India Reviews

Review 1

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

There were two parts. 1) The Tiger Safari at Rathambore 2) Todri Gargh village. Please do not over expose the village however. It was brilliant because it had not been exposed to tourism. No shops, no restaurants, no touts, no hawkers. Just a working village

What did you think of your tour leader?

Shitain Singh was the very best. We could not have joped for a better leader. In general he was excellent in carefuly checking we were enjoying our trip, he had fantastic connections to take us to the best experiences (such as restaurants or shops), he was great company (enthusiastic, patient) and dedicated to us as clients. The enjoyment of my holiday was because Shitain worked so hard to make it brilliant. In particular, my bag was lost in connectgion at Dubai so he took over from me the succssful return of that bag - a task in a foreign country that would have taken much longer and with much angst for me (especially as we were in Agra when it arrived). He also arranged for a cake for my birthday which was a great gesture.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

To expect the rough with the smooth and take it in your stride - specifically four of our 12 were sick. Being aware of how to stave off Delhi Belly would be very good advice

Reviewed by Paul Mullens who travelled in November 2011 on the Hidden Secrets of India trip

Review 2

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

There were two parts. 1) The Tiger Safari at Rathambore 2) Todri Gargh village. Please do not over expose the village however. It was brilliant because it had not been exposed to tourism. No shops, no restaurants, no touts, no hawkers. Just a working village

What did you think of your tour leader?

Shitain Singh was the very best. We could not have joped for a better leader. In general he was excellent in carefuly checking we were enjoying our trip, he had fantastic connections to take us to the best experiences (such as restaurants or shops), he was great company (enthusiastic, patient) and dedicated to us as clients. The enjoyment of my holiday was because Shitain worked so hard to make it brilliant. In particular, my bag was lost in connectgion at Dubai so he took over from me the succssful return of that bag - a task in a foreign country that would have taken much longer and with much angst for me (especially as we were in Agra when it arrived). He also arranged for a cake for my birthday which was a great gesture.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

To expect the rough with the smooth and take it in your stride - specifically four of our 12 were sick. Being aware of how to stave off Delhi Belly would be very good advice

Reviewed by Paul Mullens who travelled in November 2011 on the Hidden Secrets of India trip

Review 3

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

There were two parts. 1) The Tiger Safari at Rathambore 2) Todri Gargh village. Please do not over expose the village however. It was brilliant because it had not been exposed to tourism. No shops, no restaurants, no touts, no hawkers. Just a working village

What did you think of your tour leader?

Shitain Singh was the very best. We could not have joped for a better leader. In general he was excellent in carefuly checking we were enjoying our trip, he had fantastic connections to take us to the best experiences (such as restaurants or shops), he was great company (enthusiastic, patient) and dedicated to us as clients. The enjoyment of my holiday was because Shitain worked so hard to make it brilliant. In particular, my bag was lost in connectgion at Dubai so he took over from me the succssful return of that bag - a task in a foreign country that would have taken much longer and with much angst for me (especially as we were in Agra when it arrived). He also arranged for a cake for my birthday which was a great gesture.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

To expect the rough with the smooth and take it in your stride - specifically four of our 12 were sick. Being aware of how to stave off Delhi Belly would be very good advice

Reviewed by Paul Mullens who travelled in November 2011 on the Hidden Secrets of India trip

Review 4

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Soaking up the local culture, amazing forts, especially the Amber fort, first glimpse of the Taj, homestay in Tordi and the icing on the cake- seeing a tiger!

What did you think of your tour leader?

Amazing! So professional, knowledgable and hilarious :)

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Just go and embrace everything that is amazing about being in India. The sights, sounds and smells - good and bad! It is a sensory overload holiday!

Reviewed by Rebecca Doig who travelled in November 2011 on the Hidden Secrets of India trip

Review 5

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Soaking up the local culture, amazing forts, especially the Amber fort, first glimpse of the Taj, homestay in Tordi and the icing on the cake- seeing a tiger!

What did you think of your tour leader?

Amazing! So professional, knowledgable and hilarious :)

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Just go and embrace everything that is amazing about being in India. The sights, sounds and smells - good and bad! It is a sensory overload holiday!

Reviewed by Rebecca Doig who travelled in November 2011 on the Hidden Secrets of India trip

Review 6

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Soaking up the local culture, amazing forts, especially the Amber fort, first glimpse of the Taj, homestay in Tordi and the icing on the cake- seeing a tiger!

What did you think of your tour leader?

Amazing! So professional, knowledgable and hilarious :)

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Just go and embrace everything that is amazing about being in India. The sights, sounds and smells - good and bad! It is a sensory overload holiday!

Reviewed by Rebecca Doig who travelled in November 2011 on the Hidden Secrets of India trip

Review 7

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Watching sunset from the dunes in Tordi Ghar, meal on a hotel rooftop overlooking the ganges, wandering along the ghats in the morning watching the locals wash, riding an elephant in Chitwan, jamming with another group on a train from Varanasi to Agra... too many highlights!!!!

What did you think of your tour leader?

Both our guides - Nepalese and Indian were fabulous, helpful, friendly, kept us all well organised.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Take a nail brush! Hands and feet get filthy in Nepal and in India!

Reviewed by Natasha Rittmeyer who travelled in November 2011 on the The Road to Delhi trip

Review 8

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Watching sunset from the dunes in Tordi Ghar, meal on a hotel rooftop overlooking the ganges, wandering along the ghats in the morning watching the locals wash, riding an elephant in Chitwan, jamming with another group on a train from Varanasi to Agra... too many highlights!!!!

What did you think of your tour leader?

Both our guides - Nepalese and Indian were fabulous, helpful, friendly, kept us all well organised.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Take a nail brush! Hands and feet get filthy in Nepal and in India!

Reviewed by Natasha Rittmeyer who travelled in November 2011 on the The Road to Delhi trip

Review 9

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

It's hard to say as it was all really good! I think maybe visiting a local school ...

What did you think of your tour leader?

Junaid was brilliant, he really looked after us and went more than the extra mile to ensure we all had a fantastic time.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Leave Western expectations behind, be prepared to run on adrenaline for 10 days, try every experience you are offered!

Reviewed by Christine Hosey who travelled in October 2011 on the Wildlife & Moghul Cities trip

Review 10

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Being the sole guests of 'Sunny' & 'Tina'in Pachewar Fort, who looked after us so well. Most of the village stays. The contrast between staying in towns and remote villages.

What did you think of your tour leader?

10/10. Shailendra is an urbane Polo playing graduate gentleman farmer who has so many connections. Everybody in Raja appears to be a Singh and also one of his cousins! One of the best guides that we have travelled with.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Yes, very much so, thanks to Shailendra

What advice would you give to other travellers?

We all stayed 'healthy', again in part to Shailendra. Take a fleece and raincoat

Reviewed by Lynda Gould who travelled in November 2010 on the Amongst the Maharajahs trip

Review 11

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Being the sole guests of 'Sunny' & 'Tina'in Pachewar Fort, who looked after us so well. Most of the village stays. The contrast between staying in towns and remote villages.

What did you think of your tour leader?

10/10. Shailendra is an urbane Polo playing graduate gentleman farmer who has so many connections. Everybody in Raja appears to be a Singh and also one of his cousins! One of the best guides that we have travelled with.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Yes, very much so, thanks to Shailendra

What advice would you give to other travellers?

We all stayed 'healthy', again in part to Shailendra. Take a fleece and raincoat

Reviewed by Lynda Gould who travelled in November 2010 on the CLOTHING QUESTIONS trip

Review 12

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Being the sole guests of 'Sunny' & 'Tina'in Pachewar Fort, who looked after us so well. Most of the village stays. The contrast between staying in towns and remote villages.

What did you think of your tour leader?

10/10. Shailendra is an urbane Polo playing graduate gentleman farmer who has so many connections. Everybody in Raja appears to be a Singh and also one of his cousins! One of the best guides that we have travelled with.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Yes, very much so, thanks to Shailendra

What advice would you give to other travellers?

We all stayed 'healthy', again in part to Shailendra. Take a fleece and raincoat

Reviewed by Lynda Gould who travelled in November 2010 on the Amongst the Maharajahs trip

Review 13

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Being the sole guests of 'Sunny' & 'Tina'in Pachewar Fort, who looked after us so well. Most of the village stays. The contrast between staying in towns and remote villages.

What did you think of your tour leader?

10/10. Shailendra is an urbane Polo playing graduate gentleman farmer who has so many connections. Everybody in Raja appears to be a Singh and also one of his cousins! One of the best guides that we have travelled with.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Yes, very much so, thanks to Shailendra

What advice would you give to other travellers?

We all stayed 'healthy', again in part to Shailendra. Take a fleece and raincoat

Reviewed by Lynda Gould who travelled in November 2010 on the Amongst the Maharajahs trip

Review 14

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

All of it! Truly unforgettable especially Varanasi and the visit to Tordi Garh.

What did you think of your tour leader?

The tour leader, Yadu, was excellent. We couldn't have asked for someone better!

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

As much as is possible from a 2 week trip to a country!

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Go on this tour!

Reviewed by Lisa Drury who travelled in October 2010 on the Jewels of the North trip

Review 15

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

All of it! Truly unforgettable especially Varanasi and the visit to Tordi Garh.

What did you think of your tour leader?

The tour leader, Yadu, was excellent. We couldn't have asked for someone better!

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

As much as is possible from a 2 week trip to a country!

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Go on this tour!

Reviewed by Lisa Drury who travelled in October 2010 on the Jewels of the North trip

Review 16

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Camel ride into the dessert, watching the sun set and eating under the stars. Watching the Taj Mahal change colour as the sun rose and cast differing glows of colour on the marble.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Excellent - knowledge, organisation, ability to manage problems and look after the group so they stayed well and fit for the tour.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

In the country yes.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Absoloutely

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Take wipes, hand sanitiser, toilet rolls (you will need them at some point) and mosquito spray (there are a few boat trips and eating out at night). Keep an open mind, the culture is different.

Reviewed by Sarah Thomas who travelled in October 2010 on the Rajasthan Safari trip

Review 17

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Camel ride into the dessert, watching the sun set and eating under the stars. Watching the Taj Mahal change colour as the sun rose and cast differing glows of colour on the marble.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Excellent - knowledge, organisation, ability to manage problems and look after the group so they stayed well and fit for the tour.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

In the country yes.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Absoloutely

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Take wipes, hand sanitiser, toilet rolls (you will need them at some point) and mosquito spray (there are a few boat trips and eating out at night). Keep an open mind, the culture is different.

Reviewed by Sarah Thomas who travelled in October 2010 on the Rajasthan Safari-Oct12 2008 trip

Review 18

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Camel ride into the dessert, watching the sun set and eating under the stars. Watching the Taj Mahal change colour as the sun rose and cast differing glows of colour on the marble.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Excellent - knowledge, organisation, ability to manage problems and look after the group so they stayed well and fit for the tour.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

In the country yes.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Absoloutely

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Take wipes, hand sanitiser, toilet rolls (you will need them at some point) and mosquito spray (there are a few boat trips and eating out at night). Keep an open mind, the culture is different.

Reviewed by Sarah Thomas who travelled in October 2010 on the Rajasthan Safari-Oct12 2008 trip

Review 19

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Camel ride into the dessert, watching the sun set and eating under the stars. Watching the Taj Mahal change colour as the sun rose and cast differing glows of colour on the marble.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Excellent - knowledge, organisation, ability to manage problems and look after the group so they stayed well and fit for the tour.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

In the country yes.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Absoloutely

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Take wipes, hand sanitiser, toilet rolls (you will need them at some point) and mosquito spray (there are a few boat trips and eating out at night). Keep an open mind, the culture is different.

Reviewed by Sarah Thomas who travelled in October 2010 on the Pushkar Fair trip

Review 20

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Camel ride into the dessert, watching the sun set and eating under the stars. Watching the Taj Mahal change colour as the sun rose and cast differing glows of colour on the marble.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Excellent - knowledge, organisation, ability to manage problems and look after the group so they stayed well and fit for the tour.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

In the country yes.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Absoloutely

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Take wipes, hand sanitiser, toilet rolls (you will need them at some point) and mosquito spray (there are a few boat trips and eating out at night). Keep an open mind, the culture is different.

