Revised Itinerary

The itinerary for the March 2013 tour of northern India has been turned on its head. Instead of starting from Jammu and ending at Amritsar with the Wagah border-post (pic alongside), the journey will now be the other way around. We board the Paschim Express from Mumbai to reach Amritsar the following evening and after checking in for two nights, head towards Jammu City with extended halts enroute at Dharamshala and Manali. A helicopter ride to the Vaishnodevi shrine from Katra (near Jammu) would be an added bonus.
Spelling out the details of the trip this morning, Hari Singh Shekhawat (below pic) explained that the itinerary had to be revised in view of the comfort and convenience of the elderly, especially ladies. “Instead of cramming too many destinations in too short a time or extending the trip to a fortnight, we found it prudent to drop some spots of lesser importance and limit the trip to a week or so with ample time for rest and recreation,” he said.
Apart from the fatigue factor, issues of logistics and financials (in order to make the trip affordable to all) have also influenced the revision. Srichand Arora is however, keen on squeezing Shimla in the itinerary and has sought the advice of some local tour operators. This should also give us a fair idea on whether it would be more economical to go for a package deal with a professional agency or carry on on our own.
As of now, the trip should cost no more than Rs15000 per head, with an additional Rs5000 as buffer for incidentals and unforeseen expenses.
Harish Wadhwa:
* Hats off to the enthusiasm of this club of 'young people' who are set for yet another long journey. Great idea folks and go ahead...
* Arora-ji wants to re-visit his honeymoon destination, Shimla where he lost/ gave his heart away to a beautiful lady. Arora-ji, you will not find it there or anywhere as the 'thief' is over-possessive and will never return it to you. God bless!
Renu Babani's PICSPEAK:
* 1... 2... 3... best leg forward and attention!
* Everyone has something to say. When does it really end?