my itinerary... any suggestions?

Hello all,
I've been watching this forum for the last 6 months, and have finally decided to post something!
I don't know if my plans for visiting India would have been solidified ever if it weren't for this website, so thanks a lot.

So, I was hoping that if I posted my planned itinerary, I could recieve some feed back, such as if I am scheduling way too much/little time here or there, or if I am missing out on something essential. I will be going from november 10 - march 15 (I have my flights already) and I am a 24 year old gal, travelling solo.

The major reasons for going are to people watch, meet people, see wildlife, trek, volunteer a bit and do some Buddhist retreats.

Here it is! In the order I will be travelling, but without exact dates since I am posting this from work and my notebook is at home!

the trip; Nov 11 - may 15
1 month - Delhi, work at an NGO living with the organizer's (Indian) family
2 weeks - Bodhgaya, Buddhist meditation course at the Root institute
1 week - Kolkatta
1 month - Bangladesh, where I would like to buy a bike and explore some smaller towns. Does anyone know what sort of accomodation I'll find, and if they will take a foreigner female in small villages? What areas are good for this sort of exploration? Is one month way too long/short a time to get a good feel for the country and it's sites, nature and people?
1 or 2 weeks - Darjeeling and area
4 days - Varanassi
2 weeks - Goa (getting here via train from delhi seems the best route, as far as I can tell)
3 weeks Himachal Pradesh - bit of local day treks and the Dalai Lama's spring lectures. Has anyone been to these? how are they? How do you think someone who is new to Buddhism might find 10 days of lectures?
2 months almost - Nepal, trekking and hanging around Kathmandu, with some rafting hopefully.

That's it! Any ideas? I don't like rushing around too much, (as I did in Europe! 10 countries in less than 3 months!) so the fewer stops the better.

Thanks for any thoughts you may have!

I don't think you have to go to Delhi from Varansi to get to Goa; you might go from Varanasi or Moghul Serai to Mumbai to Goa.

I think you might be happier going to Goa when your NGO stint in Delhi is finished and then work your way back North -- unless that thing at the Root Institute is not flexible. Going this way would eliminate a lot of backtracking, and put you closer to the Himalya when it's getting so hot!

See this thread: Why Bangladesh

Sounds like an amazing journey. Enjoy.

wonderwoman, thanks for the train tip. It'd be nice to avoid going back to delhi again!

the root institute course is happening on set dates for the retreat I want to take, so I have to schedule myself around that.

For me, I'd skip Goa & spend more time in Bangladesh (if you have the chance).

Visa length depends on country of origin. I'm not sure how long Canadians can get for their visas.

Many places are off the beaten track and many will allow you to stay for a very nominal rate.

When you talk of buying a bike, are you talking motor or bicycle?

Places I loved most - Barisal; Sunderbans & Lake Kaptai.

Cheers
Zoltan

Thanks for the tips! I am planning my trip as I go, so I'm sure that if I fall in love with Bangladesh I will extend my stay and do exactly as you recommended!
By bike I mean the kind that goes nice slow and does not require gas! I think it will be good fun, since Bangladesh is pretty much flat.