Hi Peter
I wasn't particularly aware of smog in Delhi although I know it has high pollution levels and some people do waer face masks. i understand that smog is at it's worst in November and December and then starts to decrease.
However, whilst we were in Jaipur I did notice what I thought was smog over the Lake and Lake Palace on a photo stop. It did provide quite a good and different photo of the Palace. Whilst doing the sightseeing in Jaipur on the same day it was bright,sunny and very hot. (should be cooler in February). No smog as such in Agra either. The Taj Mahal at sunrise is awe inspiring. We were advised of the best places to stand to get the best photos.
Scaffolding has gone.
When you get your final travel documents, the documents might recommend BIMUNO travel aid. These are pastilles to start taking a week before you travel and for the duration of the holiday. They put good bacteria in your tummy, I always take them but they are expensive. One lady on our tour bought Boots own brand. So might be worth you considering these if you are worried about tummy problems.
Curries, certainly, but most meals are buffet style so you can pick and choose. There are invariably chips or some sort of potato wedges. I usually stick to vegetarian as much as possible
Breakfast, yes, some curries again but there is some European food. I had omelettes and toast every day because that suited me. There will be a chef if you look around the breakfast room who will cook eggs to order.
A couple of lunches we did manage fish and chips and opposite our last hotel in Jaipur there was a McD's.
Bottled water is available on the coaches and is provided in hotel rooms. I take coffee sachets and ginger biscuits which are good if you do get a tummy problem.
Clean your teeth always with bottled water, don't put your toothbrush under the tap either.
I avoid salads because you don't know what sort of water they have been washed in.
Wash your hands with soap and water as much as possible, especially after handling money-Handgel is essential to take as are Immodium and wetwipes (not god for environment though).
Sorry, Peter, please do not let this info. put you off. Most of the stuff will become second nature and everything becomes automatic.
"Invitation to India" is a super full on little tour, seeing and doing so much in "Incredible India".
I didn't do the optional excursion in Delhi, so know little about it, but did the other two which were both well worth doing.
Look forward to seeing you in Delhi in February if not at Destinations beforehand.
Di
