Solo Travel to India: my rough itinerary

Amedgarh by day.

India.

Exotic, chaotic India where a grand history marries with a burgeoning high tech sector, colorful saris, frenetic streets and mystical moments. India is rich in so many ways yet, economically, many of its citizens live in poverty – a fact that I feel compelled to recognize while I travel it with such privilege.

India only became an important destination for me about a year ago after a two readers contributed stories on their travels there. Their stories inspired me and now, it’s my turn to travel there and, hopefully, inspire you.

While I prefer to keep my plans flexible, in India it’s best to have at least a rough itinerary. Knowing where you’ll stay the first night in a new city is always a good idea and, in India, it’s good to book your rail tickets about a week ahead of time as well. This makes a plan even more important.

Here’s my rough itinerary for India.

Jan 25 – Fly to Delhi

Jan 26 – arrive Delhi, car to Amedgarh (Chandigarh region) with friends where I’ll stay until January 30th. Primary attraction: staying with an Indian family and attending a wedding.

Jan 30 – train to Haridwar. Taxi to Rishikesh where I’ll until Feb 6th. Primary attraction: yoga ashram.

Feb 7 – train to Agra where I’ll stay until Feb 10th. Primary attraction: Taj Mahal

Feb 10 – train to Ranthambhore National Park where I’ll stay until Feb 13th. Primary attraction: According to Lonely Planet it is the best place to spot wild tigers in Rajasthan

Feb 13 – train to Bundi or Udaipur (I can’t decide and will let other travelers help me when I’m there) where I’ll stay until the 16th. I’m leaning toward Bundi as it is 1/3 the size of Udaipur.

Feb 16 – train to Pushkar where I’ll stay until the 19th. Primary attraction: It’s a Hindu pilgrimage town and has a Brahma temple.

Feb 19 night train to Delhi, arrive morning of the 20th. See the Red Fort, go to airport at 10pm and fly out at 2:10 am on the 21st.  (As you can see, I’m not that interested in Delhi.)

You can expect lots of stories in the weeks ahead.

(The photos were added to this post while traveling.)

Ludhiana by night. Yes, it's not on the itinerary. Plans change a lot.

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