I also used TGS of Jaipur and was very pleased with the service we had. In working with TGS, we had a driver for 15 days and guides were hired as needed - we generally had a guide for one day in the main cities, although some days we'd be on our own.

Raj, our driver was not a guide, but certainly had familiarity with many sights, and would take us places if asked. The planning was done with Nikhil, owner of TGS, and we were in daily contact with him, sometimes speaking several times a day to review plans or make changes.

I have to say it was wonderful to have someone who was always there and behind the scenes. We were both a little nervous traveling to India, and knowing that there was someone who we could contact should there be a problem was invaluable. And having a driver who was always there when you needed him was an indulgence I never experienced before!

I was very pleased with TGS and recommend them highly. Nikhil worked with me to provide a very personal travel experience that suited us. And I know there are other companies that people here on the board have worked with, and I'm sure that they, too, provide a similar service. I can't speak about the other agencies, but I have to say I loved working with a private agency to have the peace of mind of knowing that there was always someone there. And we are used to independent travel -- going to India for the first time, though, we both wanted that extra security.

Hope this gives you enough info to guide your travel planning.

Thanks, Paule. Sent email inquiry and heard back from Nikhil within minutes! Pretty sure will now do the Bikaner/Mandawa route from Jaisalmer to Jaipur. Looking at Bhawan Niwas hotel in Bikaner, not sure yet about Mandawa.

Great! I hope it works out for you with TGS! Looking forward to hearing how the trip goes, too - I'm really intrigued by the Shekhawati region, too.