Waiting for the off!

torryquine · Nov 19th, 2004, 22:46

Hello all IMers. I wanted to say that yours is the most helpful information we've read on India so far http://www.indiamike.com/india/misc....0&forumid=76#- and with a month to go we've been reading everything! Allan_D's postings on the North East have been particularly good to read. http://www.indiamike.com/india/misc....=0&forumid=76#

Me and the Hubby are sort of first timers, the Hubby was born and spent his early childhood in the tea estates of Assam and I travelled in Nepal and other parts of Asia some 15 (or so) years ago. But somehow India was always the big scary country I wanted to see but was afraid to - until now. Reading all your postings seems to confirm those fears and expectations, but bring it on! http://www.indiamike.com/india/misc....=0&forumid=76#

We have all our travel and accommodation arranged and we're not exactly slumming it, but if anyone has any more advice to give it would be well received. Itinerary is: Delhi, Agra, Fatepur Sikri ,Bharatpur, Delhi, Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Kaziranga, Shillong, Guwahati, Gangtok, Pelling, Darjeeling, Kolkata, Chennai/Mahaballipuram. Approx four weeks in all. Is there anything in these places that we should absolutely not miss?

Any specific advice on the following would be good:
Train from Guwahati to New Jaipalguri (safe?)
The Iron Fort in Bharatpur - is it worth seeing, or being daft about art would we get more out of dashing back to Delhi for an afternoon in the crafts museum?
The Dance Festival at Mahaballipuram - does anyone know when it starts/ends?
We will be visiting tea estates previously managed by the Hubby's father and would like to take small gifts for the present managers - would a small bottle of the finest single malt give offence or be appreciated? (We think they are Hindu).
We will also be visiting the missionary hospital in Northern Assam where Hubby was born and would like to make a donation of some sort - any ideas what would be appropriate? ie not necessarily money (but if so, what would represent a useful sum?) but maybe something practical (and transportable).
Finally, if anyone is up for Hogmanay in Guwahati, let us know! http://www.indiamike.com/india/misc....=0&forumid=76#

Thanks again for the benefit of your collective experiences.

SHIMLA · Nov 20th, 2004, 06:05

torryquine,

Congratulations on having done your homework and planned your trip !

To answer a few of your questions :

1. The train from Guwahati to New Jalpaiguri is certainly safe. A convenient train for you is the 5609 Abadh Assam Express, leaving Guwahati at 20=30 and reaching NJP at 05=20 the next morning.

2. At Agra the fort is not to be missed.

3. The tea estate managers may not appreciate alcohol( it would be a sheer waste if one or all of them happen to be teetotallers !); I suggest you give them a small souvenir along with a box of chocolates.

4. Considering you are from the U.K., a substantial sum in the form of a donation will be expected by the missionary school. I suggest an amount of Rs. 5000/- ( for you this is hardly 60 pounds?) for the same.

All the best and have a great trip !

torryquine · Nov 20th, 2004, 16:41

SHIMLA,

Thank you for your advice, especially regarding the donation to the hospital and gifts for hosts.

I'll repeat the invitation - is anyone going to be in Guwahati for Hogmanay!?! (That's 31st December for those who don't speak Scottish)

Any more suggestions on "not to be missed" would be great. Thanks all.

Nov 19th, 2004, 22:46	#1
torryquine Oilfield Trash! Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Aberdeen Posts: 700	Waiting for the off! Hello all IMers. I wanted to say that yours is the most helpful information we've read on India so far http://www.indiamike.com/india/misc....0&forumid=76#- and with a month to go we've been reading everything! Allan_D's postings on the North East have been particularly good to read. http://www.indiamike.com/india/misc....=0&forumid=76# Me and the Hubby are sort of first timers, the Hubby was born and spent his early childhood in the tea estates of Assam and I travelled in Nepal and other parts of Asia some 15 (or so) years ago. But somehow India was always the big scary country I wanted to see but was afraid to - until now. Reading all your postings seems to confirm those fears and expectations, but bring it on! http://www.indiamike.com/india/misc....=0&forumid=76# We have all our travel and accommodation arranged and we're not exactly slumming it, but if anyone has any more advice to give it would be well received. Itinerary is: Delhi, Agra, Fatepur Sikri ,Bharatpur, Delhi, Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Kaziranga, Shillong, Guwahati, Gangtok, Pelling, Darjeeling, Kolkata, Chennai/Mahaballipuram. Approx four weeks in all. Is there anything in these places that we should absolutely not miss? Any specific advice on the following would be good: Train from Guwahati to New Jaipalguri (safe?) The Iron Fort in Bharatpur - is it worth seeing, or being daft about art would we get more out of dashing back to Delhi for an afternoon in the crafts museum? The Dance Festival at Mahaballipuram - does anyone know when it starts/ends? We will be visiting tea estates previously managed by the Hubby's father and would like to take small gifts for the present managers - would a small bottle of the finest single malt give offence or be appreciated? (We think they are Hindu). We will also be visiting the missionary hospital in Northern Assam where Hubby was born and would like to make a donation of some sort - any ideas what would be appropriate? ie not necessarily money (but if so, what would represent a useful sum?) but maybe something practical (and transportable). Finally, if anyone is up for Hogmanay in Guwahati, let us know! http://www.indiamike.com/india/misc....=0&forumid=76# Thanks again for the benefit of your collective experiences. __________________ http://werenotafraid.com/

Nov 20th, 2004, 06:05	#2
SHIMLA Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Yangon, MYANMAR Posts: 4,129	torryquine, Congratulations on having done your homework and planned your trip ! To answer a few of your questions : 1. The train from Guwahati to New Jalpaiguri is certainly safe. A convenient train for you is the 5609 Abadh Assam Express, leaving Guwahati at 20=30 and reaching NJP at 05=20 the next morning. 2. At Agra the fort is not to be missed. 3. The tea estate managers may not appreciate alcohol( it would be a sheer waste if one or all of them happen to be teetotallers !); I suggest you give them a small souvenir along with a box of chocolates. 4. Considering you are from the U.K., a substantial sum in the form of a donation will be expected by the missionary school. I suggest an amount of Rs. 5000/- ( for you this is hardly 60 pounds?) for the same. All the best and have a great trip ! __________________ Whoever said money can't buy happiness didn't know where to shop !

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Nov 20th, 2004, 16:41	#3
torryquine Oilfield Trash! Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Aberdeen Posts: 700	SHIMLA, Thank you for your advice, especially regarding the donation to the hospital and gifts for hosts. I'll repeat the invitation - is anyone going to be in Guwahati for Hogmanay!?! (That's 31st December for those who don't speak Scottish) Any more suggestions on "not to be missed" would be great. Thanks all.

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