Travel from Delhi to Jaipur

Q: I will be visiting Delhi later this year and am considering travelling to Jaipur for a day. Would this be too ambitious? If not, what would be the best and quickest form of transport? Also, could you recommend a good and reasonably priced hotel (with air-conditioning) in Delhi? - Riana Rosenbaum

A: Jaipur would be a good choice for a sidetrip from Delhi and is quite feasible. Among the fascinating attractions there are the "Hawa Mahal" Palace of the Winds, the Galta Monkey Temple, the Amber Fort and the elephant safaris. The easiest option to get from Delhi to Jaipur is by plane. There are regular flights between the two cities on Jet Airways, Air India and Kingfisher. The flight only takes 40 minutes and tickets are generally very affordable. Expect to pay 1000-3000 Rupees (R155-R465) each way. However, if you want to see the countryside between the two cities, you could go by rail or road. There is a direct rail service between the cities, with a number of trains each day. The trains take 5-6 hours each way. Although it is possible to do a "day trip", it makes more sense to spend a night or two in Jaipur if you opt for the scenic train service. Finally, you can take a luxury bus or taxi between the cities, as the driving distance is around 265kms. This takes around 3 hours, 30 minutes each way. Return taxi fares are likely to range from 5,000-9,000 Rupees (R775-R1400) per car. The return bus fare would be 400-1000 Rupees (R60-R155). For an affordable, clean room in Delhi you could try the Hospitality Home Bed and Breakfast. A five-minute walk from the Karol Bagh Market it offers free Wi-Fi, free parking and air-conditioned rooms with a TV. Rates for a double room with breakfast start at 40 US dollars per night on www.booking.com. Another popular choice is the two-star Ajanta Hotel, located a 10-minute walk away from the Connaught Place Shopping Center.The hotel has 70 air-conditioned guest rooms with cable TV, fridge and minibar. A double room with free airport pick-up will cost you from 32-40 US dollars on www.agoda.com. If you want to splash out, you can stay at the five-star Shangri-La Hotel New Delhi in the city centre from only 125 US dollars per night (www.booking.com).