I may be going to Delhi with my 9 year and friend for a week to ten days. The friend will be working most days,,What would you suggest as "things to do" with my son and I. What are some "safe" 1-3 day trips from there we might take?

Delhi can be horribly hot and polluted. I have been to cities notorious for pollution like Mexico City and Cairo and neither came remotely close to the black crap you walked into at 6pm outside our hotel (Taj Palace) in a "clean" suburb. So if you or the child have asthma at all, be prepared. Agra is the obvious day trip - go by train and pre book. Bus takes a lot longer and is not overly comfortable. Could stay overnight as Taj Mahal and Fatepur Sikri are great sights, although the town itself I think is a dump and the continual hassling for money is irritating. Could fly to Jaipur or Udaipur as flights are cheap. I would recommend Udaipur as it is a friendlier environment for you and a 9 year old - simply not the level of aggressive begging. Has a much more comfortable climate than Delhi and Jaipur and is a very pleasant town to wander around (which Delhi is not). You can also hire a rickshaw driver for the day for very little and zip around the town and outskirts. Kumbalgargh Fort is a great place to visit which is about 2 hrs drive from Udaipur. Range of hotels is very good as well and selection of prices. Take your child to the cafe/restaurant to watch the Bond movie Octopussy (shown at this place every night - popular for western tourists), largely set in Udaipur (but go to the toilet before hand - at least when I was there, this place's toilet was revolting, which is an understatement).

My favourite thing in Delhi is Chandni Chowk market. Streets and alleys full of everything you could think of. You can tour the Red Fort then take a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, which is nearby. Rickshaws are for hire in front of the fort. I also recommend the Arts and Crafts Museum. I work in the world of art and antiques and this place made my jaw drop. Another great place to visit is the Bahai Temple, which is shaped like a giant lotus leaf. The person above recommended Fatephur Sikri. Warning: this former palace is one of the HOTEST places on earth, reaching temperatures of 120F. in May-June. I would never, ever take a child there unless it was during the winter season. I have travelled all over the world and there is no place as exotic to the senses as India.

Thanks for the advise. I had forgotten to mention that we are going in Dec. or Jan. Any hotels to reccommend?

In Delhi, I stayed at Le Meridien, which is a large, atrium hotel. It is full of shops and restaurants, and has a nice pool. However, my aunt prefers the Oberoi, which is probably the most expensive hotel in all of India. I stayed at the Mughal Sheraton in Agra, which I hated because the service was inconsistent and the monkeys in the garden swam in the hotel pool. (Imagine the disease that could be spread if the pool is not properly clorinated.) A rich Arab prince and his family stayed in the room next to mine and his children ran up and down the hallways at 2 in the morning. If you are going to Jaipur, I highly recommend the Rambagh Palace. The Duke and Duchess of Windsor stayed here and it is very old Hollywood glamour, with princess telephones and satin bedspreads. If you want any information on shopping, please just ask.

Thanks, very helpful.. What is the average cost for this level of hotel? Do you book it yourself fromm the US or through agent? Is one cheaper method than the other?

I have been to India twice. The first time I just went to Jaipur to meet the Maharaja of Jaipur (Bubbles Singh) because I was a consultant to someone who was writing a book on his art collection and carpets. This is when I stayed at the Rambagh Palace. I think my room was $300 a night, but I didn't pay, the publisher paid the bill. The second time I went with a group of friends. We had everything arranged for us by an ex-lawyer who runs luxury tours out of Florida. The trip cost about $5,000 per person for 14 days in India and Nepal. We had a mini-bus drive us between Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra. Then we flew to Benares and then on to Kathmandu. I think Le Meridien costs about $100 a night for a standard room, same at the Sheraton in Jaipur and in Agra. I have one of those Sheraton Executive Club Cards from my employer, so I got to stay on the executive floor of these hotels at no extra charge. Sorry, I can't help you about getting from point to point by train. But, I have heard from someone else who did this and she told me for some reason the men who run the ticket office at the train stations don't like to sell tickets to women. Is a man coming with you????

I stayed at Taj Palace which is very nice. Next door to Sheraton which had a the time one of the best reps for restaurant. Oberoi was regarded at time by people familiar with all these hotels as best.
Stayed at Taj hotel in Agra as well - OK but really nothing special , as well as Rambagh Palace (also Taj group). When I was there the RP had suites and normal rooms. Normal rooms were nothing special as they were not renovated as regularly as suites - 20 years old stuff (told that by an exec of company that did up Taj Group hotels). But would still recommend - atmosphere is quite special. Jai Mahal Palace in Jaipur is also nice - more modern but less atmosphere.

hey veron.

I could forward you some details with my recent program which was this december of North India (lasted around 9 nights). The works was organised through a friend who put the hotels etc together. We got very competetive prices since they sell volumes (as i understood). The highlight was that we were travelling pretty much like the local people do and go to visit most of the "off the beaten track places" in the 4 cities we visited. If you need some details and the contact for any information of reservation I shall be glad to share the same with you. Since this is a public post I don't want to advertise which might look like pushing their good name so write into me and i shall give your our itinerary and important tips.

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Regards

Ginny