If you are interested in the history of India I highly recommend watching this series: https://www.pbs.org/thestoryofindia/

Thanks for the TR. Glad to hear you got to see the Taj without crowds!

That sounds like a great recommendation, thursdaysd. Thanks!

Late to the party!
How did I miss this fabulous detailed post two months ago?
I have been missing India and your report brought back wonderful memories of places I’ve been, and enticement to visit places I haven’t.
Thank so much for your written descriptions and fantastic photos!

Thank you, CaliNurse! India certainly is a fascinating place to visit.

Thank you very much for this great report! I just booked my flight yesterday for last week of January and first two weeks of February. My itinerary is quite similar to yours, covering Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Ranthanbhore NP and Varanassi, + Amritstar. I would appreciate your candid feedback on what parts of India you found challenging? For example the culture shock, the poverty, the cleanliness, etc. I am a very experienced international traveller but am also realistic enough to know that India brings challenges in order to see and experience its wonders. Also, did you take or bring malaria pills?

Not sure if you are taking malaria prophylaxis. Having been to India 8 times we have I recommend seeing a travel doc or clinic before you go to see what the latest precautions are.

Larry

MinnBeef, How exciting you will be off to India. I think you will be there at a good time, weather wise, and should have a good trip. We did take Malaria meds as recommended by our HMO's travel department and didn't have any trouble with side effects. I would also recommend bringing anti-diarrhea meds, just in case. I found I did need them one evening.

Advice I can give: if possible, try to go to Agra first thing in the morning as it was really lovely to visit before it got crowded. Bring warm clothes to wear for the morning safaris in Ranthanbhore - it was very cold and we were in open air jeeps.

We are also pretty experienced International travelers and initially kept patting ourselves on the back as we weren't too overwhelmed by anything we were encountering. Of course, we were staying at good hotels and had guides and drivers helping us much of the time. We then got to Varanasi and that's where everything seemed the most intense: the crowds, traffic, colors, and noise were almost overwhelming. Fortunately, our hotel was a quiet oasis and we ultimately were very glad we visited that fascinating city. We did see more beggars, including children, in Varasai but our guide explained that the city has been a pilgrimage site for so long that begging has become almost a profession for some. We saw several places where people were able to access free food and learned education is available, and mandatory now, for all children.

This was one of those trips that we felt really broadened our horizons. I hope you have a wonderful time!

May I add there is a probiotic called "florastor" which can be used if you sort of feel out of whack. You can get it OTC.

its worked quite well for me.

Thank you KT. I have 3 nights in Agra which will include a day trip to Fathephur and so I’ve definitely planned for both a sunrise and sunset visit to the Taj. And for reasons you’ve noted, I’ve put Varanassi as the last stop (other than a night back in Delhi before flying home) on my itinerary to give me maximum time to adjust to India before tackling it. I am a fiercely independent traveller but I do plan to sign on to 2 or 3 walking tours to facilitate my adjustment to Varanassi.

Jacketwatch, thank you for the florastor recommendation.

MinnBeef, Are you planning to stay in Varanasi and then go back to Delhi on the same day as your international flight home? (If I misunderstood your comment above, I'm sorry and you can stop reading now).
I would strongly advise you to get back to Delhi the day before your flight home. Planes, cars, and trains are very often delayed in India, and especially flights in the winter months. Many flights through both Varanasi and Delhi are late or cancelled due to heavy fog. I would recommend that you get back to Delhi the day before, even if your international flight is late in the afternoon or evening. There's plenty to do in Delhi, and if you have a late flight many hotels will store your luggage after you check out. When you come back they'll often let you take a shower (at the spa or pool area) before heading to the airport.
As far as Malaria meds, you need to make sure your provider knows where you'll be in India. There are different types of malaria in different areas, so you want to have the right one. In addition, some have different side effects (sun sensitivity) or time frames.

Hi lcuy. No, my last night is in Delhi in anticipation of flying home the next day.

Excellent trip report! Refreshing to read through and see the photos. Thanks for sharing.

Thank you so much for this inspiring trip report. We will travel to India and this really is a great help!