Next year I turn 60, and want to realise a lifelong dream of visiting India, hopefully with my husband or a friend. As well as visiting Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur, Mumbai, Goa and the state of Kerala, I have a strong interest in wildlife so would love to visit the Camel Fair, go tiger-spotting on a elephant, and see other animals. I would rather not "rough it", it being my first visit. What timeframe and itinerary would you suggest that isn't too rushed, and what would be the best way to travel? Should I engage a driver? What's the best time to travel in terms of temperature? What would you suggest in regard to accommodation? Can you give me a rough idea of costs? - Susan McClure
Lonely Planet's Sarah Bennett and Lee Slater write:
Your destination wish-list traverses nearly the length of India, from Delhi in the north to Kerala in the south, so you will need to either allocate a good couple of months, or travel briskly and include an aeroplane hop or two. Alternatively, you could concentrate on a smaller area densely packed with wilderness experiences. It won't be hard to hit a sweet spot: India has some of the richest biodiversity in the world, spread through more than 600 national parks and reserves. Outlining many and varied itineraries, Lonely Planet's India guidebook will prove invaluable both in your planning stage and on the road.
India is vast, so climatic conditions vary greatly. Generally speaking, it is defined by three seasons - hot, wet (monsoon), and cool. Our India guidebook details regional variations. The most pleasant time to visit most of the country is during the cooler period, November to mid-February, although you'll want to avoid Delhi and its surrounds when the cold sets in around mid-December.
Find yourself in the proximity of Jaipur in November and you can tick the famous Pushka Camel Fair off your list. Around 200,000 people converge on Pushka for this must-see event with up to 50,000 camels, horses and cattle. The place transforms into an extraordinary swirl of colour and sound, thronged with Hindu pilgrims, mystics, musicians, and a quiver of snake charmers. The often-bizarre cultural programme that takes place alongside the traditional trading and religious ceremonies lasts around a week. Earplugs will prove handy.
