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

The holiday went from strength to strength: just as we thought things couldn't get better, we were presented with new places and fresh experiences, which kept our interest and sense of wonder intact, culminating in the camel fair at Pushkar, an event we thought we would miss. We rode out of the desert on camel back at dawn and came upon a scene of biblical proportions: in the purple brown haze of new light, thousands of camels, silhouetted in silver, were etched across the fields and slopes beyond the holy city. It was absolutely beautiful.

We cannot discuss our time in India without mentioning the wonderful group of people we had the great fortune to travel with. Such groupings are utterly arbitrary and we were lucky enough to be with people of mixed ages, nationalities and backgrounds who were really good company. Without their good humour the trip wouldn't have been so enjoyable or memorable.

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

This is not a trip for the faint hearted, but if you don't mind early morning travel or the prospect of going for a couple days without showers, this could be your opportunity to see aspects of India and its culture that wouldn't otherwise be available to you in this short space of time. Prepare to be fastidious in your habits to minimise possible tummy upsets and carry sufficient effective remedies to overcome any discomfort. Pare your baggage to the minimum, leaving some space for shopping! [The bazaars in Pushkar are wonderful.]

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

We can honestly say that at all levels, local people were involved with our transport, food and accommodation. Local people, too, acted as our guides. Apart from buying water in bottles, which everyone did, because frankly it would have been impractical to start treating water with iodine or purification tablets, there was virtually nothing that we left behind that wasn't going to biodegrade. There is always the big question of flying to one's destination and although we have rarely taken the option of flying during our married life, taking a slower route to India was not feasible.

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

The organisation of the holiday was excellent and every stage was well planned and thought through. However, a special mention must be made about our tour guide Shakti, who worked so hard on our behalf. It was the first time that we had shared a holiday with a group of fellow travellers and he struck a superb balance between leading us and befriending us. We had a very special time in India and we shall certainly be returning.

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

The boat trip down the Ganges and a visit to a Sikh temple.

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

Bring warm clothing if holidaying in February, particularly if camping. A sleeping bag is a good idea.

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

Yes, specifically the charities which are supported by the operator.

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

It was absolutely fantastic. We both had a marvellous time with so many new experiences.

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

Too many to choose the best, but I loved the peace of sailing down the Ganges and the food was fantastic - all the boats would get together at lunch time and food would be passed across the boats. I also found Pushkar to be a relaxing end to the holiday.

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

Don't forget to take the hand wash to keep safe, but don't be afraid to eat the food, all was great.

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

Definitely, we stayed in small hotels, used public transport and bought from local traders and a NGO. We were all given our recyclable bags to say no to plastic. In the desert and on the river part of the holiday it was stressed not to leave any litter behind.

4. Any other comments?

I usually do the 4* all inclusive resorts, but this time wanted a different sort of holiday. I didn't miss my old style holiday at all, and have come back more refreshed than lying by a pool for a couple of weeks. There are so many memories and I was very impressed by this operator, the leader and the experiences. We will certainly be using responsible travel in the future and I keep on recommending it as a fantastic portal.

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

Well what do I say, every day had its highlights. Lounging about on the boat drifting down the Gangees. Sunsets and dawn on the river. The traffic in Delhi. The Tag complex, at dawn from the other side of the river, which is the greatest building in the world. Having tea with a traveller family when we camped in the desert in Japuir.

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

Explore everything you can. Interact with all the people you can.

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

Using local transport was excellent, I was told on the train that if you bottle Gangees water and drink it 20 years later it has the miraculous property of being just as good as when it was bottled. I didn't have the heart to say that this was not much of a recommendation. There was a few very happy auto rickshaw and tut tut drivers after I left.

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

Very good.

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

Too many things to mention! Probably seeing the Indian Land Rights March arrive in Delhi on my first day there. Old Delhi is amazing, spending some cool chill days going down river and arriving into Varanasi by boat. Varanasi was just amazing.

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

Bring a head torch for camping (essential when going to the loo), a travel sheet but most importantly to travel with an open heart and mind as you will see so many wonderful things.

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

Not sure how to measure this, in many places we went we were given the opportunity to spend our money with local people e.g. the trip to Sunils shop in Varansi! Not sure of the environmental impact of releasing SO many candles into the river, maybe less is more. This is a hard one to get right but certainly using public transport minimises the impact and is also a good experience.

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

A really good holiday. Normally I travel independently and this was my first tour so I was a little apprehensive about being part of a group but it was great, had an excellent group and tour leader which all added to my enjoyment. Would certainly do it all over again!