12 days in the Ganges Plain

Ad&Sha

(Kolkata - Bodhgaya - Varanasi - Khajuraho - Agra - Jaipur - Delhi)

We (2 people, late 20s) are going from Kolkata to Delhi over 12 days at the end of August. We've tried to do loads of research and have read loads of the other posts in this excellent forum. We are currently planning to go from Kolkata to Bodhgaya by train, then to Varanasi by train, then to Khajuraho by plane, then to Agra by train (assuming new line completed by then) and then to Jaipur and Delhi. We've travelled a lot in Asia but have never been to India before - we've tried to fit in a good mix of all main cultures along the Ganges plains. We have three questions which we'd love some advice on:

1) Have we missed any other "must see" destinations along the way?
2) We are struggling to work out how to get to Jaipur without wasting lots of time travelling. I know we can get to Delhi from Agra in 2 hours by train, but the routes Agra-Jaipur and Jaipur-Delhi seem to be much slower (6/7 hours each). 12 days is so short and so we are considering leaving Jaipur out altogether - do you think this would be a big mistake (especially if we never make it back!)
3) Are we mad to go in August given the rain (unfortunately we have little choice as have to be in Thailand for a wedding)

Thanks very much!

Davehelen

Doing a similar route but all by train, my husband and I are getting Sleep trains for most journeys so we don't miss a minute. Lots leave at around 22:00 and arrive at 06:00 the next morning. Try looking on www.erail.in

Ad&Sha

Hey thanks - glad to hear we're not the only ones! Seems most tourists don't bother with Bengal or Bihar - especially on their first trips - so i'm glad we're in good company!

Davehelen

You will have a fab time where ever you go, India is a wonderful place and you really walk round with your eyes wide open.

What is your budget ? I may be able to recomend some places when I get back.

atala

You could go by car from Agra to Jaipur (around 2000 Rs), or by deluxe bus.

Ad&Sha

Budget is pretty flexible (medium - high) - we are both working and don't get to holiday much.

We've decided to skip Jaipur in the end - i know it's controversial with most travellers as it seems a standard destination but we just can't justify the extra travel. Everyone i talk to says Rajasthan is unmissable - but that Udaipur, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer are much more attractive that Jaipur. So we're going to use the time see Orchha instead on our way between Khajuraho and Agra

Davehelen

My husband and I have found that the more expensive hotels are away from the crowd and that they don't seem as fun.

We have been recomended the Ganpati Guest House in Varanasi which we have booked for Rs 900 per night website is www.ganpatiguesthouse.co.uk it is right next to the main Ghat so there will always be something going on.

All the other hotels we are staying in are a bit hit and miss - we are backpacking so roughing it a little. However I think its the best way to see a place and get chatting to people (tips are great off other travellers - thats why IM works so well)

Have a look on Youtube, we have typed in a few hotels and there are some videos that people have posted, may give you a bit of an idea of what to expect.

**Fellow travllers remember to take your Ryan Chambers posters with you**

Davehelen

Sorry what and idiot www.ganpatiguesthouse.com