Mary Vetter review 19 Mar 2013
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
We enjoyed Nagarhole (The Bison) and Rainforest Retreat the most, but also very much the ecotourism day in the Vembanad Backwaters (canoe trip, coir rope making, etc.) and our home stay in Wayanad. Every part of our vacation was very interesting.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared with extra tip money at the large temple sites. We didn't realize at first that we should always bring extra money at each stop (e.g. you need to pay to leave your shoes at temple entrances, leave tips for blessings, etc.). Also, we noticed that other people brought school supplies, etc., for children; we didn't know to do that. Fortunately we had received a tipping guide from Rajat, and that allowed us generally to have the right amounts of money along with us each day. It is important for both men and women to dress quite conservatively in rural areas. It would have been better if I (older woman) had purchased some Indian clothing to wear (e.g. long shirt), but long pants and a short-sleeved shirt worked okay. Our trip was in late February to early March, and this worked well--it was before the end of the tourist season and not too hot. We were there during the harvest, and it was so interesting to see all of the harvesting and also the start of planting for the next season.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The main benefit we saw was from the hiring of local guides and drivers, thus benefiting local people and economies. It was clear that our ecotourism day in the Vembanad Backwaters, our Wayanad home stay, and our stay at Rainforest Retreat benefited local people and supported conservation.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
This was the trip of a lifetime for us. We asked for a trip that would take us off the beaten track, give us a chance to meet local people and learn about local activities and customs, and give us a good introduction to the culture and history of India. This trip surpassed our goals in every way. We met many, many wonderful people on our trip and were able to talk with them about their lives and activities. Our drivers were extremely courteous, competent, and knowledgeable. Similarly our guides were excellent. Overall we had a fantastic holiday and feel we had a very good introduction to southern India.
Karen Young review 10 May 2013
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Udaipur!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Stay in the same hotels, spend a little more time and go to Jaisalmer. Don't go in April as too hot.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent. We had one hiccup in that the overnight train back to Delhi was delayed more than 6 hours and Andy only just caught his flight the next day after a lot of stress and a sleepless night. We should have not arranged the holiday this way as it is to be expected that trains are late in India. So we had bad advice in this respect. However, a minor point in the grand scheme of things.
Read the operator's response here:
Hello Karen,
Thank you for the time you've taken out to leave a review of your holiday with us. It was a pleasure planning this trip for you and I'm glad that the two of you had a nice time.
I just wanted to comment on the last rail journey that you took from Jodhpur into Delhi. At the beginning of the trip, a flight was considered back to Delhi. However given the limited days that you had and the experiences that needed to be covered, Jodhpur wouldn't have been possible if the domestic flight option was selected. It was only made possible because of the overnight train, that you ultimately ended up taking.
Yes, it was very unfortunate that the train ended up delayed like it was. But the reality of Indian trains today is that they run on time 98% of the time. There is that unfortunate window when something can go wrong. And in this case unfortunately 'murphy's law' kicked in. However at the planning stage we did leave a big buffer of time between the train's arrival into New Delhi and Andrew's flight out in the afternoon. Given the delay, you will remember that we stayed on to coordinate things both at the station and with the airline to ensure that Andrew made his flight back home on time and as scheduled.
So I guess all's well that ends well and some experiences like this need to be attributed to the India travel experience!
Sharon Walker review 30 Mar 2012
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The whole holiday was a highlight, it really was. Our 3 night stay at the Aakriti homestay with Rajat, Mughda and Renu was really memorable. Such a lovely welcoming family, their hospitality and warmth is out of this world, we really felt like members of the family. The family are educated, open people who really made us feel extremely welcome. Renus' cooking is absolutely delicious she uses all locally-sourced fresh ingredients, she makes her own bread, chutneys, jams, you name it she does it, and it is all incredible. Every day we ate the most amazing food in a lovely family atmosphere. We had good company, lively interesting discussions every evening around the dinner table. This homestay experience really allowed us some insight into everyday life which would normally be very difficult for us to experience. We learned so much about Indian culture, their religion, we tried to get an understanding of their complex spiritual culture, Rajat, Mughda and Renu never tired of answering our endless questions. The homestay is situated in The Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu a beautiful area, the tea plantations are stunning such a relaxing place and we saw a Malabar squirrel.
The houseboat trip was also a highlight, amazing and relaxing, it was brilliant to just watch the world go by, seeing life on the river banks. The stunning scenery, the friendly locals, the children waving as we sailed by. The excellent boat crew, the superb freshly prepared food by the cook this deserves a special mention it was excellent. I do not know how he managed to prepare a six course meal on just two gas rings. Buying fresh fish and tiger prawns from the fishermen for our evening meal it was total luxury. The amazing birdlife and watching the sun set over the waterways with a nice cold Kingfisher beer.
