batgal

Husband and I have decided to go to India for our honeymoon. We have 5 days and 4 nights, coming in August very early in the morning and leaving very late at night. Since we only have that much time, we are planning only to see the Taj Mahal, Lotus Temple, Akshardham, Humayan's Tomb, Lodi Garden, Raj Path, etc), and maybe be able to experience a little bit of the culture by doing things like check the elephants or tigers or other things like a little bit of shopping. Seems to be a lot of hotels in the Delhi area, but we are not sure if that is the best place to book a hotel for good prices and as a starting point to go around places that we want to visit while we are there, and also could offer airport shuttle service included in fee and early check-in and late checkout. The easiest way would be to book all of 4 nights in one hotel maybe in Delhi, but watching the sunset at Taj Mahal and staying the night there in Agra sound appealing as well. Could anybody help us try to figure out a nice itinerary for a couple who has never gone to India? Which hotel would best fit for our needs at this time, and could pick us up at the airport and drop us off? Budget for hotel would be around INR 5500. We are open to tours as long as they are not too expensive. Not sure how to get around across the country as well. I'm in dire need of help!

MmePerdu

It seems to me that with just 4 nights, you then have 3 full days, not 5. I'm interested to know where you'll be coming from.

Why not save India for when you have the time for it. It seems to me that a smaller, simpler and possibly cooler place would be equally, if not more, romantic. Delhi will be hot and wet in August.

rhkkmk

that hotel budget will be very difficult in delhi I believe... less than $100 US

thursdaysd

Why have you picked India? Where are you coming from?

India can be fascinating, but it is serious, challenging travel, not a place for a romantic interlude. And the weather in August is likely to be miserable.

If you insist on visiting Agra for the Taj you can either take the train - see seat61.com - or arrange a car and driver from one of the several agencies mentioned in TRs here.

uhoh_busted

If you are already in India, are you planning on using train travel, or flying? You will probably do best to stick to just Delhi and Agra.

jacketwatch

Where are you embarking from?
Honesty for such a short period of time and with so much to see in India this does not seem like good idea, especially in August.

jacketwatch

Actually a short trip to India is like having an hour to see the Louve. Best to go when you have the time to see it fully and when the weather is most comfortable, like in the winter.

vp_singh

Pick-up & drop is no issue as most of the hotels will do that, as also local sightseeing at an additional cost. I guess for your purpose, The Manor New Delhi should be fine. It locates in a posh locality ideal for a quiet evening walk, has one of the best restaurants in Delhi the 'Ascent', tastefully decorated rooms, a large well-maintained lawn. The swimming pool is not available, though, and in warm August, may be a necessity.
See if they have some packages for the month of August.
A night in Agra, with early morning sightseeing of the Taj Mahal should be a good idea. You could stay at the Taj Gateway Hotel or the Jay Pee Palace or the Trident.
As it is your honeymoon trip, have it organised. India is not a whistle through destination. It could be tough on a warm & humid August day, the noise, traffic, bargaining at every step may be disconcerting.
Happy & intense travels!

galactus

The Manor at 5500/- would be tough, but if you can get it, its nice. I would personally pick the Lemon Tree Premier in the Aerocity because of your timings of flights, but it is a very business like (read non-honeymoon) hotel.

In Agra, I would again choose the Taj Gateway recommended by Mr Singh. The Trident Agra is just not the usual Trident standards. www.Cleartrip.com is a great site for booking hotels unless you are using a travel agent.

SengarPiyush

Hello,

3 Nights in Delhi would be more than enough, there are lots of things to do, to see, to experience in and around Delhi. You must stay at least one night at Agra to experience Taj at Dwan or/and Sunset. You may try Piccadilly Hotel in Delhi which was Hilton before nice cosy rooms with all modern amenities, should be under USD 100. In Agra try Wyndham Resorts. Book a cab preferably Toyota Innova for whole trip which should not be costing you USD 300 for whole trip.

Regards,

Piyush Sengar

Rachealstern

The Gateway Hotels had a hotel near the Taj Mahal, if that's convenient I would suggest you check it out.