Is my proposed journey realistic?

rebrand

Hi there

I have spent quite lot of time in India historically but not for 8 years and not to the part that I am going to.

Firstly, I am going with a friend of mine who has not been before, nor has she been any where remotely like it.

We arrive in Delhi on the 23 December and fly out from Delhi on the 14 January. The places we are hoping to visit are Delhi-Agra-Varnasi-Darjeeling-Kolkata-Balasore and then back to Delhi.

I know it is all doable but do you guys think it is too much in the time frame? Is Darjeeling a step to far? Also would you strongly recommend staying in Agra for the night as we could do it as a day trip from Delhi or indeed get the train out of there that night to Varanass.

We will be staying in mid range hotels and will be travelling on trains in 2AC.

Any help you can give would be brilliant.

Thanks a million.

nayan

Any particular reason for balasore?

Mickey S

The question of whether Agra should be done as a day trip from Delhi or not has been done to death in this forum, and I doubt that many people are willing to go over the same old ground yet again. If you search through old threads you'll find all the previous debate and discussion.

rebrand

Hi there

The reason for Balasore was just to get a bit of beach life and relaxed time at the end of the trip before heading home. From what I have read Balasore and Chandipur seem to have good reviews. Would you disagree?

Sorry Mikey S if I offended. New to the sight (today) and am just learning how to navigate my way around....don't worry about that bit, I'll figure it out.

Thanks very much

nayan

the sea at chandipore is very special. the water recedes very far at low tide (you cannot see the water... its that far) and comes up to the beach at high tide.

but it does not have a "beach life" as such..... means sunbathing, water sports, beach shacks etc not present at all.

its one of the "long weekend - lets go on a trip" destinations for bengali tourists.

if relaxation is your aim then you are better off in the north bengal-sikkim- doars area. Stunning places all around.

rebrand

Thanks for replying Nayan.

I guess what I was looking for (as well as relaxation) was also to be in the sun. I don't want to necessarily swim in the ocean at all but to relax by a pool or something seems appealing but maybe unrealistic. I think Sikkim might be a bit cold for that and will have been in Darjeeling which will also be cooler.

Understand what you are saying about Balasore and it sounds like it won't fit the bill. Think I need to replan my trip...

Maybe Delhi, Agra, little bit or Rajastan, Varanassi and Darjeeling make more sense. That would mean leaving out Balasore and Kolkata. Will do some more work on it. Any advise welcome.

Thanks again