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By Air:
You're strongly advised to make flight reservations well in advance, especially in the busy tourist season.
Note: Airline fairs have recently come down in Feb 2004 by about 7 % on account of
reduction in certain taxes.
By Bus:
Rajasthan has a reasonably good state bus service. On most sectors there is a choice of ordinary and express buses. You're advised to stick to expresses since the ordinary buses make a lot of frustrating detours, take a long time to get anywhere and are generally decrepit vehicles.
If you're taking a bus from a major bus stand, it's worth buying a ticket from the ticket office rather than on board the bus. It guarantees (or at least comes closer to guaranteeing) a seat, and you're also more likely to get on the right bus since the ticket clerk usually writes the bus registration number on your ticket. This can be an important consideration because timetables at the bus stations are invariably in Hindi. A number of private bus companies run luxury buses between the major towns; however, be aware that their schedules can be changed with little notice or even cancelled.
If you're travelling overnight by bus, try to avoid video coaches, which usually have the soundtrack pumped up at full volume. For long journeys make sure you go to the toilet before hand, as stops can be infrequent and in less than desirable places (especially for women).
WARNING:
Although rarely printed in menus, many restaurants in Rajasthan serve "Bhang lassi", a yoghurt and iced-water beverage laced with "bhang", a derivative of "marijuana". Usually called "Special lassi", this often-potent concoction does not agree with everyone. Some travellers have been stuck in bed for several miserable days after drinking it; others have been robbed while lying in a state of delirium.
By Train:
Travelling by train in Rajasthan used to be a slow process because much of the track was metre gauge and narrower than the broad gauge used in the rest of the country. A part of the national 'uni-gauge' drive, some of the lines has now been converted and most of the rest are
being upgraded. This means that you're likely to find some parts of the rail system in Rajasthan out of action during your visit. Train fares and schedules constantly change in Rajasthan, so double-check details. Seats can fill up fast, so book
well in advance.
The Palace on Wheels, one of India's most famous railway experiences, runs through National Park, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur and Agra. This train, a mobile hotel, is fitted out to look like a traditional
Maharaja's state carriage, and is an expensive but luxurious way to travel.
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