what would you change to this trip?

Kip911 · Jul 14th, 2008, 11:40

Hello to everyone! This is my first post!
We're (me, 2 girls and a boy, all mid 20's) going on a trip from November to December and we're landing in Mumbai and then getting a car and this is out proposed itinerary. We won't be catching trains because I'm a scardey cat and I'd rather be safe in a car even if it will take a bit longer or cost a bit more. (Also, part of it I might do by myself, so even less willing to catch a train by myself!)

So, what do you think? We don't mind skipping some places if it's easier, and seeing others. But definately have to go to Agra and be in Dehli by the 15th for my flight out.

Saturday 22nd November - Mumbai - Arrive at 22:30.

Sunday 23rd November - Mumbai - Gateway, Elephanta Caves etc

Monday 24th November- Mumbai - Juhu beach and shopping.

Tuesday 25th November - Mumbai - Colaba? Film City?

Wednesday 26th November - Mumbai to Surat (283k = 5.5 hours)

Thursday 27th - Surat to Ahmdabad (255k = 5 hours)

Friday 28th - Ahmdabad - Calico Museum, Sabarmati Ashram, Indroda Village Deer Park

Saturday 29th - Ahmdabad

Sunday 30th - Ahmdabad to Mt Abu (214k = 4.5 hours)

Monday 1st - Mt Abu to Udaipur (5 hours)

Tuesday 2nd - Udaipur City Palace

Wednesday 3rd - Udaipur to Jaisalmer (574k = 11 hours)

Thursday 4th - Jaisalmer camel safari and Jaisalmer Fort

Friday 5th - Jaisalmer camel safari and Jaisalmer Fort

Saturday 6th - Jaisalmer camel safari and Jaisalmer Fort

Sunday 7th - Jaisalmer to Jodhpur (308k = 6 hours)

Monday 8th - Jodhpur Meherangarh Fort

Tuesday 9th - Jodhpur to Jaipur (331k = 6 hours)

Wednesday 10th - Jaipur - City palace

Thursday 11th - Jaipur - Surya Mandir and bazaars or elephant ride to Amber Fort

Friday 12th - Jaipur to Agra (232k = 5 hours)

Saturday 13th - Agra - Taj Mahal and Agra Fort

Sunday 14th - Agra to Dehli (203k = 4 hours)

Monday 15th - Dehli. Plane leaves at 11pm.

Brisso · Jul 14th, 2008, 12:19

Umm ... why do you assume 60km/hour? You may be disappointed once congestion and trucks are taken into account.

My other comment, as I'm sure others will attest - TOO MUCH! Cut out at least 2 destinations (or maybe just buy postcards and look at it all when you get home).

jyotirmoy · Jul 14th, 2008, 12:20

Why Surat?

capt_mahajan · Jul 14th, 2008, 12:22

Seconding brisso, way too much.

work on 55.

Indian road journeys will be tiring, so your schedule is all the more rushed.

Haylo · Jul 14th, 2008, 12:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kip911

We won't be catching trains because I'm a scardey cat and I'd rather be safe in a car even if it will take a bit longer or cost a bit more.

Are you sure that travelling by car is safer? I haven't seen accident statistics, but from anecdotal evidence, my impression was that mile for mile trains are the safer option.

Umm.. You are planning to rent a car with a driver, aren't you?

Kip911 · Jul 14th, 2008, 13:51

Yeah, we're getting a car with driver. I mean being safe as in out of the way of the few bad seeds that might try stuff on and things. I mean obviously we can't avoid it in the street, but with a safe driver, we can avoid it while we're travelling.

What bits should you suggest we cut out? Only stopping in Surat cause it's on the way to Ahmdabad. And we might need a break after 5 hours?

Mickey S · Jul 14th, 2008, 14:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kip911

Yeah, we're getting a car with driver. I mean being safe as in out of the way of the few bad seeds that might try stuff on and things. I mean obviously we can't avoid it in the street, but with a safe driver, we can avoid it while we're travelling.

Your concerns are bordering on paranoia. Train travel in India is (almost) as safe as anywhere in the world and you'd be foolish to avoid it as it is part of the Indian Experience.

There's the additional benefit that taking the occasional overnight train would save you many tedious hours of daytime driving, would save on hotel costs and would give you more time for actual sightseeing.

Kip911 · Jul 14th, 2008, 14:53

Mmm, maybe, but I think for the convenience as well. As in, we can leave a city when we want to, not when the trains come and go, and also saves us getting ripped off by taxis and rickshaw drivers (money saved to get ripped off elsewhere!)

I know the Mumbai - Ahmadabad train goes at some ridiculous hour like 6am, so we'd rather avoid that as well.

We intend to have the 'Indian Experience' in lots of other ways, like eating out a lot and shopping at the markets and so forth.

So, what do you think we should cut?

