Golden Triangle
tour types
pros and cons
You have
several touring options
Private car and driver
Group
Do it yourself
Luxury train
Private car and driver
This is the best overall Golden Triangle tour type because you see and experience more. And it won't empty your wallet because travel (including hotels and transportation) is relatively inexpensive in India.
Everything
(including hotels and local guides) is pre-arranged for you.
You
can customize your tour, tailoring it to your budget, interests, and pace.
Your
personal English-speaking driver helps you see India from an Indian's perspective.
You
have private guides in each city.
You
won't be hounded by touts and beggars like tour bus passengers because you are not on a bus.
While there are some
good Golden Triangle tour companies, there are some bad ones, too.
Advice:
Select
a tour company with a good reputation.
India
By Car And Driver is a fine example because many travelers praise it. Read my tips:
for
car-driver selection tips
Group
Everything is prearranged for you - hotels,
transportation, local sightseeing guides, and more.
If you
want company, you'll have many tour mates.
There's
no customizing - you do what the group does.
You
do a lot of waiting.
One
or more of your tour mates could be loud and obnoxious.
Advice: The smaller the number of fellow passengers, the better your experience. So select small-group tours.
Do it yourself
It
provides the least expensive touring option.
It
gives adventure travelers the most control and flexibility.
You
are more likely to encounter trip problems than you would
with any of the other three options.
And
you won't have the within-India support that good tour companies
provide in case of unexpected travel problems.
You
will need to invest substantial time researching and booking
transportation, hotels, and other essential elements
of your Golden Triangle trip.
You
waste time securing, for instance, tickets, seat assignments,
and train info at railroad stations.
Advice:
Think
twice if you plan to rent a car. Perhaps you are unaware of India's
infamous road traffic conditions. They can be nerve racking and
accident prone for even a skilled foreign driver.
Luxury train
You will be on the
world-famous Palace on Wheels or Royal Rajasthan private luxury trains.
The tours
appeal to those who relish luxury travel in the company of like-minded
fellow travelers
You avoid
time-consuming daytime travel because you travel between cities at
night when you are sleeping aboard.
The published
rate is approximately $8,000 to $16,000 per couple for a seven-day train tour.
These rates
include group (not private) tours.
You sleep
in a small cabin over clacking wheels.
You dine
many nights in the same small-kitchened dining car instead of enjoying
quality local restaurants.
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Private car-driver vs other tour types
How to select a good car-driver company
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Flying to India
World's Top 100 Wonders
World's Top 1000 Wonders
Site map
My credentials
About my website and criteria
Reader testimonials
World's Top 100 Wonders
World's Top 1000 Wonders
Site map
My credentials
About my website and criteria
Reader testimonials
