India in April
 

I'm in the process of booking the "Land of the Maharajas with General Tours. The tour looks exciting. Has anyone taken this? I picked this since it's privately guided and not with a huge group. I did a private to South Africa several years ago and it was well worth the money.
Also, what is the appropiate dress for a female? I know it's going to be hot and I would love to wear shorts and a tank top.
Thanks!

You definitely doon't want to wear shorts and a tank top in Rajasthan! it will be hot, so you want to wear loose clothing in natural fibers. I wore black cotton pants (so the dirt wouldn't show) with cotton tops that were sort of tunic style. My daughter wore baggy pants or long cotton skirts with short sleeved tunic tops until she bought some salwar kameez (sort of pajama style outfits) in lightweight cotton or silk. An umbrella for protection from the sun was a surprisingly nice accessory too.

Saturngirl

The tour looks good. Just know that you be RUSHING! I did 12 days in India in 2002 including most of what you did and it was great but rush.

While not as conservative as Iran, I would go easy on the shorts and tank tops, especially nothing tight. Best not to show too much skin and not draw attention.

ooops, meant to add

www.waynehazle.com/india/

Wayne,

Your site and photos are beautiful. I had read your account long ago and re-read it today.

Just really take a look at the temperatures, it will be over 95 F most days and on many days will be in excess of 100 F. I have been in Delhi in the spring months like April when it is like 115 F and believe me that was no fun and I was not trying to be a tourist, just running from the air-conditioned car to an air-conditioned meeting room. The heat is really quite something and will be very draining. The sun is unbelievably strong. IMO this is not a good month at all to see Rajathasan. If you get any kind of stomach upset, then combined with heat and trying to stick to this schedule it sounds like an awful trip, IMO. It is so much more pleasant and beautiful in the winter months.

Go to weatherbase.com for an idea of the temperatures you can expect.

Shorts and a tank top would not be appropriate for certain temples, not at all for any mosques. conversely you will freeze in cars, buses, planes and some restaurants with the air-con turned up. The desert areas will be cool at night as well. Your guide would have to tell you when it would be OK to dress in shorts.

I agree the schedule is way too rushed. One day in Delhi is not enough, one day in Jaipur can't begin to cover the city.

Please don't stay at the Clark's hotel in Agra. I don't like any of their Delhi hotel choices.

April is a very hot month. If you feel you can handle the heat, then I don't think you should have too many problems. Also, like some people have already suggested, cotton pants will be more comfortable than shorts (will attract less attention). If you wear tank tops, make sure you use sunscreen and an umbrella will really help shield from the intense sunlight.

Would like to thank everyone for their responses. I didn't realize just how hot it would be. I was in Egypt several years ago in May,visiting tombs along the Nile and it was so hot I had to go back to the ship. I thought I was going to have heat stroke. Someone suggested I visit India in November.
Thanks again all.

I was in India in December and it was great weather. In the morning and evenings you just need a sweatshirt or light jacket. Midday it was around 70s. I believe Nov-Feb is peak for Rajasthan.

You really have to be careful to dress appropriately. If you do wear shorts be prepared for a lot of attention from locals.

Good idea to wait till Nov. thru the winter. I was reading to see if someone would mention that. I don't think people not used to that heat would do very well then, at least most of them. We went last Jan. thru mid feb. and Delhi by the time we left was getting in the 80's. Also I think air fares drop in Feb. so if you can go then it would be fine IMHO. Have fun, Larry :-)