PiperPat, We actually talked with an OAT rep and decided on November 2010. She mentioned the cooler, dryer weather, and also that there are more opportunities to see festivals in Nvoember.

Have a great time on your trip - are you doing the Heart of India one? I look forward to hearing about it when you return.

Megdean, Yes that is the trip we're taking. We're also taking the pre-trip to Bhutan. I've met several people who've taken the trip and it comes highly recommended. I think we just have to have realistic expectations of what life in India is like. Right now I'm doing research in how NOT to get sick in India.

I think my biggest concern is there are several very long driving days. I am not a fan of driving long distances. Please let me know how that works out - grueling and boring, or several stops of interest.

I say go with Castle and King like the poster above did. We went with them in Dec. 2007 and got to customize our 16 day trip. No on the bus, off the bus. We did what we wanted, when we wanted. Castle and King did an excellent job arranging everything for us, with enough down time.