Also, overnights aren't an option, I'm parnoid about catching them in Australia and Europe, much less India. But thanks for the suggestion!

jyotirmoy · Jul 14th, 2008, 15:05

What is the paranoia with overnight trains? Apart from India I have crisscrossed Europe several times with Eu-rail pass and did plenty of overnight train travel, very comfortable and saved many hotel nights.

Mickey S · Jul 14th, 2008, 15:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kip911

I know the Mumbai - Ahmadabad train goes at some ridiculous hour like 6am, so we'd rather avoid that as well.

The Mumbai - Ahmadabad train? The most casual glance at a timetable shows at least 20 trains between those two cities, most of them departing at a time that will allow you a long lie-in.

I think your paranoia about "bad stuff" is going to cast a long shadow over your Indian experience.

But, back to your itinerary...

You say you "definately have to go to Agra", and yet you're allowing only an overnight stop there?

Kip911 · Jul 14th, 2008, 15:37

I did Paris-Berlin overnight and it was fine, overall, but it didn't stop me worrying. So I think if there are things that give you ease of mind, you should do that. I didn't even sleep on the overnight to Berlin, and was much more tired than if we'd just done the plane option. Oh, and you def can't do overnights in Australia on countrylink trains. Worst journey of my domestic travel life!

We're going to Agra just to see Taj Mahal, which I've heard takes no more than half a day. So probably do that on the 13th, and then leave Agra in the evening.

Yikes, just realised I posted an older version of the itinerary. Have posted the proper one now, the activities listed alongside are not the things we aim to see each day, but a rough guide of what is available.

capt_mahajan · Jul 14th, 2008, 15:55

Quote:

Have posted the proper one now

My original opinion still stands

Mickey S · Jul 14th, 2008, 17:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kip911

I did Paris-Berlin overnight and it was fine, overall, but it didn't stop me worrying.

Worrying about what, exactly?

You seem to have no worries about being driven by a total stranger for many hours at a time on some of the most dangerous roads in the world...

Radjesh · Jul 15th, 2008, 00:05

Is there a need to go to Udaipur via Mount Abu? Cant you directly go from Ahmedabad to Udaipur, there's nothing much to see at Mount Abu except the Dilwara temple.

Instead of Udaipur-Jaisalmer-Jodhpur-Jaipur, how about Udaipur-Jodhpur-Jaisalmer-Jaipur, Jodhpur is in bewteen Udaipur and Jaisalmer. You also get to travel via Bikaner, Barmer (although not very sure on this) when you go from Jaisalmer to Jaipur.

dumpy · Jul 15th, 2008, 00:35

I guess some people just worry about different things.
Your itinerary is a little rushed for my liking but each to his own.
I see very little downtime in your plans, all big, well frequented places, a lot of which score high on the hassle factor, read Udaipur, Agra, Jaipur, why not drop one or two of these places and look for something a bit smaller and laid back, Dwarka, Somnath, Champenar, Bundi, Shekawati.
Ranakpur/Kuhmbhalgarh

You could certainly shave a day from Jaipur and use the extra day to explore Agra and surrounds a bit more, Fatehpur Sikri, Mathura etc etc.

Jul 14th, 2008, 11:40	#1
Kip911 Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Sydney Posts: 11	what would you change to this trip? Hello to everyone! This is my first post! We're (me, 2 girls and a boy, all mid 20's) going on a trip from November to December and we're landing in Mumbai and then getting a car and this is out proposed itinerary. We won't be catching trains because I'm a scardey cat and I'd rather be safe in a car even if it will take a bit longer or cost a bit more. (Also, part of it I might do by myself, so even less willing to catch a train by myself!) So, what do you think? We don't mind skipping some places if it's easier, and seeing others. But definately have to go to Agra and be in Dehli by the 15th for my flight out. Saturday 22nd November - Mumbai - Arrive at 22:30. Sunday 23rd November - Mumbai - Gateway, Elephanta Caves etc Monday 24th November- Mumbai - Juhu beach and shopping. Tuesday 25th November - Mumbai - Colaba? Film City? Wednesday 26th November - Mumbai to Surat (283k = 5.5 hours) Thursday 27th - Surat to Ahmdabad (255k = 5 hours) Friday 28th - Ahmdabad - Calico Museum, Sabarmati Ashram, Indroda Village Deer Park Saturday 29th - Ahmdabad Sunday 30th - Ahmdabad to Mt Abu (214k = 4.5 hours) Monday 1st - Mt Abu to Udaipur (5 hours) Tuesday 2nd - Udaipur City Palace Wednesday 3rd - Udaipur to Jaisalmer (574k = 11 hours) Thursday 4th - Jaisalmer camel safari and Jaisalmer Fort Friday 5th - Jaisalmer camel safari and Jaisalmer Fort Saturday 6th - Jaisalmer camel safari and Jaisalmer Fort Sunday 7th - Jaisalmer to Jodhpur (308k = 6 hours) Monday 8th - Jodhpur Meherangarh Fort Tuesday 9th - Jodhpur to Jaipur (331k = 6 hours) Wednesday 10th - Jaipur - City palace Thursday 11th - Jaipur - Surya Mandir and bazaars or elephant ride to Amber Fort Friday 12th - Jaipur to Agra (232k = 5 hours) Saturday 13th - Agra - Taj Mahal and Agra Fort Sunday 14th - Agra to Dehli (203k = 4 hours) Monday 15th - Dehli. Plane leaves at 11pm. Last edited by Kip911 : Jul 14th, 2008 at 15:44. Reason: changed itinerary

