A newbie's 1st trip planning to India & learning how to use this forum

Hi,

This is my virgin post in IM and hope I am in the right thread. I have some queries before I know where to start my posts. I know I am asking too much in 1 post. I hope some friendly experts here can help a bit if not on all questions.

Thank you in advance.

I will list my questions in the following manners:

1) For itinerary advice and suggestions, shall I post it here or in the "states" or "cities" forums ?

2) Is there any thread on "Most scenic journeys" ? I found one on "most enjoyable" and mostly because they have some memorable encounters. Since my places to visit are not fixed, and I wish to see more places, "scenic journeys" is among top deciding factors as to where to visit and what time of the day to travel, is there such threads ?

3) I will be travelling for 17 days during 2nd half October begin and end at Kolkata with Nepal included, I wonder if this is a good time for Darjeeling, Gantok, Varansi, Agra, Delhi, Jaipur ? Will it be hot or rainy in any of these places ?

4) I have bought a number of guide books but could not conclude as to which are the better places to visit. Beside the tops like Varanasi, Darjeeling, Taj Mahal, I could not decide for eg shall I go for Gantok or Jaipur if I don't have enough time for both ? Or shall I give Delhi and Taj Mahal a miss(since they are a bit out and I need to backtrack) and spend more days in Nepal and Sikkim ? Is there any thread or forum that actually list all India attractions in order of popularity due to its beauty and not location ?

5) Is there any thread or forum on budget accommodations ?

6) I did some planning and find most of these sectors have overnight train; Kolkata - Siliguri, Kolkata - Varanasi, Varanasi - Agra, Agra - Delhi, Delhi - Varanasi. Since my time is short, I thought of taking the night train, arrive in morning and leave at night for the next destination with the exception of Delhi but that means training every night and without shower and inadequate sleep. Can I know which of these places are better to overnight with night attractions ? I only know Jaipur has sound and light show, which of the other places I menbtioned above is good for night views ? Is Darjeeling and Gantok lively at night ?

7) What are "tags" that I saw below my message and above "submit new thread" ?

Thanks again

For point 1 When you want help regarding your overall trip post in this forum, when you want help regarding travel in a particular state use that state's forum.

For point 2 Scenic rail trips -- Kangra Valley Railroad and others

For point 3 October would be a good time to visit Varanasi, Agra, Delhi and Jaipur. It will be neither hot or rainy at this time.

For point 4 check this thread where it has been discussed in length Visiting India is incomplete without Taj Mahal.

For point 5 check the hotel section Indiamike on the top of the page.

For point 6 Varanasi should be a night halt. Agra could be a night halt if you want to see the Taj at sunrise when there are few tourists.

Welcome to Indiamike Asian !!

17 days will be tight including Nepal (Btw, what places you are planning to visit in Nepal and how many days there?)

A suggested itinerary:
Kolkatta(1)-NJP(2)-Darjeeling(5)-NJP(5)-Varanasi(7)-Agra(8)-Jaipur(11)-Delhi(13)-Nepal-Kolkatta

(the numbers in bracket above are the departure day# from that city)

I've skipped Sikkim as Gangtok alone won't do justice and others will be too time consuimg)

Taj @Agra cannot be skipped

You will not find too many scenic rides in the Northern plains of India... The toy train ride from NJP to Darjeeling may be an option... Excursions around Darjeeling will be scenic

You should choose between Nepal and Sikkim and not try to do both in such a short span of time

There is a forum on Lodges & Hotels which has nice recommendations for the touristy places

You will need to stay overnight at least in Darjeeling/Varanasi/Jaipur

Good Luck with the planning...
October is only 2 months away and you should start with the train bookings soon...

If you leave India to visit Nepal you will not be allowed back into India for 2 months.KK

bond007,

I need to visit at least Pokhara and Kathmandu in Nepal and if possible, the Buddhist Park in Lumbini along the way.
I am a great fan of Tibetan culture and watching lanscape scenery, so I wish to visit Gantok as part of way direct from Darjeeling or return from it. I read about the views of the world's 3rd highest mountain. Can I see it in Gantok or must I go to Pelling ?
Do you mean 3 days each in Darjeeling and Agra ? Is that too many ? I intend to visit Agra just for the Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri in the morning and leave for Jaipur or Delhi.

kullukid,

What do you mean ? If I visit Nepal after India and return to India overland to visit other parts before departing from Kolkata, am I allowed ? Is there any link or website to see this condition ?

I meant 3 days in Jaipur (not Agra)
As you said, Agra will be a day trip.

You will see Mt. Kanchenzhunga from Darjeeling itself. The views from Gangtok aren't as great. You can still go there for a day or two if you want

I don't know any details around this 2-month rule.

Hi Thanks again,

Looks like I may have to give up Jaipur and Delhi and return after Agra due to shortage of time; and spend more time at Darjeeling and Gantok since there is direct transport between these 2 places.

I will ask again more specifically in Sikkim thread.

http://www.indiamike.com/india/india...please-t96729/