4 independent reviews for Central India holiday, trekking and culture
Reviews for Central India holiday, trekking and culture
Penny Nettelfield review 14 Mar 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing a tiger, although only briefly, was fabulous. Rural Madhya Pradesh was beautiful, calm and friendly. We loved being able to wander around the villages.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
We didn't actually walk to Kahna National Park, we were advised otherwise. It was a lovely trip but not as much walking as we would have liked so I think we should have been clearer about wanting to do that.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Both places we stayed, Bhoromdeo Jungle Retreat and Shergarh camp were very sensitive and supportive of local people and really tried hard to care for the environment. We were very impressed. Of course we took a long haul flight to get there ........4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Really lovely. It was relaxing which was just what we wanted as we have had a week either side in Kolkata (involvement with an NGO) which is great but totally non-relaxing. Saurabh Agrawal made an effort to meet us off the train when we arrived in Raipur and took us to lunch before the return journey. It was delightful to meet him, thanks for putting us in touch.Sally Knowles-Jackson review 7 Jan 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
My time at the Bhoramdeo Jungle Retreat could not have been a better introduction to the delights of India. The slower rural pace allows you to enjoy the colour, history, flavour and hospitality of central India in an authentic but extremely comfortable setting. I couldn’t name a single most memorable experience - I enjoyed it all, from the surprise milkman festival in a nearby village, to the cycle ride through villages, fields and past 11th century temples, to the visits to colourful tribal markets. What ties it all together though are the lovely people you will meet - not least of all your hosts Sunny and Sabreena who treat you like a valued friend and go out of their way to make your stay special.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Come for at least five days - even then you will want to stay for longer!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Out of the many trips I have chosen through the responsible travel company this would probably be one of, if not the, best in terms of its positive social, local and environmental impact. Sunny and his team have created something really special. Being able to visit and be a small part of that world for even a short space of time was a privilege and I can’t wait to go back.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Having travelled extensively to a wide array i countries I would still say that this is one of the best holidays I have had.Patti Wallace review 28 Dec 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
There were lots of memorable parts of this holiday. My daughter and I have both seen quite a lot of India before and were looking for something different. This trip was definitely 'the real India', just as it says. The tour company, is run by a very efficient and personable young man, Saurabh, who has excellent English and a real understanding of what makes a good holiday. Before the trip he was happy to answer any questions and to be flexible about what we did each day. We ended up doing some walking, some cycling, some visiting local tribal people and some safari which was just the right mix for us. In addition to organising the trip, he took us on a nature walk - he knows a lot about birds- and also took us out to dinner locally on our last night. In fact, I would say he is one of the best and nicest trip organisers/leaders I have ever encountered. He could not have done more for us and we really enjoyed his company. A highlight was our time at Bhoramdeo staying with Sunny and Sabrina. They were such welcoming hosts and took us to do so many interesting things in the local area. In particular visiting people from the two local tribes in their homes and actually camping in the grounds of one family's compound and eating chapatis made with herbs in the home of another, gave us the opportunity to meet people we would otherwise never have met. The Kanha Tiger Reserve was also good experience. We stayed with at Sherger, a really welcoming, luxury tented camp with excellent food. Again the owner, Jehan, was very friendly and helpful and good company. Perhaps that is what stands out the most about this trip - the personal nature of it. It felt more like staying with friends than being tourists.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
I would certainly book with them again. When Saurabh says it can be flexible to suit your needs/wants, he really means it. Ask for what you'd like to do and he will find a way to arrange it. In particular, I wouldn't miss a stay at Bhoramdeo. There are a lot of interesting things to do in that area and you could easily spend 4 or 5 days there. If you want a trip away from the usual tourist sites, or a rest from being in tourist areas on a longer trip, I would definitely choose this.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, we were pleased about that. At Bhoramdeo, it was clear that Sunny had personal relationships with all the people we met, he employs local people and he contributes in various ways to the needs of local families and communities. Jehan at Sherger employs all local people at the tented camp. In both places it was clear that staff enjoyed their work and had good relationships with their employers. Both places used filtered or well water so that there was no need to buy and dispose of plastic bottles of water.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was too short - only 7 days- due to our work commitments. However we both agreed it was one of the best, most authentic trips we have taken, and we have both travelled extensively. So I would rate it as 'excellent'.Anne Roberts review 13 Apr 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Walking in the unspoilt countryside of Borromdeo and birdwatching at Satpura lake. Also visit to Sanchi Buddhist site. The elephant ride and seeing wild dogs from the howdah!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
For Borromdeo, perhaps visit one month earlier, ie in early Feb or before it gets hot in the middle of the day in late Feb/early March, so you have to get up very early in the morning!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
All of these.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was excellent in every way. Saurabh was a wonderful naturalist, excellent organiser and splendid companion. If we had booked it through a UK based agent, it would have been twice the price. Thank you Responsible travel for recommending a holiday provider based in Raipur! They did a terrific job and I will be recommending them to friends.Holiday Reviews
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