India Reviews
Review 1
What was the most memorable part of your tour?
It was all memorable and each place had a particular charm we also enjoyed the small tour size and flexibility
How would you rate the tour leaders?
Excellent and we thoroughly enjoyed his humour and ability to make the whole tour flow effortlessly
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Yes we bought many local products
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Not in 18days but I can relate better to the country now.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Book with Imaginative traveller nobody does it better!
Reviewed by Andrew Parsons who travelled in September 2008 on the Indian Trails trip
Review 2
What was the most memorable part of your tour?
It was all memorable and each place had a particular charm we also enjoyed the small tour size and flexibility
How would you rate the tour leaders?
Excellent and we thoroughly enjoyed his humour and ability to make the whole tour flow effortlessly
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Yes we bought many local products
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Not in 18days but I can relate better to the country now.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Book with Imaginative traveller nobody does it better!
Reviewed by Andrew Parsons who travelled in September 2008 on the Pushkar Fair 26 October 2008 trip
Review 3
What was the most memorable part of your tour?
It was all memorable and each place had a particular charm we also enjoyed the small tour size and flexibility
How would you rate the tour leaders?
Excellent and we thoroughly enjoyed his humour and ability to make the whole tour flow effortlessly
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Yes we bought many local products
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Not in 18days but I can relate better to the country now.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Book with Imaginative traveller nobody does it better!
Reviewed by Andrew Parsons who travelled in September 2008 on the Pushkar Fair 9 November 2008 trip
Review 4
What was the most memorable part of your tour?
It was all memorable and each place had a particular charm we also enjoyed the small tour size and flexibility
How would you rate the tour leaders?
Excellent and we thoroughly enjoyed his humour and ability to make the whole tour flow effortlessly
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Yes we bought many local products
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Not in 18days but I can relate better to the country now.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Book with Imaginative traveller nobody does it better!
Reviewed by Andrew Parsons who travelled in September 2008 on the Indian Trails trip
Review 5
What was the most memorable part of your tour?
The mayhem of the streets in Indian cities, and how the locals seem totally unaffected by this. How they calmly walk along the streets not getting annoied by roaring trucks, honking rickshaws, ramshackle buses, shouting street vendors overloaded motorbikes grumpy cows, decorated elephants, snake charmers or jolly brass bands. I'm thoroughly impressed. I wold love to check if I could get used to it too. If I gave it a few months maybe... Another very memorable thing about India is all the lovely food, of course. No (vegetable) dish should remain untried.
How would you rate the tour leaders?
They are knowledgeable and very good company, and adds to the experience.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Economically it definitely does. We spend money on transport, accomodation, food and souvenirs. Culturally, I'm a bit more sceptical about the effects.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
My understanding of India is getting better, trip by trip. Travelling in small groups gives more opportuities for local interaction than bigger groups, which I do appereciate a lot.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Travel as much as you can - while you can! It enrichens your life. Sooner or later mortagages, inflexible bosses, jealous partners, decedants, global heating, ilnesses or age are bound limit your opportunities. And in case not; travel as long as you can :-)
Reviewed by Jannecke Wiers-Jenssen who travelled in March 2008 on the South India Adventure trip
Review 6
What was the most memorable part of your tour?
Great bunch of people. Taj Mahal. Pushkar
How would you rate the tour leaders?
Abhi was excellent throughout and nothing was a problem for him.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Definitely, both financially and culturally.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Not completely, but was the ideal trip on my limited timeframe.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Relax and enjoy the ride. If you want to do something or buy something while on holiday just do it and worry about the money later.
Reviewed by Ross Ladyman who travelled in October 2007 on the Indian Trails trip
Review 7
What was the most memorable part of your tour?
foggy christmas morning 6am stumbling through Delhi train station. being sober and freezing cold (although fully dressed) in bed in a castle on christmas day evening! flying a homemade kite with the prince on boxing day. drinking opium in the desert after the terrible camel ride. new years eve overlooking the lake palace, dancing whilst the fireworks were lit in a dustbin - how did we live through it? and many many more fantastic memories
How would you rate the tour leaders?
our tour leader Nikki was the best part of our holiday, everyone fell in love with him and nearly all of us (including Nikki) cried when we parted.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
definately especially with the help of Nikki
What advice would you give to other travellers?
take more warm clothes in the winter
Reviewed by Cathryn Carpenter who travelled in December 2005 on the Amongst the Maharajahs trip
Review 8
What was the most memorable part of your tour?
