Highlights of Northern India Discovery Holiday

Our Clients’ Reviews

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Average Review Rating: from 113 reviews.

Judy Owen

HIGHLIGHTS OF NORTHERN INDIA

Written February 2010
India was an amazing experience in all respects. Curry for breakfast, lunch and dinner if so desired. We saw the real India, from beggars through the whole range of squalor, poverty, noise and crowds.Sacred cows wandering the streets, accompanied by camel drawn carts and cycle and auto rickshaws(tuc-tucs I believe). The traffic was frightening, with hooting horns and trucks and motorbikes, I wouldn't have liked to drive among them. It was 'Slum Dog Millionaire' personified. Families living on the streets and in what looked like bombed out buildings, shops which were just open fronted ruins, women sewing quilts in the dirt which passed as pavements and always the hooting of the traffic's horns and thousands of motorbikes.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
We visited a rural school, where the pupils sat cross legged in the dust and wrote beautifully, with little or no equipment,( I would have liked to know about this visit before we went so as to take pens etc for the school), a couple of co-operatives selling carpets, printed material etc etc, a pottery basically operating in a roadside shack and in the surrounding open air, and a religious community where women (over 35?) made incense from the dung of the sacred cows.They were sitting in the open air digging in bowls of the stuff. They were given 40 rupees a day,( about 60p) after prayers, for this.
Of course there was also the Taj-Mahal and a Tiger reserve at Ranthambohre (no tiger though), a bird sanctuary by cycle rickshaw, a dusk river boat ride to a Hindu temple with a service in progress which continued down by the river with the ringing of bells and making of offerings to a darkened river. I was quite overwhelmed by this not only for the sheer numbers there but for the fervour shown by these, mainly, poor people.
What did you think of your group leader?
As Bushan said to me at one time" I am Exodus in India, me and yourselves at this moment."Our overnight train to Varanessi had been cancelled because of the fog,exceptionally bad even for January. As group leader he was charged with finding three nights accommodation and two days activities for sixteen, at very short notice. I'd suggested asking 'head office'. He coped wonderfully well, switching us to 'The Golden Triangle' trip and finding accomodation and guides at short notice. As people were disappointed to be missing the morning boat ride up the Ganges he secretly organised a trip up a different river at dusk with participation in an evening worship. Extra activities in New Delhi on our last day, a Temple visit and Ghandi's Memorial Tomb were well enjoyed at no extra cost.Everything was well organised , Bushan did an outstanding job in all respects. The group were able to bond successfully.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Travelling in January was very cold and foggy some of the mornings. I bought a thick fleece at Ranthambhore to augment the thinner fleeces and tops and waterproof jacket I'd taken. I needed my gloves and scarf. Plenty of layers to wear is advisable as it gets much warmer as the day progresses. I'd packed very lightly expecting that there would be some difficulty with baggage. In fact an ordinary suitcase with wheels and extendable handle would have been fine and easier to live out of. We encountered no mosquitos and though one or two experienced slight upset tummies from the changed diet, there were no serious problems. Water was available to purchase on the coach and we all kept well hydrated.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I felt that I'd seen something of the 'real' India. We stayed in hotels run by native Indians and visited local craft centres and co-operatives. Being allowed to walk down the main street of a small country town was an amazing experience. Buying an apple from a stall created an interested crowd which was quite scary in itself but again an experience. In Ghandi's Memorial Park, Delhi, we were of more interest to some visiting schoolboys than was his Tomb and gathered an extra fifty or so blue-shirted lads to our party, all jostling for our attention and demanding to be photographed.
The hawkers and beggars were very persistent but Bushan and the temporary guides were experts in avoiding conflict and gave sound advice in dealing with them. it could be upsetting though. Young mothers presenting half naked babies and people with appalling disabilities struggling to sell postcards or souvenirs.
This was no 'luxury holiday' being pampered and spoiled. It did require a degree of stamina and self organisation. eg wake up call 7.00am, showered, dressed etc, packed and cases outside the door of the room by 7.30 am, then get breakfast before being ready to leave for 8.00 am. All hotels were clean and comfortable with towels provided and en-suite facilities, just one night my sister and I had to share a large King size bed as against twins, but it was so large it didn't cause a problem. This was an amazing holiday like nothing I'd previously experienced. Exodus are responsible tourism personified and I would recommend their holidays to anyone. Being a fairly fit pensioner in my late sixties this grade of holiday was well within my capabilities. You do need to be flexible with your food requirements though. Don't expect 'Fish and Chips and beefburgers every where. Hindus are generally vegetarian and much of the available food was thus. Very tasty too.
Andrew To

