Backpacking India (weird?) itinerary
Replies: 19 - Last Post: Dec 12, 2012 7:05 AM Last Post By: Caped
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Backpacking India (weird?) itinerary
Hey!My boyfriend and I are planning to visit India (and other following countries) in mid. january 2014. We haven't decided yet, but are thinking of spending approximately 5 weeks (+/-) there, and afterwards visiting Nepal by crossing the border. (Raxaul?) As we do not have that much time, we are unsure about our itinerary - We would like to start in "mid" India and work the way up to the border, maybe seeing Udaipur and Agro. (And ofc more places)
I have searched the internet but haven't really found anyone who has been doing anything like this.. Is it realistic, and if yes, which route would you recommend?
Thanks in advance! :-)
Nanna
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I guess we could land anywhere.. I'm just not sure about how much time we should dedicate to transport.. - And would also like to know if anyone did a similar route (maybe from Mumbai -> north -> Udaipur/Agra/Varanasi etc.) :-)Is Goa worth experiencing? (Because that would bring us even more south, and I'm not sure we have the time..)
Just looking for some tips, - what to see, if the route in itself is realistic etc..
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I don't think we want to "rush" through India, only having a couple of days each place. We want to explore a bit more. And I, personally, also think that spending that much time on transport is crazy :OBut what do you think? I know that some places, 3 days are enough, but not anywhere.. It would just be nice to have "enough" time, if something should occur - delays etc.. :)
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Just something to play with . . . figure about two places per week (giving you ten, + or -) for your stay, the seventh day to accomodate travel time. My suggestion might be to decide on north vs. south - plenty to see in both areas, but as you are heading north, think north.Rajasthan alone could take up half your time (I spent two months in Rajasthan and didn't begin to get enough), then maybe head through the Ganges Valley/Jaipur/Agra/Varanasi/maybe Khajuraho. Maybe think of flying into Mumbai or Delhi. I flew into Mumbai once then by train on to Varanasi and it took about 27 hours by train. And don't, DON'T overlook a long train ride as a destination of it's own: one of the true quintessential Indian experiences, In My Humble Opinion
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Just looking for some tipsYeah, in the first post, get a guidebook. Because questions/statements like these...
Is Goa worth experiencing? -- I guess we could land anywhere
Show that you haven't done any homework at all.
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Of course I haven't done my homework proper yet - I'm travelling in 2014... I'm just starting to find information about everything - and as you probably know, it is completely confusing! The question about Goa was because I wasn't sure if it was doable (and worth) due to the time I have in India.Therefore I ask you, because, honestly, you can't always answer your questions by reading a book.
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No, but you read the guide book first, then come back and ask some more specific questions!Most guide books will give sample itineraries.
Also, you say you could 'land anywhere' - but your choices will in fact be limited to where you are coming from, and price. Do a search on possible routes/fares (even though you will not be flying for another year, you can at least get a ballpark figure).
Is Goa worth experiencing? If you've never been before, yes - after all, it is a popular destination so everybody can't be wrong! But for you? Depends if you want to chill out on a beach for a bit.
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Basically if you are going to spend a month im India, Goa aint a bad place to start from - do not start from boring, far-from-anywhere Chennai - only Tamil Nadu "nationals" recommend this.As a broad brush you could consider starting in Trivundrum Kerala, travelling up the coast to Goa and then to Rajesthan/Agra/Delhi - your trip aint unusual but for just 5 weeks I'd start in Goa then travel Northwards.
Consult your guidebook(s) - buy a cheap used LP or RG, maybe Footprint at this planning stage via Amazon or charity bookshops. - then get the latest as you start the rip.
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We had 3.5 weeks in India last year and managed to squeeze in quite a lot so it would be possible. Majority of the trains we used were overnight and allowed us to make the most of our trip by travelling at night. Also internal flights are extremely reasonably priced so for the longer trip then I’d recommend a flight if you are short on time.Here is our route:
Mumbai – Fly – Jaipur – Train – Udaipur – Train – Agra – Train – Varanasi – Train – Delhi – Fly – Goa (Palolem beach) – Bus – Mumbai
Best of luck with your planning!
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Good that you are planning well in advance and gathering information.Well I would suggest you don't plan to see all of India in one go...India is too vast to finish in one go.
If you start with Delhi you can do the golden triangle ie. Delhi - Agra - Jaipur- Delhi this can be done in 3 nights 4 days and if you want to relax and travel it can stretch to 7/8 days. All the above places have ancient architecture, history and culture.You can add Ranthambore national park, Puskar and Jodhpur from Jaipur with an addition of 2/3 days if you like.
Delhi to Raxaul is a very long train journey then you have to cross the border then 5 hrs jeep to Kathmandu.
From India it is advice able to fly to Kathmandu from Delhi and 2 days in Kathmandu will allow you to see Kathmandu old palaces & temples and then you can go to Pokhara by bus. Pokhara is a beautiful lake city from here one can see the Fishtail (Himalaya) so nice and clear, you can also enjoy the nepali folk dance in the lake side hotels.