Jaipur and Karauli were the most memorable places with sites and experiences.
How would you rate the tour leaders?
Fantastic. Rudy was extremely helpful and friendly.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Yes, though still at a level where I didn't feel too overwhelmed or uncomfortable.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
There is a lot of begging and people trying to sell you stuff all the time. As long as you can get past that, you'll have an amazing time.
Reviewed by Carolyn Choy who travelled in January 2007 on the North India Highlights trip
Review 9
What was the most memorable part of your tour?
The Taj was amazing!!!! we got up sooo early in order to get there first but was well worth it, as we were the first people through the gates and had about 15mins all alone at one of the most amazing wonders of the world!!it was one of the best days EVER!!!! Also varanasi was brilliant we totally got emerged into the culture and took a boat along the ganges, followed by a backstreet tour!aswell as watching a festival at nite on the banks of the river! Jaipur again was fascinating...the pink city!watched a parade through the city centre (not part of the tour but awesome!) Basically every minute of the tour was amazing, i fell in love with India and as soon as get the chance will be returning!!
How would you rate the tour leaders?
Manu was brilliant, he was very helpfull and let us have time to explore the cities/areas on our own which was great to just be alone and work on the old haggling skills etc! he was always there if we had a problem and helped me to arrange train ticket down to mumbai after the tour!! he was very understanding about how diff people on the tour have different money situations as most of the others were quite happy to spend equiv of £10 on a meal where id been used to paying about £1 so he took us to restaurnats that offered a range of prices etc and tours etc! he also helped me to learn some hindi words which was great!! he was a really good guide!
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
yes i do, as we paid the locals/bus driver etc well and i feel managed to put something back into the country!
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
definately, although i had already been in india for 3 months prior to the tour, so i was already in love with the culture and traditions so it was easier for me, however the tour did take us to many diff areas both poor and wealthy which gave the others a cross-sectionned view of the country which i feel they got submerged in!! although it might have been nicer to take more local forms of transport instead of our A/C bus....however i understand how difficult this would be with luggage and us 'tourists' everywhere!
What advice would you give to other travellers?
i think this tour was amazing and if you have a limited amount of time i order to see the main sites of north india then this is definately the way to go!! other travellers doing this same tour id say definately take advantage of the days/afternoons off to go and explore for yourselves as although the tour takes you to the main sites there is so much more to see....backstreet markets/temples etc and you meet some great people and locals that are so intrigued and just want to chat!India is an amazing country, go now quickly before it changes and gets too modernised!!!it's amazing (also i found reading books on the country whilst there a great help....'holy cow' and 'shantaram'-awesome!!!)
Reviewed by Jessica Dixon who travelled in July 2006 on the North India Highlights trip
Review 10
What was the most memorable part of your tour?
rural areas of Rajastan, Mendawa and the Keurali(?) cities. And of course Taj Mahal.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
yes, the people who had some sort of work connected tho tourism benefited. But all the poor people without proper working conditions would probably not profit from us visiting India.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Be sceptical of eating dishes from buffets. Its difficult to keep the dishes warm enough during several hours, and microorganisms grow quickly when not kept warm enough.
Reviewed by Bjorg Abotnes who travelled in March 2008 on the Moghul Highlights trip
Review 11
What was the most memorable part of your tour?
Great bunch of people. Taj Mahal. Pushkar
How would you rate the tour leaders?
Abhi was excellent throughout and nothing was a problem for him.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Definitely, both financially and culturally.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Not completely, but was the ideal trip on my limited timeframe.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Relax and enjoy the ride. If you want to do something or buy something while on holiday just do it and worry about the money later.
Reviewed by Ross Ladyman who travelled in October 2007 on the Pushkar Fair 26 October 2008 trip
Review 12
What was the most memorable part of your tour?
Great bunch of people. Taj Mahal. Pushkar
How would you rate the tour leaders?
Abhi was excellent throughout and nothing was a problem for him.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Definitely, both financially and culturally.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Not completely, but was the ideal trip on my limited timeframe.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Relax and enjoy the ride. If you want to do something or buy something while on holiday just do it and worry about the money later.
