest and give reccos as i have been leading tours thru North India for the past ten years with various operators. On the otherside, if u are interested in putting together a custom made private tour, i certainly have my favorite in India an would be happy to help/suggest..drop me a line. Namaste.
Sep 11th, 2006, 07:44 PM
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mook...bonita is a big help....rely on her expertise as well as others....she has the advantage of being there a good part of the year....she helped me a great deal with my upcoming trip....the high season starts in november and prices rise...
contact her at: [email protected]
contact her at: [email protected]
Sep 11th, 2006, 10:49 PM
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I guess as your introductory trip to India, you should consider Delhi, Agra & Rajasthan over South or East. You may also add Benares to your itinerary if you have enough days at your disposal. I propose this section as I feel it some how clicks with the American psyche…beautiful, unique & intensive sight seeing with history, architecture, nature at luxuriant best, spirituality as leitmotifs. You have a number of optional itineraries to choose from and accordant to your own interests & tastes. You have festivals falling in October & November ’07 which participation adds to the colour of your holiday.
The best internal airline, as of date is the Kingfisher but as the sector on which it flies is limited, you may pick the Jet Airways. It is very good indeed.
As for Tour Company, you still have people who do exclusive work & who have been tried by fodorites & have tremendous appreciation for their work. The materials to work on are almost the same but it is the presentation of these very materials which make them stand out head & shoulders above the rest.
Very best for your plans!
The best internal airline, as of date is the Kingfisher but as the sector on which it flies is limited, you may pick the Jet Airways. It is very good indeed.
As for Tour Company, you still have people who do exclusive work & who have been tried by fodorites & have tremendous appreciation for their work. The materials to work on are almost the same but it is the presentation of these very materials which make them stand out head & shoulders above the rest.
Very best for your plans!
Sep 12th, 2006, 12:49 AM
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The best site for India (and no I dont own it) is www.indiamike.com
You dont need any other info! I promise check it out..you wont regret it!
You dont need any other info! I promise check it out..you wont regret it!
Sep 13th, 2006, 11:27 AM
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Sep 26th, 2006, 07:05 AM
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The main season for the north is up to April, and similarly in Kerala in the south. Temperature and the onset of Monsoon then kick in. I can suggest itineraries and then put you directly onto [email protected] who have arranged tours for me over the last fifteen years.