Reviewed by Sarah Thomas who travelled in October 2010 on the Pushkar Fair Rajasthan Safari 11 October 2009 trip

Review 21

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Camel ride into the dessert, watching the sun set and eating under the stars. Watching the Taj Mahal change colour as the sun rose and cast differing glows of colour on the marble.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Excellent - knowledge, organisation, ability to manage problems and look after the group so they stayed well and fit for the tour.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

In the country yes.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Absoloutely

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Take wipes, hand sanitiser, toilet rolls (you will need them at some point) and mosquito spray (there are a few boat trips and eating out at night). Keep an open mind, the culture is different.

Reviewed by Sarah Thomas who travelled in October 2010 on the Pushkar Fair Rajasthan Safari 18 October 2009 trip

Review 22

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Camel ride into the dessert, watching the sun set and eating under the stars. Watching the Taj Mahal change colour as the sun rose and cast differing glows of colour on the marble.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Excellent - knowledge, organisation, ability to manage problems and look after the group so they stayed well and fit for the tour.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

In the country yes.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Absoloutely

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Take wipes, hand sanitiser, toilet rolls (you will need them at some point) and mosquito spray (there are a few boat trips and eating out at night). Keep an open mind, the culture is different.

Reviewed by Sarah Thomas who travelled in October 2010 on the Pushkar Fair Rajasthan Safari 18 October 2009 extra departure trip

Review 23

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Camel ride into the dessert, watching the sun set and eating under the stars. Watching the Taj Mahal change colour as the sun rose and cast differing glows of colour on the marble.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Excellent - knowledge, organisation, ability to manage problems and look after the group so they stayed well and fit for the tour.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

In the country yes.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Absoloutely

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Take wipes, hand sanitiser, toilet rolls (you will need them at some point) and mosquito spray (there are a few boat trips and eating out at night). Keep an open mind, the culture is different.

Reviewed by Sarah Thomas who travelled in October 2010 on the Pushkar Fair Rajasthan Safari 25 October 2009 trip

Review 24

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Camel ride into the dessert, watching the sun set and eating under the stars. Watching the Taj Mahal change colour as the sun rose and cast differing glows of colour on the marble.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Excellent - knowledge, organisation, ability to manage problems and look after the group so they stayed well and fit for the tour.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

In the country yes.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Absoloutely

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Take wipes, hand sanitiser, toilet rolls (you will need them at some point) and mosquito spray (there are a few boat trips and eating out at night). Keep an open mind, the culture is different.

Reviewed by Sarah Thomas who travelled in October 2010 on the Pushkar Fair Rajasthan Safari 1 November 2009 trip

Review 25

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Camel ride into the dessert, watching the sun set and eating under the stars. Watching the Taj Mahal change colour as the sun rose and cast differing glows of colour on the marble.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Excellent - knowledge, organisation, ability to manage problems and look after the group so they stayed well and fit for the tour.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

In the country yes.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Absoloutely

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Take wipes, hand sanitiser, toilet rolls (you will need them at some point) and mosquito spray (there are a few boat trips and eating out at night). Keep an open mind, the culture is different.

Reviewed by Sarah Thomas who travelled in October 2010 on the SAMEER'S RAJASTHAN trip

Review 26

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Camel ride into the dessert, watching the sun set and eating under the stars. Watching the Taj Mahal change colour as the sun rose and cast differing glows of colour on the marble.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Excellent - knowledge, organisation, ability to manage problems and look after the group so they stayed well and fit for the tour.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

In the country yes.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Absoloutely

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Take wipes, hand sanitiser, toilet rolls (you will need them at some point) and mosquito spray (there are a few boat trips and eating out at night). Keep an open mind, the culture is different.

Reviewed by Sarah Thomas who travelled in October 2010 on the Photos from our Rajasthan Safari Nov 08 trip

Review 27

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Camel ride into the dessert, watching the sun set and eating under the stars. Watching the Taj Mahal change colour as the sun rose and cast differing glows of colour on the marble.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Excellent - knowledge, organisation, ability to manage problems and look after the group so they stayed well and fit for the tour.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

In the country yes.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Absoloutely

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Take wipes, hand sanitiser, toilet rolls (you will need them at some point) and mosquito spray (there are a few boat trips and eating out at night). Keep an open mind, the culture is different.

Reviewed by Sarah Thomas who travelled in October 2010 on the a packet of photos for villagers in Rajasthan - any takers? trip

Review 28

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Camel ride into the dessert, watching the sun set and eating under the stars. Watching the Taj Mahal change colour as the sun rose and cast differing glows of colour on the marble.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Excellent - knowledge, organisation, ability to manage problems and look after the group so they stayed well and fit for the tour.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

In the country yes.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Absoloutely

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Take wipes, hand sanitiser, toilet rolls (you will need them at some point) and mosquito spray (there are a few boat trips and eating out at night). Keep an open mind, the culture is different.

Reviewed by Sarah Thomas who travelled in October 2010 on the Rajasthan Safari trip

Review 29

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Cruising the waterways of Kerala was wonderful and we had the added bonus of meeting some of the extremely friendly people who lived along the water's edge. Experiencing the vibrancy of the large Hindu temples, and also the market in Mysore, are things we'll never forget.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Our tour leader KV was great. He worked really hard on our behalf and on the one occasion he needed to, he really stuck his neck out for us. We should also mention our Keralan driver Satish, always respendent in his white shirt and trousers and a real gentleman.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

To some extent I think our trip benefited localpeople but, if practical, it would have been good to stay in more homestays rather than hotels. Some of the tourist class hotels were of variable quality whereas our homestay on Kochi was excellent.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

We definitely began to get under the skin of this mad, colourful, complex country. We met some lovely people along the way and many of the southern Indians wanted to engage with us, take our photo and have their picture taken. With their dark skins and comfort in front of a camera they are extremely photogenic and we came back with some brilliant photos to remember our trip by.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

In planning a trip to India it's easy to get distracted sorting out the medical precautions and visas, and by stories of Delhi belly and chaotic transport. On our trip no one in the group was ill, the trains ran to time (one even arrived early) and the people were delightful. If you go to India and embrace the country you will be well rewarded.

Reviewed by Ian Lacey who travelled in September 2010 on the South Indian Highlights trip

Review 30

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Cruising the waterways of Kerala was wonderful and we had the added bonus of meeting some of the extremely friendly people who lived along the water's edge. Experiencing the vibrancy of the large Hindu temples, and also the market in Mysore, are things we'll never forget.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Our tour leader KV was great. He worked really hard on our behalf and on the one occasion he needed to, he really stuck his neck out for us. We should also mention our Keralan driver Satish, always respendent in his white shirt and trousers and a real gentleman.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

To some extent I think our trip benefited localpeople but, if practical, it would have been good to stay in more homestays rather than hotels. Some of the tourist class hotels were of variable quality whereas our homestay on Kochi was excellent.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

We definitely began to get under the skin of this mad, colourful, complex country. We met some lovely people along the way and many of the southern Indians wanted to engage with us, take our photo and have their picture taken. With their dark skins and comfort in front of a camera they are extremely photogenic and we came back with some brilliant photos to remember our trip by.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

In planning a trip to India it's easy to get distracted sorting out the medical precautions and visas, and by stories of Delhi belly and chaotic transport. On our trip no one in the group was ill, the trains ran to time (one even arrived early) and the people were delightful. If you go to India and embrace the country you will be well rewarded.

Reviewed by Ian Lacey who travelled in September 2010 on the South Indian Highlights trip

Review 31

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Cruising the waterways of Kerala was wonderful and we had the added bonus of meeting some of the extremely friendly people who lived along the water's edge. Experiencing the vibrancy of the large Hindu temples, and also the market in Mysore, are things we'll never forget.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Our tour leader KV was great. He worked really hard on our behalf and on the one occasion he needed to, he really stuck his neck out for us. We should also mention our Keralan driver Satish, always respendent in his white shirt and trousers and a real gentleman.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

To some extent I think our trip benefited localpeople but, if practical, it would have been good to stay in more homestays rather than hotels. Some of the tourist class hotels were of variable quality whereas our homestay on Kochi was excellent.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

We definitely began to get under the skin of this mad, colourful, complex country. We met some lovely people along the way and many of the southern Indians wanted to engage with us, take our photo and have their picture taken. With their dark skins and comfort in front of a camera they are extremely photogenic and we came back with some brilliant photos to remember our trip by.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

In planning a trip to India it's easy to get distracted sorting out the medical precautions and visas, and by stories of Delhi belly and chaotic transport. On our trip no one in the group was ill, the trains ran to time (one even arrived early) and the people were delightful. If you go to India and embrace the country you will be well rewarded.

Reviewed by Ian Lacey who travelled in September 2010 on the South Indian Highlights trip

Review 32

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

You have an idea what it will be like, but nothing can prepare you for the beauty and amazement of the Taj Mahal. You can't help but well up with tears looking at it. Also, the morning boat ride by the Ganges. Such an amazing place.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Our Tour Leader and the local guides were all fantastic. Our Tour Leader went above and beyond as to what was required. He organised chai on roof tops as a surprise and arranged for us to go and see an amazing aarti next to the ganges. He taught us alot on local areas and trades and was a great pleasure to have around.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Definitely. We were shown schools, villages and local trades where our money is going to. Its going to the right places and people.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

I feel that I will always have a bit of India in my heart. I prepared myself for the 'culture shock' but the country and people showed my things that I didn't expect to see. It opened my eyes alot. Of course there is poverty but the people are so happy and smiley, you cant help but smile with them.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Alot of the people can speak English but the locals respect you more if you say hello in there native language. Dont be afraid of anything as everyone will help you if you are lost or need to find a good restaurant. As long as you are respectful of their homes and villages, you cant go wrong.

Reviewed by Samantha Green who travelled in October 2010 on the North India Highlights trip

Review 33

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

You have an idea what it will be like, but nothing can prepare you for the beauty and amazement of the Taj Mahal. You can't help but well up with tears looking at it. Also, the morning boat ride by the Ganges. Such an amazing place.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Our Tour Leader and the local guides were all fantastic. Our Tour Leader went above and beyond as to what was required. He organised chai on roof tops as a surprise and arranged for us to go and see an amazing aarti next to the ganges. He taught us alot on local areas and trades and was a great pleasure to have around.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Definitely. We were shown schools, villages and local trades where our money is going to. Its going to the right places and people.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

I feel that I will always have a bit of India in my heart. I prepared myself for the 'culture shock' but the country and people showed my things that I didn't expect to see. It opened my eyes alot. Of course there is poverty but the people are so happy and smiley, you cant help but smile with them.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Alot of the people can speak English but the locals respect you more if you say hello in there native language. Dont be afraid of anything as everyone will help you if you are lost or need to find a good restaurant. As long as you are respectful of their homes and villages, you cant go wrong.

Reviewed by Samantha Green who travelled in October 2010 on the North India Highlights trip

Review 34

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

You have an idea what it will be like, but nothing can prepare you for the beauty and amazement of the Taj Mahal. You can't help but well up with tears looking at it. Also, the morning boat ride by the Ganges. Such an amazing place.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Our Tour Leader and the local guides were all fantastic. Our Tour Leader went above and beyond as to what was required. He organised chai on roof tops as a surprise and arranged for us to go and see an amazing aarti next to the ganges. He taught us alot on local areas and trades and was a great pleasure to have around.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Definitely. We were shown schools, villages and local trades where our money is going to. Its going to the right places and people.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

I feel that I will always have a bit of India in my heart. I prepared myself for the 'culture shock' but the country and people showed my things that I didn't expect to see. It opened my eyes alot. Of course there is poverty but the people are so happy and smiley, you cant help but smile with them.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Alot of the people can speak English but the locals respect you more if you say hello in there native language. Dont be afraid of anything as everyone will help you if you are lost or need to find a good restaurant. As long as you are respectful of their homes and villages, you cant go wrong.

