Hey all! Three friends and I are planning about a week-long trip to India in mid-late September. From what I have read the best plan for a short trip like this is visiting Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Is it a better plan to try and book with a tour group or to plan the trip by ourselves? Or can anyone suggest hiring a personal tour guide? I\'ve read posts suggesting all three and am hoping to get some advice to help me weigh out the pros and cons.
Thanks!
Reply to this Hello Erica 😊
I personally would plan it myself and travel independent of a tour. I dont like tours.
If you decide to do this then be sure to get a copy of the Lonely Planet book of India. It has all the information an independent traveller needs. It costs around 30 Euros and is available in most bookshops around the world.
Mel
Reply to this Hi there,
I am also planning a similar trip for the middle of October. Right now it's going to be Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and Jodhpur. I have a couple contacts for drivers/guides and they appear to be far cheaper than with a larger group. With just 4 of you it would be possible to hire a car/driver/guide and you can create your own itinerary. I can send you the contact information if you message me privately here.
Brian.
Reply to this Thanks so much. I am hesitant about using a tour because I am worried about getting ripped off. Especially as a first time traveler. But trying to hire a guide seems like a good idea. Mostly to assist in securing travel, etc. We are on a pretty tight schedule and budget b/c this trip is actually only one leg of a round the world trip.
Reply to this India is a very challanging country to travel in Erica.
Even without a tour you can possibly be ripped off. Be sure to read all the safety instructions in the Lonely Travel guide before going. Being aware of the types of things that happen will greatly reduce your chances of being ripped off whether you use a tour, a guide or travel independently.
Mel
Reply to this I agree with Mel. There is a ton of stuff to be on the watch for...some drivers/guides will not include the cost of fuel, or toll taxes or parking fees, taxes, etc and then you find out your 'deal' costing you more than you thought.
Also, some places are closed on certain days of the week. I think in Delhi some of the sights are closed on Monday but the Taj Mahal in Agra is closed on Friday.
Brian.
Reply to this I think if you're travelling with friends, travelling independently will be fine, and probably a nicer experience. I travelled by myself and always met other travellers en route. Normally guest houses that you stay in will book train/bus tickets for you - but as you have such limited time, you could do this yourselves ahead of time, before you get there, because trains often get booked up. I think buses are less of a problem, ie the bus from Agra to Jaipur, I booked mine through my guest house, Shanti Lodge (which has a great view of the Taj Mahal from the roof top), and just booked it the day before. You can book train tickets online at India Rail (can't remember the link but if you google India rail you'll get the website) - just register on the site, then you can book tickets. Personally I didn't find India nearly as challenging as I was expecting - so I'd say, yes, be careful, but don't worry. In Delhi if you head to the Pahar Ganj area (near New Delhi railway station), this is the main travellers area with lots of guest houses - it is a good idea here to book a guest house ahead, -or at least say you have! - as rickshaw drivers will try and take you to another where they'll get commission, but as long as you're firm and say you have this one booked, and don't listen to any nonsense about it being full or closed down, you'll be fine. I stayed in the Ajay guest house in Pahar Ganj which was fine, quite cheap and clean.
Reply to this We made a circuit of 15 days in Rajasthan, from July 20 with Bobby our driver and we have been delighted. Although little talkative, he has always been available to us and responded to our requests. His conduct very careful we reassured. The car was an air-conditioned break the mark with Tata few kilometers modern and comfortable. We had chosen all our hotels, reserved for most of France, with the help of the "guide".
We can only recommend this small agency (4 drivers) run by the friendly Banewal Raj and whose e-mail address is
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