Delhi airport to Rishikesh 1st Nov, anyone else??

addictive dumplings · Oct 26th, 2009, 04:56

Hi everyone,
I'm going to India for the first time this weekend.
I'll be going to Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh for a three week Yoga course.

Arriving on Sunday 1st November morning on a BA flight from London at 04:55

My plan is to take a carry on bag only, so I'll try to get through customs and outside quickly,
take a pre-paid taxi to New Delhi train station,
then take the Train '2017' (Shatabdi) from New Delhi at 06:55
get to Haridwar at 11:22
Then take taxi from there to Rishikesh.

I just registered on the india train web site but haven't booked the train ticket yet.
Obviously getting to the train station and finding the train in time is my biggest concern, as there isn't a very frequent service.

Is anyone else going in the same direction, on the same flight even??
And can anyone give any specific advise on how realistic my plan is?

Any and all replies will be gratefully appreciated! (if it wasn't for so many people giving of their advice on this site I wouldn't even have this rough plan!)
Thank you!

kmalik · Oct 26th, 2009, 06:24

If things go right, and assuming you are familiar with India, NLDS scene, etc. - it is feasible. However, you have hardly any tolerance for things going wrong built in your plan. It is a poor strategy, particularly in India.

As such, I'd advise you to consider on of the later trains. Delhi isn't bad to spend half a day in; you could leave the luggage at the train station and spend part of the day there, or catch some sleep in a hotel.

aya · Oct 26th, 2009, 23:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by addictive dumplings

Hi everyone,
I'm going to India for the first time this weekend.
I'll be going to Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh for a three week Yoga course.

Arriving on Sunday 1st November morning on a BA flight from London at 04:55

My plan is to take a carry on bag only, so I'll try to get through customs and outside quickly,
take a pre-paid taxi to New Delhi train station,
then take the Train '2017' (Shatabdi) from New Delhi at 06:55
get to Haridwar at 11:22
Then take taxi from there to Rishikesh.

I just registered on the india train web site but haven't booked the train ticket yet.
Obviously getting to the train station and finding the train in time is my biggest concern, as there isn't a very frequent service.

Is anyone else going in the same direction, on the same flight even??
And can anyone give any specific advise on how realistic my plan is?

Any and all replies will be gratefully appreciated! (if it wasn't for so many people giving of their advice on this site I wouldn't even have this rough plan!)
Thank you!

Hello, i'm planning to do the same!
I will be arriving to Delhi on Oct 31, i will sleep 1 night there and will try to book a train on Novemver 1 to Haridwar at 6.55 am then head to Rishikesh to Parmarth Niketan too!!
But the problem is that i can't seem to find seats on this train! it's all on waiting list and i have no clue whether to book it or not!
Anyway, hope to see you there at Parmarth! My name is Aya

By the way, it will take around 40 to 60 min as i understood from the airport to the train station - so if everything does well with you, you should not find a problem - however, i advise to book quickly the train ticket online so that you do not waste your time at the train station...

addictive dumplings · Oct 27th, 2009, 22:16

Kmalik,
Thanks for the response. I know the timing is quite close. I'm not familiar with NDLS at all.
I've now booked a ticket for train 2017, and i'm WL4/WL4.
To be honest I'm not sure if that means I'll be able to get on the train or not!

I was trying to also book a ticket for the train later in the day.
The schedule and 'find trains' section of the IRCTC website says there is train 4317 that departs NDLS at 11.50, but when I try to book a ticket I'm told that the train doesn't depart from NDLS at all, and I'm given a list of all other stations the train stops at - and NDLS isn't included. What's going on with that?!
If I cant get either train, could you suggest an alternative way to get up to Rishikesh? Bus or perhaps a taxi??