The ayurvedic massage at the heritage hotel Serenity was amazing one of the best massages I have ever had.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Let Rajat know exactly what you want to do and see, trust him he will go out of his way to accommodate your wishes. Bring binoculars there are so many beautiful birds to see. Take pens with you, that was the number one thing the local children asked for. The locals are warm and friendly, in the towns when shopping, the shop keepers do try and lure you into their shops. If you do not want to, just be firm and friendly they really do not hassle you, they are good natured and leave you to go on your way. Go with a sense of adventure, keep an open mind and just soak up the experience.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, definitely, we used a local tour company and the accommodations which we stayed in were locally owned and employed local people. We ate in local restaurants bought food and gifts in local shops, we used local guides and drivers. Rajat and his family are very conscious about sustainability and green issues they recycle and are replanting the local forest trees on their own land. They are truly passionate about what they do.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Outstanding. We got in touch with this operator via Responsible Travel. We booked a 14 day tailor made holiday with them because we wanted a holiday organised by people with local knowledge. We wanted a more unique holiday experience, an insight into India, its people and culture and we were not disappointed. From the first contact with Rajat, we experienced a very professional, personal service, we could not have wished for a better travel advisor. Rajat helped and advised us, refining our itinerary and keeping an eye on the costs. He included interesting places and cultural activities all with very good guides. The guide who accompanied us on the tour of Cochin was excellent. The attention to detail in the organisation of our holiday was immaculate. The hotels which were selected were very good. Safe, clean transport was provided, our driver Ragesh (I hope I have spelt it correctly) was very good; he was patient, calm, always smiling, gentle and respectful person. He was a professional driver always punctual, we felt safe and totally comfortable with him during the whole trip. His English was not perfect but we all managed excellently throughout the trip. The whole itinerary was perfect, well balanced between independent and organised activities. The people who make up this operator are really dedicated and full of passion for what they do. A superb holiday with a very well run company. I would highly recommend booking with them, you will not be disappointed. We had an unforgettable holiday. Thank you Rajat.
Elly Ford review 18 Nov 2012
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The whole holiday was wonderfully put together and the people that we met made the holiday particularly memorable. Our visit to the Nilgiri Hills, Tamil Nadu, was one of the most memorable parts of our trip. The scenery was spectacular and we were extremely well looked after.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
As long as you tell Rajat what you like from a holiday he will find the perfect combination for you. Definitely visit some of the homestays, it gives you a real insight into Indian culture.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It definitely benefitted the local people. It was great to not stay in the big hotels and instead visit small homestays and support the local communities.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent. Well organised and just what we were looking for. We were extremely well looked after and would highly recommend Rajat if visiting India.
Janet Ryerson review 28 Nov 2010
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
There were several highlights. The Golden Temple at Amritsar, Jairpur's Amber Fort & Palace, the backwaters of Kerala and our homestay in the Nilgiri Hills.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Not to worry about a thing, as it was organised exactly as we wanted. Rajat & the tour company ensured we were met, guided, and looked after at every aspect of our trip.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes. We specifically asked for accommodation that was NOT international 4/5 star hotels. We stayed at interesting 'Heritage' properties (locally owned) and used local guides/drivers. Our organisers were very keen on sustainability and green issues (e.g. some vehicles we used were powered by bio fuels, grown locally). Also, a lot of our meals were from local produce.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We don't like the 'I am reborn' statement, but we feel we must award the highest mark, as we can't think of any way the holiday could have been bettered. We will certainly recommend this tour operator to everyone we know who are interested in visiting India.
Kate and Adrian Parker review 3 Feb 2008
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
At the end of a long, hot day, exploring the lost capital of Hampi and its many temples and royal buildings. As the sun began to set the State Director of Tourism turned up with his family, and brought with him an expert on playing the musical pillars of the dancing hall of the Vittala temple. Our guide was ecstatic to hear them played again, as this had been forbidden for over a year. A truly magical chance moment for us all.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
For women, I would point out that Indian ladies, of whatever religious persuasion, or none, do not generally show anything of their legs, or their shoulders (midriffs are optional!).
When touring round the temples, particularly, many of which are active religious centres, I felt more comfortable in long skirts or trousers. For men, shorts in town are similarly a bit difficult (especially in hot weather) but bare legs would usually denote a lower caste person so bear it in mind. Take a universal sink plug - they were a rarity. Take travel wash, because although washing services are universal and cheap, one is rarely in one place long enough to employ them, and we were reliably informed that in any case the dhobi wallah will smash your buttons on the rock!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes - within the constraints of a touring holiday, with limited local infrastructure. The organisers were conscious of trying to meet these objectives; they always chose local guides rather than those offered by the big tour companies whose English may have been easier to understand, but who certainly would not have had the in depth knowledge of those who guided us. Rajat's family are brilliant recyclers and are actively replanting the local forest trees on their own land.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
This was a wonderful introduction to India. Out two young guides, Rajat and his brother-in-law Lalith, were conscientious, sensitive to western prejudices and expectations, informative, knowledgeable, tireless, good humoured - and always delightful company. Rajat had worked out a well-balanced tour, with temples, nature, history, culture, religion and politics in almost equal measure. One felt one could ask him about anything that puzzled us, and would get a reasoned answer explaining all. A week after saying goodbye we are still mulling over all we have seen and done.
Ann Weidmann review 20 Oct 2007
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The wide range of experiences - wildlife, nature, culture, shopping and personal service we received, especially being made so welcome by the whole family.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take advantage of your hosts' willingness to customise/personalise your holiday. Engage with Rajat and Lalith before you set off and do some research before you go.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
We hope so. We even did our bit by planting and adopting a native tree.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fantastic. Not a single day wasted. Can't wait to go back again!
