North India Itinerary Advice

annnl

I have been to Agra, Jaipur and Delhi. On October this year, I plan to make a trip to India for the 2nd time. My route is as follows：Delhi—Varanasi(3days)— Khajuraho(1day)—Udaipur(3days) —Jodhpur(1-2days)—Jailsmer(2days)—Delhi（1 day）, better add Ajmer(Pushkar) if possible.
Do you think my above-mentioned itinerary is manageable？ Or you have better idea about the connections between cities. I have 2 weeks leaves only. My main concern is the transportation between cities, especially Varanasi to Khajuraho and Khajuraho to Udaipur. I don’t want to make my trip too hard. So, I also consider travel by air one or two times during my journey. Please give me some suggestions. Thank you.

singsub

varanasi to khajuraho is possible - you got to take a nihght train from varanasi to Satna and then take a car from there to khajuraho. i am not sure about the khajuraho to udaipur journey though. maybe you should travel to bhopal from khajuraho (via satna or jhansi) and then go to udaipur from bhopal. bhopal has quite a few interesting places to see, so it would be worth it. another option is to come to jhansi from khajuraho, see orcha (15 kms from jhansi) and then take a train from jhansi to jodhpur. btw, it would take 2 for khajuraho - one day to see the place and the other day will be lost in journeys to and from khajuraho. 1 day is about right for jodhpur. i dont think you will have time to include pushkar/ajmer

annnl

thank you for your advice.

annnl

As the transportation in my previous itinerary is a little bit complicated, I changed my route as follows: Delhi—Jailsmer—Jodhpur—Udaipur —Ajmer—Delhi. Focus on Rajasthan. To Keep Varanasi and Khajuraho for the next time. Do you think it is reasonable and easier to make? The transportation between Udaipur to Ajmer by train is ok? Ajmer/Pushkar are worth visiting? Stay in Ajmer or Pushkar during my journey? How many days should I spend in the above-mentioned cities. By the way, anyone knows the exact date of the Pushkar camel fair？Thanks.

Aishah

Yes, Annnl, this is far more realistic. The Pushkar camel fair is starting around a week before the full moon in November. haven't a calendar with me with moon activity so can't work it out at the moment but you might be able to. Stay in Pushkar, not Ajmer - Pushkar is over the hill about 20 - 30 mins. drive from Ajmer. I think it will be easier to go to Ajmer from Udaipur by bus - it is not a long, all day journey. You change buses at the govt bus stand for one to Pushkar. If you travel by private bus you will need to go to the govt. bus stand.

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singsub

I suggest you travel in the following order -

delhi-jaipur-ajmer/pushkar-jaisalmer-udaipur (via barmer) - jodhpur - delhi.

i dont think there is a train between udaipur and ajmer/jaipur

Jorge Reverter

I recommend to travel between Jodhpur and Udaipur by road with a ar with driver, so you can visit Kumbalgarh and Ranakpur, I'm sure you'll enjoy both places.

From Udaipur take a train to Ajmer, the only daily train is:
Train 2991 07.05 - 12.30

You can leave the lugage at the station and visit the city (interesting muslim monuments) and stay in Pushkar because the ambiance is better for the travelers.

Jorge

singsub

i am wrong about trains twice today !!!

but anyway she/he wont need the udaipur-ajmer train is she traveling from udaipur to jodhpur. yes ranakpur and kumbhalgarh are worth stopovers. the journey is through the aravalli hills and is quite beautiful.

annnl

Thank Aishah，Singsub and Jorge Reverter for so many good suggestions. I'll consider them in my plan.

Could I take a train from Ajmer via Jodhpur to Jaisalmer？ It seems there is no direct train from Ajmer to Jaisalmer. If I go from Jaisalmer to Udaipur via barmer by bus, should I stop in barmer for one day?

Aishah

Annl - it doesn't matter which way you do your journey - there is a direct train Delhi - Jaisalmer both directions. No direct train Ajmer - Jaisalmer though. Train Ajmer to Jodhpur is possible and from Jodhpur there is an overnight train to Jaisalmer, an early morning train as well. Buses take around 5 hours and go frequently - every hour. As Jorge Reverter says, a good idea to take a car between Udaipur and Jodhpur so you can see Ranakpur and Khumbalgarh.

annnl

thank Aishah for your patient reply.

kristinm

I second that absolutely -a beautiful drive and incredible sights at both places....