Here's some important information for you in case you are visiting Pilani for the reunions, for a speaking assignment or simply to relive the past. We update this as we learn more. If you have additional tips, please send an email to anupendra@bitsaa.org. Thanks to all those contributing to keep this information fresh!

Travelling by car/taxi from Delhi: Distance is 200 or 220 km depending on route taken and takes about 4.5 hours. There are two routes to get there (in order of preference)

• Delhi-Gurgaon-Dharuheda-Riwari-Narnaul-Singhana-Chirawa-Pilani. This is a new road, smooth and almost two lanes and a shade more!!!! Highly recommended if anyone is planning to drive down. This is the road that Kohinoor Travels takes. Be sure to stop for some outstanding tea on the way. 

• Delhi-Rohtak-Bhiwani-Loharu-Pilani. Not recommended. In January 2003, visitors to Pilani wrote that the road is as bad as ever, but the Loharu-Pilani section has improved tremendously.

Taxi information: The taxi rentals from Delhi depend on the type of car. An Ambassador or Indica (non A/c) is usually about Rs 5 per km with driver, fuel inclusive (going up to Rs 8). Overnight stay will require an additional charge of Rs 100-200 for the driver depending on the company. The rates increase thereafter for bigger/better cars. If you are going to BITS on an assignment, BITS will send you a complimentary car. 

Recommended taxi service: 

Travelling by bus from Delhi: In case you prefer to travel by public transport, you  need to catch a bus at the Inter State Bus Terminal (ISBT), Kashmiri Gate, Delhi. There are frequent buses to Pilani starting from Delhi around 5:30 AM to 10:30 PM.

Travelling by train from Delhi:

Bikaner Express: This train starts from Delhi and goes to Bikaner daily. You need to board the train at Sarai Rohilla Station, Delhi. The train starts around 8:50 and reaches Loharu at 12:30. You need to get down at Loharu (26 km from Pilani)
 

Bikaner Mail:This train starts from Delhi and goes to Bikaner daily. You need to board the train at Sarai Rohilla Station, Delhi. The train starts around 21:15 and reaches Loharu at 1:15.

Shekawathi Express:This train starts from Delhi and goes to Bikaner daily. You need to board the train at Sarai Rohilla Station, Delhi. The train starts around 23:00 and reaches Loharu at 3:10.

See train route map

Travelling by car/taxi from Jaipur: Distance is 250 km and takes about 5 hrs. Route is Jaipur-Chomu-Reengas-Sikar-Nawalgarh-Jhunjhunu-Chirawa-Pilani. T

Taxi information: Rates are similar to Delhi. Recommended taxi service [awaited]

Travelling by bus from Jaipur: In case you prefer to travel by public transport, you need to catch a bus from the State Bus Terminal (Sindhi Camp), Jaipur. There are frequent buses to Pilani starting from Jaipur around 4:00 AM till mid-night.

Travelling by train from Jaipur: Train from Jaipur to Chirawa (16 km from Pilani) or Loharu (26 km from Pilani). See train route map

Accomodations in Pilani - BITS Guest House:  (Jan 2003 information) The best accomodations at Pilani are at the new VFAST (Visiting Faculty, Alumni, Students Transit Hostel) VFAST is next to the Guest House. The original guest house is under renovation. It has more than 40 double bed air conditioned/air cooled/normal rooms - and excellent heaters for cold Pilani winters. The room charges vary from Rs 360 to Rs 1,200 per day. Advance bookings can be made on request addressed to the Chief, Public Relations Unit ,BITS, Pilani. Special concession on stay is available for students, their parents and BITSAA Pilani members. If you are a guest of BITS, there is no charge. Information on rates follows:

VFAST Hostel Phone No. +91-1596-242183.  Ex-BITSIANS Students said the guest house does not appear to take phone reservations. Ex-Bitsians get a 25% discount if you are part of the alumni network and trudge to RK Mittal's office and stand outside and wait for him, get a form signed and bring it back to the Guest House, during working hours only.  Oh yes, one has to put the ID No. at the guest house registration desk

Some Important Maps: See road maps of Rajasthan, Haryana and Jhunjhunu