India - Tips for my upcoming trip to Gurgaon

Hello,

So it looks like my company is sending me to Gurgaon in late September. I'm a little bit nervous about it - my foreign travel has pretty much been limited to Europe and one trip to South America (where my purse got stolen, but that's another story).

I'm planning to fly out Thursday from SFO - arriving at Delhi airport Friday night. I'm working M-Th, and home Thursday night.

My sister told me that on the weekend (probably Sunday) I need to go to Agra to see the Taj Mahal.

I'm a women traveling alone, so I'd like lots of advice and suggestions. Some specifics:

1. My boss is there this week. He's staying at the Westin, which he likes because they have a network of drivers to take him around - airport to hotel, hotel to office back to airport. I'm a Marriott Gold member, and so would get some perks at the Courtyard. Do they have a similar system of drivers? Any other hotel advice?

2. Going to the Taj Mahal on Sunday. What's the best way to do that? I think I'd like to have a guide (obviously with good English) go with me from Gurgaon, either by car or train. Is that possible?

Any other advice? Apparently during the work week my hours will be 1:30 to 9:30, since the company is trying to overlap their NY office hours.

Thanks all!

So it looks like my company is sending me to Gurgaon in late September. I'm a little bit nervous about it - my foreign travel has pretty much been limited to Europe and one trip to South America (where my purse got stolen, but that's another story).

no need to be nervous....i have clients & friends visiting india all the time....it's perfectly safe....

My sister told me that on the weekend (probably Sunday) I need to go to Agra to see the Taj Mahal.

one day is more than enough to see the taj....however, if you want to spend a night there then i would suggest staying at the itc mughal....

1. My boss is there this week. He's staying at the Westin, which he likes because they have a network of drivers to take him around - airport to hotel, hotel to office back to airport. I'm a Marriott Gold member, and so would get some perks at the Courtyard. Do they have a similar system of drivers? Any other hotel advice?

i personally like the westin myself but you would get similar service at the courtyard as well....the courtyard here will be a much better property than what you would find back home....my cousin works for the courtyard so if you want i can put you in touch with him if that would make things easier for you in terms of hiring drivers or getting a good rate....

2. Going to the Taj Mahal on Sunday. What's the best way to do that? I think I'd like to have a guide (obviously with good English) go with me from Gurgaon, either by car or train. Is that possible?

the best way would be to go by road....you can hire a car & driver from the hotel or through a local ta....i can recommend the ta i use....they will probably be more expensive than the local tour agencies but the car & service will be of higher quality....

Any other advice? Apparently during the work week my hours will be 1:30 to 9:30, since the company is trying to overlap their NY office hours.

you could spend a day or two exploring delhi as well....there is a lot to see here....your hotel will be extremely helpful in making some suggestions....

Hi Keyser,

Thank you for the reply. I'd very much like the information on both your TA and your cousin.

I do get free lounge access at the courtyard, and presumably a room upgrade, so I think I will stay there (as well as needing the nights to keep my status).

Thanks!!!!

Hi Keyser,

Thank you for the reply. I'd very much like the information on both your TA and your cousin.

I do get free lounge access at the courtyard, and presumably a room upgrade, so I think I will stay there (as well as needing the nights to keep my status).

Thanks!!!!

will pm you both details in the morning....

will pm you both details in the morning....

Thank you!!

Thank you!!

pm sent....

I often use www.toursbylocals.com when travelling and have had pretty good experiences.

I haven't used them in India but have used them in other countries.

I just checked and it looks like they have a bunch of tours/tour guides in Delhi/Agra.