India trip
 

Hi,

Wife and I are thinking of visiting Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Dungapur, Udaipur, Pushkar and finally Varanasi this November. Having been to Pushkar and Varanasi in the past (as well as Delhi, Jaipur, Jodphur and Agra) we pretty much know what to expect except for the Ahmedabad, Dungapur and Udaipur areas. We are photographers (not professional) who enjoy villages, people and markets. Would appreciate any thoughts concerning the above sites that I mentioned.
Thanks

We spent 4 nights in Udaipur in February. You can read about it in my trip report here:

http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...ad-bangkok.cfm

Post back with any questions.

Craig,
Thanks. I read your trip report previously. Great job. I am thinking of trying to stay at the same guest house in Udaipur that you were so fond of. They sound like wonderful owners and a nice place to position oneself for visiting Udaipur and surrounding area.

In Udaipur, you might also consider Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel - it is just slightly more expensive than Pahuna Haveli but some of the rooms have lake views. Jagat Niwas has a good restaurant (we ate there one night) and is also close to the City Palace and shopping. We did our Udaipur planning about a month before we went so it was not available but "live42day" on this forum enjoyed her stay there.

We did, too, as has Dogster. He stays there frequently. Travelaw and her family stayed there as well. Room 116 is the one to get -- great view of the Lake Palace and it has a charming jharoka aka balcony.

One thing to consider about Udaipur is whether there will be water in the lake. If not, U. would not be so lovely. Look for info after the monsoon about how abundant it was. Even after a poor monsoon last year, there was still enough water to make it quite scenic.

About an hour from U. are Ranakpur and Khumbelgarh Fort. They're situated in the Aravelli Hills, a lovely rural mountainous area populated with troupes of monkeys.

Ahmedabad: House of MG.
http://houseofmg.com/

Thanks to all of you for the above input. One other question. As I mentioned above,my wife and I especially enjoy people, villages, markets, etc. Do you think we will see much of that in and around Ahmedabad or should we be thinking of other places in the travel route (other than Pushkar and Varanas)that I mentioned above that would offer us better opportunities in your experience. Thanks ahead of time. Appreciate all of your input.

not in and around Ahmedabad. You dopn't mention how long your trip is? That'll help. If you want to enjoy people, villages, markets, etc, you need to set aside time away from the cities to do it - and be traveling on the back roads, not the highways. Between Ahmedabad and Udaipur there are wondrous opportunities, but not if you just get on the highway and zoom thru.

Will you be in Pushkar for the Camel Fair?

Dogster, I have about 7-8 days when I first arrive in Ahmedabad until I plan on getting into Pushkar for the camel fair. I want to make sure I use that time (between leaving Mumbai and arriving in Pushkar) as best as I can knowing what I mentioned above about what we are interested in. Any specifics on that road trip from Ahmedabad to Udaipur would be great. Dogster, also, any thoughts about where to stay in Mumbai?. I read your posts pertaining to Colaba and am now trying to decide where the best area/place to stay in Mumbai for about 3 days. Appreciate your input.

Indianapearl. I plan to be in Pushkar from about Nov. 14th-18th depending about how many days I may need/want to spend in the Ahmedabad-Dungarpur-Udaipur area prior to Pushkar.

Well, Hotel Apollo I like, but I'm kinda strange and enjoy Colaba. It's the only area I know. Hotels in Mumbai, upmarket, are outrageously expensive. Taj is, of course, fine - but with the security, it's a bit like being in a jail for rich people.

http://www.hotelapollo.co.in

Don't stay at Gordon House, no matter how nice it looks.

If you have time I can suggest a couple of heritage hotels in Guj. Wonderful company, great hosts and extraordinary accomodations. Go here to start with:
www.poshina.com
http://bhavanivilladanta.com/
http://www.vijayvilasvijaynagar.com/
more here:
http://heritagehotelsofgujarat.net/ [this won't open for me]
http://www.gujarattourism.com/showpa...contentid=1252

BUT you have to prepared to sing for your supper. lol. As in conversation. You'll be eating and touring with your hosts. AND you have to be interested... show them, give positive feedback and you'll have a great time. You'll get all the villages, tribals and rural normality you're looking for. Once you cross the border into Rajasthan, as you'll find out, you're in tourist central. Trying to escape the assumptions can be a real trial.

All the above places are kinda in a straight line from Ahmedabad to Udaipur. Look on a map. These are NOT 5 star grovel places - you'll be staying in somebody's home/palace. Ahh, and the FOOD. wow. Two nights in an area is <i>always</i> better than one.

House of MG, great food as well.

Check these places out, tell me if they appeal.

Hi gpeters, I too plan to visit the Pushkar fair this November. I'm trying to fit my overall itinerary around it and decide on the best days to go and for how long - I'm curious, how did you arrive at 4 nights and those particular days? Thanks! p.s. I'm also going for the photography.

Diwali is Nov 5. Be somewhere good for that.

My friends were in Udaipur for Diwali last year and said it was amazing!

Dogster, thanks for the information. I'll "work" through it the next few days and get back to you. You have been very helpful. By the way, we will be in Ahmedabad during the Diwali festival time.

Nutella->I was in Pushkar about three years ago and spent about 2 days there with a small photo group. Between the fairgrounds (especially early morning), town center and lake, I found I needed a few more days to take it all in!!

thanks gp. i take that as a good endorsement of the pushkar fair.

i now have my air reservation to india. perhaps i'll see you in pushkar!