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

Houseboat.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

Take antibiotics in case of upset stomach.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

Absolutely.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

10/ 10 and I have written a separate letter posted this morning to yourselves in praise of the local tour guide, Tony Gomez, who made the holiday most memorable for the whole party of 16. My comments should reach you sometime next week. This seems to be at loggerheads with my star rating below - only 4 stars! - but my most memorable holiday remains visiting the orangutans at Camp Leakey, Borneo. Magical - and the Bali part was done through Responsible Travel. But this was still a wonderful holiday - and in answer to your thoughts on Question 2 - no we did not get Delhi Belly - but it is a useful precaution because it clears it up quickly so you don't miss out on the fun.

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

The memorable and exciting events came so thick and fast on this trip, that it is very difficult to single one out. Even the more low key phases were integral to the whole experience. If I had to choose, I would say that the temples in the east were amongst the most fantastic sites I have ever seen. As a wildlife enthusiast, I felt that the national park at Periyar was also up there with the best parts, too. And, of course, the houseboats were a delight. The food was also gorgeous (far better than that of northern India, in my opinion).

Some of the highlights were certainly due, not only to the well constructed itinerary, but to the sensitive and proactive approach of our guide, Suresh Moni. We enjoyed many extra experiences outside of the schedule, due to his hard work and vigilance. I don't know if you have any influence with the tour operator in these matters, but if you do, please commend Suresh to them, as I don't believe we could have had a better guide.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

The description given by the tour operator is pretty accurate, so few tips are necessary. I would say, if you are at all used to exotic travel, you will find this pretty easy going. I would not say any 'roughing it' is involved, indeed some degree of luxury is enjoyed for much of the time!

The locals are warm, friendly , easy going and trustworthy. Provided you repel street salesmen firmly, politely and briefly, you shouldn't have to endure too much pestering. They are not as aggressive in this respect as their counterparts in the North or in countries like Egypt.

Bring plenty of insect repellent and apply liberally. Be ready to experience extreme humidity, especially in the west of the region. Not much you can do except prepare yourself mentally to put up with it. You don't need walking boots, really, trainers are fine.

3. Any areas for improvement?

I would have traded a day at the beach for another at Periyar, with more nature trekking. However, that's a very personal view.

4. Any other comments?

I think this holiday provides a great 'taster' of Southern India. It contains an excellent balance of varied experiences. It will leave those keen on travel with many ideas for future, more extended exploration of the region. I would also like to say that, as one who has always travelled independently in the past, this experience laid to rest all of my worries about what it would be like to travel with a tour. Whilst I intend mainly to travel alone in the future, I am now aware that, should I fancy a change, it is possible to have a worthwhile experience on a tour, providing you choose carefully.

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

Staying on the houseboat, total luxury, definitely not long enough on there.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

Keep valuables locked in luggage at all times, hotel staff love searching through luggage left in rooms. Stick to hot foods as cold foods could have been left out of a while or washed in non-bottled water. Take a good pair of walking sandals/trainers, walking boats were not needed as the jungle trek was gentle. I did step in a marsh and get my foot soaked though. Take pens with you, the local kids ask for nothing else. Some of the hotels are in towns so take ear plugs if you are a light sleeper. The tour guide is very accommodating so if you fancy something not on the itinerary just ask early on and he can usually organise it. Our group asked for food demos, palm readings, shopping trips and he included them all (for people that were interested). He also said his last group wanted a yoga lesson.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

We visited a local school and met the children and staff and gave pens and donations for new computers. We walked around a local village and were shown local crafts, which make you more likely to buy something later. Environmental-wise I didn’t notice anything on the actual holiday that I can think of.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

Very good experiences. Don’t expect to come back relaxed and recharged as you'll be knackered. Many of the people on the trip have been on many of these group trips before and seem to get hooked.

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

The most memorable part of the holiday was a festival we went to (which wasn't actually in the itinerary) with 15 decorated elephants and music etc. Also meeting local people and how amazingly friendly people were everywhere we went.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

Don't over-pack or take too much money, everything is so cheap you only need about GB £80 spending money per person per week. Laundry is very cheap and almost all the hotels do it so don't be tempted to bring too many clothes.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

I think as far as holidays can, it did benefit local people and the impact on the environment was minimal.

4. Any other comments?

As a rating, I would say 4 stars - not the best holiday I've ever been on, but very close to it! I thought the operator organised everything superbly and they seem to thoroughly check up on the agents they use "on the ground" to ensure they are up to scratch!