Thoughts on this itinerary
 

I am going back it India in march 2017. Exploring different itineraries. My son who was going to be in ranchi is now definitely going to be in ahmedabad. I am not at all committed to this itinerary and I'm weary of the driving distances. I still am considering the south. I am open to suggested itineraries. We have done golden triangle, Mumbai and udapur before. Never been to jodphur. Stayed in oberoi bubble in past. Would like same level of service or at least close. A travel agent suggested these places.


Ahmedabad – Mount Abu (250 Kms / 06 Hours)

Mount Abu – Jodhpur (285 Kms / 06 Hours)

Jodhpur – Osian (70 Kms / 01 Hour)

Osian - Jaisalmer (250 Kms / 05 Hours)

Jaisalmer – Bikaner (330 Kms / 06 Hours)

Bikaner - Mandawa (200 kms / 04 Hours)

Mandawa - New Delhi (250 Kms / 05 Hours)

How long does the current plan have you in India?

Since you haven't been to Jodhpur, I suggest some time there, then a few days here: http://rohetgarh.com/

I loved my time at Rohet Garh, a relatively short trip by car from Jodhpur, compared to others on your list and if you go you'll understand why some famous writers and contemplative types have spent time there. There's a tribal village nearby where the hotel can arrange to take you, along with home visits in the countryside (see "safaris"). My stay there was unlike any place I've been, and I've been a lot of places. If you want "action" it won't be for you. But if you'd like a classic upscale Indian experience I think you'd enjoy it. And it combines perfectly with Jodhpur.

I leave USA on the 3rd and have til about the 16th to see what I want with my son and daughter. My husband will meet us somewhere in Asia (yet to be determined)...and we can stay til the 25th.
The travel agent proposed 2 nights in each place.

In my experience, travel agents are often selling places they've never been. While that may not be true in this case, I think an itinerary that includes relocation every other day is a bad one. Especially in India where travel can be slow and distances long. You'll spend almost as much time on the road as being in any given location and that's not my idea of high-quality travel.

Me again. It's occurred to me that your travel agent may be in India. If so, they generally propose itineraries they think westerners want, too many places jammed into too short a time frame and are almost always "canned", individual pace not considered. They key to getting the best from an agent is always to know exactly what you want and for how long in each location, then leave reservations and logistics to them. That's the best use of an agent in the country, in my experience, to make arrangements for the best prices based on very specific instructions from you. You should lead and they will give you exactly what you want.

Personally, I wouldn't want a long drive every other day. That is exhausting. I'd either add in the additional time you have before returning to the US (thus, getting three nights in each place) or I'd cut maybe two destinations.

You've been to India before. How many nights per city was that trip? And was it the right pace for you?

Last time we went the drive time between places was shorter. We had one brutal drive to udapur from rant hambone but we had 3 relaxing nights in udapur. I like a relaxed pace. What could I omit. What do people think of these places?

Are you convinced you have to drive everywhere? I loved Jaisalmer, but I took the train direct from Jodhpur, and the train has AC1 class now.

I would not intentionally sign up for a six hour drive, especially as a supposedly four hour drive could very easily become a six hour drive.

I have never taken a train in India. I have heard that they tend to be unreliable. I am not opposed to taking the train or flying.

Read about travel by train in India here:
http://www.seat61.com/India.htm#.V5D6Io6Ky_s

I'd say the trains are at least as reliable as flying, probably more. You haven't been to India if you haven't traveled by train.

thinking this could be better itinerary but not sure?

Fly from Delhi to Ahmedabad

1 night Delhi-just to rest (been to Delhi before)
Fly Delhi to Ahmedabad stay 2-3 nights
Fly Ahmedabad to Jaipur (1 or 2 nights) have been here before
Drive to Nimaj stay at The Chattrasagar (2 nights)
Drive to Mihirgarh (1 night)
Drive to Jaisalmer The Suryagarh (2 nights )
Train if there is one to Jodhpur (3 nights)
Fly Jodphur to Cochin....then need to work on the south!!

thoughts..??

Other than upon your arrival in Delhi, I wouldn't stay anyplace just one night. One night doesn't give you even one full day - you need two nights to get one full day.So I'd add a night to Jaipur and I'd add a night to Mihirgarh.

I'll only say that the places I go, especially the most exotic they are from my point of view, become more interesting the longer I stay. The first impression is a blur. Every day I'm there they come more into focus and I'm always happy I didn't blow it by leaving too soon. With that in mind, this itinerary looks like a blur to me.

If movement is what you crave then you've got that. But as far as getting a feel for anything, well, you know.

Thank you both for your responses. I will add a night at both places. Kathie have you been to any of these places? This will be half my trip and I guess the other half will be the south. Floating around idea of Bangkok and Thailand or maybe Singapore but maybe it makes sense to just do India..so much to see and air travel will be cheaper.
Kathie have you done southern tour?

There is a train from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur. See seat61.com for info on Indian trains and cleartrip.com for timetables.

I think devoting your time just to India makes sense. Save Thailand for another trip.

I have not been to Southern India, so can't help you with that.