How necessary are hotel reservations?

Dantes

Just wondering how critical it is to reserve hotels prior to my arrival in India. I will be heading out around mid-November to early/mid December with just a backpack and want to go mostly "on the cheap" and remain highly mobile and flexible regarding what destinations I end up at, rather than setting up specific reservations ahead of time.

Are rooms and transportation hard to come by during this time frame? Or can I just walk in and expect to find accommodations reasonably easily without reservations?

I will be flying into either Mumbai or Delhi (and flying out at the opposite city) and traveling by train and bus while exploring about. That brings up another question -- do I need to reserve train tickets before I arrive as well?

Thanks everyone.

Aishah

Dantes - welcome to India Mike!

Mid-December is a peak travelling time for domestic tourists, and if you are going to popular destinations for them you may have to book ahead. But not necessary before you actually leave BC unless it's for some popular mid-range, top end hotel.

I travelled South India in December and January, including Christmas and New Year and was able to find something by booking only a couple of days ahead of my travel to where I was going. My suggestion is you book your arrival place if you intend staying there overnight, and book ahead as you travel around. With low budget accommodation, you can often wing it, and find something as you go.

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Vinnyrb

I'm heading out there in early december and staying through to the end of Jan. It's tourist season there. Booking trains and hotels wherever I can. Saves time, seeing the sites instead of seeing rooms. You might consider an indian rail pass. That might help you remain flexible

Dantes

Thanks for the welcome.


My trip should be winding down around mid-Dec so perhaps that is perfect timing.

I'm thinking I may try to hit up one or two nicer hotels, at least when I first I arrive and on the night before I leave so that I can get settled. In between I'll shoot for mostly hostels / guest houses.


Is this the one? http://www.indianrail.gov.in/intert.html Looks like you just get this at their tourist office when arriving in Delhi/Mumbai?

$495 for 30 days of AC Class is not too harsh, I may do that just for some peace of mind regarding my traveling flexibility.

machadinha

Note that the Indrail pass doesn't allow you to board just like that, you still need to reserve your seats for each ride.

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