[lilyrose]

I have visited India several times and been to Kerala, the Western Ghatts, West coast up to Madras, Rajasthan, Goa, Varanasi and Agra.

I am planning another trip around October 2010 with a friend. We are two women who will be aged 57 and 64 at the time. We are both used to backpacking/ budget travel but knowing that trave in India can be hard work, Can anyone give us any tips or ideas for where to go?

[torryquine]

How about Calcutta, West Bengal and Sikkim for a complete change?

Darjeeling is one of the friendliest places I know.  And Sikkim will blow you away with it's pristine beauty.

[dzibead]

The destination that popped into my head right away was Sikkim.  I've been there in October and it seems like a nice time of year to be there.  It's a very beautiful part of India, and is also interesting because of the Tibetan/Sikkimese/Buddhist culture that's prominent there. It would also be something new, since it's far from the other areas you've visited.

Gangtok is a pleasant town and very "easy".  A visit to North Sikkim makes a wonderful 3-4 day trip, with stays in Lachen and/or Lachung.  Going to North Sikkim requires special permits but they are easy to arrange through a travel agent once you're in Gangtok.  You'll need a car and driver, so you'll have to go through an agent anyway.  Lots of people here have done this trip and they can give you more particulars.  I went with friends several years ago, though, so I don't have much info on agents or current prices.

I've never traveled in West Sikkim, but based on my research there are also wonderful places there.  I hope someday to be able to do a farm stay at this place in West Sikkim:  Yangsum Farm - it looks great!
http://www.yangsumfarm.com/

If you decide to go to Sikkim, you could also visit Darjeeling and Kalimpong, and of course, since Kolkata would be the jumping off place for all these other destinations, you can see Kolkata too.  There are several Kolkata natives and experts here and I'm sure they'll have plenty of suggestions.

Visiting this area of India also gives you the chance to do a side trip to the Sundarbans:  http://www.sunderbansnationalpark.com/

By the way, I'm 62 and there's another woman member here in the same age range who's a huge Calcutta fan and expert, so I'm hoping she'll chime in, too.

[WonderWomanUSA]

If you're going to be on the West side of India and going to Kolkata, Sikkim, Darjeeling etc, then give yourself a few days to go to Puri for CLEAN AIR, fresh fish, and nice people!

Despite all modernization, India can be physically hard on us as we get older (I'm 66) and you should not try to do too much. If you're on meds, check with your doctor on what to do if you lose weight, which some of us do in India.

And yes, I truly love Kolkata and the Bengali people. Dhaka (Bangladesh) too ... same lovely people.

[lilyrose]

thanks to you all for great suggestions. I will explore them some more.

[torryquine]

I recommend Parkside Tours and Travels based in Darjeeling for a car and driver.  Not sure if they're on the internet, but Google and see what you come up with.

[jorge reverter]

Actually Darjeeling is not the safest place on earth.

Jorge

[torryquine]

jorge reverter, on Aug 10 2009, 12:26 AM, said:

Actually Darjeeling is not the safest place on earth.

Jorge

If you don't mind me saying so Jorge, you should qualify that alarming statement.  I know of no attacks on tourists in that region, although there is the odd strike which can be inconvenient for travellers.

Compared to say Assam, or even Gujarat, Darjeeling is a calm region.  And I wouldn't caution someone travelling there for safety reasons (or even Assam for that matter)

[dzibead]

The GJM attacked some tourists last December.  Here's a story about it:  http://www.india-ser...eling-1831.html  I haven't heard of anything more recent, though.