Help with India in February
Aug 27th, 2010, 11:34 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Help with India in February
I am taking my 21 year old daughter to India in February - arriving Feb 8. We are flying in to Delhi and possibly out of Mumbai. Will have about 16 days. Her interest besides some of the tourist spots -Taj Mahal, etc. really is to see small villages in their natural state and the tigers along with a camel ride. We would probably do the Golden Triangle if worthwhile. Plan on hiring a driver but need suggestions on which towns are worth stopping and and which are not.
One or two museums would do the job, she is very interested in religion but don't want to see hundreds of temples - only those that stand out. Thinking of a couple of days in Nepal after a couple of days in Delhi. Don't want to overcrowd our trip but at her age may be a while before she can return to India. Ideas, please???
One or two museums would do the job, she is very interested in religion but don't want to see hundreds of temples - only those that stand out. Thinking of a couple of days in Nepal after a couple of days in Delhi. Don't want to overcrowd our trip but at her age may be a while before she can return to India. Ideas, please???
Aug 27th, 2010, 12:03 PM
#2
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,927
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Most train or car trips will allow her to see villages as they are often near the roads. What might not be practical is for her to "visit" and walk around the village. English is not prevalent in villages and even if someone invites her into their hut for food and tea, she probably should NOT consume it but then she will also insult them if she doesn't .
She should keep village watching from a distance.
One leg of the trip that she (and you) might like a lot is from Delhi to Agra by car. Stop along the way in the towns of Mathura and Vrindavan - both are religiously important to Hindus. Vrindavan has a huge ISKON temple (the Hare Krishna people). You can go and have a vegetarian meal there, walk around, and leave a modest donation.
In Delhi you both can visit Akshardam temple - allow about 2 to 3 hours to tour. It's a very popular place to visit for Hindus. They are closed on Mondays.
Scroll through the India information here on this board. Many posters have been to north India within the past several months. There are some very good trip reports here to learn from too.
She should keep village watching from a distance.
One leg of the trip that she (and you) might like a lot is from Delhi to Agra by car. Stop along the way in the towns of Mathura and Vrindavan - both are religiously important to Hindus. Vrindavan has a huge ISKON temple (the Hare Krishna people). You can go and have a vegetarian meal there, walk around, and leave a modest donation.
In Delhi you both can visit Akshardam temple - allow about 2 to 3 hours to tour. It's a very popular place to visit for Hindus. They are closed on Mondays.
Scroll through the India information here on this board. Many posters have been to north India within the past several months. There are some very good trip reports here to learn from too.
Aug 27th, 2010, 02:10 PM
#4
For a first trip to India I would recommend getting a driver and doing the Golden Triangle : Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, plus other place. If she really wants to try to spot a tiger (but don't get your hopes up too high!), Ranthambore or Corbett parks might be good.
Varanasi is a really interesting city- one of my daughters actually lived there for a while; both girls liked it. I might choose that over the trouble of going to Nepal. You can fly or take a night train there; or do one of each to save time.
Some places my daughter loved, but I haven't been yet are Darjeeling, Kerala, Haridwar and Rishikesh. She said the last two were holy towns similar to Varanasi, but a lot smaller.
Here are the reports of tmy first two trips to India wiht my older daughter. She was doing a study abroad, so we traveled before her school started and then again at the end.
I took my younger daughter there in May of 2008. We visited Agra, Varanasi, Udaipur and Delhi, but never wrote the report. We used a wonderful driver by the name of Narender ([email protected])
A year ago, I went again with older daughter on my fifth trip. It was a great trip, but not what I'd suggest for first timers.
Trip reports are below. We did stay in a lot of Oberoi hotels. They have gotten a lot more expensive now, but at the time, we really loved them! There are lots of more reasonable spots if you want to keep the budget a bit lower. Keep in mind that 16 days is not that long in India. Travel is slow, and you really have to allow for delays.
Delhi-Agra-Jaipur:
http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...disneyland.cfm
Delhi-Udaipur-Varanasi:
http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...--dec-2005.cfm
Chennai-Pondicherry-Shimla-Dharamsala- Delhi:
http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...y-may-2009.cfm
Varanasi is a really interesting city- one of my daughters actually lived there for a while; both girls liked it. I might choose that over the trouble of going to Nepal. You can fly or take a night train there; or do one of each to save time.
Some places my daughter loved, but I haven't been yet are Darjeeling, Kerala, Haridwar and Rishikesh. She said the last two were holy towns similar to Varanasi, but a lot smaller.
Here are the reports of tmy first two trips to India wiht my older daughter. She was doing a study abroad, so we traveled before her school started and then again at the end.
I took my younger daughter there in May of 2008. We visited Agra, Varanasi, Udaipur and Delhi, but never wrote the report. We used a wonderful driver by the name of Narender ([email protected])
A year ago, I went again with older daughter on my fifth trip. It was a great trip, but not what I'd suggest for first timers.
