Even the Butterflies in my stomach have butterflies

amogasiddhi

...and breathe.

I've read many postings with a smile on my face; a smile that thinly diguises sheer panic that is...and I haven't even bought my ticket, yet.
So you're wondering why i'm writing this? Well it's like this folks, I'm the kinda guy who feels the need to know absolutely everything I possibly can before I go to India for the first time, you know, 'that' kinda guy. So I have some (understatement) questions to whom it may concern. And yes, I understand that I can't plan everything but what else do I do with the months between now and then?
I'm planning to fly into Mumbai around 10-15th Feb. Stomach willing, i'll then get a train to Dongargargh (a family thing). I'd like this to take the first few days as i'm mindful of the climate. If it takes longer, that's fine.
Then I travel up to Varanasi. I'd like opinions on places to stay for about two weeks and anything else you'd like to add will be welcome.
Varanasi means decisions. Do I go to Darjeeling or Kathmandu? Train again. Opinions and suggestions. This is already becoming a mountainous posting.
I then want to get to Delhi...somehow before heading up to Shimla and, you guessed it Dharamsala and possibly Leh.
I already have some info about all this from LP though I just can't help myself so write whatever you can.
I'd also welcome suggestions about what gear to take with me such as clothing as i'll be hot in the plains and could be cold up north.
Thank you so much for whatever you write.

SHIMLA

Shimla and Dharamsala will be simply divine in March !! Carry warm clothing, like a sweater or two!! You must spend at least a week in each place.

Considering the season you'll be travelling in, there is no need to book either train or hotel in advance.

You will enjoy yourself thoroughly, hence please release those poor butterflies from captivity and let them fly free !!

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Whoever said money can't buy happiness didn't know where to shop !

nomadelmundo

haven't been to india yet either mate, but i know how you feel... while i don't usually care to do too much research in advance... india like most southern asia is different... depending how much traveling, treking and mountaineering exp. you had in the past is how you should engage in going up north... i will be in india late dec-jan, and have abandoned idea of a northern trip as the roads and climate is not the best, espeically el nino is suppose to make record snow falls this year... even if you are a seasoned climber, there may be delays and risk... if i had the extra time, i'd take a flight to goa then more south and relax by the beach to get-away from the coldness of the northern hemisphere...
will

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