HIGHLIGHTS OF NORTHERN INDIA

Written November 2009
Highlights of Northern India and much, much more! An unforgettable adventure for a first visit to India. This trip will give you such a good taste of India that you will be wanting more.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The entire trip was spectacularly inspiring for me, so it’s difficult to pick one particular moment, but my breath-taking moments were as follows: Real India - seeing the real India by way of visits to local villages and a school. It highlighted just how warm and welcoming Indian people are. It was particularly inspiring to be able to put a smile on people’s faces when I chatted to them and showed them the portraits that I took of them. Ranthambore National Park - spotting the elusive Bengal tigers several times in their native habitat was absolutely amazing. Not only did I see tigers, but other wildlife such as crocodiles, Sambar deer, exotic birds and plenty of monkeys. In addition, the park itself is a natural treasure. Perfect for the aspiring photographer. Taj Mahal - catching a glimpse of the majestic Taj Mahal through the main entrance and then actually seeing it appear in all its immaculate glory was just sensational. A sight that will stay with me forever. Varanasi - seeing the daily ritual of the local people on the Ghats at sunrise was definitely inspiring and attending evening prayer on the River Ganges was definitely a positive experience. Overnight train journeys - they were quite the experience. I thoroughly enjoyed it and had the best night’s sleep ever. Highly recommended.
What did you think of your group leader?
Avtar Singh, our group leader was more like a great friend with local knowledge. He made everyone in the group feel welcomed and respected and has a great sense of humour alongside his passion for his country. He is thoroughly organised, and his time management skills are second to none. Everything on the itinerary was covered, but it didn’t feel rushed at all. In fact, Avtar showed the group so much that, what was only a 10 day trip, seemed like it was for much longer. I have to say that Avtar is the person who showed us the real India and made the trip a memorable one. He is truly a credit to Exodus. In addition, he was well prepared for any first aid that was required, and gave us plenty of advice to avoid any health issues. The driver and his assistant were just as friendly and helpful, providing our daily bottled water and definitely some expert driving skills.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Be armed for an experience of a lifetime, and you will, without a doubt, thoroughly enjoy this trip. Potential travellers need to have an open mind and be willing to see the culture, taste the food, interact with the people and experience everything. This trip is not for those looking for a 5- star hotel lounging by the pool and having a sleep-in on a morning.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Just that this is my first adventure with Exodus, and I have to admit that this trip has been the best adventure I have had in my life so far. The group gelled really well and we looked out for each other, and we have definitely kept in touch. Not only has this trip been amazing, but I have met a bunch of fine people too - bonus! I look forward to my next adventure with Exodus. Thank you.
Lynda Parker Brown

HIGHLIGHTS OF NORTHERN INDIA

Written April 2009
The trip delivered exactly what it said it would in the trip notes and so much more. I was apprehensive about the trip to India but everything was extremely well planned and organised and I felt safe at all times especially being part of a group.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The reason I chose this particular trip was to visit the Taj Mahal and it certainly did not disappoint. It was absolutely magnificent and we were lucky to visit at sunrise which meant that it was not too busy with visitors and we got some great photos.
What did you think of your group leader?
It is hard to believe that Balvinder Singh has not been on a time management course. Everything ran like clockwork from accommodating the late arrival of our flight to boarding the overnight train to Varanasi.

