Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many wonderful experiences but of these I would say seeing the sunrise over the Taj Mahal, the beautiful city of Udaipur with its lake, temples and palace and being lucky enough to see tigers in Ranthambore will probable live in my memory the longest.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader, Naveen was truly excellent. I have regularly been on trips of this nature for 30 years and can honestly say that he was up there with the very best leaders I have travelled with in that time. He was always helpful, always retained his good humour, was a mine of information and totally organised. He showed us things and gave us experiences that were not part of the itinerary such as taking us to a local school and introducing us to some of the street foods. He took us to some really excellent restaurants and also to where the locals eat. He really made the trip an enjoyable and fulfilling experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for an awful lot of bus travel and very limited free time for shopping etc but you will see many majestic sights and experience a very different culture. Be prepared for crowded streets with constant noise, to see poverty and to adapt to not having the personal space we have in the West. In Ranthambore, on the advice of someone who had previously visited, we asked Exodus to book a jeep for our party rather than the standard canter as they are more flexible. It is thanks to this that we saw tigers as the rest of the group, travelling in a canter, did not.

Suggestions

I feel that Exodus should consider changing the bus we travelled in as it was showing its age with uncomfortable seats, some seat belts not working and fans dangerously situated just above head position.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many highlights from which to choose but I think my favourite was the visit to the fort at Bundi. I had never heard of this town, but was blown away by the beauty and solitude of this abandoned palace with its pristine frescoes. And to have the place virtually to ourselves was amazing! Although not to everyone's taste, I also really enjoyed getting caught up in the chaotic crowds in the tail end of the religious procession in Pushkar; swiftly followed by the crush of a political rally further down the same road! We were enveloped in local life in all its chaotic colour.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Navin was knowledgable, caring, well-organised and appears to know just about every chai seller in India ;). His skills go far beyond that of the standard tourist guide to encompass finding lost wallets in a strange town, fixing leaking toilets and removing ticks from guests' legs ;). Whenever there was any query or problem, Navin always had our backs and got it sorted pronto. Thank you, Navin!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't rely on laundry being done in the hotels, be prepared to handwash stuff instead if necessary. The drives between towns can be long and the roads are so bumpy it can be difficult to read. But there is so much to see outside the window of the van, you need never be bored! Take a warm layer to counteract the efficiency of the aircon in the van! Leave your presuppositions at home and throw yourself into the sights, colours, sounds, sensations of this fabulous place, you will never forget it.

Most Inspirational Moment

The two things I REALLY wanted to see on this trip were the Taj Mahal and a tiger in the wild. We got to see both! I had always thought that the Taj Mahal was the most beautiful thing man has ever made, and I still believe that after having the privilege of seeing it for myself. And the tiger is surely one of the most beautiful things God has ever made!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Harish was great. He clearly loves his country, but didn't sugar coat it.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Travel with an open mind and an open heart.

Most Inspirational Moment

Where do I begin ? Sitting just feet from a male tiger for almost an hour, a cultural show held in a Haveli, Pushkar Camel Fair, the inlaid stones of the Taj Mahal...being part of worship in Hindu Temple, a boat trip in Udaipur...I cannot isolate one episode.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Having done perhaps a dozen Exodus trips, Harish our guide was probably the best. He was fun, passionate about his country, so caring and willing to adapt to our needs. He seemed to have endless ideas up his sleeve, offering us all sorts of possibilities. We loved the long journeys, so much to see and learn...especially about the wildlife. A first class leader who always went that extra mile.He even arranged a trip for us, as we arrived a day early,what more could you ask for ??

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take few, loose clothes. Keep lots of 10 rupee notes handy for tips in the toilets. Imodium were a good idea, as well as hand gels.Just enjoy it all... There are quite a few opportunities to get laundry done,amazingly efficiently and cheaply. The roads are dusty, so a scarf might be handy at times.

Suggestions

A tiring trip, but the trip notes informed us of this. There is little chance for activity, but endless variety.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were two--seeing the Taj Mahal, which I truly believe is the most beautiful thing man has ever built, and seeing a tiger in the wild, which is surely one of God's most beautiful creatures.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Harish was a wonderful leader. I truly felt cared for and watched after. He was great at explaining the Indian way of life, which was invaluable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Keep your mind and heart open.