Aya,
Thanks for making contact! My name is John and I'm really looking forward to the next couple of weeks in India and Parmarth Niketan.
As I explained above, I've booked a ticket for that first train, but if I miss it I'd like to have a plan B!
I'm doing the three week yoga teacher training course at Parmarth, are you doing the same course? I'm staying in India for an extra two weeks after the course finishes, maybe to do more yoga or I'll maybe just have a holiday, I haven't decided yet.
What are your plans?
John

aya · Oct 27th, 2009, 23:08

Hello John
Honestly booking the trains and flights online was a big disaster for me too and i ended up not being able to book anything!( i faced similar problems of urs)
So i decided to try to book the Delhi - Haridwar train from the aiport Toursim desk - if there are no places on any on train on Nov 1 - then i will have to go to Rishikesh by Taxi which is quite expensive since u have to pay for the go and back!!! (around 70 to 80$ as i was told)
Maybe we can share the Taxi (which will be ur plan B)if you also will not be able to board on the train.
I don't really advise Buses at all, it's either train or taxi.

As for Parmarth Niketan, i just decided to go there because i'm really interested in learning about Hindusim, Yoga and meditation - i will be staying only a couple of days there!
Anyway, i will defenetly ask about you there then!
Let me know how things will go with you!

nycank · Oct 27th, 2009, 23:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by addictive dumplings

Arriving on Sunday 1st November morning on a BA flight from London at 04:55

My plan is to take a carry on bag only, so I'll try to get through customs and outside quickly,
take a pre-paid taxi to New Delhi train station,
then take the Train '2017' (Shatabdi) from New Delhi at 06:55
get to Haridwar at 11:22
Then take taxi from there to Rishikesh.

It is very difficult to make this connection based on past patterns of BA257.

Today (oct27) BA257 took off 40 minutes late, and is expected to arrive late.

It is a heavy (B747 400) from the time it touches down DEL, to arriving at the gate (provided there is no other plane in the taxiway) is between 20-24 minutes, more if there is traffic.

It will take about 3-5 minutes for 1st passenger to exit the plane after it comes to a halt at the jetway.

Depending on the queue, it will take you about 25-30 minutes to clear health check+immigrations+customs and land at the pre-paid counter.

Since it is your first time, there might other vagaries that might delay your exiting the airport as quickly as folks who are familiar with the airport.

addictive dumplings · Oct 29th, 2009, 07:32

nycank,
Thanks for your response. Since it is quite hard to make the connection I am more than likely to take a taxi. My only problem is that looking elsewhere on this site there is conflicting information about taking a taxi. Especially about traveling interstate.
What would be you advise as the best way to do this?
-Could it be organised from a hotel reception? Or even direct from the airport??

Aya, I think if you have time to be at the station you should be able to take the train, and if you dont I'm not really sure how we could meet to share the taxi, but good luck and I'll ask for you also in Parmarth!!

nycank · Oct 29th, 2009, 08:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by addictive dumplings

nycank,
Thanks for your response. Since it is quite hard to make the connection I am more than likely to take a taxi. My only problem is that looking elsewhere on this site there is conflicting information about taking a taxi. Especially about traveling interstate.
What would be you advise as the best way to do this?
-Could it be organised from a hotel reception? Or even direct from the airport??

Aya, I think if you have time to be at the station you should be able to take the train, and if you dont I'm not really sure how we could meet to share the taxi, but good luck and I'll ask for you also in Parmarth!!

You are going for a yoga retreat. So, Chill. Do not hyperventilate - Taking a taxi signifies your need to rush to go to Rishikesh ASAP. I'd take a bus or a train later in the day.

[I do not have a rishikesh clue in terms of operational logistics]

Oct 26th, 2009, 04:56	#1
addictive dumplings Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Belfast Posts: 3	Delhi airport to Rishikesh 1st Nov, anyone else?? Hi everyone, I'm going to India for the first time this weekend. I'll be going to Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh for a three week Yoga course. Arriving on Sunday 1st November morning on a BA flight from London at 04:55 My plan is to take a carry on bag only, so I'll try to get through customs and outside quickly, take a pre-paid taxi to New Delhi train station, then take the Train '2017' (Shatabdi) from New Delhi at 06:55 get to Haridwar at 11:22 Then take taxi from there to Rishikesh. I just registered on the india train web site but haven't booked the train ticket yet. Obviously getting to the train station and finding the train in time is my biggest concern, as there isn't a very frequent service. Is anyone else going in the same direction, on the same flight even?? And can anyone give any specific advise on how realistic my plan is? Any and all replies will be gratefully appreciated! (if it wasn't for so many people giving of their advice on this site I wouldn't even have this rough plan!) Thank you!

