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

India is a country of huge contrasts and highlights but I would say that, although the great sights such as the Taj Mahal are an absolute must, for me the highlight would probably be the time we spent in Betalghat in the Kosi River valley. The lodge we stayed in was simple but friendly as we were the only group in the lodge the atmosphere was cosy and intimate. The area is not geared up for mass tourism and gave us an insight into life in rural India. In fact there seemed to be no other foreigners in the area. The peace of the valley and the sound of the bells chiming in the temple will stay in my mind for a long time. It was also excellent to visit the school which is supported by the tour company. The children were delighted by their new uniforms and books. Only the children attending the school received the books and uniforms but other children watching showed no signs of jealousy and seemed to be almost as pleased as those children who had received the presents. The sight of the Himalayas at China Peak was also another moment to remember.

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

India is a culture shock and an assault of the senses. I had spent some months travelling in India as a backpacker in 1980 but even so to be catapulted straight into a cycle rickshaw ride around Chandi Chowk and the Red Fort was a bit of a shock but good to be thrown in at the 'deep end'. We were part of a Family Tour and it might be a good idea for the tour company to send out information to families on appropriate dress code for girls. I had tried to discuss this with my daughter, who is 16, but it fell on deaf ears and only after a couple of days did she realise that I had been right about covering up adequately. Be prepared for the poverty which is the negative side of India but also be prepared for tremendous high points. The early morning drive in search of tigers in the Corbett National Park is absolutely freezing - the pre-tour information does warn you about it but I was not prepared for it to be so cold. Enjoy the food - I ate Indian for breakfast, lunch and dinner but western food was available in most places for those that did not want to eat spicy food all the time.

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

I think that the holiday benefited local people as a local guide was employed, all the drivers were local as were guides around the monuments. We used cycle rickshaws, porters, local restaurants and staff and this all has a beneficial effect on the economy. We also purchased various souvenirs and so on. The company also supports the school that we visited in Betalghat. I think it is important for people to visit developing countries as long as local people are used - staying away from developing countries does not help alleviate the poverty and whilst the problems in India are immense I do feel that our small contribution did make a small difference. Some of the places we stayed did seem to be making an attempt to preserve the environment and I believe that the entrance fee to the Corbett National Park is used to maintain the parks.

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

An excellent holiday which combined a taste of the splendour of the Mughals, rural India, a glimpse into the spiritual life of India at Haridwar and Rishikesh as well as the safari and an easy (by Himalayan standards) trek from the camp on the Ganges. I felt that the holiday should have been a few days longer so that we could have had three nights at the camp relaxing and I would have liked a night at Rishikesh to do some yoga and meditation. I only managed a very brief visit to Rishikesh while I waited for the others to complete the white water rafting which I didn't want to do. It would also be a good idea to offer an extension perhaps to the beaches of Kerala for a few days relaxation after the trip. I will certainly return to India again - hopefully in the next year or two.