Jul 15th, 2008, 00:05	#14
Radjesh Maha Guru Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Chennai Posts: 683	Is there a need to go to Udaipur via Mount Abu? Cant you directly go from Ahmedabad to Udaipur, there's nothing much to see at Mount Abu except the Dilwara temple. Instead of Udaipur-Jaisalmer-Jodhpur-Jaipur, how about Udaipur-Jodhpur-Jaisalmer-Jaipur, Jodhpur is in bewteen Udaipur and Jaisalmer. You also get to travel via Bikaner, Barmer (although not very sure on this) when you go from Jaisalmer to Jaipur. __________________ MY 2008 KASHMIR TRIP

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Jul 14th, 2008, 12:19	#2
Brisso Specialist muddler Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Brisbane Posts: 533	Umm ... why do you assume 60km/hour? You may be disappointed once congestion and trucks are taken into account. My other comment, as I'm sure others will attest - TOO MUCH! Cut out at least 2 destinations (or maybe just buy postcards and look at it all when you get home).

Jul 14th, 2008, 12:20	#3
jyotirmoy Maha Guru Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: India Posts: 4,620	Why Surat?

Jul 14th, 2008, 12:22	#4
capt_mahajan (in charge of navel affairs) Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: India Posts: 10,105	Seconding brisso, way too much. work on 55. Indian road journeys will be tiring, so your schedule is all the more rushed.

Jul 14th, 2008, 13:51	#6
Kip911 Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Sydney Posts: 11	Yeah, we're getting a car with driver. I mean being safe as in out of the way of the few bad seeds that might try stuff on and things. I mean obviously we can't avoid it in the street, but with a safe driver, we can avoid it while we're travelling. What bits should you suggest we cut out? Only stopping in Surat cause it's on the way to Ahmdabad. And we might need a break after 5 hours?

Jul 14th, 2008, 14:53	#8
Kip911 Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Sydney Posts: 11	Mmm, maybe, but I think for the convenience as well. As in, we can leave a city when we want to, not when the trains come and go, and also saves us getting ripped off by taxis and rickshaw drivers (money saved to get ripped off elsewhere!) I know the Mumbai - Ahmadabad train goes at some ridiculous hour like 6am, so we'd rather avoid that as well. We intend to have the 'Indian Experience' in lots of other ways, like eating out a lot and shopping at the markets and so forth. So, what do you think we should cut? Also, overnights aren't an option, I'm parnoid about catching them in Australia and Europe, much less India. But thanks for the suggestion!

Jul 14th, 2008, 15:05	#9
jyotirmoy Maha Guru Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: India Posts: 4,620	What is the paranoia with overnight trains? Apart from India I have crisscrossed Europe several times with Eu-rail pass and did plenty of overnight train travel, very comfortable and saved many hotel nights.

Jul 14th, 2008, 15:37	#11
Kip911 Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Sydney Posts: 11	I did Paris-Berlin overnight and it was fine, overall, but it didn't stop me worrying. So I think if there are things that give you ease of mind, you should do that. I didn't even sleep on the overnight to Berlin, and was much more tired than if we'd just done the plane option. Oh, and you def can't do overnights in Australia on countrylink trains. Worst journey of my domestic travel life! We're going to Agra just to see Taj Mahal, which I've heard takes no more than half a day. So probably do that on the 13th, and then leave Agra in the evening. Yikes, just realised I posted an older version of the itinerary. Have posted the proper one now, the activities listed alongside are not the things we aim to see each day, but a rough guide of what is available.

Jul 15th, 2008, 00:35	#15
dumpy Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: cyberworld Posts: 38	I guess some people just worry about different things. Your itinerary is a little rushed for my liking but each to his own. I see very little downtime in your plans, all big, well frequented places, a lot of which score high on the hassle factor, read Udaipur, Agra, Jaipur, why not drop one or two of these places and look for something a bit smaller and laid back, Dwarka, Somnath, Champenar, Bundi, Shekawati. Ranakpur/Kuhmbhalgarh You could certainly shave a day from Jaipur and use the extra day to explore Agra and surrounds a bit more, Fatehpur Sikri, Mathura etc etc.

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