Bali went beyond the call of duty on more than one occasion from a trip to a Bollywood movie, visits to a Buddist and Sikh temples and for me especially organising a birthday cake to celebrate with the group.

Bali was more than we could have hoped for in a guide – a credit to the company.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
I paid for a professional photographer to take photos at the Taj Mahal and the photos were excellent and also included some extra photos such as a view of the Taj Mahal from across the river and an aerial shot – money well spent about £15 for 13 photos.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Providing local guides made the visits to various sites come to life and it was extremely interesting to hear the history and stories behind the places we visited.

Assuming the standard of excellence we enjoyed on this trip is representative of other Exodus trips then I would not hesitate to recommend this adventure company to others and I am already looking at the Exodus trip to Thailand for next year.
Linda Cordazzo

HIGHLIGHTS OF NORTHERN INDIA

Written March 2009
A wonderful introduction to India for "first timers". A kaleidoscope of colours; the smells, noises, beauty were a feast as well as at times a shock for the senses. The experience was everything and more than I expected or had prepared myself for.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
It has to be the Taj Mahal, bathed in the early morning mist with the rising sun just catching the brilliant white of the dome. Bigger than I had imagined and totally magical.
The sacred cityof Varanasi, the hair raising rickshaw ride to the ghats, the daily evening ritual of worship to Mother Ganges, the early morning sunrise from the water next day - so much which encapsulated the true essence of India.
The invitation to a wedding at Jaipur with what appeared to be the entire population of Jaipur present! No expense spared, much to the bride's father's chagrin!
What did you think of your group leader?
Ashok Thalasi has for me the gold star. His caring was exemplary and nothing was too much trouble for him. He went beyond the call of duty to make sure all our needs were met. A lovely man.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
If travelling in February pack a woolly hat and fleece for the early morning safari at Ranthambore. It was very cold!
Travel with a totally open mind and any minor hiccups won't present you with a problem. There were very few and in a way they added to the experience.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
India tears at the heart strings so prepare yourself for a shake up of the emotions. I had several tearful moments especially where small children were involved. I also came home to reassess my life. But the magic of this wonderful country and its people, the smiling faces, will draw you back like a magnet and I've promised myself I will return one day.
Rebecca Kane

HIGHLIGHTS OF NORTHERN INDIA

Written March 2009
Totally outstripped my expectations of India, the group I'd explore it with and our guide. Exodus delivered and set a very high bench mark.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Two moments really stand out for me. The Taj Mahal at sunrise is a sight to behold and I'd be searching hard for a pulse if any human being failed to be over-awed by its majesty and sheer beauty, especially at that time of the day as the sun hits it. But just as importantly the group dynamic on the trip was inspirational. An intelligent, well-read, interesting and eclectic bunch of people who bonded so naturally and made the trip extra special. Bring on the reunion supper!
What did you think of your group leader?
I will be accused of being on commission to Exodus if I continue to wax lyrical in this way, but Bali (Balvinder Singh) was the best leader we could have hoped for. Insightful, intelligent, caring, interested, fun and attentive, we could not have fared any better than we did under his watchful gaze. He managed to get the right balance of information and relaxation, supplied plenty of chai when needed and totally understood that we'd want to see the 'real India' whenever possible. He managed an excitable bunch of people with great skill & ease and shared his genuine passion for his home country whilst providing much-needed stand-up humour on long bus journeys.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Don't eat ice cream and take the antibiotics if necessary to deal with a dodgy tum - the food is amazing and you want to enjoy it!
If, like me, you have a total snake paranoia, let your tour guide know and he'll protect you from the charmers!
Rachel Lee

