danj

I am planning a trip for late February to Rajasthan with my wife and 13 year old daughter. Because time will be limited (isn't it always) I'm looking for advice on how to get around to the various places we've selected with the highest degree of speed and efficiency possible in India. I'm also open to suggestions about where to slow down and enjoy the journey, not just the destinations.

I'm specifically looking for suggestions regarding itineraray sequence and mode(s) of transportation that takes in the following, given that Mumbai is fixed as a starting point:

1. Agra/Taj Mahal
2. Ranthambore
3. Jodhpur
4. Jaisalmer (hope to include overnight camel safari)

Return to the US would be from Delhi, on the assumption that is the most convenient. We've been tempted to include another city like Udaipur or Jaipur but don't want to find ourselves constantly on the go.

I travel from the US to Mumbai regularly on business and have made several independent, solo excursions on weekends throughout southern India. I've found domestic air travel in India to be cheap and comfortable. I've never traveled by train in India and am somewhat daunted by it. I've also used private drivers but not guides in my previous travels. Guides seem like a good idea with the family in tow. This is their first trip to India and if we get truly helpful guides, it could lead to a more pleasant experience for all.

Thanks for your ideas!

JerryS

First of all, I would suggest that you contact a travel agent in India to help you plan and make arrangements. IMO the best way to go is to have an Agent set up, with your input, a complete private tour for you and your family. This would include a private guide and driver. You will be amazed how inexpensive this will be. Search this site for many recommendations of agents in India. There are many good ones. My favorite is VP Singh (Legends andpalaces.com).
As for travel, it seems that you would fly from Mumbai to Udaipur and then plan from there, working your way to Delhi.
Good luck and happy travels.

npjai

How many days do you wish to spend? Assuming you just want to cover the places you mention, you would need at least these many days -
Day 1 - Bom/Jodhpur & drive to Jaisalmer (will depend also on flight time if its not too late in the evening.
Day 2 - Jaisalmer. Safari & camp in the desert.
Day 3 - Jaisalmer
Day 4 - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur drive
Day 5 - Jodhpur
Day 6 - Jodhpur - Jaipur morning train or afternoon flight
Day 7 - Jaipur
Day 8 - Jaipur - Ranthambore drive
Day 9 - Ranthambore
Day 10 - Ranthambore - Agra (long drive. Trains are a complicated option but possible upto Bharatpur and then drive)
Day 11 - Agra sightseeing & drive to Delhi. Connect flight to Bombay. Or stay on if you want to do sightseeing in Delhi

Im not on this forum very often but would be happy to respond to your emails at [email protected]

danj

npjai - Thanks, that's helpful and feels about as agressive as we want to be about the timing. As a general rule, we don't like being on the move so much that we have to sleep in a different place each night. I noticed you included a day in Jaipur. I've heard such mixed reviews that I hadn't placed it high on our list of priorities. Is this a case of it being en route to Ranthambore, so its worth a visit anyway?

rploehn

I had that feeling too, about not wanting to spend just one night in a town and then move on. Then I went on my driver-tour of Rajasthan and than all changed.

Eliminate the thoughts of taxi transfer, airport check-ins, security, inhospitable airports with over-priced food wrapped in plastic, etc. With the entire trip with one driver, it is not a rush to get from one place to another. Yes, you unpack, but since you are in a private car, you do not have to repack tightly for the next flight. It really is quite a luxury and I would not go by train or plane anywhere in Rajasthan.

I used www.rajuindia.com, and there are several other places that can consult with you on stops and specific hotels (if any), quote you your entire trip, and then make all arrangements. (There are no hidden extras, upcharges or road tolls. Included were driver, car, hotels and breakfasts each day.) With thorough consultation up front with your tour company owner, your trip will be effortless. The most decision-making of each day was selecting one of the rooms a hotel manager would show me. Since it was all reserved by my owner-agent who does business with these places often, I was given lots of nice choices at most stops.

In my experience, my driver was a "half-guide." He did not have a guide's license, but because of several years' experience in Rajasthan, he knew exactly where to take me at every stop, and also some hidden places and unexpected fun. I never was subjected to overpriced facilities (restaurants, tourist shops, etc.).

You will have a great time with your family, not worrying about connections or transfers, but concentrating on family fun.

danj

Thanks rploehn. Now that you mention it, it makes sense. Also, after doing a little more research into flight schedules I'm seeing that the drive option also has a big advantage in being able to travel when it's most convenient for us.