Trip reports are below. We did stay in a lot of Oberoi hotels. They have gotten a lot more expensive now, but at the time, we really loved them! There are lots of more reasonable spots if you want to keep the budget a bit lower. Keep in mind that 16 days is not that long in India. Travel is slow, and you really have to allow for delays.
Delhi-Agra-Jaipur:
http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...disneyland.cfm
Delhi-Udaipur-Varanasi:
http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...--dec-2005.cfm
Chennai-Pondicherry-Shimla-Dharamsala- Delhi:
http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...y-may-2009.cfm
Aug 27th, 2010, 02:18 PM
#6
A couple of days in Nepal isn't very long, and probably not worth the visa hassles (do a search here). If you want mountains, India has plenty. Your daughter might enjoy the "toy" train ride up to Shimla.
Aug 27th, 2010, 02:48 PM
#7
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,927
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I would love to do the toy train, but there might still be snow in Shimla in February so I don't know if there is a down season for the train.
One note about shopping: In India essentially all stores are "FINAL SALE". Make sure you inspect the item to be bought thoroughly (ie if it's jewelry make sure no stones are missing, the clasp works well, etc.).
In Delhi, a reputable shopping place is Cottage Industries Emporium. They have a decent representation of handicrafts from all around India in one place. Allow about 2 hours to comb through the 3 or so floors of items. They have everything from trinkets to furniture. It is a government run business that has been there for many years. There's no price haggling, but you won't get pounced on by touts either.
One note about shopping: In India essentially all stores are "FINAL SALE". Make sure you inspect the item to be bought thoroughly (ie if it's jewelry make sure no stones are missing, the clasp works well, etc.).
In Delhi, a reputable shopping place is Cottage Industries Emporium. They have a decent representation of handicrafts from all around India in one place. Allow about 2 hours to comb through the 3 or so floors of items. They have everything from trinkets to furniture. It is a government run business that has been there for many years. There's no price haggling, but you won't get pounced on by touts either.
Trending Topics
Aug 28th, 2010, 04:19 AM
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I think Varanasi sounds incredible and want to include it. I have to companies working on an itinerary for us. Have never done that before when traveling but trying to make the most out of our days there. I am able to add a couple of days if I need to. Any recommendations about leaving out of Mumbai instead of Delhi? Any reason to go to Mumbai???
Also, as to clothes to bring as opposed to buying them in India??? Thanks, everyone, for your help!
Also, as to clothes to bring as opposed to buying them in India??? Thanks, everyone, for your help!
Aug 28th, 2010, 03:38 PM
#12
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 29,053
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
no reason to go to mumbai really.....stick to the golden triangle and varinasi...
small villages can be interesting to observe, but the poverty and conditions will shock your daughter, and you.... we visited the village of neemrana just below the neemrand fort palace hotel (a place you might like to stop at about 1.5 hours from delhi on the jaipur road) and it was extremely interesting....
i had the cousin of the driver lcuy has suggested as my driver and he was fantastic... he no longer lives in india however.... this cousin has taken over his business...
no matter how much you have travelled you have never seen anything like india!!! it is a joy, interesting, disgusting, aromatic, disgusting, spiritual, dirty, rewarding, enlightening, disgusting and simply the most interesting experience of your lives...
small villages can be interesting to observe, but the poverty and conditions will shock your daughter, and you.... we visited the village of neemrana just below the neemrand fort palace hotel (a place you might like to stop at about 1.5 hours from delhi on the jaipur road) and it was extremely interesting....
i had the cousin of the driver lcuy has suggested as my driver and he was fantastic... he no longer lives in india however.... this cousin has taken over his business...
no matter how much you have travelled you have never seen anything like india!!! it is a joy, interesting, disgusting, aromatic, disgusting, spiritual, dirty, rewarding, enlightening, disgusting and simply the most interesting experience of your lives...
Aug 29th, 2010, 08:13 AM
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have heard back from Faith/Indiapanorama who has put together a great trip - now waiting for price!!!
Keep suggestions coming I appreciate them all and have loved reading about your trips. It is so helpful!
I am trying to get everything organized as I am doing quite a bit of traveling before then and want to get best hotel and air prices, as well.
Keep suggestions coming I appreciate them all and have loved reading about your trips. It is so helpful!
I am trying to get everything organized as I am doing quite a bit of traveling before then and want to get best hotel and air prices, as well.
Aug 29th, 2010, 08:51 AM
#14
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,927
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Plan to bring most of your clothes. Clothing shopping will take up too much time other than buying some incidental outfits you might want.
Try on anything you want to buy, especially blouses. Sizing can be irregular and their "medium" may not be your idea of a medium.
Try on anything you want to buy, especially blouses. Sizing can be irregular and their "medium" may not be your idea of a medium.
Aug 29th, 2010, 08:56 AM
#15
When I was in India (in 2001) I bought a couple of shalwar suits, but I had to have one of them made (in Orissa), as the ankle openings were too narrow on the ones I was looking at. Since I enjoy looking at fabric, and there is so much gorgeous fabric in India, I didn't find it a waste of time, although I'm not usually a shopper
Aug 29th, 2010, 09:46 AM
#17
lipgirl - Jaya will be more up-to-date on this than I am, but India is one of those countries where you should seriously consider dressing conservatively - and leggings don't sound very conservative. My Lonely Planet South India - and the south may be more conservative than the north - says "baggy clothing that masks the contours of your body is the way to go".
