India 1st-timer. 8 days Delhi-Agra-Jaipur...any other suggestions?

Hello!

I'm heading to India for two weeks. The first week will be with an organized business group heading to both Delhi and Bangalore.

My wife will meet me in Delhi where we will begin 8 days of travel together from 3/17 (evening) to 3/25 (leaving after midnight on the 26th).

Three places on our initial list are, of course, Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. I wonder if we have enough time to squeeze in one city without killing ourselves? I would rather make travel easy on ourselves and rent a car/driver/guide for the duration. But I am not interested in a package/group tour. Oh, and I don't mind if one of your suggestions means going rural. It might be nice to get off the beaten path as I know we're hitting pretty mainstream tourist spots.

I guess I have too many questions to know where to begin. But let's start with the easiest questions:

1. Other than the "main three" cities mentioned above, are there other main stops that anyone would recommend?

2. I have a very limited grasp of India's geography. Any recommendations on which places to see first outside of Delhi?

3. Time of booking. I'll be in India a week before my wife arrives. Is it better to book once I'm in India? Or before? General ideas on price differential over the internet here in the US vs. when I'm on the ground there in Delhi?

I hope I have not overstepped my newbie boundaries by asking so many questions. I have perused some threads already and have found many of you to be very knowledgeable and helpful. Thank you in advance for your replies. I look forward to our dialogue.

Regards,

Tony

Hello Tony and welcome to indiamike.com

Close to Agra are Fathepur Sikri and Mathura/Vrindavan.

Bharatpur is on the way from Agra to Jaipur.

Amber Fort is close to Jaipur.

The Shekhawati region could be visited between Jaipur and Delhi.

I think going any further from Delhi may not be a good idea, unless you're using overnight trains to cover large distances and maximise daytime opportunities.

Any ideas on whether I should try to book a driver/guide and hotels and what not before I get there? Or should I do that when I'm in town? I'll be there a week on biz before my wife shows up for our trip.

Thanks,

Tony

Go to Jodhpur - even if it means dropping Jaipur (Mehrangarh at Jodhpur is far more fabulous than Amber)or Udaipur (the Palace puts Jaipur City Palace to shame).

I would only choose Jaipur for shopping, and seeing elephants! And a nice stay at JasVilas.

I think you've pretty much got a good itenerary, if you include Steven's suggestions. Also, you could add Sawai Madhopur/Ranthambore if you are interesed in seeing wild life. (map)

I would advise you to book in advance. Do as much research as possible to get a good understanding of pricing and then contact a travel agent/tour operator based in India to make the arrangements. Many tour operators won't charge you anything as they get their commission from the hotel/vendor. Plus they are knowledgeble of local road conditions which attractions may be closed etc. and will be able to advise you on those matters.

Note that there is a shortage of hotel rooms in India. So as long as it does not cost you anything to cancel, I would advise pinning down your itenerary (at least the over night stays) and making hotel booking as early as possible. A car and driver will be convenient and will insulate you, to some degree, to the annoyances/inconvenineces in India. An air conditioned car is worth the extra $, IMHO.

Most attractions have guides on site. So, if you feel the need, you could hire one at the atrtaction. Most of them will sport govt issued badges and will have fixed rates.

A good driver could make or break your trip. Many of them speak enough english to facilitate rudimentary communication. But finding one with a good attitide who does not take you to tourist traps will be key.

Many great suggestions. Now it's time to do some research with the ammo from you fine folk.

Cheers!

Tony