Where to spend 4 weeks

doofus

Hi,

My wife and I, both sixty something, want to visit India next Jan/Feb for 4 weeks. Basically we just really want to stay in one place and immerse ourselves there, so to speak, and enjoy the people and surrounds with the occasional trip out.

We will fly to either Bombay or Delhi and then get to our destination hoefully by train.

I did a lot of my backpacking in India back in the 70's so my view of travel has changed somewhat now.

Oh yes, we want to avoid Goa unless someone has something really good to suggest about Goa.

I would really welcome and value your suggestions. At least we have time now to plan it.

kindest regards,

Pete

delhiwala

How about Varanasi ?

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doofus

Yes possibly. I was hoping that possibly someone would suggest a few reasons why a particular city/town/village etc would be a good choice.

many thanks,

Peter

alouise

A lovely trip is to take the train from Mumbai to delightfully scenic Lonavala on the edge of the western ghats. You could base yourself there for a week or so, seeing the Karle, Bhaja and Bedsa cave temples and hilltop forts in the area. Then catch an AC bus to Pune for a while, then another AC bus to Aurangabad. Aurangabad is seriously underrated, given that it is an excellent base with good facilities for exploring so many wonderful sights such as Aurangabad caves, Ajanta, Ellora, Daulatabad, Pitalkhora, Paithan etc.. This entire region in Maharastra is gorgeous, with really spectacular views of the Deccan plains. From Aurangabd to Mumbai it's a very comfortable fast AC ride on the Tapovan express, and there's plenty to see in Mumbai.

alouise

I forgot to mention, Nasik is also a worthwhile stop on the Tapovan Express line... lots of temples, the Pandu Lena cave temples, and vineyards. But I scored bedbugs there at Hotel Samrat - can't complain about the hotel's restaurant, though, the 7 course Gujurati Thali is an amazing experience.

anupmathur

Hey, Pete, Jan-Feb is nice weather in Delhi. Nice and chilly.
Janpath Lane, a wee rented room and you can relax all day, eat at the myriad eating places around, daily needs are all available, connectivity to the www is guaranteed.
Whenever the little foray becomes due, you're just a hop from train/bus stations. Head for the hills for a gentle reminder of home (snow and COLD weather) or head to Rajasthan for a few days in a tent by the sand dunes. Heritage hotels and obscene luxury comes cheap. Amazing insight into questionable traditions. Then, back to polluted base! LOL.

MatSchencks

I would suggest a trip to Rishikesh and stay in Laxman Jhulla. Its only 5 hrs from Delhi (on the Shatabdi express). From there you can easily visit Mussoorie, Harridwar and many other small villages withing a few hrs. Being pilgrimage place it definately very Indian still and surrounded by hills. From Mussoorie you can see the Himalaya.

Have fun!

costaguana

Rishikesh is great, but remember that part of the country will be quite cool during Jan/Feb (and Mussoorie will be downright cold).

MatSchencks

I've generally found it to be sunny in the day and cool at night during those months. But yes, Mussorie will be colder.

doofus

Many thanks guys for all your suggestions. certainly given me a lot to think about which was the intention.

Cheers,

Pete

vonkla

This February we stayed some week in western Madhy Pradesh in places like Orchha, Chanderi, Khandwa+Buharpur, Mandu, Ujjain and Jhalawar.
I agree , this is not one place but the distances between them are not so far, there is a lot to see and most of these places are not that touristic.

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