Rajasthan + Myanmar Itinerary, any thoughts???

Hi guys, I'll be traveling to India with my gf on january 19th for about 7 weeks,... We're on our 20's, ecuadorians and India first-timers, altough we've traveled extensively to other parts of the world, we completely understand that India is WAY DIFFERENT to any country in the world, it is a though country to travel in, and where your patience and perseverance are at their maximum test... That's why we've fell in love with India before setting our foot in it. After much investigation, and after feeling totally addicted to thorntree forum (lol, thanx guys for all ur valuable info!!), we've come upon with a tentative itinerary for our upcoming travel, so here it goes:
- Jan. 19th: Quito (EC) flight to Delhi (India)
- Jan. 20th: Arrive in DELHI at 9:20pm.
- Jan. 21th: DELHI (rest and recover).
- Jan. 22th: Take the Shatabdi express train at 6:15 to AGRA. In the afternoon FATEHPUR SIKRI and back to AGRA.
- Jan. 23th: AGRA (no reason to stay any longer in Agra).
- Jan. 24th: Take the GWL JP INTRCITYS from Agra Cantonment to JAIPUR at 17:40.
- Jan. 25th: JAIPUR.
- Jan. 26th: JAIPUR, take the Jaipur-Bikaner Express at 22:10 to BIKANER.
- Jan. 27th: BIKANER.
- Jan. 28th: DESHNOK in the morning, BIKANER, take the BKN JSM EXPRESS at 23:25 to Jaisalmer.
- Jan. 29th: JAISALMER.
- Jan. 30th: JAISALMER.
- Jan. 31th: JAISALMER, take the JSM JU EXPRESS at 23:15 to Jodhpur.
- Feb. 1st: JODHPUR.
- Feb. 2nd: JODHPUR.
- Feb. 3rd: Hire a driver and depart early in the morning to UDAIPUR, via RANAKPUR and KUMBALGARH.
- Feb. 4th: UDAIPUR.
- Feb. 5th: UDAIPUR.
- Feb. 6th: UDAIPUR, take the UDZ-AII EXPRESS at 15:45 to AJMER.
- Feb. 7th: Bus to PUSHKAR.
- Feb. 8th: PUSHKAR.
- Feb. 9th: Bus to AJMER. Stay in AJMER for the day.
- Feb. 10th: AJMER, take the AII JP LINK EXP at. 13:55 to JAIPUR.
- Feb. 11th: JAIPUR.
- Feb. 12th: JAIPUR, take the JP JAT EXP at 16:35 to DELHI (arrives at 22:15).
- Feb. 13th: DELHI, take the INDIGO AIRLINES flight at 5:15 to KOLKATA, or the one from AIR DECCAN at 10:25.
- Feb. 14th: KOLKATA.
- Feb. 15th: Take the INDIAN AIRLINES flight to YANGON, MYANMAR at 10:00.
- Feb. 16th: YANGON.
- Feb. 17th: YANGON, take an early bus to BAGO.
- Feb. 18th: BAGO, hire a drive to take us early in the morning to KYAIKTIYO for a day trip, then get back to BAGO.
- Feb. 19th: BAGO, take a bus to YANGON, take an AIR MANDALAY flight to HEHO at 14:30, taxi to NYAUNGSHWE.
- Feb. 20th: INLE LAKE.
- Feb. 21st: INLE LAKE.
- Feb. 22nd: HEHO, take an AIR MANDALAY flight to MANDALAY at 11:05.
- Feb. 23rd: MANDALAY.
- Feb. 24rd: Taxi to Ancient Cities.
- Feb. 25th: Taxi to other Ancient Cities.
- Feb. 26th: MANDALAY.
- Feb. 27th: MANDALAY boat to BAGAN.
- Feb. 28th: NYAUNG U.
- Feb. 29th: NYAUNG U.
- Mar. 1st: NYAUNG U, take and AIR BAGAN flight to Yangon at 17:25.
- Mar. 2nd: YANGON.
- Mar. 3rd: Take the INDIAN AIRLINES flight to KOLKATA at 13:30, take the HWH==JU==EXP to VARANASI at 23:30.
- Mar. 4th: VARANASI.
- Mar. 5th: VARANASI.
- Mar. 6th: VARANASI, take the 16:15 SPICEJET flight to DELHI.
- Mar. 7th: DELHI.
- Mar. 8th: Fly back home.

Well guys, this is it, of course everything is flexible, i'd like to make sure that this is doable, so any thoughts or suggestions are greatly appreciated. I do understand that delays are common in india, but i do believe that this itinerary should work fine... I REALLY appreciate any thoughts or suggestions from anyone, i know some people will think that my itinerary is probably kind of rushed, but, after reading lots of travelogues and itineraries, i've seen before some itineraries that are way more. So probably this itinerary will do, what do you think??? I welcome and thanx all opinions, as well as how much do you think this trip will cost taking in account that we'll be staying mostly at budget accomodation, but are happy to get a few "luxuries" (couple of nights stay in some haveli or a couple of dinners in a nice restaurant...).

Happy travels!!!
Carlos

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If you want nature, magic, and would like to discover a mystic and parallel dimension governed by souls, go to ECUADOR, and while in the jungle, ask anyone for some AYAGUASHCA!!!!!