Reviewed by Ross Ladyman who travelled in October 2007 on the Pushkar Fair 9 November 2008 trip
Review 13
What was the most memorable part of your tour?
foggy christmas morning 6am stumbling through Delhi train station. being sober and freezing cold (although fully dressed) in bed in a castle on christmas day evening! flying a homemade kite with the prince on boxing day. drinking opium in the desert after the terrible camel ride. new years eve overlooking the lake palace, dancing whilst the fireworks were lit in a dustbin - how did we live through it? and many many more fantastic memories
How would you rate the tour leaders?
our tour leader Nikki was the best part of our holiday, everyone fell in love with him and nearly all of us (including Nikki) cried when we parted.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
definately especially with the help of Nikki
What advice would you give to other travellers?
take more warm clothes in the winter
Reviewed by Cathryn Carpenter who travelled in December 2005 on the CLOTHING QUESTIONS trip
Review 14
What was the most memorable part of your tour?
foggy christmas morning 6am stumbling through Delhi train station. being sober and freezing cold (although fully dressed) in bed in a castle on christmas day evening! flying a homemade kite with the prince on boxing day. drinking opium in the desert after the terrible camel ride. new years eve overlooking the lake palace, dancing whilst the fireworks were lit in a dustbin - how did we live through it? and many many more fantastic memories
How would you rate the tour leaders?
our tour leader Nikki was the best part of our holiday, everyone fell in love with him and nearly all of us (including Nikki) cried when we parted.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
definately especially with the help of Nikki
What advice would you give to other travellers?
take more warm clothes in the winter
Reviewed by Cathryn Carpenter who travelled in December 2005 on the Amongst the Maharajahs trip
Review 15
What was the most memorable part of your tour?
Jaipur and Karauli were the most memorable places with sites and experiences.
How would you rate the tour leaders?
Fantastic. Rudy was extremely helpful and friendly.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Yes, though still at a level where I didn't feel too overwhelmed or uncomfortable.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
There is a lot of begging and people trying to sell you stuff all the time. As long as you can get past that, you'll have an amazing time.
Reviewed by Carolyn Choy who travelled in January 2007 on the North India Highlights - New for 2009/10 trip
Review 16
What was the most memorable part of your tour?
The Taj was amazing!!!! we got up sooo early in order to get there first but was well worth it, as we were the first people through the gates and had about 15mins all alone at one of the most amazing wonders of the world!!it was one of the best days EVER!!!! Also varanasi was brilliant we totally got emerged into the culture and took a boat along the ganges, followed by a backstreet tour!aswell as watching a festival at nite on the banks of the river! Jaipur again was fascinating...the pink city!watched a parade through the city centre (not part of the tour but awesome!) Basically every minute of the tour was amazing, i fell in love with India and as soon as get the chance will be returning!!
How would you rate the tour leaders?
Manu was brilliant, he was very helpfull and let us have time to explore the cities/areas on our own which was great to just be alone and work on the old haggling skills etc! he was always there if we had a problem and helped me to arrange train ticket down to mumbai after the tour!! he was very understanding about how diff people on the tour have different money situations as most of the others were quite happy to spend equiv of £10 on a meal where id been used to paying about £1 so he took us to restaurnats that offered a range of prices etc and tours etc! he also helped me to learn some hindi words which was great!! he was a really good guide!
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
yes i do, as we paid the locals/bus driver etc well and i feel managed to put something back into the country!
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
definately, although i had already been in india for 3 months prior to the tour, so i was already in love with the culture and traditions so it was easier for me, however the tour did take us to many diff areas both poor and wealthy which gave the others a cross-sectionned view of the country which i feel they got submerged in!! although it might have been nicer to take more local forms of transport instead of our A/C bus....however i understand how difficult this would be with luggage and us 'tourists' everywhere!
What advice would you give to other travellers?
i think this tour was amazing and if you have a limited amount of time i order to see the main sites of north india then this is definately the way to go!! other travellers doing this same tour id say definately take advantage of the days/afternoons off to go and explore for yourselves as although the tour takes you to the main sites there is so much more to see....backstreet markets/temples etc and you meet some great people and locals that are so intrigued and just want to chat!India is an amazing country, go now quickly before it changes and gets too modernised!!!it's amazing (also i found reading books on the country whilst there a great help....'holy cow' and 'shantaram'-awesome!!!)
