First trip to India over the holidays

globetrotter5

My boyfriend and I are planning our first trip to India from mid-Dec to early Jan. We're starting in Delhi and flying out of Chennai. The more research I do on the trip, the more I realize I need help to focus! We are interested in urban landscapes as well as the coastal regions, and are not super keen on overly touristy areas. I'm most interested trying to coordinate train schedules with places to stay. Any guideance greatly appreciated!

somnath

Hi,
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Somnath

lonelyaztec

Globe Trotter,

Welcome to India and i am sure you will have a great time here.

The best way to start ur India trip will be to have a look at the Map of India, if you have not already.

So, you will know abt the places along the coast, the himalayas and the Desert region - Rajasthan.

A look at the tourist map will tell you what are the various places to visit.

You will be able to recognize some of the places....historical, pilgrim, beach...etc in various categoies...after which depending on the time you have, you can decided where you want to go...

Plan ur itenary accordingly.....

After u plan ur itenary..u can figure out..whether to take train / bus / cab...in many places in south u can do it on a motorcycle also.

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Aztec

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machadinha

Not to put you down but if you're speaking around three weeks and on a first trip the area you mention (Delhi-Chennai) is just vast, and I mean vast. Like the others said, try to find your bearings with the help of some guidebooks and a map (preferably one that shows India on the same scale as your home country), or with the help of previous IndiaMike postings of course , then pin it down to one or two general areas, possibly connected by one flight or long train haul. You can always come back to work out the details.

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globetrotter5

thanks to everyone for your advice. it has helped tremendously. i'm sure more questions on the way...

michelamag

Hi, I've been in India 2 yearse ago....and I love it!

michela

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vsp27759

Dear globetrotter,

##Whatever may be your travel plan, please have the confirmed journey tickets - whether it is train or flight - and hotel accomodation in your hand and then only get down from your flight in New Delhi, since lot of people will be travelling across the country in the last week of December/first week of January.

##You profile says that you are a resident of Sanfrancisco Bay Area.

##Perhaps, you may drop a Message at the following link so that somebody would be able to meet you 'in person' and give you an idea about India!!!

San Francisco Bay Area Meetups