Rajastan experience advice needed

pootlling

Hi there,

My bf and I are travelling to Rajhastan and Kerela for five weeks in total. We fly into Delhi and plan to spend half our time in Rajhastan and half in Kerala. We don't want to rush round Rajhastan like headless chickens getting every town into our itinary. We would rather go to a selection of places and attempt to go at a steady pace and really soak up the atmosphere. I have a few questions which would be really appreciated.

My bf really likes to get off the tourist track, I'm a photographer, what places would you recommend are a must see in Rajhastan? We're not adverse to going out of our way a bit to see the really special places.

Would you recommend hiring a driver from delhi to take us round Rajhastan or for part of the journey?

Are the trains safe and comfortable and reliable to take us round?


We've been told the southern area of Rajhastan is nicer and less hectic then the north...is this so?

In consideration of the fact we are flying on to Kerala (flights not yet booked) after Rajastan and start our tour of Rajhastan after Agra what do you think would be a viable route to save time and money?

Do you think 50% of time in Kerela and 50% in Rajhastan is a good ratio?

We were thinking of budgeting about £800 each including internal flights (flights we think should be about £200 all in), would this be enough?

Are there any books/ sites you would recommend to read up about Rajhastan?

Well thanks for reading my ramble...I'm really looking fwd to your replies..

Take care on your travels,

Em and Tom x

HelloSing

Hi pootling,

It has been a long while since my adventures in Rajasthan. To me it was the most exotic place on earth! Look on a map, and try to locate an ancient ruin or monument, or even just a watering hole - out in the middle of nowhere. Then arrange for a camel driver to take you there. You will love it. The chai and chapati picnics in the shade of thorny bushes, the soft-padded footsteps of your camel, the sky at night. A word of warning though. Try to inspect your camel before you book a safari. Look for signs of fatigue. You want a camel with bright eyes, and a camel driver with a well-weathered smile.

In Kerala, do not miss seeing a local performance of Katthakali. You will be mesmerized by the amount of expression that can be conveyed through the movement of the eyes.

Your 50/50 ratio sounds like a good itinerary to me.

pieps

I just come back from Rajasthan and my absolute favorites were Jaisalmer, 'the golden city' and Udaipur, 'the venice of the east'.

As it was my second time in Rajasthan I ended staying two months(!) in a very special hotel I found in Jaisalmer. It is called Shahi Palace hotel (www.shahipalacehotel.com). I think a camel safari and a visit to the small villages surrounding J. are a great opportunity to make photos.

Udaipur is also a great place. Especially now that the lakes are filled!

I'm sure you won't regret if you go to these two places!

I wish you a lot of fun!

Casey

I really enjoyed my stay in Udaipur. It is close to some less touristed places and you can make day trips (like to the Ranakpur temples). While highly touristed, Udaipur manages to still maintain a somewhat magical feel.

Indiafan

Udaipur. Besides Ranakpur temples visit also Nagda temples and Chittorgarh.