My wife and I did the tourist triangle a couple of years ago. Somewhere in this forum (see this thread:
first time india), I posted our itinerary. Below are some of my thoughts (where I think they may be helpful):
Originally Posted by
AnitaBryant63
2. I've been told I need to book my tickets months in advance for long Indian Railway journeys, is that the case for these cities of Delhi-Agra-Jaipur?
It was difficult to set-up an IRCTC account without an Indian mobile number (and with the website errors); but, eventually I got it to work. I liked booking our trains in advance so that we could take the specific trains we wanted. Honestly, while we really enjoyed the trains, if you didn't book in advance and they were sold-out when you were in India (and, I have no input as to the likelihood of that happening), it isn't really that expensive to hire a driver to take you between these cities...and finding a driver isn't difficult either.
Originally Posted by
AnitaBryant63
3. Should I hire a private driver? If so, how? I'm not crazy about having a driver hang around me all day, as I can't imagine this is cheap or that he'd be useful as a tour guide. Especially when there are guided tours online of Delhi for $10-15
We hired separate drivers in each city. Sometimes for a day, sometimes for 2 days. We pre-arranged NONE of them in advance. Drivers are probably cheaper than you think. For example, IIRC, the going rate for hiring a tuk tuk driver for the entire day in Jaipur was ~$8-$12. Also, some drivers can arrange for a tour guide too (we had a driver and tour guide go around with us in Agra).
Originally Posted by
AnitaBryant63
4. What would you advise me about restaurants? I know bottled water and avoid ice cubes.
we used yelp, tripadvisor, etc.
Originally Posted by
AnitaBryant63
5. Is India the kinda place where I can just walk out of the hotel and walk in any direction to explore? In Japan, I'd just get out of my hotel and walk. I have maps on my phone so I can always know where I am, but Japan has sidewalks and doesn't have touts trying to hassle you every step you take. I can deal with touts, but not if I'm gonna drown in them!
Some places, yes. Some places, no. We stayed in Connaught Place in Delhi and wandered around day and night without issue. We did not feel comfortable enough to walk around outside our hotel in Agra. Generally, I found the touts to be the worst at train stations.
Originally Posted by
AnitaBryant63
6. Any issues with safety I need to be concerned with?
Some places, yes. Some places, no. I was more concerned with pickpockets in crowded areas.
Originally Posted by
AnitaBryant63
7. We are a man and a woman traveling together, I was told that men and women can't ride together on the metro in Delhi.
I have no idea; but, we just took tuk-tuks.
Originally Posted by
AnitaBryant63
8. Any other advice you'd pass onto me?
Places in India can be overwhelming even for seasoned travelers. You may appreciate the experience more after you leave.
