India 2001 Map & Itinerary

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Dec 2: Arrive Delhi (via London)

Accommodation: Hotel Janpath

Dec 3: Explore Old Delhi

During Ramadan, visit the Jama Masjid mosque and walk miles through the old city trying to find an open restaurant.

Dec 4: Train to Jaipur

View the dense humanity of India during a 5-hour trip to the state of Rajasthan. Check into the richly decorated "Harem Room," where the maharaja at this converted palace had trysts with his favorite women.Accommodation: Samode Haveli

Dec 5-6: Explore Jaipur & Surrounds

Take thrilling auto-rickshaw rides around town, shop for jewelry and textiles. Visit rural villages by camel cart and tour the monkey temple on a very "Auspicious Day."

Dec 7: Train to Agra

Plod across a station platform packed with people, furniture, luggage ... probably a cow or two ... to find the correct carriage for a 7-hour journey.Accommodation: Clarks Shiraz

Dec 8: Explore Agra

Visit the iconic Taj Mahal and be mobbed by souvenir vendors starved for tourists post-9/11. Tour the Red Fort.

Dec 9: Travel to Orchha

Take a train to Jhansi (2.5 hrs), then a taxi to Orchha, a Hindu pilgrimmage site. Check into a converted palace with the most spectacular loo -- featuring a 180-degree view of the numerous temples. Accomodation: Sheesh Mahal

Dec 10: Explore Orchha

After more exploration of the outlying temples and rural areas (beware of leprosy), take an overnight train to Jabalpur (10 hrs).

Dec 11: Arrive Kanha National Park

Meet car at Jabalpur for 1.5 hr drive into Kanha National Park.Accommodation: Kipling Camp

Dec 12-13: Stay at Kipling Camp

Daily safaris into the jungle by Jeep or elephant back to view wild tigers, chital and sambar antelopes. Bathe and feed Tara, the resident elephant. Play cards and volleyball with the fun and friendly staff, who spoiled us rotten as the only guests.

Dec 14: Hired Car to Nagpur

Drive 6 hours to the center point of India and check-in to a typical business traveler's hotel. Accommodation: Pride Hotel

Dec 15: Experience Sevagram Ashram

Stay at the historic ashram founded by Mahatma Gandhi, participating in the ashram's usual prayer, meditation, meals and chores. Attend as guests a Hindi teachers' banquet and a Ghandi foundation official's wedding reception. Sleep in the same hut Gandhi last used at Sevagram. Best value for money at less than $.78 US.

Dec 16: Fly to Mumbai

Decide to splurge on Mumbai's best hotel overlooking the Gateway of India and the Arabian Sea. Free upgrade to suite to keep out of the wing overrun with US Marines. Accommodation: Taj Mahal Hotel

Dec 17-18: Explore Mumbai

Visit the dhobi ghats, an open air laundry, and Victoria Station to see the tiffin wallah delivering lunches. Be driven around by a Bollywood wannabe who used to be an American lounge singer. Visit native-recommended shops for paper goods and fine Indian clothing. Have the best garlic crab dinner at a locals' restaurant.

Dec 19: Fly to Kochin

Take a water taxi to an island hotel in the southern state of Kerala. Check into the Indian equivalent of Fawlty Towers.Accommodation: Bolgatty Palace

Dec 20-21: Explore Kochin

Visit the aromatic Jew Town with its spice shops. Explore the waterways and watch the fishermen work their giant fishing nets.

Dec 22: Board a Private Houseboat

Take a taxi to Alleppey (1.5 hrs) for an overnight boat ride through the Kerala backwaters. View life on the water --bathing, washing, transporting of goods. Witness a distant firework show from the comfort of an on-deck mattress and fall asleep under the stars.

Dec 23: Fly to Delhi

Spend the night near airport.

Dec 24: Fly to London

Christmas week in England with family & friends.

Dec 29: Fly Home

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