India - going to DEL - first trip to India - could use some practical tips

Going to India for the first time, I'll be in DEL (Crowne Plaza Gurgaon and ITC Maurya) 7/6-7/12.

Will have two free days for sightseeing. I'm planning to take one day to Agra and one day in Old/New Delhi to see the Red Fort, India Gate and city life. I'll be based from the ITC Maurya for both of these.

Questions for :
1a) Do you have tips to arrange the sightseeing travel to Agra? I was going to go through the hotel concierge - I would like to go cheaper, but if it's not a big deal I can pay a few bucks more for the hotel's car/driver service. Alternatively I could do the train, but that seems like it would give me less flexibility. Thoughts?
1b) Same question for touring Delhi -- via hotel or just grab rickshaws around?
2) Any comments on my planned itinerary?
3) Ideas for restaurants / nightlife? I'm traveling myself and am a single man, I wouldn't mind getting into a little fun/trouble :)

Thanks!

1. see this post:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/14192020-post7.html

I dont have comments for your other questions. Hopefully someone will answer.

Here (http://www2.canada.com/topics/travel/activities/story.html?id=f725fcc7-4e20-4097-98cc-45f882a241f5) is an article on some additional ideas on what to do in Delhi in 48 hours if your time is limited.

Here (http://www2.canada.com/topics/travel/activities/story.html?id=f725fcc7-4e20-4097-98cc-45f882a241f5) is an article on some additional ideas on what to do in Delhi in 48 hours if your time is limited.

Thanks, handy article.

@snod08

Thank you, I have tried looking a few places, but not found great material on arranging a car to Agra from Delhi -- I think that cab site is by the km, which may not work.

try this site for taxi http://www.taxirentalindia.com/taj-mahal-taxi-tour.php

or http://www.bhavyaholidays.com/car-rental-delhi/bookmycar.php

getting it at a hotel will be around twice (or more depending on the hotel).

try this site for taxi http://www.taxirentalindia.com/taj-mahal-taxi-tour.php

or http://www.bhavyaholidays.com/car-rental-delhi/bookmycar.php

getting it at a hotel will be around twice (or more depending on the hotel).

Great, thank you!

i could recommend a good travel agent for the trips to agra & sightseeing in delhi....i have many friends & clients who have used them & were very happy with their services....

let me know if you are still looking & i'll pm you the info....

i could recommend a good travel agent for the trips to agra & sightseeing in delhi....i have many friends & clients who have used them & were very happy with their services....

let me know if you are still looking & i'll pm you the info....

Sure, please go ahead. Thx!

try this site for taxi http://www.taxirentalindia.com/taj-mahal-taxi-tour.php


"Oops! This link appears to be broken."

I tried to send request for quote. :(

I was almost set to book a car & driver, but am thinking too much time in a car! I would love to hear any advice on my itinerary:

Thu - arr DEL 8pm
Fri - Delhi
Sat - ride to Jaipur
Sun - Jaipur
Mon - ride to Agra
Tue - ride to DEL 10pm flight

450 mi / 700 km in 5 days? Sounds like torture. Or is it not so bad? Maybe fly a leg or two?

Which leg of the triangle is most scenic to see from a car? TIA.

Going by car means you see more life than going by train, and what's the point on going to India and then flying around?

I don't mind long car journeys in India. There is always plenty to see. Stop whenever you want, etc.

11277m.

I was almost set to book a car & driver, but am thinking too much time in a car! I would love to hear any advice on my itinerary:

Thu - arr DEL 8pm
Fri - Delhi
Sat - ride to Jaipur
Sun - Jaipur
Mon - ride to Agra
Tue - ride to DEL 10pm flight

450 mi / 700 km in 5 days? Sounds like torture. Or is it not so bad? Maybe fly a leg or two?

Which leg of the triangle is most scenic to see from a car? TIA.

i know a bunch of people who have done this....its not as tiring as it sounds....you should be fine....if you are looking to reduce the driving by a bit then you could always fly from delhi - jaipur & then drive the rest of the way....

Going by car means you see more life than going by train, and what's the point on going to India and then flying around?