Reviewed by Samantha Green who travelled in October 2010 on the Monitoring situation in India trip

Review 35

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

You have an idea what it will be like, but nothing can prepare you for the beauty and amazement of the Taj Mahal. You can't help but well up with tears looking at it. Also, the morning boat ride by the Ganges. Such an amazing place.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Our Tour Leader and the local guides were all fantastic. Our Tour Leader went above and beyond as to what was required. He organised chai on roof tops as a surprise and arranged for us to go and see an amazing aarti next to the ganges. He taught us alot on local areas and trades and was a great pleasure to have around.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Definitely. We were shown schools, villages and local trades where our money is going to. Its going to the right places and people.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

I feel that I will always have a bit of India in my heart. I prepared myself for the 'culture shock' but the country and people showed my things that I didn't expect to see. It opened my eyes alot. Of course there is poverty but the people are so happy and smiley, you cant help but smile with them.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Alot of the people can speak English but the locals respect you more if you say hello in there native language. Dont be afraid of anything as everyone will help you if you are lost or need to find a good restaurant. As long as you are respectful of their homes and villages, you cant go wrong.

Reviewed by Samantha Green who travelled in October 2010 on the North India Highlights - Jan 18, 2009 trip

Review 36

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

You have an idea what it will be like, but nothing can prepare you for the beauty and amazement of the Taj Mahal. You can't help but well up with tears looking at it. Also, the morning boat ride by the Ganges. Such an amazing place.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Our Tour Leader and the local guides were all fantastic. Our Tour Leader went above and beyond as to what was required. He organised chai on roof tops as a surprise and arranged for us to go and see an amazing aarti next to the ganges. He taught us alot on local areas and trades and was a great pleasure to have around.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Definitely. We were shown schools, villages and local trades where our money is going to. Its going to the right places and people.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

I feel that I will always have a bit of India in my heart. I prepared myself for the 'culture shock' but the country and people showed my things that I didn't expect to see. It opened my eyes alot. Of course there is poverty but the people are so happy and smiley, you cant help but smile with them.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Alot of the people can speak English but the locals respect you more if you say hello in there native language. Dont be afraid of anything as everyone will help you if you are lost or need to find a good restaurant. As long as you are respectful of their homes and villages, you cant go wrong.

Reviewed by Samantha Green who travelled in October 2010 on the North India Experience trip

Review 37

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Whilst walking around a temple in Varanasi we came across an English school. They asked us for our help with their lesson and we spent about an hour with them. The kids were so genuine, polite and enthusiastic and it was completely impromptu, I will never forget it.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Our tour leader was amazing! Very knowledgeable and helpful. One day I got very ill and had very intense stomach pains and was in agony, he called the doctor and arranged for me to stay longer at the hotel until I recovered. The manager of the hotel then drove me two hours to meet up with the group later on that day. This was so reassuring and it was all done without any fuss.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Vish made sure we only used local services and stores so that we could put our money back into the local economy. We helped with the lesson as well and this was a learning opportunity for both sides.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Yes, whilst walking through Tordi Garh the waiter at the hotel introduced us to his family and we saw his house. The sleeper train also got us on familiar terms with other people.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Go to India!!! But take a torch and lots of Imodium.

Reviewed by Lisa Mountain who travelled in April 2010 on the Jewels of the North trip

Review 38

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Whilst walking around a temple in Varanasi we came across an English school. They asked us for our help with their lesson and we spent about an hour with them. The kids were so genuine, polite and enthusiastic and it was completely impromptu, I will never forget it.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Our tour leader was amazing! Very knowledgeable and helpful. One day I got very ill and had very intense stomach pains and was in agony, he called the doctor and arranged for me to stay longer at the hotel until I recovered. The manager of the hotel then drove me two hours to meet up with the group later on that day. This was so reassuring and it was all done without any fuss.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Vish made sure we only used local services and stores so that we could put our money back into the local economy. We helped with the lesson as well and this was a learning opportunity for both sides.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Yes, whilst walking through Tordi Garh the waiter at the hotel introduced us to his family and we saw his house. The sleeper train also got us on familiar terms with other people.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Go to India!!! But take a torch and lots of Imodium.

Reviewed by Lisa Mountain who travelled in April 2010 on the Jewels of the North trip

Review 39

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The night I slept outside in the tented camp.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Meghna was a great tour leader. She was always smiling and friendly and very relaxed and everything was organized very smoothly and without any problems.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Yes, particularly the stays in the heritage hotels in the smaller villages. I wish I would have bought more in the shop of the village women in Chandelaor.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Yes, definitively. The tour showed us a great variety of India, all was very different and the overall very fascinating.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Bring some socks to wear in the temples, bring enough wet wipes to wipe of the heat and the dust and just go with the flow.

Reviewed by Christine Feuerhake who travelled in September 2009 on the Rajasthan Safari trip

Review 40

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The night I slept outside in the tented camp.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Meghna was a great tour leader. She was always smiling and friendly and very relaxed and everything was organized very smoothly and without any problems.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Yes, particularly the stays in the heritage hotels in the smaller villages. I wish I would have bought more in the shop of the village women in Chandelaor.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Yes, definitively. The tour showed us a great variety of India, all was very different and the overall very fascinating.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Bring some socks to wear in the temples, bring enough wet wipes to wipe of the heat and the dust and just go with the flow.

Reviewed by Christine Feuerhake who travelled in September 2009 on the Rajasthan Safari-Oct12 2008 trip

Review 41

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The night I slept outside in the tented camp.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Meghna was a great tour leader. She was always smiling and friendly and very relaxed and everything was organized very smoothly and without any problems.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Yes, particularly the stays in the heritage hotels in the smaller villages. I wish I would have bought more in the shop of the village women in Chandelaor.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Yes, definitively. The tour showed us a great variety of India, all was very different and the overall very fascinating.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Bring some socks to wear in the temples, bring enough wet wipes to wipe of the heat and the dust and just go with the flow.

Reviewed by Christine Feuerhake who travelled in September 2009 on the Rajasthan Safari-Oct12 2008 trip

Review 42

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The night I slept outside in the tented camp.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Meghna was a great tour leader. She was always smiling and friendly and very relaxed and everything was organized very smoothly and without any problems.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Yes, particularly the stays in the heritage hotels in the smaller villages. I wish I would have bought more in the shop of the village women in Chandelaor.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Yes, definitively. The tour showed us a great variety of India, all was very different and the overall very fascinating.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Bring some socks to wear in the temples, bring enough wet wipes to wipe of the heat and the dust and just go with the flow.

Reviewed by Christine Feuerhake who travelled in September 2009 on the Pushkar Fair trip

Review 43

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The night I slept outside in the tented camp.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Meghna was a great tour leader. She was always smiling and friendly and very relaxed and everything was organized very smoothly and without any problems.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Yes, particularly the stays in the heritage hotels in the smaller villages. I wish I would have bought more in the shop of the village women in Chandelaor.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Yes, definitively. The tour showed us a great variety of India, all was very different and the overall very fascinating.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Bring some socks to wear in the temples, bring enough wet wipes to wipe of the heat and the dust and just go with the flow.

Reviewed by Christine Feuerhake who travelled in September 2009 on the Pushkar Fair Rajasthan Safari 11 October 2009 trip

Review 44

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The night I slept outside in the tented camp.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Meghna was a great tour leader. She was always smiling and friendly and very relaxed and everything was organized very smoothly and without any problems.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Yes, particularly the stays in the heritage hotels in the smaller villages. I wish I would have bought more in the shop of the village women in Chandelaor.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Yes, definitively. The tour showed us a great variety of India, all was very different and the overall very fascinating.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Bring some socks to wear in the temples, bring enough wet wipes to wipe of the heat and the dust and just go with the flow.

Reviewed by Christine Feuerhake who travelled in September 2009 on the Pushkar Fair Rajasthan Safari 18 October 2009 trip

Review 45

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The night I slept outside in the tented camp.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Meghna was a great tour leader. She was always smiling and friendly and very relaxed and everything was organized very smoothly and without any problems.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Yes, particularly the stays in the heritage hotels in the smaller villages. I wish I would have bought more in the shop of the village women in Chandelaor.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Yes, definitively. The tour showed us a great variety of India, all was very different and the overall very fascinating.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Bring some socks to wear in the temples, bring enough wet wipes to wipe of the heat and the dust and just go with the flow.

Reviewed by Christine Feuerhake who travelled in September 2009 on the Pushkar Fair Rajasthan Safari 18 October 2009 extra departure trip

Review 46

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The night I slept outside in the tented camp.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Meghna was a great tour leader. She was always smiling and friendly and very relaxed and everything was organized very smoothly and without any problems.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Yes, particularly the stays in the heritage hotels in the smaller villages. I wish I would have bought more in the shop of the village women in Chandelaor.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Yes, definitively. The tour showed us a great variety of India, all was very different and the overall very fascinating.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Bring some socks to wear in the temples, bring enough wet wipes to wipe of the heat and the dust and just go with the flow.

Reviewed by Christine Feuerhake who travelled in September 2009 on the Pushkar Fair Rajasthan Safari 25 October 2009 trip

Review 47

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The night I slept outside in the tented camp.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Meghna was a great tour leader. She was always smiling and friendly and very relaxed and everything was organized very smoothly and without any problems.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Yes, particularly the stays in the heritage hotels in the smaller villages. I wish I would have bought more in the shop of the village women in Chandelaor.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Yes, definitively. The tour showed us a great variety of India, all was very different and the overall very fascinating.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Bring some socks to wear in the temples, bring enough wet wipes to wipe of the heat and the dust and just go with the flow.

Reviewed by Christine Feuerhake who travelled in September 2009 on the Pushkar Fair Rajasthan Safari 1 November 2009 trip

Review 48

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The night I slept outside in the tented camp.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Meghna was a great tour leader. She was always smiling and friendly and very relaxed and everything was organized very smoothly and without any problems.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Yes, particularly the stays in the heritage hotels in the smaller villages. I wish I would have bought more in the shop of the village women in Chandelaor.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Yes, definitively. The tour showed us a great variety of India, all was very different and the overall very fascinating.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Bring some socks to wear in the temples, bring enough wet wipes to wipe of the heat and the dust and just go with the flow.

Reviewed by Christine Feuerhake who travelled in September 2009 on the SAMEER'S RAJASTHAN trip

Review 49

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The night I slept outside in the tented camp.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Meghna was a great tour leader. She was always smiling and friendly and very relaxed and everything was organized very smoothly and without any problems.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Yes, particularly the stays in the heritage hotels in the smaller villages. I wish I would have bought more in the shop of the village women in Chandelaor.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Yes, definitively. The tour showed us a great variety of India, all was very different and the overall very fascinating.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Bring some socks to wear in the temples, bring enough wet wipes to wipe of the heat and the dust and just go with the flow.

Reviewed by Christine Feuerhake who travelled in September 2009 on the Photos from our Rajasthan Safari Nov 08 trip

Review 50

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The night I slept outside in the tented camp.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Meghna was a great tour leader. She was always smiling and friendly and very relaxed and everything was organized very smoothly and without any problems.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Yes, particularly the stays in the heritage hotels in the smaller villages. I wish I would have bought more in the shop of the village women in Chandelaor.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Yes, definitively. The tour showed us a great variety of India, all was very different and the overall very fascinating.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Bring some socks to wear in the temples, bring enough wet wipes to wipe of the heat and the dust and just go with the flow.

Reviewed by Christine Feuerhake who travelled in September 2009 on the a packet of photos for villagers in Rajasthan - any takers? trip

Review 51

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The night I slept outside in the tented camp.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Meghna was a great tour leader. She was always smiling and friendly and very relaxed and everything was organized very smoothly and without any problems.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Yes, particularly the stays in the heritage hotels in the smaller villages. I wish I would have bought more in the shop of the village women in Chandelaor.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Yes, definitively. The tour showed us a great variety of India, all was very different and the overall very fascinating.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Bring some socks to wear in the temples, bring enough wet wipes to wipe of the heat and the dust and just go with the flow.

Reviewed by Christine Feuerhake who travelled in September 2009 on the Rajasthan Safari trip

Review 52

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

It wasnt so much as the tour highlights that I found most memorable, it was more so just the general way of life in Southern India that will stay with me most. Be it life on the riverbank or street side.

What did you think of your tour leader?

