Reviewed 06 Dec 2010 by Susan Ditchfield
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
There were so many highlights that it is impossible to list them all. Every day was a new experience; the itinerary was varied and exhilarating. Much of it was like stepping back in time, for example wandering through the thousands of camels gathered at the Pushkar Fair, or visiting a Bishnoi home, where we watched an old man prepare an opium drink. The nights in Heritage hotels were particularly memorable, surrounded as they were by villages hardly touched by tourism, where we watched people driving their cattle or goats home in the evening, and where the children wanted no more than "one photo". I shall never forget riding on a camel through the desert at sunset with the disembodied voices of children shouting "Ta ta" from the roadsides, and then spending the night in a beautiful tent, complete with flushing toilet and rudimentary shower.
Of course the famous sights, like the Taj Mahal and the Ganges at Varanasi were wonderful, but for me the most memorable aspect of the holiday was finding out about the way people live in a country so different from our own. I learned so much, and I owe this to our amazing guide, Luki, whom I cannot praise too highly. His professionalism, care for his clients, abounding enthusiasm, organisation and above all his knowledge of and love for his country made this the trip of a lifetime.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If you are travelling in November or December, be prepared for very cool evenings and mornings. Go with an open mind. See past the obvious downsides, like the mounds of plastic rubbish and the tourist touts everywhere you go, and look for all the positives.
Don't expect western standards in all the hotels. Hot water may not always be instantly available, and brief power cuts are common. A torch is very handy.
Be prepared for some hair-raising road journeys. There do not seem to be any rules, except "might is right". As we were told three things are needed on the roads, "good horn, good brakes and good luck". Trust the drivers - they seem to know what they are doing!
Be prepared to haggle in shops, even if it appears that prices are fixed. We were surprised by the number of people who seemed willing just to pay the first price quoted.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes - epecially in the heritage hotels, which are clearly giving jobs to local people, and, in the case of Chandelau Garh, investing money in education for girls and work for women. Hopefully, this sort of tourism also encourages the restoration and conservation of old buildings and monuments.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A fantastic, mind-opening and thoroughly enjoyable experience in every way.
Reviewed 14 Mar 2009 by Diana Davies
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It is difficult to choose just one part of this great holiday as a highlight. Seeing the sun rise over the Taj Mahal was special (especially as we were the first in on that day). Although I had seen so many photos, it did not underwhelm. But happy memories are also from the unexpected parts of the holiday - visiting small villages, the children running to our bus when they saw it coming, just to wave and smile (and of course got waves and big smiles back) or wanting us to take their photos - just so they could see themselves on the camera screens; the wedding party on a house next to the hotel; dancing with the village girls the night before their festival. These are memories that will linger.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Relax and enjoy! There is a lot of travelling in this holiday - but it meant that we saw more the country. This was not a 5 star trip - but that is not what we wanted. All hotels were clean and at least adequate - the heritage hotels were very special, each with its own atmosphere and often beautiful buildings, carefully restored. In our opinion, this meant so much more that 5 star. Don't worry about taking too much medication with you - you are never very far from a chemist. Try Indian rum - i don't drink rum, but this was nice - and no hangovers in the morning!!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
We travelled many many miles, which will obviously have some environmental impact but the reason that I chose this holiday is that I hope that our presence did help the local communities. We stayed in smaller hotels, no multinationals, thus the money will have stayed locally. We ate in local restaurants- hopefully again putting money locally. Travelling with a small group was also a bonus - it meant we did not overwhelm whenever we arrived anywhere.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was a holiday and an experience. It lived up to all our expectations of India - the sights, colours and atmosphere - and then exceeded them with the friendliness we found in the more rural areas. Do go!
Reviewed 14 Jul 2008 by Fiona Gomes
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing the people going about their daily lives in the countryside in Rajasthan was fantastic - my impression of India has improved immensely, having visited a small part of the country.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Just go - you won't be disappointed!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Local guides, hotels and drivers were used so that as much money and employment as possible stays within the local community. It is a shame we have to buy bottled water in plastic bottles all the time in India but I am not sure if there is any other way of ensuring the water is safe to drink.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fabulous holiday - variety of interesting places and sights, and a tour leader who could not have done more to make our holiday enjoyable.
Reviewed 07 Dec 2007 by Anne Stirling
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
India is a fantastic country and visiting is an amazing experience. There are so many good memories - the Indian people, particularly the children who follow you around asking to have their photo taken, also learning about the culture, the camel trek, the Taj Mahal, going to a Bollywood movie, experiencing both village and city life, talking round the fire in the evenings and so many other things. I was lucky to be with a really nice group of people and Kuldeep Singh, our tour leader was excellent, giving us a real insight into life in his beautiful country. He is so enthusiastic and really good fun and he really made the holiday special for us all.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The pace is quite fast-moving with a lot of travelling by coach, which of course is the best way to see as much as possible, however it is very comfortable and we were very well looked after. Don't take too much luggage - instead take a half empty suitcase as there are so many things you will want to bring home. Go with an open mind and just enjoy it.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, we used local transport and local guides throughout our visit. Staying in local hotels definitely benefited the local economy. Not sure about minimising the impact on the environment, as we did travel a lot. I think however the benefits provided by responsible tourism are evident.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was a superbly organised tour in a wonderful country and I loved every minute. Can't wait to go back. Definitely a five star experience!
Reviewed 25 Mar 2006 by John Statham
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Staying at heritage hotels; visits to villages, learning something about what life is like in rural India; comparing the foregoing with the opulence of palaces.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared to be tolerant and patient, recognise that not everything will be perfect eg hot water may be erratic; and although the holiday was not over-exerting, some of it was a bit strenuous hence reasonable physical fitness is an asset.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
I feel there was some benefit to local people, especially in the heritage hotels and smaller locally-owned hotels; environmental impact - hard to say, I guess we inevitably added to "carbon pollution" from the travel involved, but on the other hand avoided disruption to local communities, didn't foul places up etc.
4. Any other comments?
I'm increasingly switched on to the concept of responsible travel and congratulate you on your activities. Definitely 5 stars- it was a wonderful holiday.