I don't mind long car journeys in India. There is always plenty to see. Stop whenever you want, etc.

11277m.

True, but what would be the point of going to India if I was so exhausted/bored from being cooped up in a car for those km/mi that I slept through most of the journey? :p

Are there any must-stops between any of the three points you could recommend?

i know a bunch of people who have done this....its not as tiring as it sounds....you should be fine....if you are looking to reduce the driving by a bit then you could always fly from delhi - jaipur & then drive the rest of the way....

Thanks, I see DEL-JAI is ~$80.

=============

I have a quote from timelessexcursions.com (http://www.timelessexcursions.com/):

We give below our net quote in US dollar for a chauffeur driven Ac Indigo including inter state taxes, toll taxes, parking fees, Driver’s allowance, visits to all sightseeing spots and service tax – the car will be at your disposal for 5 Nights/ 6 Days.

Delhi/ Agra/ Jaipur – 05 Nights/ 06 Days

Using Ac Indigo…………………………………..US$ 415.00 Per Person

Is this reasonable?

Delhi/ Agra/ Jaipur – 05 Nights/ 06 Days

Using Ac Indigo…………………………………..US$ 415.00 Per Person[/I]

Is this reasonable?

not sure....but if you haven't already booked then i can send you the details of the ta i use....you can then compare rates....let me know & i'll pm them to you....

I was almost set to book a car & driver, but am thinking too much time in a car! I would love to hear any advice on my itinerary:

Thu - arr DEL 8pm
Fri - Delhi
Sat - ride to Jaipur
Sun - Jaipur
Mon - ride to Agra
Tue - ride to DEL 10pm flight

450 mi / 700 km in 5 days? Sounds like torture. Or is it not so bad? Maybe fly a leg or two?



Set out as early as possible on Saturday. Like 7AM. Same with Monday so you can stop at Fatepur Sikri and still get get the Taj in the same day. Red Fort on Monday.

I did it in 3 days Fri-Mon. You won't be driving the car so only your tuchas will be tired.

Thanks for the help, everyone! I leave home in 2 days and don't have any part of my 5 day trip confirmed yet, so I extra, extra-ordinarily appreciate your input. ^

Thanks for the help, everyone! I leave home in 2 days and don't have any part of my 5 day trip confirmed yet, so I extra, extra-ordinarily appreciate your input. ^

In the middle of the Commonwealth games and nothing confirmed yet? *ROFL*

In the middle of the Commonwealth games and nothing confirmed yet? *ROFL*

^^

In the middle of the Commonwealth games and nothing confirmed yet? *ROFL*

Believe me, I wish something was confirmed. This back-&-forth emailing for information is aggravating. Please, if someone knows a company/website where I can choose from a menu of options, pay with my cc and be done with it, let me know! :p

Believe me, I wish something was confirmed. This back-&-forth emailing for information is aggravating. Please, if someone knows a company/website where I can choose from a menu of options, pay with my cc and be done with it, let me know! :p

Go to SPG.com and book your hotels. Surely saad or someone can give you a company that you simply say that you want to see this, this and this and have a driver and they'll arrange it for you. What is all the back and forth? Are you trying to get everything as a package?

Believe me, I wish something was confirmed. This back-&-forth emailing for information is aggravating. Please, if someone knows a company/website where I can choose from a menu of options, pay with my cc and be done with it, let me know! :p

Go to SPG.com and book your hotels. Surely saad or someone can give you a company that you simply say that you want to see this, this and this and have a driver and they'll arrange it for you. What is all the back and forth? Are you trying to get everything as a package?

boxo, send me a pm & let me know what kind of things you are looking for & i'm sure i can suggest something right away....

boxo, send me a pm & let me know what kind of things you are looking for & i'm sure i can suggest something right away....

Go to SPG.com and book your hotels. Surely saad or someone can give you a company that you simply say that you want to see this, this and this and have a driver and they'll arrange it for you. What is all the back and forth? Are you trying to get everything as a package?