He was very good. As he came from India (Bombey) he was very knowledgeable about India in general. He was also very helpful in finding out anything we wanted to know or assist in any way.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Yes I hope so.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

As much as is possible when you are visiting major tourist sites. Although quite unusually there were very few tourists seen on our travels - maybe a sign of the economy?

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Be prepared to be flexable and adaptable to a differnt way of life.

Reviewed by Frances McMahon who travelled in September 2009 on the South Indian Highlights trip

Review 53

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

It wasnt so much as the tour highlights that I found most memorable, it was more so just the general way of life in Southern India that will stay with me most. Be it life on the riverbank or street side.

What did you think of your tour leader?

He was very good. As he came from India (Bombey) he was very knowledgeable about India in general. He was also very helpful in finding out anything we wanted to know or assist in any way.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Yes I hope so.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

As much as is possible when you are visiting major tourist sites. Although quite unusually there were very few tourists seen on our travels - maybe a sign of the economy?

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Be prepared to be flexable and adaptable to a differnt way of life.

Reviewed by Frances McMahon who travelled in September 2009 on the South Indian Highlights trip

Review 54

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

It wasnt so much as the tour highlights that I found most memorable, it was more so just the general way of life in Southern India that will stay with me most. Be it life on the riverbank or street side.

What did you think of your tour leader?

He was very good. As he came from India (Bombey) he was very knowledgeable about India in general. He was also very helpful in finding out anything we wanted to know or assist in any way.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Yes I hope so.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

As much as is possible when you are visiting major tourist sites. Although quite unusually there were very few tourists seen on our travels - maybe a sign of the economy?

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Be prepared to be flexable and adaptable to a differnt way of life.

Reviewed by Frances McMahon who travelled in September 2009 on the South Indian Highlights trip

Review 55

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

There were far too many memorable parts of the tour to leave it at one so I give you these in the order visited: The deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri Folk dancing, the Jantar Mantar observatory and the Raj Mandir cinema in Jaipur Exploring the village of Pachewar The Meherangarh Fort at Jodphur The night sky and the sun rise on the camel safari Diwali in Shimla (and having my spectacles taken by a monkey) The mountains and a group meal at McLlo's in McLeod Ganj / Dharamsala The Golden Temple and the evening border ceremony at Amritsar

What did you think of your tour leader?

I think we were extremely fortunate to have Abhishek (Abhi) Chhetri as our tour leader who accompanied us the whole time. Not only was he very knowledgeable and seemed able to answer every question we could throw at him but he also was willing to go that bit extra for us. He was certainly the main reason why I had such a great time. We had individual tour leaders at some of the locations visited and they were more variable. I thought the guides at Fatehpur Sikri and McLeod Ganj were the best. The audio guide at Meherangarh Fort was also excellent and allowed you to tour the fort at your own pace.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

It's difficult to know really. The local payment seems a positive benefit. We dined as a group most evenings at good local restaurants that Abhi took us to. And we spent money as tourists which I think went into the local economy. The saga of Coca Cola in India as recounted in Mark Thomas's book 'Belching Out the Devil' suggests that the corporation had a detrimental effect on the villages and their water supplies near the bottling plant in Rajasthan. However, we were still drinking water bottled by Coke.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

To a limited extent. There is no getting away from the fact that we were white tourists which meant that we predominantly got the tourist's version of the country, and for most of the time we visited tourist sites. However, Abhi's involvement and encounters with Indian tourists and residents while visiting some of the sites meant that we got more than a superficial view of India.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Enjoy yourself. It is a fantastic country. Grab the opportunities given to you - if you are undecided whether you want to do something, do it. Try not to let minor tummy upsets disrupt your holiday. Take a universal plug (I didn't have one). Hold on to your small change. You will always need Rs10 notes so don't use them unless you absolutely have to. I used ATMs to get cash, taking some traveller's cheques as a fall back. Most of the time the machines worked well for me but others in the group had problems getting cash out. And don't take too much luggage – the laundry services were cheap and good.

Reviewed by Paul Rimmer who travelled in October 2009 on the Amritsar, Dharamsala & the Desert Cities of Rajasthan trip

Review 56

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

There were far too many memorable parts of the tour to leave it at one so I give you these in the order visited: The deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri Folk dancing, the Jantar Mantar observatory and the Raj Mandir cinema in Jaipur Exploring the village of Pachewar The Meherangarh Fort at Jodphur The night sky and the sun rise on the camel safari Diwali in Shimla (and having my spectacles taken by a monkey) The mountains and a group meal at McLlo's in McLeod Ganj / Dharamsala The Golden Temple and the evening border ceremony at Amritsar

What did you think of your tour leader?

I think we were extremely fortunate to have Abhishek (Abhi) Chhetri as our tour leader who accompanied us the whole time. Not only was he very knowledgeable and seemed able to answer every question we could throw at him but he also was willing to go that bit extra for us. He was certainly the main reason why I had such a great time. We had individual tour leaders at some of the locations visited and they were more variable. I thought the guides at Fatehpur Sikri and McLeod Ganj were the best. The audio guide at Meherangarh Fort was also excellent and allowed you to tour the fort at your own pace.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

It's difficult to know really. The local payment seems a positive benefit. We dined as a group most evenings at good local restaurants that Abhi took us to. And we spent money as tourists which I think went into the local economy. The saga of Coca Cola in India as recounted in Mark Thomas's book 'Belching Out the Devil' suggests that the corporation had a detrimental effect on the villages and their water supplies near the bottling plant in Rajasthan. However, we were still drinking water bottled by Coke.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

To a limited extent. There is no getting away from the fact that we were white tourists which meant that we predominantly got the tourist's version of the country, and for most of the time we visited tourist sites. However, Abhi's involvement and encounters with Indian tourists and residents while visiting some of the sites meant that we got more than a superficial view of India.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Enjoy yourself. It is a fantastic country. Grab the opportunities given to you - if you are undecided whether you want to do something, do it. Try not to let minor tummy upsets disrupt your holiday. Take a universal plug (I didn't have one). Hold on to your small change. You will always need Rs10 notes so don't use them unless you absolutely have to. I used ATMs to get cash, taking some traveller's cheques as a fall back. Most of the time the machines worked well for me but others in the group had problems getting cash out. And don't take too much luggage – the laundry services were cheap and good.

Reviewed by Paul Rimmer who travelled in October 2009 on the Amritsar, Dharamsala & Rajasthan 25 October 2009 - Special Pushkar Fair Departure trip

Review 57

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The Taj Mahal is the obvious highlite, but I loved the smaller towns and villages of India the most, especially Udaipur, and the village of Chandelao was magical.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Manu was excellent, the best tour guide I have travelled with, he was so knowledgeable and always helpful, nothing was too much trouble for him. As an older, single woman I really appreciated his care and consideration.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Possibly in Chandelao as we bought crafts from the local women. Tourism can only benefit the communities.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Yes I did, but I would have liked to have spent more time in Chandelao or the smaller villages.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

I have heard this tour is no longer running, but there are similar tours of Rajasthan with ImTrav. I would highly recommend Rajasthan, it is a beautiful part of India with very diverse landscapes, beautiful towns like Udaipur and Jaisalmer. And the colours are amazing!

Reviewed by Olive Bracken who travelled in October 2009 on the The Road to Kathmandu trip

Review 58

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The Taj Mahal is the obvious highlite, but I loved the smaller towns and villages of India the most, especially Udaipur, and the village of Chandelao was magical.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Manu was excellent, the best tour guide I have travelled with, he was so knowledgeable and always helpful, nothing was too much trouble for him. As an older, single woman I really appreciated his care and consideration.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Possibly in Chandelao as we bought crafts from the local women. Tourism can only benefit the communities.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Yes I did, but I would have liked to have spent more time in Chandelao or the smaller villages.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

I have heard this tour is no longer running, but there are similar tours of Rajasthan with ImTrav. I would highly recommend Rajasthan, it is a beautiful part of India with very diverse landscapes, beautiful towns like Udaipur and Jaisalmer. And the colours are amazing!

Reviewed by Olive Bracken who travelled in October 2009 on the Pushkar Fair Itinerary The Road to Kathmandu 25 October 2009 trip

Review 59

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The Taj Mahal is the obvious highlite, but I loved the smaller towns and villages of India the most, especially Udaipur, and the village of Chandelao was magical.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Manu was excellent, the best tour guide I have travelled with, he was so knowledgeable and always helpful, nothing was too much trouble for him. As an older, single woman I really appreciated his care and consideration.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Possibly in Chandelao as we bought crafts from the local women. Tourism can only benefit the communities.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Yes I did, but I would have liked to have spent more time in Chandelao or the smaller villages.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

I have heard this tour is no longer running, but there are similar tours of Rajasthan with ImTrav. I would highly recommend Rajasthan, it is a beautiful part of India with very diverse landscapes, beautiful towns like Udaipur and Jaisalmer. And the colours are amazing!

Reviewed by Olive Bracken who travelled in October 2009 on the Pushkar Fair The Road to Kathmandu 9 November 2008 trip

Review 60

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The Taj Mahal is the obvious highlite, but I loved the smaller towns and villages of India the most, especially Udaipur, and the village of Chandelao was magical.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Manu was excellent, the best tour guide I have travelled with, he was so knowledgeable and always helpful, nothing was too much trouble for him. As an older, single woman I really appreciated his care and consideration.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Possibly in Chandelao as we bought crafts from the local women. Tourism can only benefit the communities.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Yes I did, but I would have liked to have spent more time in Chandelao or the smaller villages.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

I have heard this tour is no longer running, but there are similar tours of Rajasthan with ImTrav. I would highly recommend Rajasthan, it is a beautiful part of India with very diverse landscapes, beautiful towns like Udaipur and Jaisalmer. And the colours are amazing!

Reviewed by Olive Bracken who travelled in October 2009 on the The Road to Kathmandu trip

Review 61

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The overall impact of Rajastan - its glorious past as depicted by the heritage hotels and the sight seeing. Also the primitive rural life of the villages. The other tourists in our group were great fun - very friendly and helpful. We had a super time.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Our tour leader was Pushpendra Rathod whose service was excellent and well beyond normal call of duty. He was the best leader we have ever had in all our travels. He is clearly a huge asset for your company.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

This is hard to say - as we did not directly contribute to them. Local hotels and restaurants where we stayed / ate would have benefited but how much of that goes to local people?

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

No - this was mainly a rural discovery and a journey into India's past glories. To get under the skin of modern India would require a balanced holiday in developed urban cities also. But what we saw on this tour got us under India's rural skin.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

This is a great tour - a bit expensive but well worth doing. The pace and exposure are well balanced and ideal for discovering rural and ancient India

Reviewed by Vinod Mehta who travelled in October 2009 on the Amongst the Maharajahs trip

Review 62

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The overall impact of Rajastan - its glorious past as depicted by the heritage hotels and the sight seeing. Also the primitive rural life of the villages. The other tourists in our group were great fun - very friendly and helpful. We had a super time.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Our tour leader was Pushpendra Rathod whose service was excellent and well beyond normal call of duty. He was the best leader we have ever had in all our travels. He is clearly a huge asset for your company.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

This is hard to say - as we did not directly contribute to them. Local hotels and restaurants where we stayed / ate would have benefited but how much of that goes to local people?

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

No - this was mainly a rural discovery and a journey into India's past glories. To get under the skin of modern India would require a balanced holiday in developed urban cities also. But what we saw on this tour got us under India's rural skin.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

This is a great tour - a bit expensive but well worth doing. The pace and exposure are well balanced and ideal for discovering rural and ancient India

Reviewed by Vinod Mehta who travelled in October 2009 on the CLOTHING QUESTIONS trip

Review 63

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The overall impact of Rajastan - its glorious past as depicted by the heritage hotels and the sight seeing. Also the primitive rural life of the villages. The other tourists in our group were great fun - very friendly and helpful. We had a super time.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Our tour leader was Pushpendra Rathod whose service was excellent and well beyond normal call of duty. He was the best leader we have ever had in all our travels. He is clearly a huge asset for your company.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

This is hard to say - as we did not directly contribute to them. Local hotels and restaurants where we stayed / ate would have benefited but how much of that goes to local people?