Reviewed by Jessica Dixon who travelled in July 2006 on the North India Highlights - New for 2009/10 trip
Review 17
What was the most memorable part of your tour?
rural areas of Rajastan, Mendawa and the Keurali(?) cities. And of course Taj Mahal.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
yes, the people who had some sort of work connected tho tourism benefited. But all the poor people without proper working conditions would probably not profit from us visiting India.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Be sceptical of eating dishes from buffets. Its difficult to keep the dishes warm enough during several hours, and microorganisms grow quickly when not kept warm enough.
Reviewed by Bjorg Abotnes who travelled in March 2008 on the Moghul Highlights trip
Review 18
What was the most memorable part of your tour?
Great bunch of people. Taj Mahal. Pushkar
How would you rate the tour leaders?
Abhi was excellent throughout and nothing was a problem for him.
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
Definitely, both financially and culturally.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Not completely, but was the ideal trip on my limited timeframe.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
Relax and enjoy the ride. If you want to do something or buy something while on holiday just do it and worry about the money later.
Reviewed by Ross Ladyman who travelled in October 2007 on the Indian Trails trip
Review 19
What was the most memorable part of your tour?
Jaipur and Karauli were the most memorable places with sites and experiences.
How would you rate the tour leaders?
Fantastic. Rudy was extremely helpful and friendly.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Yes, though still at a level where I didn't feel too overwhelmed or uncomfortable.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
There is a lot of begging and people trying to sell you stuff all the time. As long as you can get past that, you'll have an amazing time.
Reviewed by Carolyn Choy who travelled in January 2007 on the Monitoring situation in India trip
Review 20
What was the most memorable part of your tour?
The Taj was amazing!!!! we got up sooo early in order to get there first but was well worth it, as we were the first people through the gates and had about 15mins all alone at one of the most amazing wonders of the world!!it was one of the best days EVER!!!! Also varanasi was brilliant we totally got emerged into the culture and took a boat along the ganges, followed by a backstreet tour!aswell as watching a festival at nite on the banks of the river! Jaipur again was fascinating...the pink city!watched a parade through the city centre (not part of the tour but awesome!) Basically every minute of the tour was amazing, i fell in love with India and as soon as get the chance will be returning!!
How would you rate the tour leaders?
Manu was brilliant, he was very helpfull and let us have time to explore the cities/areas on our own which was great to just be alone and work on the old haggling skills etc! he was always there if we had a problem and helped me to arrange train ticket down to mumbai after the tour!! he was very understanding about how diff people on the tour have different money situations as most of the others were quite happy to spend equiv of £10 on a meal where id been used to paying about £1 so he took us to restaurnats that offered a range of prices etc and tours etc! he also helped me to learn some hindi words which was great!! he was a really good guide!
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
yes i do, as we paid the locals/bus driver etc well and i feel managed to put something back into the country!
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
definately, although i had already been in india for 3 months prior to the tour, so i was already in love with the culture and traditions so it was easier for me, however the tour did take us to many diff areas both poor and wealthy which gave the others a cross-sectionned view of the country which i feel they got submerged in!! although it might have been nicer to take more local forms of transport instead of our A/C bus....however i understand how difficult this would be with luggage and us 'tourists' everywhere!
What advice would you give to other travellers?
i think this tour was amazing and if you have a limited amount of time i order to see the main sites of north india then this is definately the way to go!! other travellers doing this same tour id say definately take advantage of the days/afternoons off to go and explore for yourselves as although the tour takes you to the main sites there is so much more to see....backstreet markets/temples etc and you meet some great people and locals that are so intrigued and just want to chat!India is an amazing country, go now quickly before it changes and gets too modernised!!!it's amazing (also i found reading books on the country whilst there a great help....'holy cow' and 'shantaram'-awesome!!!)
Reviewed by Jessica Dixon who travelled in July 2006 on the Monitoring situation in India trip
Review 21
What was the most memorable part of your tour?
Jaipur and Karauli were the most memorable places with sites and experiences.
How would you rate the tour leaders?
Fantastic. Rudy was extremely helpful and friendly.