I received a very nice quote from Bhavya Holidays today, ~$250 + 4.12% tax [car/driver only] vs all incl $390 [incl guides] or $415 [car/driver only].

saad's contact sent me a "Thank you for your email. My associate will get back to you."-type reply last week. Haven't heard a peep since. So, I will give Bhavya Holidays a try.

18 hrs till I leave home. [tick, tick, tick...] :p

This past Jan I was in Delhi and used Yatrik travels in Delhi for the delhi and jaipur part of our trip. What impressed me the most was that their driver spoke perfect English, knew the direction to all the place we wanted to visit and he was an excellent driver. I think the name of our driver was Mr. Sharma. Their web site is www.yatrik.com

I received a very nice quote from Bhavya Holidays today, ~$250 + 4.12% tax [car/driver only] vs all incl $390 [incl guides] or $415 [car/driver only].

saad's contact sent me a "Thank you for your email. My associate will get back to you."-type reply last week. Haven't heard a peep since. So, I will give Bhavya Holidays a try.

18 hrs till I leave home. [tick, tick, tick...] :p

very strange....they are usually very good with getting back to clients....

the bhavya quote sounds all right....go for it....

very strange....they are usually very good with getting back to clients....

the bhavya quote sounds all right....go for it....

I'm sure with the Games on they're very busy.

Anyway, Bhavya sent me a final quote:

6 days: Delhi-Jaipur-Agra-Delhi

Car price includes
**Airport Transfers
**Sightseeing & Side Trips in Mentioned Cities of Itinenary
**All Inter State Taxes
**Fuel, Toll Taxes, Parking Charges
**Driver All Expenses
**Insurance while travelling in our car.

Car cost Indica : Rs. 10500 + 4.12% Tax = Rs. 10933 Nett
Guide Charges : Rs. 2250 (3 days)

Total payment Rs. 13183 + 3.5%
Paypal.com charges = Rs. 13644 (USD 314)

Hope this terrific price isn't too good to be true! I feel fine paying with credit card via Paypal. I know it's common practice, but dealing in cash does make me nervous especially because I don't like to have much in my wallet and only use my ATM card a few times a year. YMMV.

boxo

Like you I have received a reasonable quote from Bhavya,in my case for a 3 day Delhi-Agra-Delhi trip.

I have read a couple of positive reviews on the internet but would be grateful to hear about your experience.Were you pleased with their service? Any problems?

Many thanks

chokdee, today I go to Agra, a 5 hr drive. I will write an update here in this space when I reach ITC Mughal. No problems. Everything good, but do want offer tips.

=======

Short update: I am so tired from little sleep at Holiday Inn Jaipur [don't stay there] and the long 5 hr drive from Jaipur to Agra, I will most likely update from Chicago on Thursday.

chokdee, today I go to Agra, a 5 hr drive. I will write an update here in this space when I reach ITC Mughal. No problems. Everything good, but do want offer tips.

=======

Short update: I am so tired from little sleep at Holiday Inn Jaipur [don't stay there] and the long 5 hr drive from Jaipur to Agra, I will most likely update from Chicago on Thursday.

We hope you enjoyed your stay at the ITC Mughal, Agra. Wish you safe journey back home.

Regards,
ITC-Welcomgroup Hotels,
India

We hope you enjoyed your stay at the ITC Mughal, Agra. Wish you safe journey back home.

Regards,
ITC-Welcomgroup Hotels,
India

welcome to ft itcwelcomgroup_hotels....we hope to see a regular presence from you here....

Overall, my first trip to India was terrific. I gave myself very little time to prepare [12 days], so I consider myself very, very lucky to have found the information/arrangements I did.

Itinerary:
2 nts Park Plaza Gurgaon
2 nts Holiday Inn Jaipur
1 nt ITC Mughal

car/driver/guides/tolls/taxes/fuel/etc from Bhavya Holidays 5 nts/6 days = $356 all in by Paypal.

==============
Hotels
Park Plaza Gurgaon was the least expensive of my hotels , but the most comfortable room and the most pleasant, efficient staff.