This looks mighty hectic to me. I have done your basic Indian itinerary, without the Burma part, in about the same amount of time you are doing both countries. India requires a pretty long acclimation period for most people. I had a hate/love relationship for about three weeks in India, which eventually turned in to a LOVE/hate relationship. India is rough. You are almost certainly gonna get sick. You will almost certainly gonna grind to a halt and take a break from the routine of getting on another bus and dealing with another travel day. (I ground to a halt in Pushkar, lovely place!) If I were you, I would keep Burma on the back burner, but wouldn't stress if you ended up never getting there. India will overwhelm you and keep you occupied. Keep yourselves flexible.

Sadly, I had to leave India earlier than I expected, to care for a sick friend in Bangkok. By then I was in love with India. Someday I will return, as India has a hold on me.

In Bikaner, I stayed at the old Governors mansion listed in the LP. Loved it! The rat temple was a disappointment, tho.

If you do happen to extend your stay in India, add Bohdgaya as a destination. It will be nice to see something that isn't a dusty fort or mausoleum by then.

There is plenty to do and see in Delhi.

I loved the Jantar Mantars.

I have not been to Burma yet (will be there in 3 weeks!) so keep that in mind when considering my opinion.

Thanx for your valuable opinion BurnerMaxwell, I'm glad you'll also be visiting Myanmar, I'm sure you'll love it. I understand your comments about the love/hate relationship with India, you're definitely right on that, I guess I'll see that myself the very first moment I step my foot on India. I also know what you mean with people getting sick in India, that happens quite usually with people coming from developed countries who travel to third world countries... In my case, in my country, Ecuador, foreigners also usually get sick, it happens all the time, I think (and I hope :) ) that I'm a little used to some "bacteria" and I hope that by the fact I come from a third world country, I won't get very sick while in India...
Thanx a lot for your comments, I'll look forward to them!!
Any other comments and opinions will be deeply appreciated.

Carlos

-------
If you want nature, magic, and would like to discover a mystic and parallel dimension governed by souls, go to ECUADOR, and while in the jungle, ask anyone for some AYAGUASHCA!!!!!

I think you're Rajastan plan sounds fine... yes it is a bit hectic and maybe pushing it a bit. But if you feel like you're getting behind and overwhelmed, hire a driver and car for a portion of the trip. Its very reasonable, and will take some stress off and make your trip much more enjoyable.. considering your limited time.
Also, I would recommend giving yourself more time at Agra - (Taj Mahal), and Fatehpur Sikri. Too much to take in one day.
Yes you may get sick ..maybe a few more trips to the toilet than normal. Other than that, I have always been fine.
I personally love India. I hope you have a great trip, it will be an experience never to be forgotten !!
cheers
Joel

I was in India at the beginning of this year for 5 weeks. I also think you itinerary is pretty hectic. Give yourself some time. I was in Ecuador a couple of years ago and it has nothing to do with India. I saw a lot of tourist sick in India. I was not sick probably due to the DUKORAL vaccine I received before I went. I was so glad that I took this vaccine. The sanitary conditions in India are mostly awful. So take care.

Having some years ago done an itinerary similar to your total Indian parts by public transport and later a two week circuit of the “golden triangle” of Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Jodpur, Bikaner, Udaipur.. but in a hired car. And last year a circuit not unlike your Burma itinerary, I agree that your plans are “doable”. However I would question if anyone has the stamina to combine the two and still manage to get enjoyment out of it. I would definitely forget about using public transport for the first Indian section and hire a car/driver. It’s not expensive.3 years ago a car/driver cost less than USD 50.00 day.

Thanx mosegrisen for your suggestion, I'll try to hire a car/driver then, it doesnt seem very expensive,... and I hope here in Ecuador i'll be able to find that DUKORAL vaccine, it seems incredibly useful judging by the information i've looked on the web... thanx a lot cuchimilco!!!

Cheers,
Carlos

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If you want nature, magic, and would like to discover a mystic and parallel dimension governed by souls, go to ECUADOR, and while in the jungle, ask anyone for some AYAGUASHCA!!!!!

A couple of recommendations for Rajasthan.

Jain Temple complexes..... one at Mt. Abu and one at Ranakpur.... Personally I like the latter best, but please don’t miss seeing at least one of them.

Stepwell worth a stop

Nice place to stay

BTW. Got a flight to Udaipur and did the journey from there to Delhi as a one way trip in the hired car... From memory we had the car/driver for 7 or 8 days.

Have a wonderful trip,we have been to India 3 times,just love it.We recently spent the most wonderful 3 weeks in Burma in June/July,there were lots of things about it that reminded me so much of India.Eat as much curd as you can and drink Lassis,helps to protect your tummy against the bugs,safe travels,cheers,Carol.

Definitely going to Ranakpur and Kumbalgarh on my way to Udaipur, don't think I'll be going to Mt. Abu, I've read mixed reviews about it and judging by other travellers' opinions, i dont think it'll be really worth it... I didnt know that hiring a car and driver would be convenient, i really thought it was going to be very expensive, in my country it definitely is (40$ for a couple of hours...). Thanx for your comments, definitely i'll be drinking lots of lassis, i can almost taste them in my mouth right now... lol, we're so excited about our trip, hope everything turns well.

Cheers,
Carlos

----------
If you want nature, magic, and would like to discover a mystic and parallel dimension governed by souls, go to ECUADOR, and while in the jungle, ask anyone for some AYAGUASHCA!!!!!