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

No - this was mainly a rural discovery and a journey into India's past glories. To get under the skin of modern India would require a balanced holiday in developed urban cities also. But what we saw on this tour got us under India's rural skin.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

This is a great tour - a bit expensive but well worth doing. The pace and exposure are well balanced and ideal for discovering rural and ancient India

Reviewed by Vinod Mehta who travelled in October 2009 on the Amongst the Maharajahs trip

Review 64

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The overall impact of Rajastan - its glorious past as depicted by the heritage hotels and the sight seeing. Also the primitive rural life of the villages. The other tourists in our group were great fun - very friendly and helpful. We had a super time.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Our tour leader was Pushpendra Rathod whose service was excellent and well beyond normal call of duty. He was the best leader we have ever had in all our travels. He is clearly a huge asset for your company.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

This is hard to say - as we did not directly contribute to them. Local hotels and restaurants where we stayed / ate would have benefited but how much of that goes to local people?

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

No - this was mainly a rural discovery and a journey into India's past glories. To get under the skin of modern India would require a balanced holiday in developed urban cities also. But what we saw on this tour got us under India's rural skin.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

This is a great tour - a bit expensive but well worth doing. The pace and exposure are well balanced and ideal for discovering rural and ancient India

Reviewed by Vinod Mehta who travelled in October 2009 on the Amongst the Maharajahs trip

Review 65

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Everything. My first trip to India and the whole trip was amazing - I loved visiting the Fort in Ranthambore National Park, not on the itinerary but a must. The travel on local transport - sometimes hairy but well worth experiencing.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Tour leader was great, brilliant knowledge of all parts of tour. Good recommendations for tourist places/restuarants etc. Fun and approachable.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Yes to a certain extent.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

I do. We saw a lot of areas and parts that otherwise wouldn't have.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Check check and double check your initial accommodation. Mine had changed and I was not informed. Due to being quite independant and confident and the guide begin around this was not an issue. If I had been a younger traveller I may have been very worried. I would however totally recommend this trip and will hopefully encountering another soon. This was my first and it was well organised and delivered. I have great memories that will stay with me. It was great. Thanks

Reviewed by Sarah Read who travelled in December 2009 on the The Taj & Wildlife trip

Review 66

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Everything. My first trip to India and the whole trip was amazing - I loved visiting the Fort in Ranthambore National Park, not on the itinerary but a must. The travel on local transport - sometimes hairy but well worth experiencing.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Tour leader was great, brilliant knowledge of all parts of tour. Good recommendations for tourist places/restuarants etc. Fun and approachable.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Yes to a certain extent.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

I do. We saw a lot of areas and parts that otherwise wouldn't have.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Check check and double check your initial accommodation. Mine had changed and I was not informed. Due to being quite independant and confident and the guide begin around this was not an issue. If I had been a younger traveller I may have been very worried. I would however totally recommend this trip and will hopefully encountering another soon. This was my first and it was well organised and delivered. I have great memories that will stay with me. It was great. Thanks

Reviewed by Sarah Read who travelled in December 2009 on the The Taj & Wildlife trip

Review 67

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

It was a fantastic well organised trip with many great memories for which I thank you. It was my first experience of an organised trip - in the past I have made my own arrangements - I appreciated your organsiation. It was also my first experience of the Himalayas - they did not disappoint. The Ladakhese were so friendly and gentle (as were many other Indians that we met). The Guest house in Leh was wonderful - lovely people running it, good food, unbelievable flowers. I enjoyed watching the polo on Leh - on a very made-to-do pitch. There was always chaos in the "grandstand" when the players got too near, swinging their sticks, with everyone running to the back steps - a "spectator participation sport" as one American described it. Several of the local eateries wished to cater for our western tastes without offending local customs - so we would sometimes end up drinking beer in teacups poured from a teapot, or from bottles wrapped in newspaper. At one hotel we ordered some Indian white wine - dry, very palatable. So we ordered a second bottle of the same wine - which tasted very different - then we realised it was actually pure water! - apparently a mistake by the vinyard. We found it was quite common for a local dog to attach itself to us on a hike - not seemingly looking for food or petting, just for company. Each dog would have its own particular hike. Not particularly surprising - but we had the same experience with a young cow! However I would like to mention the one negative which was the discomfort of the overland travel from which I think my back and neck are still suffering (I am 63 and prone to back and neck ache). Maybe had we gone by bus as originally planned that would have been more comfortable - but then we would have had long queues for unpalatable toilets. A bigger vehicle or two vehicles rather than one would certainly have alleviated a lot of the discomfort - but that was probably well outside budget. You made it clear in your description that there would be a lot of overland - and it was obvious this would not be in luxury - but it still took me by surprise and now I am aware of my limitations I would not sign up for a trip with so much similar overland again. This is a comment rather than a criticism. And I certainly appreciated the choices of Manali, Daramshala, and Amritsar as stops en route.

What did you think of your tour leader?

KV, our main tour leader, proved indeed to be an entertaining, helpful, friendly, well-informed, accommodating soul. 10/10. I would also like to commend all of our other guides - especially the one who trained in England, who accompanied ús on the main trek (wish I could remember his name!).

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Indeed. We certainly contributed financially, and I would like to think that we shared some pleasurable moments with many of the locals.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Impossible!

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Bring a neck brace! And an open spirit.

Reviewed by Kelvin Trigg who travelled in September 2009 on the Ladakh - The Hidden Kingdom trip

Review 68

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Seeing the Taj Mahal & Varanasi. But basically I found the whole trip memorable. Stopping in the small villages were great. I got a whole new perspective about India and the Indian people.

What did you think of your tour leader?

He was exceptional. I have been on dozens of tours but never found a tour leader so helpful, so obliging, fun to be with and who truly concerned about the group. He obviously loves his job and his Country and this came through to us. He was honest and gave us very good advice. He went that extra mile to help everyone but especially people who had certain needs. My sister eats a very bland diet. Manu always made sure there was something for her to eat.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Yes, very much so. Of course just being at the hotels and eating & drinking at restaurants helps the local economy but also buying locally made goods is a big plus. I certainly contributed to the local economy.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

As best as one can in such a limited time. Staying only one or two nights did not give us indepth knowledge of a people but it certainly gave us a basic idea how people live on a daily basis. Going to the smaller villages certainly gave us look into the people as we were able to speak to the people running the hotels.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Do not go on this trip or any trip with pre-existing notions of a country and/or it's people. We were all pleasantly surprised that the India was saw and the Indians we spoke to were not what we expected. There were a couple of people on the trip that only went because their partners wanted to go and so were not that keen on being there. By the end of the trip they fell in love with India and the its people.

Reviewed by Pauline Falzon who travelled in December 2009 on the Rajasthan Safari trip

Review 69

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Seeing the Taj Mahal & Varanasi. But basically I found the whole trip memorable. Stopping in the small villages were great. I got a whole new perspective about India and the Indian people.

What did you think of your tour leader?

He was exceptional. I have been on dozens of tours but never found a tour leader so helpful, so obliging, fun to be with and who truly concerned about the group. He obviously loves his job and his Country and this came through to us. He was honest and gave us very good advice. He went that extra mile to help everyone but especially people who had certain needs. My sister eats a very bland diet. Manu always made sure there was something for her to eat.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Yes, very much so. Of course just being at the hotels and eating & drinking at restaurants helps the local economy but also buying locally made goods is a big plus. I certainly contributed to the local economy.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

As best as one can in such a limited time. Staying only one or two nights did not give us indepth knowledge of a people but it certainly gave us a basic idea how people live on a daily basis. Going to the smaller villages certainly gave us look into the people as we were able to speak to the people running the hotels.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Do not go on this trip or any trip with pre-existing notions of a country and/or it's people. We were all pleasantly surprised that the India was saw and the Indians we spoke to were not what we expected. There were a couple of people on the trip that only went because their partners wanted to go and so were not that keen on being there. By the end of the trip they fell in love with India and the its people.

Reviewed by Pauline Falzon who travelled in December 2009 on the Rajasthan Safari-Oct12 2008 trip

Review 70

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Seeing the Taj Mahal & Varanasi. But basically I found the whole trip memorable. Stopping in the small villages were great. I got a whole new perspective about India and the Indian people.

What did you think of your tour leader?

He was exceptional. I have been on dozens of tours but never found a tour leader so helpful, so obliging, fun to be with and who truly concerned about the group. He obviously loves his job and his Country and this came through to us. He was honest and gave us very good advice. He went that extra mile to help everyone but especially people who had certain needs. My sister eats a very bland diet. Manu always made sure there was something for her to eat.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Yes, very much so. Of course just being at the hotels and eating & drinking at restaurants helps the local economy but also buying locally made goods is a big plus. I certainly contributed to the local economy.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

As best as one can in such a limited time. Staying only one or two nights did not give us indepth knowledge of a people but it certainly gave us a basic idea how people live on a daily basis. Going to the smaller villages certainly gave us look into the people as we were able to speak to the people running the hotels.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Do not go on this trip or any trip with pre-existing notions of a country and/or it's people. We were all pleasantly surprised that the India was saw and the Indians we spoke to were not what we expected. There were a couple of people on the trip that only went because their partners wanted to go and so were not that keen on being there. By the end of the trip they fell in love with India and the its people.

Reviewed by Pauline Falzon who travelled in December 2009 on the Rajasthan Safari-Oct12 2008 trip

Review 71

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Seeing the Taj Mahal & Varanasi. But basically I found the whole trip memorable. Stopping in the small villages were great. I got a whole new perspective about India and the Indian people.

What did you think of your tour leader?

He was exceptional. I have been on dozens of tours but never found a tour leader so helpful, so obliging, fun to be with and who truly concerned about the group. He obviously loves his job and his Country and this came through to us. He was honest and gave us very good advice. He went that extra mile to help everyone but especially people who had certain needs. My sister eats a very bland diet. Manu always made sure there was something for her to eat.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Yes, very much so. Of course just being at the hotels and eating & drinking at restaurants helps the local economy but also buying locally made goods is a big plus. I certainly contributed to the local economy.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

As best as one can in such a limited time. Staying only one or two nights did not give us indepth knowledge of a people but it certainly gave us a basic idea how people live on a daily basis. Going to the smaller villages certainly gave us look into the people as we were able to speak to the people running the hotels.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Do not go on this trip or any trip with pre-existing notions of a country and/or it's people. We were all pleasantly surprised that the India was saw and the Indians we spoke to were not what we expected. There were a couple of people on the trip that only went because their partners wanted to go and so were not that keen on being there. By the end of the trip they fell in love with India and the its people.

Reviewed by Pauline Falzon who travelled in December 2009 on the Pushkar Fair trip

Review 72

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Seeing the Taj Mahal & Varanasi. But basically I found the whole trip memorable. Stopping in the small villages were great. I got a whole new perspective about India and the Indian people.

What did you think of your tour leader?

He was exceptional. I have been on dozens of tours but never found a tour leader so helpful, so obliging, fun to be with and who truly concerned about the group. He obviously loves his job and his Country and this came through to us. He was honest and gave us very good advice. He went that extra mile to help everyone but especially people who had certain needs. My sister eats a very bland diet. Manu always made sure there was something for her to eat.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Yes, very much so. Of course just being at the hotels and eating & drinking at restaurants helps the local economy but also buying locally made goods is a big plus. I certainly contributed to the local economy.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

As best as one can in such a limited time. Staying only one or two nights did not give us indepth knowledge of a people but it certainly gave us a basic idea how people live on a daily basis. Going to the smaller villages certainly gave us look into the people as we were able to speak to the people running the hotels.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Do not go on this trip or any trip with pre-existing notions of a country and/or it's people. We were all pleasantly surprised that the India was saw and the Indians we spoke to were not what we expected. There were a couple of people on the trip that only went because their partners wanted to go and so were not that keen on being there. By the end of the trip they fell in love with India and the its people.

Reviewed by Pauline Falzon who travelled in December 2009 on the Pushkar Fair Rajasthan Safari 11 October 2009 trip

Review 73

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Seeing the Taj Mahal & Varanasi. But basically I found the whole trip memorable. Stopping in the small villages were great. I got a whole new perspective about India and the Indian people.