The Holiday Inn Jaipur was a disaster. I could not recommend it. I booked a king, but received a 2 twin room which smelled of very fresh paint. Renovation is currently being done. Normally not an issue, but my room shared a common wall with the area being worked. The noise extended before and beyond the stated 9am-6pm and the paint smell gave me headaches, so I inquired about a room change the 2nd day. The doormen and restaurant staff were the only shining stars. The front desk staff in general wasn't helpful and rarely make eye contact.

The [B]ITC Mughal in Agra was okay. The suite was comfortable; nothing especially luxurious. I found the service smothering and invasive - lost count how many times the doorbell rang while settling in. [I should have flipped the DND switch sooner!] And even received a phone call from reception after lights out. On my way out of Jaipur and into Agra [after dark], we didn't find an open, functioning ATM, so rupees were sparse. I felt the staff members expected tips at every turn, but had to be 'economical' in doling out until morning. In doing so, I got more than a few cold shoulders.

Car/Driver/Guides
Nothing could have prepared me for streets and roadways in India! My driver was fine. I felt safe. He was assertive in traffic situations, proactive in taking side roads to bypass jams. His English was not as "good" as I was promised or expected. Two things I did NOT like: the not-so-subtle hints on giving "big tip" [plus asking for the 'gift' of my $30 cell phone] and being driven to the "special" shops after each day of sightseeing.

The guides were fountains of knowledge and communicated well.

The Holiday Inn Jaipur was a disaster. I could not recommend it. I booked a king, but received a 2 twin room which smelled of very fresh paint. Renovation is currently being done. Normally not an issue, but my room shared a common wall with the area being worked. The noise extended before and beyond the stated 9am-6pm and the paint smell gave me headaches, so I inquired about a room change the 2nd day. The doormen and restaurant staff were the only shining stars. The front desk staff in general wasn't helpful and rarely make eye contact.

i've often thought about trying out this property but have not done so till now....maybe i'll just give it a little more time so that they can finish the renovations....

Overall, my first trip to India was terrific. I gave myself very little time to prepare [12 days], so I consider myself very, very lucky to have found the information/arrangements I did.

Itinerary:
2 nts Park Plaza Gurgaon
2 nts Holiday Inn Jaipur
1 nt ITC Mughal

car/driver/guides/tolls/taxes/fuel/etc from Bhavya Holidays 5 nts/6 days = $356 all in by Paypal.

==============
Hotels

The ITC Mughal in Agra was okay. The suite was comfortable; nothing especially luxurious. I found the service smothering and invasive - lost count how many times the doorbell rang while settling in. [I should have flipped the DND switch sooner!] And even received a phone call from reception after lights out. On my way out of Jaipur and into Agra [after dark], we didn't find an open, functioning ATM, so rupees were sparse. I felt the staff members expected tips at every turn, but had to be 'economical' in doling out until morning. In doing so, I got more than a few cold shoulders.



Firstly we would like to thank you for having stayed at ITC Mughal, Agra.

We have taken cognizance of your comments and sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused to you.This is to assure you that we have recorded your feedback regarding the service and will take relevant steps to ensure that you get the Five Star luxury service and comfort in your next visit to make it a successful one.

Warm Regards,
ITC-Welcomgroup Hotels

welcome to ft itcwelcomgroup_hotels....we hope to see a regular presence from you here....

Thank you for the welcome , Saad ! We are glad to be a part of this forum.

The Holiday Inn Jaipur was a disaster. I could not recommend it. I booked a king, but received a 2 twin room which smelled of very fresh paint. Renovation is currently being done. Normally not an issue, but my room shared a common wall with the area being worked. The noise extended before and beyond the stated 9am-6pm and the paint smell gave me headaches, so I inquired about a room change the 2nd day. The doormen and restaurant staff were the only shining stars. The front desk staff in general wasn't helpful and rarely make eye contact.

i've often thought about trying out this property but have not done so till now....maybe i'll just give it a little more time so that they can finish the renovations....

just finished a stay here this weekend....great stay, was upgraded to a suite, food was very good, nice spread for breakfast, front desk staff was very helpful....this last stay has tempted me to move a few of my stays here from the four points....it's closer to my clients office & also closer to the highway when driving in from delhi....