15

welcome to india.. RISHIKESH is a nice place to be.. but during FEB.. you cant go beyond rishikesh..but 2 weeks is not much time to explore india.. i think you decide which part of india to visit accordingly it will be easier to set a plan.. NORTHERN part of india will be isolated because of cold and snow.. you can visit some places but car jeeps may be costly or scarce in numbers.. feel free to ask ..
good luck..

16

Wow, thanks for all of the advice! My intent in using the descriptors that I did was to communicate that I will stand out as an obvious tourist and would be traveling alone. Also, some have told me that unmarried women receive less respect in India (or parts of India). Don't know if that's really true. I actually haven't gotten even one sleazy message from anyone so no worries. I actually have read the entire LP Guide to India. I should have mentioned the full itinerary that i had in mind. Also, not a novice traveler in general; just first time to India. I have travelled in China some, in both big cities and more remote parts. People tried to push me into cabs and into stores there and it always turned out fine. However, that was years ago and I had a friend with me. For this trip, I have decided to use the services of a wonderful travel agency and feel very pleased with the itinerary taking shape. I think that will make my first trip to India easier and allow me to see more places. Will post after how it all went!

17

Do a trip of rajasthan.. ajmer, pushkar, jodhpur, and udaipur, on one side and the rest of ur days u can spend in rishikesh and the foothills. This way you are in the villages as well natural beauty.

18

Hi Khe44,

The forum has already passed you some words of caution; female, alone, small places... I would just say not to be too adventures and exploratory.

For sure Udaipur & Jaipur are worth visiting (Pushkar comes in between).

I am a native, live in Jaipur, Rajasthan. If you want to experience home-stay with locals for a day or two, I will be happy to host you at my home. Its not our business, but by choice, we host foreigners sometimes when convenient to family. I have our own house & live together with my wife, two kids & parents. My wife is a language trainer by profession and can give you useful tips about visiting local bazaars and shopping.

You can call me for queries, if any, during your visit here.

Anyway, experience from other fellow tourists will help you much. Wish you a nice trip.

Best,
Lensman_Jaipur