First Trip to India
Feb 18, 2010, 7:26 pm
#31
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also >
http://www.oberoihotels.com/oberoi_v...ion_access.asp[/QUOTE]
I have been to Ranthambhore twice! Both by car. The last time, this past June, the drive got lost 100 km out of the way, and we went to a non-English speaking town of Kota. The trip took 8 hrs vs 3. Air would be great, but would be VERY expensive. Even the Oberoi hired chauffered car is expensive.
Stay at Vanyavilas...do at least 2, maybe even three safaris. I went on four, didnt see the tiger...went twice the first time a few years back, saw the tiger two times.
Check out this offer: http://oberoihotels.com/india/exotic_vacations.asp
8 nights, from $4450...or go in the summer, it goes down to $3100
http://www.oberoihotels.com/oberoi_v...ion_access.asp[/QUOTE]
I have been to Ranthambhore twice! Both by car. The last time, this past June, the drive got lost 100 km out of the way, and we went to a non-English speaking town of Kota. The trip took 8 hrs vs 3. Air would be great, but would be VERY expensive. Even the Oberoi hired chauffered car is expensive.
Stay at Vanyavilas...do at least 2, maybe even three safaris. I went on four, didnt see the tiger...went twice the first time a few years back, saw the tiger two times.
Check out this offer: http://oberoihotels.com/india/exotic_vacations.asp
8 nights, from $4450...or go in the summer, it goes down to $3100
Last edited by riversair; Feb 18, 2010 at 7:44 pm
Feb 18, 2010, 7:30 pm
#32
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Londonjetsetter, leaving Delhi at 5am is the best time to drive to Agra. It takes about 3 hours at this time, but if you leave later in the morning (ie. 9am/ 10am) it takes about 5 hours. Although it is only about 240kms, you battle traffic/ toll roads/ driver breaks/ camels walking on highway/ cows walking on highway/ driver dodging dogs on highway and so this slows down your progress.
Only other consideration is how tired you are going to be after overnight flight to do journey to Agra on arrival.
Only other consideration is how tired you are going to be after overnight flight to do journey to Agra on arrival.
Feb 19, 2010, 8:47 am
#33
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Here there and everywhere
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I know the road is new (ish), but the locals still do not understand how it works. You have obviously been very lucky when you have driven this dual carriageway, whereas I nearly died (literally) when a truck hurtled towards us on the wrong side of the road. This still happens.
Feb 20, 2010, 8:26 am
#34
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I personally hate taking the trains in India....the system can be just as bad. In 1997 I was stranded at the Agra station (dirty, no seats, etc) after our night train was delayed 9 hours until morning!
Feb 22, 2010, 9:16 am
#35
Join Date: Aug 2007
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Yes, but delays, even of 9 hours, are not quite as bad as death, surely?
Feb 22, 2010, 2:36 pm
#36
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You must have missed this article:
Train crash near India’s Taj Mahal kills 22
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33409276/
Train crash near India’s Taj Mahal kills 22
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33409276/
Feb 22, 2010, 5:09 pm
#37
Join Date: Feb 2003
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Lots of train crashes in India...and car accidents....
I don't get a warm fuzzy feeling about flying around India either, though I've never done it.
I tend to think you're at risk no matter what mode of transportation you choose.
I don't get a warm fuzzy feeling about flying around India either, though I've never done it.
I tend to think you're at risk no matter what mode of transportation you choose.
Feb 22, 2010, 5:37 pm
#38
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And you have to be careful about the food as well - take second to thirdish world food precautions (depending on location). Only person in my family who went to India got pretty sick - most women don't mind losing 10 pounds - but not in 2 weeks! Robyn
Feb 22, 2010, 7:14 pm
#40
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Feb 23, 2010, 4:44 am
#41
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I just heard back from Aman reservations. They suggest:
1 night Aman Delhi
1 night Oberoi Agra - travel by car to Amanbagh
4 nights Amanbagh - travel by car to Aman-i-khas
3 nights Aman - i -khas - travel by train to Aman Delhi
1 night Aman Delhi - leave very late the next night to London (i.e. we have a full day in Delhi).
Yes, slightly hectic, but seems like a reasonable compromise.
1 night Aman Delhi
1 night Oberoi Agra - travel by car to Amanbagh
4 nights Amanbagh - travel by car to Aman-i-khas
3 nights Aman - i -khas - travel by train to Aman Delhi
1 night Aman Delhi - leave very late the next night to London (i.e. we have a full day in Delhi).
Yes, slightly hectic, but seems like a reasonable compromise.
Feb 23, 2010, 7:10 am
#42
Join Date: Feb 2003
Programs: UA1K, *G & Wife of UA1K MM
Posts: 3,431
I just heard back from Aman reservations. They suggest:
1 night Aman Delhi
1 night Oberoi Agra - travel by car to Amanbagh
4 nights Amanbagh - travel by car to Aman-i-khas
3 nights Aman - i -khas - travel by train to Aman Delhi
1 night Aman Delhi - leave very late the next night to London (i.e. we have a full day in Delhi).
Yes, slightly hectic, but seems like a reasonable compromise.
1 night Aman Delhi
1 night Oberoi Agra - travel by car to Amanbagh
4 nights Amanbagh - travel by car to Aman-i-khas
3 nights Aman - i -khas - travel by train to Aman Delhi
1 night Aman Delhi - leave very late the next night to London (i.e. we have a full day in Delhi).
Yes, slightly hectic, but seems like a reasonable compromise.
I personally feel that on transfers of this short duration flying could take longer by the time you get to the airport, go through security and wait around.
Feb 23, 2010, 7:14 am
#44
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Posts: 1,068
This is basically what we did, but in reverse. We found all the transfers to be very easy and pleasant. The train trip is a first class sleeper car and I sacked out for about 3 hours. That was on our first day in India so it helped me get over the jetlag. I wonder if the batman rides on the train with you from Aman-i-Khas to Delhi? They do from Delhi to Aman-i-Khas. And they bring snacks and tea along.
I personally feel that on transfers of this short duration flying could take longer by the time you get to the airport, go through security and wait around.
I personally feel that on transfers of this short duration flying could take longer by the time you get to the airport, go through security and wait around.
Feb 23, 2010, 7:17 am
#45
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Here there and everywhere
Posts: 6,303
Equally, if you stay in the best hotels there is no way that you should get Delhi Belly. I have never had a stomach upset in India in over 25 years of travelling there and neither has Mr Vuittons. If you eat street food, then yes, but not in the hotels.