Travel companion required Rajsthan depart Delhi 9 March

Violabea

Hi, I am travelling Rajasthan (20) days Dlehi Bikener, jaisalmeer, Jodhpur - Udaipur - Bundi/Kota - Jaipur- Agra Delhi.
I have hire a car for the entire trip, some hotels pre-booked.
Seeking female/male single traveler to share the trip.

Has anyone travelled this route by this mode alone (ie with the driver). Is it safe? Any issues to be aware of? I am first timer to India.
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kristinm

No I travelled with the family to much the same places, but I would think if you had a driver you got along with and who spoke some English, you'd be fine.

You'll certainly meet lots of interesting travellers along the way, most in your age group .. or younger or older, I'm sure you'll hook up for day tours or even legs of the journey (I mean that in the travelling companion sense not the other one...!).

I know its easy to say now that I've done it, but I would not hesitate to go alone, especially with a car and driver... its really safe as long as you are respectful and mindful, do your research and are sensible.

Follow all the rules about hygiene etc but don't let people talk you out of eating at roadside dhabas and food stands (NOT the Midway ones, they are a rip-off)... the best food we had was at these places.

We had different drivers and other transport too - but we did notice that Indians - drivers and guesthouse owners - tend to be overprotective towards 'their' tourists. They tend to not want you to eat at the more 'Indian' restaurants and like you to stick to the LP type ones, and the drivers have to be pushed to pass the Midway dhabas and stop at the genuine ones... They tell you to go here and not go there, on the basis of what others have said, or what they think westerners want.. so take it on board, but don't be afraid..

We were roundly ticked off by the lovely woman in Jaipur who owned our guesthouse for eating at a market dhaba type place - I think she was ready to take us to the hospital!

We had to really assert ourselves sometimes - so I'd suggest that while it is good to listen to advice, you also need to make it clear who is in charge from the beginning...

I did observe a few travellers who IMO had become a little too close to their drivers and appeared to be pretty much doing as they were told (the westerners that is), buying the drivers dinners in smart restaurants, paying for rooms etc - get the ground rules sorted about sleeping, eating, tips, extras etc before you leave....

Violabea

thanks for the hip of advices, particularly regarding the relationship with a drivers. I am being assured by the tour company (btw anyone used them _ Drive India tour- that their drivers must do what the client wishes- ie not commission shops, etc, offer recommendation when asked, but do what a client wants. Moreover, they emphasised - all driver expenses - meals and accommodation is already included in the price. So, hopefully I will not be pressured for extra money.
What is the story with the customary tipping? Althought they said in a quote - all cost included, not one more ruppe will Ihave to pay, yet upon the confirmation I found a clause saying, 10% or more driver tip customary. I read it as highly expected when questioned it. what are the "rules" on tipping?
V

kristinm

Others can help you with this more than me - I found everyone wanted tipping all the time but I never quite worked it out...

hmm..whatcanthisbe

travelling to the same places aroundf the same dates, PM me / e-mail me lets talk

cyberanya

hi,
my dates are not exactly the same - March 19 to 30 - but perhaps, if you still didn't find anyone, i could join you for part of the trip? i'll be in Jaipur from March 16 to 19th, for a conference, and then looking to travel to the same places you listed. i'm female, 30, anthropologist, currently doing research in India for one year.

Violabea

it sounds good. how do we get in touch? I will be in Jaisalmer around 11th. Please leave a message for me with Britta on 91 978 4477245. Otherwise, please contact me on beatom27@hotmail.com ASAP. I am an Asutralian Business Analyst. It would be great to have your company - We could discuss the itinerary (which is flexible) in detail.
Regards