What did you think of your tour leader?

He was exceptional. I have been on dozens of tours but never found a tour leader so helpful, so obliging, fun to be with and who truly concerned about the group. He obviously loves his job and his Country and this came through to us. He was honest and gave us very good advice. He went that extra mile to help everyone but especially people who had certain needs. My sister eats a very bland diet. Manu always made sure there was something for her to eat.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Yes, very much so. Of course just being at the hotels and eating & drinking at restaurants helps the local economy but also buying locally made goods is a big plus. I certainly contributed to the local economy.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

As best as one can in such a limited time. Staying only one or two nights did not give us indepth knowledge of a people but it certainly gave us a basic idea how people live on a daily basis. Going to the smaller villages certainly gave us look into the people as we were able to speak to the people running the hotels.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Do not go on this trip or any trip with pre-existing notions of a country and/or it's people. We were all pleasantly surprised that the India was saw and the Indians we spoke to were not what we expected. There were a couple of people on the trip that only went because their partners wanted to go and so were not that keen on being there. By the end of the trip they fell in love with India and the its people.

Reviewed by Pauline Falzon who travelled in December 2009 on the Pushkar Fair Rajasthan Safari 18 October 2009 trip

Review 74

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Seeing the Taj Mahal & Varanasi. But basically I found the whole trip memorable. Stopping in the small villages were great. I got a whole new perspective about India and the Indian people.

What did you think of your tour leader?

He was exceptional. I have been on dozens of tours but never found a tour leader so helpful, so obliging, fun to be with and who truly concerned about the group. He obviously loves his job and his Country and this came through to us. He was honest and gave us very good advice. He went that extra mile to help everyone but especially people who had certain needs. My sister eats a very bland diet. Manu always made sure there was something for her to eat.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Yes, very much so. Of course just being at the hotels and eating & drinking at restaurants helps the local economy but also buying locally made goods is a big plus. I certainly contributed to the local economy.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

As best as one can in such a limited time. Staying only one or two nights did not give us indepth knowledge of a people but it certainly gave us a basic idea how people live on a daily basis. Going to the smaller villages certainly gave us look into the people as we were able to speak to the people running the hotels.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Do not go on this trip or any trip with pre-existing notions of a country and/or it's people. We were all pleasantly surprised that the India was saw and the Indians we spoke to were not what we expected. There were a couple of people on the trip that only went because their partners wanted to go and so were not that keen on being there. By the end of the trip they fell in love with India and the its people.

Reviewed by Pauline Falzon who travelled in December 2009 on the Pushkar Fair Rajasthan Safari 18 October 2009 extra departure trip

Review 75

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Seeing the Taj Mahal & Varanasi. But basically I found the whole trip memorable. Stopping in the small villages were great. I got a whole new perspective about India and the Indian people.

What did you think of your tour leader?

He was exceptional. I have been on dozens of tours but never found a tour leader so helpful, so obliging, fun to be with and who truly concerned about the group. He obviously loves his job and his Country and this came through to us. He was honest and gave us very good advice. He went that extra mile to help everyone but especially people who had certain needs. My sister eats a very bland diet. Manu always made sure there was something for her to eat.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Yes, very much so. Of course just being at the hotels and eating & drinking at restaurants helps the local economy but also buying locally made goods is a big plus. I certainly contributed to the local economy.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

As best as one can in such a limited time. Staying only one or two nights did not give us indepth knowledge of a people but it certainly gave us a basic idea how people live on a daily basis. Going to the smaller villages certainly gave us look into the people as we were able to speak to the people running the hotels.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Do not go on this trip or any trip with pre-existing notions of a country and/or it's people. We were all pleasantly surprised that the India was saw and the Indians we spoke to were not what we expected. There were a couple of people on the trip that only went because their partners wanted to go and so were not that keen on being there. By the end of the trip they fell in love with India and the its people.

Reviewed by Pauline Falzon who travelled in December 2009 on the Pushkar Fair Rajasthan Safari 25 October 2009 trip

Review 76

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Seeing the Taj Mahal & Varanasi. But basically I found the whole trip memorable. Stopping in the small villages were great. I got a whole new perspective about India and the Indian people.

What did you think of your tour leader?

He was exceptional. I have been on dozens of tours but never found a tour leader so helpful, so obliging, fun to be with and who truly concerned about the group. He obviously loves his job and his Country and this came through to us. He was honest and gave us very good advice. He went that extra mile to help everyone but especially people who had certain needs. My sister eats a very bland diet. Manu always made sure there was something for her to eat.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Yes, very much so. Of course just being at the hotels and eating & drinking at restaurants helps the local economy but also buying locally made goods is a big plus. I certainly contributed to the local economy.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

As best as one can in such a limited time. Staying only one or two nights did not give us indepth knowledge of a people but it certainly gave us a basic idea how people live on a daily basis. Going to the smaller villages certainly gave us look into the people as we were able to speak to the people running the hotels.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Do not go on this trip or any trip with pre-existing notions of a country and/or it's people. We were all pleasantly surprised that the India was saw and the Indians we spoke to were not what we expected. There were a couple of people on the trip that only went because their partners wanted to go and so were not that keen on being there. By the end of the trip they fell in love with India and the its people.

Reviewed by Pauline Falzon who travelled in December 2009 on the Pushkar Fair Rajasthan Safari 1 November 2009 trip

Review 77

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Seeing the Taj Mahal & Varanasi. But basically I found the whole trip memorable. Stopping in the small villages were great. I got a whole new perspective about India and the Indian people.

What did you think of your tour leader?

He was exceptional. I have been on dozens of tours but never found a tour leader so helpful, so obliging, fun to be with and who truly concerned about the group. He obviously loves his job and his Country and this came through to us. He was honest and gave us very good advice. He went that extra mile to help everyone but especially people who had certain needs. My sister eats a very bland diet. Manu always made sure there was something for her to eat.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Yes, very much so. Of course just being at the hotels and eating & drinking at restaurants helps the local economy but also buying locally made goods is a big plus. I certainly contributed to the local economy.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

As best as one can in such a limited time. Staying only one or two nights did not give us indepth knowledge of a people but it certainly gave us a basic idea how people live on a daily basis. Going to the smaller villages certainly gave us look into the people as we were able to speak to the people running the hotels.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Do not go on this trip or any trip with pre-existing notions of a country and/or it's people. We were all pleasantly surprised that the India was saw and the Indians we spoke to were not what we expected. There were a couple of people on the trip that only went because their partners wanted to go and so were not that keen on being there. By the end of the trip they fell in love with India and the its people.

Reviewed by Pauline Falzon who travelled in December 2009 on the SAMEER'S RAJASTHAN trip

Review 78

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Seeing the Taj Mahal & Varanasi. But basically I found the whole trip memorable. Stopping in the small villages were great. I got a whole new perspective about India and the Indian people.

What did you think of your tour leader?

He was exceptional. I have been on dozens of tours but never found a tour leader so helpful, so obliging, fun to be with and who truly concerned about the group. He obviously loves his job and his Country and this came through to us. He was honest and gave us very good advice. He went that extra mile to help everyone but especially people who had certain needs. My sister eats a very bland diet. Manu always made sure there was something for her to eat.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Yes, very much so. Of course just being at the hotels and eating & drinking at restaurants helps the local economy but also buying locally made goods is a big plus. I certainly contributed to the local economy.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

As best as one can in such a limited time. Staying only one or two nights did not give us indepth knowledge of a people but it certainly gave us a basic idea how people live on a daily basis. Going to the smaller villages certainly gave us look into the people as we were able to speak to the people running the hotels.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Do not go on this trip or any trip with pre-existing notions of a country and/or it's people. We were all pleasantly surprised that the India was saw and the Indians we spoke to were not what we expected. There were a couple of people on the trip that only went because their partners wanted to go and so were not that keen on being there. By the end of the trip they fell in love with India and the its people.

Reviewed by Pauline Falzon who travelled in December 2009 on the Photos from our Rajasthan Safari Nov 08 trip

Review 79

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Seeing the Taj Mahal & Varanasi. But basically I found the whole trip memorable. Stopping in the small villages were great. I got a whole new perspective about India and the Indian people.

What did you think of your tour leader?

He was exceptional. I have been on dozens of tours but never found a tour leader so helpful, so obliging, fun to be with and who truly concerned about the group. He obviously loves his job and his Country and this came through to us. He was honest and gave us very good advice. He went that extra mile to help everyone but especially people who had certain needs. My sister eats a very bland diet. Manu always made sure there was something for her to eat.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Yes, very much so. Of course just being at the hotels and eating & drinking at restaurants helps the local economy but also buying locally made goods is a big plus. I certainly contributed to the local economy.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

As best as one can in such a limited time. Staying only one or two nights did not give us indepth knowledge of a people but it certainly gave us a basic idea how people live on a daily basis. Going to the smaller villages certainly gave us look into the people as we were able to speak to the people running the hotels.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Do not go on this trip or any trip with pre-existing notions of a country and/or it's people. We were all pleasantly surprised that the India was saw and the Indians we spoke to were not what we expected. There were a couple of people on the trip that only went because their partners wanted to go and so were not that keen on being there. By the end of the trip they fell in love with India and the its people.

Reviewed by Pauline Falzon who travelled in December 2009 on the a packet of photos for villagers in Rajasthan - any takers? trip

Review 80

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Seeing the Taj Mahal & Varanasi. But basically I found the whole trip memorable. Stopping in the small villages were great. I got a whole new perspective about India and the Indian people.

What did you think of your tour leader?

He was exceptional. I have been on dozens of tours but never found a tour leader so helpful, so obliging, fun to be with and who truly concerned about the group. He obviously loves his job and his Country and this came through to us. He was honest and gave us very good advice. He went that extra mile to help everyone but especially people who had certain needs. My sister eats a very bland diet. Manu always made sure there was something for her to eat.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Yes, very much so. Of course just being at the hotels and eating & drinking at restaurants helps the local economy but also buying locally made goods is a big plus. I certainly contributed to the local economy.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

As best as one can in such a limited time. Staying only one or two nights did not give us indepth knowledge of a people but it certainly gave us a basic idea how people live on a daily basis. Going to the smaller villages certainly gave us look into the people as we were able to speak to the people running the hotels.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Do not go on this trip or any trip with pre-existing notions of a country and/or it's people. We were all pleasantly surprised that the India was saw and the Indians we spoke to were not what we expected. There were a couple of people on the trip that only went because their partners wanted to go and so were not that keen on being there. By the end of the trip they fell in love with India and the its people.

Reviewed by Pauline Falzon who travelled in December 2009 on the Rajasthan Safari trip

Review 81

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

It was all memorable and each place had a particular charm we also enjoyed the small tour size and flexibility

What did you think of your tour leader?

Excellent and we thoroughly enjoyed his humour and ability to make the whole tour flow effortlessly

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Yes we bought many local products

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Not in 18days but I can relate better to the country now.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Book with Imaginative traveller nobody does it better!

Reviewed by Andrew Parsons who travelled in September 2008 on the Indian Trails trip

Review 82

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

It was all memorable and each place had a particular charm we also enjoyed the small tour size and flexibility

What did you think of your tour leader?

Excellent and we thoroughly enjoyed his humour and ability to make the whole tour flow effortlessly

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Yes we bought many local products

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Not in 18days but I can relate better to the country now.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Book with Imaginative traveller nobody does it better!

Reviewed by Andrew Parsons who travelled in September 2008 on the Pushkar Fair 25 October 2009 trip

Review 83

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

It was all memorable and each place had a particular charm we also enjoyed the small tour size and flexibility

What did you think of your tour leader?

Excellent and we thoroughly enjoyed his humour and ability to make the whole tour flow effortlessly

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Yes we bought many local products

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Not in 18days but I can relate better to the country now.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Book with Imaginative traveller nobody does it better!

Reviewed by Andrew Parsons who travelled in September 2008 on the Pushkar Fair 9 November 2008 trip

Review 84

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

It was all memorable and each place had a particular charm we also enjoyed the small tour size and flexibility

What did you think of your tour leader?

