[BunnyPunia]

sadly there are only two trains from new delhi to patiala.
NDLS-BTI leaving at 2:15pm and Amritsar express leaving at 4:15am

i would second TSK on that. simplest way is to arrive at the airport. There are couple of tour operators office inside the airport. from there, book urself a taxi to patiala. airport to ambala should be around 220km, another 42 to patiala. u should be paying around 3,000 in all. no hassels, no taxi to station, no waiting..

[tsk1979]

Originally Posted by navdeep

You can check out this one

Indo-Canadian Transport Company - Delhi Airport to Punjab

They do not operate to Patiala. You have to drop down at Rajpura and get somebody to get you(40kms approx).
Also the cost is 900/person.
We were looking at indo canadian for Ludhiana some time back but booked Punbus Volvo because of huge cost difference(1050 vs 450rs)

[johy]

Originally Posted by tsk1979

Taxi is the cheapest and most comfortable option. Believe me running around Railway stations or ISBT with luggage and a toddler is not fun.
Take a diesel indigo/indica to patiala.
Meanwhile I will find out about direct AC bus.
When are you reaching(approx date)

Although luggage will be minimum, I 100% agree with you. Will reach on July 1. Just want a comfortable ride to my Patiala. Would not mind paying for the Innova if it is worth it. No waiting, no changing rides, no hassles. Also, when do the real bad monsoon's hit Delhi/North India?

[BunnyPunia]

another month may be before the real rains start...

[navdeep]

Originally Posted by johy

when do the real bad monsoon's hit Delhi/North India?

Official date is 29 June. Pre-monsoon rains have already started. Checkout weather details here 10 Day Weather Forecast for Patiala, India - weather.com

They provide quite relevant info ( atleast for my city )

[tsk1979]

Monsoon is coming before July 1, thats what met department is saying.
If you are okay with indigo/indica/innova, I will find out the prices and PM you.

[johy]

Okay Sir. Will discuss with wife re: diesel cars and will PM you as needed. Thanks.

Thanks Navdeep - nice site.

@Bunny - would you recommend booking a taxi from the Airport? Or booking one before arriving in Delhi...? Like from Hertz Hertz Car India- Carz On Rent Where exactly are the tour operators located in the airport?

[BunnyPunia]

there are a couple of companies inside the airport, next to the luggage collection belts. ask them. they may be a lil expensive but then the other option will be to take a local taxi to a outstation taxi operator's office.. this will just involve hassels and roamin around..

[tsk1979]

Originally Posted by BunnyPunia

there are a couple of companies inside the airport, next to the luggage collection belts. ask them. they may be a lil expensive but then the other option will be to take a local taxi to a outstation taxi operator's office.. this will just involve hassels and roamin around..

If you book the taxi in advance, the guy will be waiting for you at the airport with a placard.
No such issues.
So all you need to do is book in advance, and tell the date of arrival and time, the guy will be at airport.
I think this is the most comfortable option since he is carrying a toddler.
As for taxi companies at airport, they will try to pick your pocket. Stay away from those thieves.
They charge 900rs to Noida from airport, and will charge 9000 to Patiala.

[ajitkommini]

Originally Posted by esteem_lover

My wife also has this thing against diesel vehicles. It is the minor vibration, she says. It would take her hardly 15 mins before she gets sick in a diesel car, has spoilt a friend's skoda & my cousin's Lancer.

Try & get a Lancer (petrol) or an Ikon.

My mom suffers from this too. I think it's primarily because of driving style, but noise, vibration, smell and heat are aggravting factors. She gets sick in petrol cars too (unless she's driving) but it takes much longer.

[johy]

Booked a Diesel Innova from Delhi Airport to Patiala (Yes Diesel; It will be fine - with a little preventive promethazine and if necessary a metaclopramide for my wife). Got the arrangements through a known person.

Rs 3800/-, all inclusive.

Big thanks to every one for info and tips.

How is the GPRS in Punjab? Does BSNL have EDGE working there? They have EDGE here and it is pretty fast.

[tsk1979]

Airtel GPRS works, we use it in ludhiana, though its very slow. Reliance mobile gives good speeds, but about BSNL, no idea. BTW are you a patialaite?

[johy]

Originally Posted by tsk1979

Airtel GPRS works, we use it in ludhiana, though its very slow. Reliance mobile gives good speeds, but about BSNL, no idea. BTW are you a patialaite?

Thanks tsk. No sir, I am from Siliguri. My wife is from Patiala. I thought Rs 3800/- was a fair price for the Innova.

[tsk1979]

Originally Posted by johy

Thanks tsk. No sir, I am from Siliguri. My wife is from Patiala. I thought Rs 3800/- was a fair price for the Innova.

Ok, I just asked because I lived there for quite a long time.
Anyways 3800 is a pretty good price, comes to around 14rs/km, i.e. twice the amount of 7rs/km, but for long distance they always charge return fare, and innova costs 7rs/km with AC

[johy]

Patiala, I thought was a nice place, especially the gardens (Barandari et al). I hear it is very crowded nowadays - just too much traffic.

BTW, en route, from Delhi to Patiala which are the good places to grab a meal? Is there a McDonald's outlet from where we can grab something? Or perhaps something quieter down the highway?