traveling in India for the first time

mynou

Hello everyone.

I read a lot of the threads of past forums, and had a good chuckle about being blonde in India. I've traveled the world, just about, and always found that by being myself, and adapting to different cultures with respect has never given me any trouble, on the contrary. This said, it's better to be prepared that not to and I appreciate every good advice.

Am traveling for a whole month in India. First New York to Mumbai,
then Goa where I will be staying with friends.

From Goa, going to Jaipur, where I will stay five nights. From Jaipur I will be going to Jodhpur. I have not been able to get a ticket from Jaipur to Jodhpur and would like to travel by bus.

These are my questions:
1. How to I chose a guide in Jaipur and Jodhpur?
2. Is it easy for a woman alone (am a young 60) to find things to do on her own, without problem(s)?
3. As anyone any suggestion as to where I should go after Jodhpur? I have another two weeks. I will be leaving Jodhpur on the 23rd of February. Need to be back in Mumbai for my flight home by March 4th.
thank you for your help - Namaste. Mynou

wonderwomanusa

Mynou, I'm older than you and have been amusing my self in India for many years. I'm sure you'll have a great time!

If you get tired of being on your own, stay at one of the hotels that caters to tourists (look them up in the Lonely Planet or another guide) and you'll surely find someone compatible with whom you can sightsee, take a train or bus, or just go out for dinner.

While in Rajasthan, try to see either Mt. Abu or Ranakpur; these are Jain temples and Mt. Abu is like being in the middle of an incredible wedding cake!

On your way back to Mumbai, try to divert and see the caves at Ajanta and Ellora ... they are among the very best (beautiful, impressive, old, fantastic) expressions of Indian life and art!

mynou

Thank you so much for your input. I am not staying in Mumbai, as am flying the next day of arrival to Goa.
But in Jaipur, am staying at one of the hotels that Lonely Planet recommended.

Thank you again
Namaste
Mynou

wonderwomanusa

Yes, but you have to go back to Mumbai for your flight homw, so see Ajanta & Ellora when you are on your way back. You DID ask for other suggestions, didn't you?

mynou

yes, I did ask for suggestions, and I thank you. I will visit those places you recommend.

thanks again!
Mynou

mynou

Could anyone help me to find a guide in Jaipur, and in Jodhpur...?

How much should I pay, and what do you recommend?

Thank you
Mynou

FreeSoul

You covered Goa, Jaipur and Jodhpur but you forgot Maharashtra, if you are going to Goa from there just go to Amboli ghats which is just 2 or 3 hours drive from Goa. Amboli is a tranquil hill station on the border of Maharashtra, you can get there by Konkan railway or by bus.