If you were to go to India for a wedding, arriving in Mumbai, departing from Delhi

Burlington, Vermont

Here are some thoughts on places I went or heard rave reviews about. One thing to remember is to look in the guide book to see if there are any sort of holidays or celebrations in towns along your route, with all of the dieties in Hinduism your bound to run into at least one. Also, the following information is based on a trip from Mumbai to New Delhi. If you are looking to head south, well, thats another bit of advice.

Mt. Abu- It is the highest mountian in India with the exception of the Himalayas. It is more of a domestic tourism destination then anything. Heaps of newlyweds, using paddle boats in a very small lake. The hike up Mt. Abu is nice but I think you have the option to drive.

Udaipur- The "city of lakes." When I was there in '01 they were in the midst of a 10 year drought. So, some of the allure was gone. A fairly large city, has beautiful old part of town, small cobble stone streets, great veggie market, two old palaces, and a nice hike to a place that over looks the entire city, perfect for sunrise. Also just outside of town there is a huge Huanuman temple, lots of wild monkeys. Monday is the best day to visit because, that is the day where all of the men from town go out, drink bong lassi, play tabla, sing, and bath in the nearby lake.

Jaiselmer- A beautiful, brown town in the middle of the Thar desert. From here you have the option to spend a few days in the desert on safari. A must. It is the most isolated you can be in Rajasthan.

Jodhpor- I think this is the white city.

Pushkar- Home of the Pushkar Camel Fair, the biggest camel fair in the world. This happens in November/December. A place I would skip except if it was that time of year. I imagine it is full of worn out hippies waiting for the next big party.

Jaipur- The pink city. A bustling metropolis of 3 million. The capital of Rajasthan. The old city is beautiful and jam packed (like much of India.) On MG Road one can find a great lassi at a place called LassiWalla. It is hard to miss because there are two shops right next to each other. Here drink your lassi from a clay cup and then throw it in the road when your through. Also, you can watch the latest Bollywood film at the Raj Mundur (sp?), the largest movie theater in on the sub-continent. It holds about 3,500.

Agra- Home of the Taj Mahal. A must if you're in the New Delhi area. Go early and stay as long as you can. It is worth all the hype.

Fatepur Sikri- Just south of Agra. A huge red stone fort built by the Moguls and then abandoned. In very good condition.

New Delhi- A good place to stay. Well planned, good shopping at end of trip, don't spend too many days here.

Delhi- The most insane place I have ever been. If you want to feel the billion people who live in India go here. It is unconcievable. Bodies upon bodies. Its also home to the biggest mosque in India. It is called, Jama Masjid.