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
Yes, though still at a level where I didn't feel too overwhelmed or uncomfortable.
What advice would you give to other travellers?
There is a lot of begging and people trying to sell you stuff all the time. As long as you can get past that, you'll have an amazing time.
Reviewed by Carolyn Choy who travelled in January 2007 on the North India Highlights - Jan 18, 2009 trip
Review 22
What was the most memorable part of your tour?
The Taj was amazing!!!! we got up sooo early in order to get there first but was well worth it, as we were the first people through the gates and had about 15mins all alone at one of the most amazing wonders of the world!!it was one of the best days EVER!!!! Also varanasi was brilliant we totally got emerged into the culture and took a boat along the ganges, followed by a backstreet tour!aswell as watching a festival at nite on the banks of the river! Jaipur again was fascinating...the pink city!watched a parade through the city centre (not part of the tour but awesome!) Basically every minute of the tour was amazing, i fell in love with India and as soon as get the chance will be returning!!
How would you rate the tour leaders?
Manu was brilliant, he was very helpfull and let us have time to explore the cities/areas on our own which was great to just be alone and work on the old haggling skills etc! he was always there if we had a problem and helped me to arrange train ticket down to mumbai after the tour!! he was very understanding about how diff people on the tour have different money situations as most of the others were quite happy to spend equiv of £10 on a meal where id been used to paying about £1 so he took us to restaurnats that offered a range of prices etc and tours etc! he also helped me to learn some hindi words which was great!! he was a really good guide!
Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?
yes i do, as we paid the locals/bus driver etc well and i feel managed to put something back into the country!
Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?
definately, although i had already been in india for 3 months prior to the tour, so i was already in love with the culture and traditions so it was easier for me, however the tour did take us to many diff areas both poor and wealthy which gave the others a cross-sectionned view of the country which i feel they got submerged in!! although it might have been nicer to take more local forms of transport instead of our A/C bus....however i understand how difficult this would be with luggage and us 'tourists' everywhere!
What advice would you give to other travellers?
i think this tour was amazing and if you have a limited amount of time i order to see the main sites of north india then this is definately the way to go!! other travellers doing this same tour id say definately take advantage of the days/afternoons off to go and explore for yourselves as although the tour takes you to the main sites there is so much more to see....backstreet markets/temples etc and you meet some great people and locals that are so intrigued and just want to chat!India is an amazing country, go now quickly before it changes and gets too modernised!!!it's amazing (also i found reading books on the country whilst there a great help....'holy cow' and 'shantaram'-awesome!!!)
Reviewed by Jessica Dixon who travelled in July 2006 on the North India Highlights - Jan 18, 2009 trip
India Forum Feedback
Amongst the Maharajahs 14th March 09
Hello everyone I just booked this tour starting on 14th March (which will make me fly on a Friday 13th :-) I know we are a total of 6 at the moment, so if someone is around here just let me know so we can discuss this trip ! Bye Olivia, Switzerland
ONLINE ERROR DESCRIPTION IN TRIP - HCRA
Description indicates "See the vibrant cities of Delhi and Mumbai", however I believe it should be "Mandawa" as the trip is in Rajasthan and Mumbai is not in Rajasthan and the map does not show "Mumbai". Just a FYI so that this can be corrected! Thanks.
Photos from our Rajasthan Safari Nov 08
Hi all, Louise and I have just returned from the most fantastic Rajasthan Safari tour in India. Our guide Shirvani was the best tour guide we have ever had and the rest of the tour members were simply excellent. I have included alink below to some of the (literally) thousands of photos we took during the tour, so why not stop by for a look. http://www.pbase.com/sj_lm_haines/india Thanks
Rajasthan Safari Trip 22 days Jan Feb 09
RAJASTHAN SAFARI TRIP JAN FEB 09. Anyone out there going on this trip? Cheers.
Clothing & Footwear
Can anyone advise on suggested footwear and clothing for Rajasthan Safari Trip (22 days Jan/Feb 09) please. We have not visited India before or been on anything like this. It read it is warm in the day and freezing at night. Is this right? Would we expect to be able to wear shorts and t-shirt in the day but need polar fleece stuff at night time? And, would one wear a sandle/jandel in the day time? Any experience and suggestions gratefully received!.. Cheers.