Excellent and we thoroughly enjoyed his humour and ability to make the whole tour flow effortlessly

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Yes we bought many local products

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Not in 18days but I can relate better to the country now.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Book with Imaginative traveller nobody does it better!

Reviewed by Andrew Parsons who travelled in September 2008 on the Indian Trails trip

Review 85

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Jaipur and Karauli were the most memorable places with sites and experiences.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Fantastic. Rudy was extremely helpful and friendly.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Yes, though still at a level where I didn't feel too overwhelmed or uncomfortable.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

There is a lot of begging and people trying to sell you stuff all the time. As long as you can get past that, you'll have an amazing time.

Reviewed by Carolyn Choy who travelled in January 2007 on the North India Highlights trip

Review 86

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Jaipur and Karauli were the most memorable places with sites and experiences.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Fantastic. Rudy was extremely helpful and friendly.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Yes, though still at a level where I didn't feel too overwhelmed or uncomfortable.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

There is a lot of begging and people trying to sell you stuff all the time. As long as you can get past that, you'll have an amazing time.

Reviewed by Carolyn Choy who travelled in January 2007 on the North India Highlights trip

Review 87

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Jaipur and Karauli were the most memorable places with sites and experiences.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Fantastic. Rudy was extremely helpful and friendly.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Yes, though still at a level where I didn't feel too overwhelmed or uncomfortable.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

There is a lot of begging and people trying to sell you stuff all the time. As long as you can get past that, you'll have an amazing time.

Reviewed by Carolyn Choy who travelled in January 2007 on the Monitoring situation in India trip

Review 88

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Jaipur and Karauli were the most memorable places with sites and experiences.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Fantastic. Rudy was extremely helpful and friendly.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Yes, though still at a level where I didn't feel too overwhelmed or uncomfortable.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

There is a lot of begging and people trying to sell you stuff all the time. As long as you can get past that, you'll have an amazing time.

Reviewed by Carolyn Choy who travelled in January 2007 on the North India Highlights - Jan 18, 2009 trip

Review 89

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The mayhem of the streets in Indian cities, and how the locals seem totally unaffected by this. How they calmly walk along the streets not getting annoied by roaring trucks, honking rickshaws, ramshackle buses, shouting street vendors overloaded motorbikes grumpy cows, decorated elephants, snake charmers or jolly brass bands. I'm thoroughly impressed. I wold love to check if I could get used to it too. If I gave it a few months maybe... Another very memorable thing about India is all the lovely food, of course. No (vegetable) dish should remain untried.

What did you think of your tour leader?

They are knowledgeable and very good company, and adds to the experience.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Economically it definitely does. We spend money on transport, accomodation, food and souvenirs. Culturally, I'm a bit more sceptical about the effects.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

My understanding of India is getting better, trip by trip. Travelling in small groups gives more opportuities for local interaction than bigger groups, which I do appereciate a lot.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Travel as much as you can - while you can! It enrichens your life. Sooner or later mortagages, inflexible bosses, jealous partners, decedants, global heating, ilnesses or age are bound limit your opportunities. And in case not; travel as long as you can :-)

Reviewed by Jannecke Wiers-Jenssen who travelled in March 2008 on the South India Adventure trip

Review 90

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

rural areas of Rajastan, Mendawa and the Keurali(?) cities. And of course Taj Mahal.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

yes, the people who had some sort of work connected tho tourism benefited. But all the poor people without proper working conditions would probably not profit from us visiting India.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Be sceptical of eating dishes from buffets. Its difficult to keep the dishes warm enough during several hours, and microorganisms grow quickly when not kept warm enough.

Reviewed by Bjorg Abotnes who travelled in March 2008 on the Moghul Highlights trip

Review 91

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

rural areas of Rajastan, Mendawa and the Keurali(?) cities. And of course Taj Mahal.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

yes, the people who had some sort of work connected tho tourism benefited. But all the poor people without proper working conditions would probably not profit from us visiting India.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Be sceptical of eating dishes from buffets. Its difficult to keep the dishes warm enough during several hours, and microorganisms grow quickly when not kept warm enough.

Reviewed by Bjorg Abotnes who travelled in March 2008 on the Moghul Highlights trip

Review 92

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Great bunch of people. Taj Mahal. Pushkar

What did you think of your tour leader?

Abhi was excellent throughout and nothing was a problem for him.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Definitely, both financially and culturally.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Not completely, but was the ideal trip on my limited timeframe.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Relax and enjoy the ride. If you want to do something or buy something while on holiday just do it and worry about the money later.

Reviewed by Ross Ladyman who travelled in October 2007 on the Indian Trails trip

Review 93

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Great bunch of people. Taj Mahal. Pushkar

What did you think of your tour leader?

Abhi was excellent throughout and nothing was a problem for him.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Definitely, both financially and culturally.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Not completely, but was the ideal trip on my limited timeframe.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Relax and enjoy the ride. If you want to do something or buy something while on holiday just do it and worry about the money later.

Reviewed by Ross Ladyman who travelled in October 2007 on the Pushkar Fair 25 October 2009 trip

Review 94

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Great bunch of people. Taj Mahal. Pushkar

What did you think of your tour leader?

Abhi was excellent throughout and nothing was a problem for him.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Definitely, both financially and culturally.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Not completely, but was the ideal trip on my limited timeframe.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Relax and enjoy the ride. If you want to do something or buy something while on holiday just do it and worry about the money later.

Reviewed by Ross Ladyman who travelled in October 2007 on the Pushkar Fair 9 November 2008 trip

Review 95

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Great bunch of people. Taj Mahal. Pushkar

What did you think of your tour leader?

Abhi was excellent throughout and nothing was a problem for him.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Definitely, both financially and culturally.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Not completely, but was the ideal trip on my limited timeframe.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Relax and enjoy the ride. If you want to do something or buy something while on holiday just do it and worry about the money later.

Reviewed by Ross Ladyman who travelled in October 2007 on the Indian Trails trip

Review 96

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

foggy christmas morning 6am stumbling through Delhi train station. being sober and freezing cold (although fully dressed) in bed in a castle on christmas day evening! flying a homemade kite with the prince on boxing day. drinking opium in the desert after the terrible camel ride. new years eve overlooking the lake palace, dancing whilst the fireworks were lit in a dustbin - how did we live through it? and many many more fantastic memories

What did you think of your tour leader?

our tour leader Nikki was the best part of our holiday, everyone fell in love with him and nearly all of us (including Nikki) cried when we parted.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

definately especially with the help of Nikki

What advice would you give to other travellers?

take more warm clothes in the winter

Reviewed by Cathryn Carpenter who travelled in December 2005 on the Amongst the Maharajahs trip

Review 97

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

foggy christmas morning 6am stumbling through Delhi train station. being sober and freezing cold (although fully dressed) in bed in a castle on christmas day evening! flying a homemade kite with the prince on boxing day. drinking opium in the desert after the terrible camel ride. new years eve overlooking the lake palace, dancing whilst the fireworks were lit in a dustbin - how did we live through it? and many many more fantastic memories

What did you think of your tour leader?

our tour leader Nikki was the best part of our holiday, everyone fell in love with him and nearly all of us (including Nikki) cried when we parted.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

definately especially with the help of Nikki

What advice would you give to other travellers?

take more warm clothes in the winter

Reviewed by Cathryn Carpenter who travelled in December 2005 on the CLOTHING QUESTIONS trip

Review 98

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

foggy christmas morning 6am stumbling through Delhi train station. being sober and freezing cold (although fully dressed) in bed in a castle on christmas day evening! flying a homemade kite with the prince on boxing day. drinking opium in the desert after the terrible camel ride. new years eve overlooking the lake palace, dancing whilst the fireworks were lit in a dustbin - how did we live through it? and many many more fantastic memories

What did you think of your tour leader?

our tour leader Nikki was the best part of our holiday, everyone fell in love with him and nearly all of us (including Nikki) cried when we parted.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

definately especially with the help of Nikki

What advice would you give to other travellers?

take more warm clothes in the winter

Reviewed by Cathryn Carpenter who travelled in December 2005 on the Amongst the Maharajahs trip

Review 99

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The Taj was amazing!!!! we got up sooo early in order to get there first but was well worth it, as we were the first people through the gates and had about 15mins all alone at one of the most amazing wonders of the world!!it was one of the best days EVER!!!! Also varanasi was brilliant we totally got emerged into the culture and took a boat along the ganges, followed by a backstreet tour!aswell as watching a festival at nite on the banks of the river! Jaipur again was fascinating...the pink city!watched a parade through the city centre (not part of the tour but awesome!) Basically every minute of the tour was amazing, i fell in love with India and as soon as get the chance will be returning!!

What did you think of your tour leader?

Manu was brilliant, he was very helpfull and let us have time to explore the cities/areas on our own which was great to just be alone and work on the old haggling skills etc! he was always there if we had a problem and helped me to arrange train ticket down to mumbai after the tour!! he was very understanding about how diff people on the tour have different money situations as most of the others were quite happy to spend equiv of £10 on a meal where id been used to paying about £1 so he took us to restaurnats that offered a range of prices etc and tours etc! he also helped me to learn some hindi words which was great!! he was a really good guide!

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

yes i do, as we paid the locals/bus driver etc well and i feel managed to put something back into the country!

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

definately, although i had already been in india for 3 months prior to the tour, so i was already in love with the culture and traditions so it was easier for me, however the tour did take us to many diff areas both poor and wealthy which gave the others a cross-sectionned view of the country which i feel they got submerged in!! although it might have been nicer to take more local forms of transport instead of our A/C bus....however i understand how difficult this would be with luggage and us 'tourists' everywhere!

What advice would you give to other travellers?

i think this tour was amazing and if you have a limited amount of time i order to see the main sites of north india then this is definately the way to go!! other travellers doing this same tour id say definately take advantage of the days/afternoons off to go and explore for yourselves as although the tour takes you to the main sites there is so much more to see....backstreet markets/temples etc and you meet some great people and locals that are so intrigued and just want to chat!India is an amazing country, go now quickly before it changes and gets too modernised!!!it's amazing (also i found reading books on the country whilst there a great help....'holy cow' and 'shantaram'-awesome!!!)

Reviewed by Jessica Dixon who travelled in July 2006 on the North India Highlights trip

Review 100

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The Taj was amazing!!!! we got up sooo early in order to get there first but was well worth it, as we were the first people through the gates and had about 15mins all alone at one of the most amazing wonders of the world!!it was one of the best days EVER!!!! Also varanasi was brilliant we totally got emerged into the culture and took a boat along the ganges, followed by a backstreet tour!aswell as watching a festival at nite on the banks of the river! Jaipur again was fascinating...the pink city!watched a parade through the city centre (not part of the tour but awesome!) Basically every minute of the tour was amazing, i fell in love with India and as soon as get the chance will be returning!!

What did you think of your tour leader?

Manu was brilliant, he was very helpfull and let us have time to explore the cities/areas on our own which was great to just be alone and work on the old haggling skills etc! he was always there if we had a problem and helped me to arrange train ticket down to mumbai after the tour!! he was very understanding about how diff people on the tour have different money situations as most of the others were quite happy to spend equiv of £10 on a meal where id been used to paying about £1 so he took us to restaurnats that offered a range of prices etc and tours etc! he also helped me to learn some hindi words which was great!! he was a really good guide!

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

yes i do, as we paid the locals/bus driver etc well and i feel managed to put something back into the country!

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

definately, although i had already been in india for 3 months prior to the tour, so i was already in love with the culture and traditions so it was easier for me, however the tour did take us to many diff areas both poor and wealthy which gave the others a cross-sectionned view of the country which i feel they got submerged in!! although it might have been nicer to take more local forms of transport instead of our A/C bus....however i understand how difficult this would be with luggage and us 'tourists' everywhere!

What advice would you give to other travellers?

i think this tour was amazing and if you have a limited amount of time i order to see the main sites of north india then this is definately the way to go!! other travellers doing this same tour id say definately take advantage of the days/afternoons off to go and explore for yourselves as although the tour takes you to the main sites there is so much more to see....backstreet markets/temples etc and you meet some great people and locals that are so intrigued and just want to chat!India is an amazing country, go now quickly before it changes and gets too modernised!!!it's amazing (also i found reading books on the country whilst there a great help....'holy cow' and 'shantaram'-awesome!!!)

