Oldies to India

Ian K

First time trip to India, and now getting on a bit for pure back-packing, looking for some basic advise on the following.
In India for last week of Oct, and first two in Nov.
2 days in Delhi, then on to Agra by train for 1 night.
From Agra to Jhansi 1 night?(train?), then Varanasi,2 nights? (train? Bus?).
On then to Shimla 2 nights? (Toy train up to Shimla from the railhead, but how to get to railhead? Fly,train or bus).Then to Pathankot 2 nights?(again, ideas on best method of transport?).
We will be lugging suitcases most of the time.
The historian in me would also like to fit in Lucknow and Cawnpore between Agra and Jhansi, but I think thats pushing it a bit.
Is the above realistic in terms of time and transport?
Many thanks
Ian & Pauline

singsub

yes very possible. jhansi for what - orcha ?? nothing in pathankot, ulness you mean to use it as a point of departure for dalhousie

zoltan

Agreed with the comments above - Jhansi doesn't have anything on offer.

Orchha is a really nice place for a minimum of 1 day.

Can't remember much about Pathankot (except for the name & passing through at some point).

You could go from Jhansi /Orchha to Khajuraho and then fly from Khaj. to Varanasi (55 minutes).

2 nights in Varanasi would be good and you'd get to see some highlights during that short a period.

Depending where you're flying out of, Darjeeling's toy-train is much nicer (imho), than Shimla.

If you can fly out of Kolkata, that would be the way to go (ie. East, not back to Delhi).

Cheers
Zoltan

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wonderwomanusa

You're not THAT old; some of us have 10 years or more on you and still manage to get around India very well... though I will admit that it's more physically strenuous than it was when I was 30. You'll be fine so long as you don't take too much and can carry your own bag once in a while. When you can't, there are porters!

Have a good visit!

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twalnut

Looks doable. If it was me, and I was looking for a way to fit something else in, I'd drop Pathankot. I'm older than you, and the only pointers I can offer that might pass for wisdom are: Arrive well rested, healthy and fit as possible; don't schedule every minute. You're never going to see it all, so leave some time for sitting around taking it easy; take the terrific and the not so terrific as all part of the adventure. This is all stuff that you probably know from your travels. Oh,and DON'T FORGET YOUR CAMERA! You're going to photographer's heaven. Have a wonderful trip.

unclelach

I'm sure I had some wisdom to impart but I've forgotten what it was. Still, I'll pass on some frequently repeated tips.

I had just turned 57 when I made my second visit to India, nineteen years after my first stay. Since then I've had two longish visits travelling independently without mishap.

Remarks in no particular order:

Pathankot is the usual transit point for reaching McLeod Ganj/Dharamsala ie for those interested in Tibetan buddhism. I reached Pathankot by an overnight mainline train and continued by the narrow gauge Kangra railway which commences at the Pathankot station. The Kangra railway is so scenic that it alone is sufficient reason to travel to Pathankot. Most McLeod Ganj visitors travel by taxi or bus between Pathankot and their destination. Kangra rail users will need to take a taxi or rickshaw from a station close to Dharamsala. Few visitors overnight at Pathankot.

I reached the Kalka railhead by early morning train from Delhi. Caught the connecting Shimla train at the same station.

Suitcase lugging is a misery in India. Make sure each person has a medium size pull-along bag with large and very robust wheels. This will give you a degree of independence and allow you to travel by rickshaws. Large suitcases will limit you to taxis and are unstowable in train sleeper compartments. You can't be sure of finding porters when you need them and bargaining over charges is taxing.

India is a great place for shopping but most things you buy should be parcel posted or dispatched home by courier eg DHL.
India travel is best enjoyed travelling light. HAVE FUN!

Ian K

Thanks all, some very good info.
Cheers
Ian K