Sringar or Durga Puja/Kolkatta?? Please VOTE!

laneelee

Hey Imers,
After toiling for what seems like months, I think I have a final itinerary. But, one last question for you all oh wise gura india guides.... I have time for either the festival at Kolkata(durga puja) or experiencing fall in Srinagar in the very north. Which would you choose? I am up for all adventures, so just let me know what you like. Thank you all so much for your support.

Oh also, whats the best way to get from Kharajho to Agra? Can't find a good way. And what about getting from Jhalismer to Udipar, no direct trains, im assuming get a car???
Should I post seperately for these issues? Whats the emily post way to do it? Cheers!

freemanx

the "normal" tourist route is khajuraho - orcha - jhansi - agra or the other way round.
since there is no trainstation nearby the quickest way would be to fly to agra.
otherwise you could take a taxi or the local bus to jhansi depending on your budget and hop on a train there.
there´s also the posibility to go to mahoba by bus or taxi and catch a train there but not many people seem to do this, don´t know why.

machadinha

There used to be direct buses Agra - Khajuraho 12 hrs., you'd think there still would be. Going via Jhansi and on by train as Freemanx describes seems to be the other easy option.

Arranging a bus or train or a combination of the two Jaisalmer - Udaipur via presumably Jodhpur or possibly Barmer or Chittorgarh if you have to should be doable I think. In short I'd be surprised if you wouldn't find some kind of ride there. "No direct train" doesn't mean it can't be done, it just means you look for a way with a stopover.

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SHIMLA

Srinagar will certainly be far more exciting than the durga pooja festival; if at all the two can be compared. If I had these options, it would have been Srinagar for me.

However, you need to check on the latest situation in the valley before venturing there.

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sadhuji

yes, a valid point.

additionally, kashmir offers snowcapped mountains, lush valleys, wonderful flora and the shikaras. except the shikaras, you can get the remaining even in euporean tourist spots. however, durga puja is a grandeur that remains unique to kolkata even today.

so, the choice is yours!!

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somnath

But I would like to say that you can’t compare these two. It is a personal choice. One is Festival that includes people/culture/tradition etc and another is natural beauty, the Himalaya (of course that includes the local culture).

And the situation is better right now at Srinagar but according to the frequent visitors like tour operators, Kashmir is unpredictable. And again the weather will be great during October.

Confused? Ha ha….. this is India.

- Somnath

laneelee

I think we'll do both. Thanks for the transport answers too. It seems so strange there are no better ways from Khaj to Agra. Where are you Jet Airways when I need yoU?
One more question, anyone have an opinion on visiting the ranakpur? temples on the way down to Udiapur?

somnath

http://images.google.co.in/images?q=...=&start=0&sa=N

There are couple of threads, the latest discussion about Ranakpur:
Train enquiry - Rajasthan travel

laneelee

Ooh la la, very impressive pics! Thanks. Somnath, will you be in Kolkata during Durga Puja? My boyfriend and I would love to meet up with you.

steven_ber

Absolutely, the last 2 questions have got nothing to do with the thread title, I only noticed them when I was trying to find out where you intended to post your reply.

There used to be a direct flight between Khaj & Agra, but the plane no longer calls at Agra, instead going directly to Delhi.

Mahoba is a 3 hour bus ride (or less in a taxi).

I can't check if this train's times have changed in the last year as I can't get onto the Indian Railways website at the moment.

More details would be useful.

EG. what is your full itinerary for Rajasthan, and what is the last city before Rajasthan and the next city after Rajasthan?

(I ask because there is often an easy way to change the itinerary a little to make for better connections)

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How to get helpful replies to your transport/Itinerary questions.



Train information.

machadinha

The Ranakpur route was just discussed here if you need it. Or rather, in relation to the approximate route that you've sketched.

somnath

Hey, don’t miss Ranakpur and Dilwara temple.
One of my friends is working as a tour manager in a company that organizes package tours and he will be leaving for either Rajasthan or Kashmir on 8th October. He wants me to join as his assistant (even ready to pay my pocket money based on my performance ) can you believe it? ha ha….. I’ll be able to earn something instead of spending in a tour .
Actually during this Dirgapuja I am allowed to take a long leave (say 8 / 10 days only) if I can adjust it with the holidays I’ll be able to visit my dream destination. Less than 15 / 16 days for Rajasthan tour, I don’t think, enough. So, that is the best possible time for that trip. Moreover, if am traveling with him, he he……. (you can understand ). I am not sure that my leave will be sanctioned or not but if I am there in Calcutta during Puja, it will be a great meetup .
As Steve suggests, please let us know about your itinerary for Rajasthan.

Cheers,
Somnath