Reviewed by Jessica Dixon who travelled in July 2006 on the North India Highlights trip

Review 101

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The Taj was amazing!!!! we got up sooo early in order to get there first but was well worth it, as we were the first people through the gates and had about 15mins all alone at one of the most amazing wonders of the world!!it was one of the best days EVER!!!! Also varanasi was brilliant we totally got emerged into the culture and took a boat along the ganges, followed by a backstreet tour!aswell as watching a festival at nite on the banks of the river! Jaipur again was fascinating...the pink city!watched a parade through the city centre (not part of the tour but awesome!) Basically every minute of the tour was amazing, i fell in love with India and as soon as get the chance will be returning!!

What did you think of your tour leader?

Manu was brilliant, he was very helpfull and let us have time to explore the cities/areas on our own which was great to just be alone and work on the old haggling skills etc! he was always there if we had a problem and helped me to arrange train ticket down to mumbai after the tour!! he was very understanding about how diff people on the tour have different money situations as most of the others were quite happy to spend equiv of £10 on a meal where id been used to paying about £1 so he took us to restaurnats that offered a range of prices etc and tours etc! he also helped me to learn some hindi words which was great!! he was a really good guide!

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

yes i do, as we paid the locals/bus driver etc well and i feel managed to put something back into the country!

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

definately, although i had already been in india for 3 months prior to the tour, so i was already in love with the culture and traditions so it was easier for me, however the tour did take us to many diff areas both poor and wealthy which gave the others a cross-sectionned view of the country which i feel they got submerged in!! although it might have been nicer to take more local forms of transport instead of our A/C bus....however i understand how difficult this would be with luggage and us 'tourists' everywhere!

What advice would you give to other travellers?

i think this tour was amazing and if you have a limited amount of time i order to see the main sites of north india then this is definately the way to go!! other travellers doing this same tour id say definately take advantage of the days/afternoons off to go and explore for yourselves as although the tour takes you to the main sites there is so much more to see....backstreet markets/temples etc and you meet some great people and locals that are so intrigued and just want to chat!India is an amazing country, go now quickly before it changes and gets too modernised!!!it's amazing (also i found reading books on the country whilst there a great help....'holy cow' and 'shantaram'-awesome!!!)

Reviewed by Jessica Dixon who travelled in July 2006 on the Monitoring situation in India trip

Review 102

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The Taj was amazing!!!! we got up sooo early in order to get there first but was well worth it, as we were the first people through the gates and had about 15mins all alone at one of the most amazing wonders of the world!!it was one of the best days EVER!!!! Also varanasi was brilliant we totally got emerged into the culture and took a boat along the ganges, followed by a backstreet tour!aswell as watching a festival at nite on the banks of the river! Jaipur again was fascinating...the pink city!watched a parade through the city centre (not part of the tour but awesome!) Basically every minute of the tour was amazing, i fell in love with India and as soon as get the chance will be returning!!

What did you think of your tour leader?

Manu was brilliant, he was very helpfull and let us have time to explore the cities/areas on our own which was great to just be alone and work on the old haggling skills etc! he was always there if we had a problem and helped me to arrange train ticket down to mumbai after the tour!! he was very understanding about how diff people on the tour have different money situations as most of the others were quite happy to spend equiv of £10 on a meal where id been used to paying about £1 so he took us to restaurnats that offered a range of prices etc and tours etc! he also helped me to learn some hindi words which was great!! he was a really good guide!

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

yes i do, as we paid the locals/bus driver etc well and i feel managed to put something back into the country!

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

definately, although i had already been in india for 3 months prior to the tour, so i was already in love with the culture and traditions so it was easier for me, however the tour did take us to many diff areas both poor and wealthy which gave the others a cross-sectionned view of the country which i feel they got submerged in!! although it might have been nicer to take more local forms of transport instead of our A/C bus....however i understand how difficult this would be with luggage and us 'tourists' everywhere!

What advice would you give to other travellers?

i think this tour was amazing and if you have a limited amount of time i order to see the main sites of north india then this is definately the way to go!! other travellers doing this same tour id say definately take advantage of the days/afternoons off to go and explore for yourselves as although the tour takes you to the main sites there is so much more to see....backstreet markets/temples etc and you meet some great people and locals that are so intrigued and just want to chat!India is an amazing country, go now quickly before it changes and gets too modernised!!!it's amazing (also i found reading books on the country whilst there a great help....'holy cow' and 'shantaram'-awesome!!!)

Reviewed by Jessica Dixon who travelled in July 2006 on the North India Highlights - Jan 18, 2009 trip

Review 103

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Jaipur and Karauli were the most memorable places with sites and experiences.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Fantastic. Rudy was extremely helpful and friendly.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Yes, though still at a level where I didn't feel too overwhelmed or uncomfortable.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

There is a lot of begging and people trying to sell you stuff all the time. As long as you can get past that, you'll have an amazing time.

Reviewed by Carolyn Choy who travelled in January 2007 on the North India Experience trip

Review 104

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

rural areas of Rajastan, Mendawa and the Keurali(?) cities. And of course Taj Mahal.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

yes, the people who had some sort of work connected tho tourism benefited. But all the poor people without proper working conditions would probably not profit from us visiting India.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Be sceptical of eating dishes from buffets. Its difficult to keep the dishes warm enough during several hours, and microorganisms grow quickly when not kept warm enough.

Reviewed by Bjorg Abotnes who travelled in March 2008 on the Moghul Highlights trip

Review 105

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

foggy christmas morning 6am stumbling through Delhi train station. being sober and freezing cold (although fully dressed) in bed in a castle on christmas day evening! flying a homemade kite with the prince on boxing day. drinking opium in the desert after the terrible camel ride. new years eve overlooking the lake palace, dancing whilst the fireworks were lit in a dustbin - how did we live through it? and many many more fantastic memories

What did you think of your tour leader?

our tour leader Nikki was the best part of our holiday, everyone fell in love with him and nearly all of us (including Nikki) cried when we parted.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

definately especially with the help of Nikki

What advice would you give to other travellers?

take more warm clothes in the winter

Reviewed by Cathryn Carpenter who travelled in December 2005 on the Amongst the Maharajahs trip

Review 106

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The Taj was amazing!!!! we got up sooo early in order to get there first but was well worth it, as we were the first people through the gates and had about 15mins all alone at one of the most amazing wonders of the world!!it was one of the best days EVER!!!! Also varanasi was brilliant we totally got emerged into the culture and took a boat along the ganges, followed by a backstreet tour!aswell as watching a festival at nite on the banks of the river! Jaipur again was fascinating...the pink city!watched a parade through the city centre (not part of the tour but awesome!) Basically every minute of the tour was amazing, i fell in love with India and as soon as get the chance will be returning!!

What did you think of your tour leader?

Manu was brilliant, he was very helpfull and let us have time to explore the cities/areas on our own which was great to just be alone and work on the old haggling skills etc! he was always there if we had a problem and helped me to arrange train ticket down to mumbai after the tour!! he was very understanding about how diff people on the tour have different money situations as most of the others were quite happy to spend equiv of £10 on a meal where id been used to paying about £1 so he took us to restaurnats that offered a range of prices etc and tours etc! he also helped me to learn some hindi words which was great!! he was a really good guide!

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

yes i do, as we paid the locals/bus driver etc well and i feel managed to put something back into the country!

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

definately, although i had already been in india for 3 months prior to the tour, so i was already in love with the culture and traditions so it was easier for me, however the tour did take us to many diff areas both poor and wealthy which gave the others a cross-sectionned view of the country which i feel they got submerged in!! although it might have been nicer to take more local forms of transport instead of our A/C bus....however i understand how difficult this would be with luggage and us 'tourists' everywhere!

What advice would you give to other travellers?

i think this tour was amazing and if you have a limited amount of time i order to see the main sites of north india then this is definately the way to go!! other travellers doing this same tour id say definately take advantage of the days/afternoons off to go and explore for yourselves as although the tour takes you to the main sites there is so much more to see....backstreet markets/temples etc and you meet some great people and locals that are so intrigued and just want to chat!India is an amazing country, go now quickly before it changes and gets too modernised!!!it's amazing (also i found reading books on the country whilst there a great help....'holy cow' and 'shantaram'-awesome!!!)

Reviewed by Jessica Dixon who travelled in July 2006 on the North India Experience trip

India Forum Feedback

Hotels for Sameer's Rajasthan - November 2009

Submitted by MAB225 on Sat, 28/03/2009 - 18:00

Dear ImTrav, I have been having "fun" trying to figure out what are the heritage hotels and tourist hotels and which city/town has which one for this trip. Although several heritage hotels are named on the itinerary there are indeed more that are not. I understand the reluctancy of ImTrav in naming hotels as they can change but....in order to obtain our India visa we will need the start and finish hotels in Delhi. We will have to apply for our visas in September, 2009 as we leave the end of October and we require more than one month's notice prior to departure in order to ensure that we obtain the India visa (processing alone takes 10 working days on a first come first serve basis and then we have to receive the visas). So as soon as the Delhi hotels are available we would appreciate receiving this information. Thank you. In the meantime, as I said, I have been reading about the various heritage hotels and 3-star hotels in the locations that Sameer will be taking his tour and look forward to being pleasantly surprised. The more travelogues I read about others travels to Rajasthan and what there is to see and do, the more excited I am. Thanks for putting together such a wonderful itinerary. Looking forward to the feedback on this trip versus "Amongst the Maharajahs" as this trip includes many of the same destinations and more! Thanks again!

Sameer''s Rajasthan - Delhi

Submitted by MAB225 on Mon, 09/02/2009 - 04:57

Just received a new brochure from "Trek Escapes" your Canadian rep. The brochure shows that upon arrival in Delhi on Day 1 there is no afternoon tour of New Delhi and on Day 2 the next morning take the train to Jaipur. Is this true? On the web you meet with Sameer in New Delhi and in the afteroon of Day 1 have an introduction to New Delhi. Need to know, as we are doing a transaltantic flight and if there is no sightseeing in Delhi we need to know as it makes a difference between one or two nights pre-tour stay in the start hotel in Delhi. Thank you so much.

a packet of photos for villagers in Rajasthan - any takers?

Submitted by Mele17 on Tue, 03/02/2009 - 19:25

Hi! I was on the Rajasthan Safari over Xmas and New Year and had a fabulous time! Our bus broke down one day on the main road between Jojawar and Ajmer ( on the way to Pushkar)at a place called Jawaja. We entertained ourselves and the villagers by taking loads of photos. Rather than risk the erratic postal services I was wondering if anyone going on this same trip in the next month or 2 would like to take a packet of photos with them to hand over to the kids and villagers. It would make for a great impromtu stop and I bet the locals would be thrilled to see you and the pictures. Let me know if you're interested in helping! By the way, there is still a shoe scam in Delhi. When you're distracted, someone ( usually a shoe shine man) squirts a runny substance which looks like shit onto your shoe(s) and then offers to take them away to clean them up. If you fall for this, he will then disappear with them and he or his side-kick will return to demand payment for their return. A scam at the metro stations - if you don't have the exact change and hand over a 100 rupee note make sure they give you ALL your change back. They push back 30 rupees and some coins change and if you're in a hurry you may not realise that they haven't also given you the other 50 rupee note. Nice work if you can get it!

India arrival Sun 1 Feb

Submitted by liz_c on Mon, 26/01/2009 - 16:21

Hi my name is Liz and I am doing the India to Kathmandu tour starting on 2 Feb from the Florence Inn. I arrive in India on the 1 Feb and wondered if anyone else doing the trip was going to be there already and fancied trying to meet up on the 1st and see some of Delhi before the tour starts?

Sameer's Rajasthan - Guaranteed status

Submitted by MAB225 on Fri, 23/01/2009 - 02:47

Several days ago the HTSR availability showed that this trip for November 2009 was "guaranteed". As a result, I informed our travel agent to look into booking the pre- and post- nights in Delhi for this trip and received confirmation from my employer for time off to take this trip. At the moment, this availability of "guaranteed" is no longer showing. Would you please let me know the status as there are three of us wanting to take this trip. Many thanks.

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