Aug 29th, 2010, 02:26 PM
#19
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 4,571
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Lipgirl (now where did THAT handle come from (-
...Namaste!
My second trip to India, in Dec 2008, was with my then 21 year old daughter. (She turned 22 while we were there, and our homestay hosts in Kerala put on a lovely party for her--so typical of the wonderful people we met.)
Glad you "met up" with Faith. She is "the best" and"rocks" as the kids' generation say! Swill put together a great trip at a great price for you. In my research, I found that others charge more, for virtually identical services/levels of hotels, etc. I've used Indianpanorama twice, and am going again with them for a trip in winter 2011-2012.
Their drivers (in two different parts of the country, on two trips) have been wonderful. That is a BIG requirement for their company--you'll soon learn that a safe, personable, understandable and honest driver can make or break your trip.
IF you're going to Agra, Indianporama's local contact is usually Mr Tushar, who will will greet you soon after your arrival into Agra and based on your and your daughter's enegy level, plan out how you wish to spend your time in Agra between the fort and Taj. One of his company's guides Amat Datta, made the Agra Fort "come alive" for us. We went fist to the Fort, then across the river to see the TM at sunset from a different persoective, then the Taj EARLY the next morning You want the "early "before the tourist crowds off the New Delhi train arrive--empty and quiet, Taj is an even more serene experience. Incidentally, dont expect much of the sunrise in the winter--it is often foggy in the morings.
Before going, i highly recommend the book "Under the Marble Sky" --It is an "easy read" but even if you dont get through it what you do read will add to your experience of Agra. The first few pages describe the fort as it was --a ture village within a village.
Faith knows some great little off-the-beaten-tourist -track villages and hotels throughout India, including Rajasthan, based on her, her husband's and her brother's excursions .--Rajasthan has places like Rawla Narlai and Fort Barli, where you are near local villages. Some of those places are described on the "sample itinerary" and "newsletter" sections of their website.
For ex, one of their recommendations in HImachal Pradesh was a place called Pragour , and nearby village of Garli. Walking from the old mansion where we stayed, to the local village and shops at Pragpur village, talking in "sign language" and smiles with the local folks, walking by the public school , was one of the best times ever in India. If you hav even one experience like that in INdia it will be worth all the time and money to get there!!!
IMHO would NOT recommend the toy train between Shimla and Kalka or v.v. , so it's just as well the weather and your itinerary will prevent you going. The train i'd recommend on that route is the fancier holiday train. But that is another story...
...Namaste!My second trip to India, in Dec 2008, was with my then 21 year old daughter. (She turned 22 while we were there, and our homestay hosts in Kerala put on a lovely party for her--so typical of the wonderful people we met.)
Glad you "met up" with Faith. She is "the best" and"rocks" as the kids' generation say! Swill put together a great trip at a great price for you. In my research, I found that others charge more, for virtually identical services/levels of hotels, etc. I've used Indianpanorama twice, and am going again with them for a trip in winter 2011-2012.
Their drivers (in two different parts of the country, on two trips) have been wonderful. That is a BIG requirement for their company--you'll soon learn that a safe, personable, understandable and honest driver can make or break your trip.
IF you're going to Agra, Indianporama's local contact is usually Mr Tushar, who will will greet you soon after your arrival into Agra and based on your and your daughter's enegy level, plan out how you wish to spend your time in Agra between the fort and Taj. One of his company's guides Amat Datta, made the Agra Fort "come alive" for us. We went fist to the Fort, then across the river to see the TM at sunset from a different persoective, then the Taj EARLY the next morning You want the "early "before the tourist crowds off the New Delhi train arrive--empty and quiet, Taj is an even more serene experience. Incidentally, dont expect much of the sunrise in the winter--it is often foggy in the morings.
Before going, i highly recommend the book "Under the Marble Sky" --It is an "easy read" but even if you dont get through it what you do read will add to your experience of Agra. The first few pages describe the fort as it was --a ture village within a village.
Faith knows some great little off-the-beaten-tourist -track villages and hotels throughout India, including Rajasthan, based on her, her husband's and her brother's excursions .--Rajasthan has places like Rawla Narlai and Fort Barli, where you are near local villages. Some of those places are described on the "sample itinerary" and "newsletter" sections of their website.
For ex, one of their recommendations in HImachal Pradesh was a place called Pragour , and nearby village of Garli. Walking from the old mansion where we stayed, to the local village and shops at Pragpur village, talking in "sign language" and smiles with the local folks, walking by the public school , was one of the best times ever in India. If you hav even one experience like that in INdia it will be worth all the time and money to get there!!!
IMHO would NOT recommend the toy train between Shimla and Kalka or v.v. , so it's just as well the weather and your itinerary will prevent you going. The train i'd recommend on that route is the fancier holiday train. But that is another story...