HIGHLIGHTS OF NORTHERN INDIA

Written April 2008
I had an absolutely amazing time on this trip! It's a really great trip if you want to see as much as possible in only a short time!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The Taj Mahal really is as stunning as I had dreamed it would be! This, coupled with the boat trips along the Ganges in Varanassi and of course, seeing a tiger up close in the flesh really made this a trip to remember!
What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader, Avtar, was really fantastic! He was so enthusiastic from the early starts at 5.30 in the morning until last thing at night. Even when trying to get 16 naive foreigners and 16 lots of luggage on to a busy overnight train at a packed station he still managed to make the whole thing fun!
Also, bravo with the first aid too! After all, everyday we somehow managed to have at least one or two people throwing up or fainting yet his medical aid did not tire.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Well, whilst this is a fantastic trip, if you are after a relaxing holiday then this probably isn't the trip for you as the pace is quite quick to make sure everything in the itinerary is fitted in. But, if you are up for an action packed holiday seeing some amazing places then definately go for it!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
This was an amazing finale to an already brilliant 2 months in India! ABSOLUTELY AWESOME! Thanks so much!
Jerrine Maria Barnett

HIGHLIGHTS OF NORTHERN INDIA

Written April 2008
There were so many great memories it’s hard to pinpoint one or two! Seeing a tiger and her two cubs was an awesome experience. I knew that they were hard to spot so I genuinely didn’t expect to see one in the wild. Especially not one with a fresh kill, and one that seemed happy to stay in our company for almost half an hour! The wildlife aspect of the tour was great, even when kicking back at the end of the day there were plenty of monkeys, birds and cows(!) to keep us entertained! Seeing the Taj Mahal early morning was phenomenal, it glows red with the dawn and is certainly a sight not to be missed if you’re in the areaOh and the food was phenomenal! Ask for a Tahli if you're hungry!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
I really enjoyed the overnight train rides to and from Varanassi. It was great to take part in something that it so inherent to Indian life, we met some great people on the train and it was an excellent way to see the countryside. Varanassi was the highlight of the tour for me. We took two river cruises, one after nightfall and one early morning. Both were equally amazing experiences. We were given a flower candle as we boarded the boat to take us up river, as we set off we each laid them on the water so they could float behind us. So as we paddled upstream we could see hundreds of tiny candles glowing in the river behind us, it was so beautiful. The morning cruise was great as we could see all the worshippers bathing themselves in the water along one of a dozen ghats.
This was my first group holiday so the whole experience was new to me! I was delighted that I was placed with such a great group of people too, I was never bored for a moment!

What did you think of your group leader?
I thought Bali, our guide, was fantastic. He went out of his way to organize everything for us and to make sure that we all had everything we needed. We took great pleasure in learning about his family and his life, and he really made us feel like friends. I also enjoyed watching bollywood music videos on his mobile phone, and he made many a long jounrey speed by with his narration of his favourite stories!
He also went out of his way to educate us on local customs and ways of life. He also was clear to point out any tourist traps that he deemed to be un-ethical. For instance outside one of the forts it is possible to take an elephant ride up to the main entrance, even though it seemed quite exciting on the outset he pointed out that the elephants were not treated kindly and that he recommended that we avoid it.
I know that for many of my fellow travellers he really did make the trip for them.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
If you’re after a relaxing break then perhaps this isn’t for you. There’s an awful lot to see and not an awful lot of time to see it in so expect a lot of early mornings and quite a few hours on the road! But I genuinely couldn’t think of a better way to squeeze so much in, there is no way that I would have been able to see so much if I had been travelling independently. Bring a good camera as there’s plenty to see. I also found a pair of binoculars handy, especially if you’re lucky enough to see a tiger! Also a sarong/scarf is useful in case of strong sunlight or dusty roads. Don't eat any street food, you don't want to get a tummy bug on this trip, but you should be fine eating at the restaurants we were taken to.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I was also pleased that the trip was as eco-friendly as i had hoped it would be. I was pleased to see that our hotels all used local staff, and a couple of hotels I discovered were actually classed as eco-friendly hotels. We ate in local restaurants at all stages and our guide ensured that everyone we used, from guides to porters, were given a healthy tip as a token of our appreciation.
For my first group travel experience I had a great time. India can be quite an overwhelming experience, especially in the big cities, so it was great to have a guide on hand to give us the insider tips and organize everything for us! I can’t wait to go back to India again!