India Sept/Oct 09 6 weeks

Hi all,

We are looking for a little advice on our trip to India. We are arriving end September 2009 and will stay for 6 weeks. The general plan is to spend half the time north (fly into Delhi), travel around Rajasthan then fly to Mumbai.

Day 1-3 Delhi
Day 4-5 Varanasi
Day 6-7 Bandhavgarh
Day 8 Khajuraho
Day 9-10 Orchha
Day 11-12 Agra
Day 13-14 Jaipur
Day 15-16 Bikaner(Camel Safari)
Day 17-18 Jaisalmer
Day 19-20 Jodphur
Day 21-22 Udaipur
Thereafter fly to Mumbai and travel south to Goa (optional), Hampi, Bangalore, Mysore, Kerala, Madurai, Puducherry and fly out of Chennai. (but we'll deal with the South later).

Back North... We weren't originally planning to go to Varanasi & Bandhavgarh (but stick to Rajasthan and see Ranthambhore) as we felt heading across to Madhya Pradesh would be too far out of the way timewise. We'd be disappointed to miss Varanasi but would appreciate advice on the other areas (we hear travel times are quite long).

We feel comfortable fitting everything in if we stick to Rajasthan, but would like to hear from anyone if we are going to run out of time (and energy) fitting the Varanasi/Bandavgarh/Orchha leg in.

Also, we intended to travel by train throughout India but several people have told us the best way to travel up north is by car (private driver).

There are two travelling in our party, and don't expect to spend more than AUD8,000 for the full 42 days in India (budget hotels, and cheap meals where possible - maybe a spluge on a nice hotel for a treat). Is this enough?

thetravelbugs

I would think that Khajuraho and Bandhavgarh are two must see places in India. But it appears to be a squeeze in the time you have. Also I believe Bandhavgarh is closed till mid October, due to monsoons. Orcha to my mind can be given a miss.

for best utilization of time and money, its best to travel by overnight trains. There is a good connectivity between Delhi and Varanasi.

In Rajasthan you might want to opt for a car hire since that will be more comfortable and distances are not huge.

If my calculations are correct AUD 8,000 is Rs 300,000 or about Rs 7000 a day.
You can have a very, very comfortable trip with that. You could hire a car and driver for part of Rajasthan, which is a convenient and comfortable way to travel and it's much easier to see out of the way places.

I have yet to visit Varanasi, but my inclination would be to drop a destination or two after that (days 8-10) and save them for more time in Rajasthan. You might want to spend 3-4 days in one city before heading south, just for a break.

I can highly recommend Hampi. Not so sure about Bangalore as a destination, or are you just passing through?

We = how many? That is a LOT of cash. You can probably do with even half if you want!

Thanks everyone.

Hitanshu - there will be two of us travelling. We think it should be plenty too... a couple of people have suggested it wouldn't be. Will AUD6,000 be closer to the mark?

Thanks Ragz, the Bandhavgarh website seems unclear (park open in October, visits start in November). We have emailed them for more clarification - thanks for the heads up.

Hi Hal, we are erring toward a car in Rajasthan - we might do the overnight train to Varanasi and as you suggest, concentrate on Rajasthan - and see Ranthambhore on the way round.
Bangalore is just a way to get between Hampi and Mysore - unless you can suggest another route?

I would like to disagree with the advice that Orchha should be given a miss. I think Kahjuraho-Bandhavgarh-Orchha circuit is an excellent choice. Orchha is a a wonderfully peaceful small hamlet with Forts /Palaces, temples and beautiful Cenotaphs on the banks of the gushing blue/green Betwa river. Stay in Sheesh Mahal inside the Fort. Also, you are more likely to see Tigers in Bandhavgarh than any other national park in India and atop an Elephant safari if you so wish. Ranthambore is a hit or miss most of the time viz-a-viz Tiger spotting. Monsoons are officially over by September so October should definitely be open season. Khajuraho has possibly the best maintained group of Temples in India and are spectacular even if the Kamasutra carvings don't entice you.

My suggestion is to drop Bikaner which is pretty indistinguishable and do your desert safari off Jaisalmer.

Also, for the road trip between Jodhpur and Udaipur , visit Ranakpur and Kumbhalgarh Fort on the way. Can be easily done all in a day.