A friend and I are heading to India in October. We are thinking two weeks, taking in Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, and Varanasi ­ homestays are fine, although it would be nice to factor in a few days of laziness by a pool too.

We don't want to do the group thing at all, and I don't want to spend my entire life planning logistics either. Any ideas of where I might head to find some help? Pamela Ward, London

Sunday Times travel expert Richard Green responds: A specialist tour operator will sort you out ­ the staff there will know India well and can tailor make the perfect trip for you.

It's worth mugging up a little from a good guidebook before calling though, as a little background knowledge will be a big help in getting the best out of your consultant. It's also a good idea to vary the type of hotels that you stay in you'll save money and have a lot of fun if you try a homestay for a couple of nights, and as hotels are these days the biggest cost in an India trip, you can then splurge on a heritage hotel or two.

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Oh, and if you do plan to visit one of the more challenging cities, like Varanasi or Calcutta, or a festival, I'd save that for later in the trip if you can, so that you have acclimatised.

Tribes Travel can conjure a great budget two-week option for you, from about £1,300pp for two weeks, with a homestay in Delhi, train to Varanasi, train to Agra, and a drive to a Jaipur homestay, and back to Delhi. Or for a lovely hotel and pool in Jaipur, the Samode Haveli, and a night in Bharatpur for some wildlife, it's from £1,600pp.

Or with a splash more luxury, Tropical Locations can create a trip from about 2,500pp, visiting Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, then a few days relaxation at the sumptuous Amanbagh resort at rural Alwar, before heading on to Varanasi.

Or if you prefer, you can relax at the luxury jungle resort of Vanyavilas on the edge of the Ranthambore National Park, and do some tiger spotting.

Or On The Go could do you a bungalow in Delhi, flights to the Radisson at Varanasi, flights to Khajuraho, drive to Orchha, train to Agra, three nights at the Samode Bagh in a luxury tent (just north of Jaipur), and a stay at the fairly tale fort of Neemraana.

It costs about £1,950pp. Or how about squeezing in a beach break too, flying from Jaipur to Goa for four nights in a smart hotel, and to final nights in Mumbai, from £2,550?

Prices on all of the above include flights from London, accommodation on a B&B basis, private air conditioned car transfers, trains, and flights as mentioned, and sightseeing. Or try TransIndus, Pettitts, or A&K.

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