N. India at Xmas - some advice needed...

wechtie

Hi all,

New here so be gentle!

So, I'm off to India for the first time in December, spending two weeks over Christmas and New Year there. At the moment the only firm plan I have is the flight into Delhi, but I'm planning to take in Agra (just for the Taj Mahal really), Haridwar (I'd like to spend a few days here), Rishikesh and Amritsar, as well as a day in Delhi at either end of the trip. I just have a few things I'd like some advice on:

• From what my friends tell me I don't think I need more than a day in Agra - what's the easiest way of doing this?
• I'd like to go to one other place to see a bit more of India and can't make up my mind where. Shimla? Dharamsala? I'm planning on doing most of my travel by train and both options seem a bit tricky to go to between say, Haridwar and Amritsar...Anywhere else interesting around there? Any other forms of transport an option?
• What should I expect weather wise at this time of year. I know it's not hot but is it really cold? I don't mind, just want to be prepared!

The main purpose of the trip is some relaxed soaking up of India (without wanting to sound like I have too romantic an image!) - so don't want to do too much rushing about and more interested in the experience than ticking off sites necessarily. Having said that I do have an interest in religion and belief in general, so if there's a few sites of that sort to be seen I'm happy (hence the itinery so far).

Any help and advice would be much appreciated. Sorry this is a bit long - I'm excited!

Thanks!

gOgOIndia

Hi Wechtie

i was in your shoes this time last year its so exciting planning a trip to india!

I spent 3 nights in delhi including a day trip to agra in february this year. Its possible to get the train there and back in a day, the train leaves quite early maybe 6am and comes back about 8pm

Its quite a long day getting the train maybe hiring a car/taxi would be better im not sure? Once in Agra we hired a prepaid taxi to take us around the whole day and drop us back in time for the train, it was about 700 rupees. The train was great though and really relaxing after being guided by the taxi driver all day.

A day trip was really enough for us, felt like we seen most of the sights and was ready to get back to delhi a few hours before the train was due!

The Taj is as wonderful as every one says you will love it! Its possible to spend quite some time there, we spent 2 hours but could easily have been there another hour or more. Delhi is great as well and you should think of spending at least 2 days exploring it there are loads of sights to see as well as just soaking up some daily life.

In february delhi was cold in the morning and at night, but really hot during the day. I just carried a shawl with me when out early or late.

Have a great trip!!

Hal

If you are interested in religion, you should consider Varanasi

wonderwomanusa

Chilly mornings and nights in Delhi -- damp and foggy, too. 10C or less at night.

Shimla and any other mountain areas: chances of snow, but it all depends on Mom India. Take your fleece jacket and warm socks!

__________________
The map is not the territory. --Alfred Korzybski