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Delhi airport-Rishikesh-Delhi airport?	walruswalrus	Uttarakhand	10	Aug 24th, 2009 20:12
Delhi, Rishikesh Nov 8th- 20th	Teller	India Travel Partners	16	Nov 10th, 2008 22:42
Stress free 1 week break, 1st or 2nd week in Nov, from Delhi.	Haylo	India Travel Itinerary Advice	131	Nov 7th, 2008 21:01
Kerala in Nov 1st half	animdas	Kerala	8	Sep 28th, 2007 00:50
Delhi/Agra/Jaipur/Rishikesh/Kathmandu (Nov 07)	Spanky	India Travel Itinerary Advice	11	Jul 28th, 2007 20:00

Oct 26th, 2009, 06:24	#2
kmalik Maha Guru Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 674	If things go right, and assuming you are familiar with India, NLDS scene, etc. - it is feasible. However, you have hardly any tolerance for things going wrong built in your plan. It is a poor strategy, particularly in India. As such, I'd advise you to consider on of the later trains. Delhi isn't bad to spend half a day in; you could leave the luggage at the train station and spend part of the day there, or catch some sleep in a hotel.

Oct 27th, 2009, 22:16	#4
addictive dumplings Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Belfast Posts: 3	Kmalik, Thanks for the response. I know the timing is quite close. I'm not familiar with NDLS at all. I've now booked a ticket for train 2017, and i'm WL4/WL4. To be honest I'm not sure if that means I'll be able to get on the train or not! I was trying to also book a ticket for the train later in the day. The schedule and 'find trains' section of the IRCTC website says there is train 4317 that departs NDLS at 11.50, but when I try to book a ticket I'm told that the train doesn't depart from NDLS at all, and I'm given a list of all other stations the train stops at - and NDLS isn't included. What's going on with that?! If I cant get either train, could you suggest an alternative way to get up to Rishikesh? Bus or perhaps a taxi?? Aya, Thanks for making contact! My name is John and I'm really looking forward to the next couple of weeks in India and Parmarth Niketan. As I explained above, I've booked a ticket for that first train, but if I miss it I'd like to have a plan B! I'm doing the three week yoga teacher training course at Parmarth, are you doing the same course? I'm staying in India for an extra two weeks after the course finishes, maybe to do more yoga or I'll maybe just have a holiday, I haven't decided yet. What are your plans? John

Oct 27th, 2009, 23:08	#5
aya Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: lebanon Posts: 2	Hello John Honestly booking the trains and flights online was a big disaster for me too and i ended up not being able to book anything!( i faced similar problems of urs) So i decided to try to book the Delhi - Haridwar train from the aiport Toursim desk - if there are no places on any on train on Nov 1 - then i will have to go to Rishikesh by Taxi which is quite expensive since u have to pay for the go and back!!! (around 70 to 80$ as i was told) Maybe we can share the Taxi (which will be ur plan B)if you also will not be able to board on the train. I don't really advise Buses at all, it's either train or taxi. As for Parmarth Niketan, i just decided to go there because i'm really interested in learning about Hindusim, Yoga and meditation - i will be staying only a couple of days there! Anyway, i will defenetly ask about you there then! Let me know how things will go with you!

Oct 29th, 2009, 07:32	#7
addictive dumplings Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Belfast Posts: 3	nycank, Thanks for your response. Since it is quite hard to make the connection I am more than likely to take a taxi. My only problem is that looking elsewhere on this site there is conflicting information about taking a taxi. Especially about traveling interstate. What would be you advise as the best way to do this? -Could it be organised from a hotel reception? Or even direct from the airport?? Aya, I think if you have time to be at the station you should be able to take the train, and if you dont I'm not really sure how we could meet to share the taxi, but good luck and I'll ask for you also in Parmarth!!