Hi all,
I just arrived in Delhi and only have tomorrow to go to Agra and I just found out it's Holi tomorrow. I can get myself to Agra from Delhi no problem, but there's no train back. There is ONE train that is wait listed as WL2/WL1 .... everything else is just more than 50-80 wait listed.
Since it's Holi, no tour bus would operate from Delhi either....
So.... does anyone have any other suggstions on how I can get myself back from Agra without having to break my wallet? (I am leaving India on Monday)
What about public buses ?
Should I avoid Agra because it's Holi?
Much help is appreciated.
THANKS!!!!
bostonwa
1
anonymous
The post doesn't help you by not including a train number.
If the train starts in south India, even a confirmed berth can be useless if the train arrives 6 hours late.
If it's the Taj Express, then even a waitlisted ticket of WL2/WL1 should be OK, you're only one cancellation away from getting on the train.
If it's a long distance train, forget it and get a bus.
2
lilanne
Hi there, I am not a local or have any great experience of the Holi scene as I ahve only been here for some time. But based on what my Indian friends have been telling me it is avoidable to travel or be around on roads on HOli especially if you are white skinned. People move around in Groups and see it as very natural to apply real hard color or throw colored water at anyone and everyone around.
This may have been fine and if you are expecting it a cool experience to be part of India's biggest festival -I guess - but I have been told that people do tend to get carried away and it can be a bit harrowing.
Else if you still have to go - I guess the best option would be a Private Taxi Cab - if you geta driver you can take you there being Holi). That is how I had gone (think it had cost be around 2000 indian rupees.
Either ways all the best.
Happy Holi
3
bostonwa
Thanks for the quick posting. #1, Taj is wait listed as 80 or something. So, I guess no hope there...... The waitlist of WL2/WL1 is from Mombai... so you think it's not going to work? There is a bus? Is it frequent?
#2, I am indeed a bit concerned with the Holi scene. Though, I have been quoted 15000 rupees by my hotel. And I don't think I can pay that.........
5
bostonwa
Late is ok.... as long as I get on..... How is wait list system in India work? I mean on this Mombai train, apprantely, I can't buy the tickets or confirm anything until I actually get to Agra. So.... there's a good chance that I will get stuck in Agra? or there's a good chance I will indieed get the WL? I guess that's not a fair question....... but quite desperate here.....
Has anyone taken the bus before?
6
bostonwa
Ok all. Thanks for the help.
Decision has been made.
I called the DTTDC (?) Delhi tourist corporate office or something like that and got a quote for a non-AC car for the Agra trip. It was quoted 3725. However, it would be appx 200 more for the toll and parking.
Because they don't operate tomorrow due to Holi, I could really only do this on Monday. Unfortuanetly it would take roughly 4-4.5 hours to Agra and another 4-4.5 to come back. With my flight schedule and all, I would only have 4 hours in Agra. So...... guess I will have to give up on Agra and just chill in Delhi.
Thanks for thelp anyway!
7
gh77
Sorry if this is a bit late, but it may be of use to others.
I took a non-ac car Delhi-Agra return last week (if you leave early to avoid the worst of the Delhi trafic you can get there in 3.5 hours) and paid 2700. Some of the quotes were up to 4000, but haggle hard. I had 3 separate offers from travel agents in Pahar Ganj for 2700. some of them tried to rip us off with stories of taxes - which is a lie. It is true that the taxi must pay to use the toll-road between Delhi and Agra, but these tolls only amount to about 55rps!
4 hours is plenty of time if you just want to see the Taj. We had had enough after 2 hours.
Pro tip
Lonely Planet
trusted partner
trusted partner