Hi all.
Spoke with Oberoi ...this is what they suggested...reverse of what some suggested.....should I do Devigarh in this situation or just add night somewhere else...?
They dont recommend train travel...
julia

So what did they suggest?!

OOPs ...here is what they suggested


The Oberoi New Delhi
02 nights
01 Premier room
Devigarh (Own arrangements)
01 night
The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur
03 nights
The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur
02 nights
The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra
02 nights
The Oberoi New Delhi
01 night
The suggested travel plan is designed to allow you the opportunity to get the best of India . Another reason for suggesting these itinerary options is smooth & easy intercity travel. We suggest you the following:
New Delhi – Udaipur Flight from New Delhi to Udaipur (duration 1 hour)
Udaipur – Jaipur Surface transfers by car from Udaipur to Jaipur (Drive time is 6 hours approx).
Jaipur - Agra Surface transfers by car from Jaipur to Agra (Drive time is 4.5 hours approx).
Agra – New Delhi Surface transfers by car from Agra to New Delhi (Drive time is 4 hours approx)

Train travel is not our recommendation as quality of railway platforms and trains may not be to your expectations.

"Train travel is not our recommendation as quality of railway platforms and trains may not be to your expectations." - hmmm, so what is the price difference (and their profit difference) if you take the train? And can't imagine the best class on the Deli-Agra express upsetting anyone.

Why the single night at Devi Gargh? Why not just do 4 nights Udaivilas?

someone suggested I should stay there...but maybe I will do 4 nights at Udaivillas???other thoughts on this?
Also I think I might do train from Agra to Delhi...is that where you think it would be good...Dogster suggested a specific train....

Why move around if you don't have to? With packing, check-in/check-out and transit, you wind up wasting a half day of your vacation time.

Dogster suggested the Shatabdi Express train - leaves Agra at around 8 AM and arrives Delhi 2 hours later.

4 nights udaipur vs. 3 nights jaipur vs. etra night Delhi at end?

Udaivilas is a lovely hotel. However, I think a 20 something man would find it quite tedious after 3 nights, especially when he's staying with his mother (disclaimer: I haven't been a 20 year old man for some time). Ask your son what HE would prefer!

Do Kumbhelgarh Fort and the Jain Temple on a day trip form Udaipur rather than doing it on the way to Jaipur (which would make it too long a drive). That would justify the four nights. If you have a full day plus the next morning in Jaipur, I think you can do Jaipur in 2 nights.

And I just don't think you need an extra night in Delhi at the end as you have almost two full days there if you take the early morning train from Agra and have the late departure after the one night stay. You should definitely look into a late check-out at your Delhi hotel though or even pay for an additional day if necessary, so that you can have some place to camp out until you need to leave for the airport. If nothing else, you will appreciate having a shower prior to your long flight.

Marija, if I were a 20 something man again traveling with my mother, I might find the whole 11 night trip tedious .

I am also coming to the conclusion that the son may not have a clue what he wants to do on this trip and may just have to be "told" what the deal is. Hopefully, he is the go-with-the-flow type...

Since Son JJ will spend 6 weeks "roughing it" in India prior to the arrival of Mama JJ you'd think he'd have a rough idea of where he's planning to go and what he wants to see/experience. Maybe he's on another board planning his trip...

i think the driving time estimates may be a bit on the short side from my experiences...

!7 year old son is very flexible....he will be in many different areas of India for his 6 weeks..mostly in ashrams....doing community service ....he will also stay with some indian families..one in calcutta...he will be thrilled to get service and shop..he loves interesting things..he is not your typical 17yr old....obviously...thanks for all your help!!!!!

I sent an e-mail asking for late check out..do you think they will really try to charge me another night (approx 300.00)...after spending 11 days in their hotels? What time approx does flight to NYC leave delhi?
Julia

They might let you stay until 6 PM without charge. Your flight leaves at either 10:50 PM (Continental to Newark) or 12:25 AM (Air India to JFK). You cannot check in at Delhi Airport more than 3 hours before flight time. It will take you 45 minutes to an hour to get to the airport. Take the Continental flight if you can...

why the continental vs. air india???

heya julia - well, this is looking better. How are you feeling about things now?

As you see, you are not the only Princess that the Oberoi has dealt with. lol lol lol. But I'd go for the train Agra to Delhi, just the same - you can cope, you'll have the son - it ain't hard.

Doing things that way around is fine. Craig's points above are accurate, re: checking out/in/out of Devi Garh but I suggested it because its your only opportunity on this trip to go rural. Hence worth the [not-very] shlep. I haven't stayed there: but I'd run with Cicerone's reccos in a previous post... if it appeals, do it. It ain't a big hassle.

Generally tho, ' that itinerary looks fine. Are you happy with the extra costings they've given you? Or are we not at that point yet?

Just for comparison with their charges when they come thru: if you booked extras yourself...

Delhi to Udaipur Jet Airways Economy $80 - 100 X 2
Driver and car [$80 a day X 3 days] $240
Shabati Express [dunno - say...] $100 X 2

Yes I am getting happier!! They have not quoted me the extra's yet.....I dont mind paying for comfort and convenience but if there charges are outrageous... I feel I am getting more comfortable and could book a few things myself...they would still have to drive me to train..right? That is considered a transfer..also to airport to fly to udaipur?? Do you have thoughts on air india vs. continental? You have been so great!!! I will keep asking I am sure!!