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Trip promised highlights, which it did, but was marred by the guide, Hairish, who had little or no social skills, gave misleading information and seemed more interested in taking pictures to add to his own photographic portfolio.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Bharatpur (but should have started the day earlier, for better bird sightings, mid morning is too late)
Ranthambore N Park, esp early morning game drive.
What did you think of your group leader?
Very poor, he led but that was about all. Very poor communicator, lied about hotel location in Jaipur, said it was in centre of town when in fact it was 3km outside. Spent far too long at craft stalls/bazaars/shopping arcades. At times he would talk to one member of the group sat at front of 'bus', and seemed to expect them to relay info to others at the back, rather than stand up and address the whole group. Charged one group member US$40.00 (forty dollars) to burn some photos onto a CD in his home town near Bharatpur. Had a late start to our trip into Bharatpur because he had spent the night at his home, and didn't seem to want to get up early, with the result that we had to rush things later, then we had a puncture, and had to stop to have a new tyre fitted at the side of the road, very late arrival at Ranthambore. Local guides used were generally very good, and much, much better communicators than Hairish
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Very interesting trip, but if Hairish is the tour leader beware!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Don't trust the tour leader!
Exodus Response
I would like to thank Mr Andrews for his feedback and assure customers that we take matters of this kind very seriously.
This particular leader has lead other trips for Exodus before and we are sorry that, on this occasion, he doesn't seem to have done a good job. Our local operator has assisted fully in evaluating the leaders performance and, since this trip, the leader in question has received further training.
I am glad that Mr Andrews found the trip interesting and once again assure customers that the quality of our leaders is very important to us.
Katherine Tory, Trip Manager for the Highlights of Northern India
A fantastic intorduction to the country of smiles, a wonderful wonderful country that just left you wanting to see more. India, the sights, sounds, tastes and people are truly amazing.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Attending THREE weddings, dancing with the crowd as the groom arrived, being played in by the drummers at the second and going on the stage with the bride and groom to have an official photograph with the third. Truly warm and generous people that were so gentle and endearing. The ganges at night and morning were magical, stark contrasts and a real insight. The Taj Mahal, a sight never to forget.
What did you think of your group leader?
Bally was fantastic, enthusiastic, gentle and caring, very knowledgeable and sharing personal experiences to highlight real modern day life in India, he made the experience what it was, memorable.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Do not pass up the chance of travelling to India, it is a truly captivating country that has so much to offer. And take a spare bag for the shopping !!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
India is extreme, there are so many things to look at you don't know where to look next or what will be crossing the road in front of you. The faint hearted should not sit at the front of the bus, our bus driver deserved a medal for keeping us safe, but it all added to the experience. Crazy chaotic, beautiful India.
Beth Jones
Sureal and Breathtaking!
Written
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
we did more than i ever expected we would, and whilst it was quite tiring at times as we had to be up early and travel alot, it was worth it to see and experience as much as we did. Our guide Mr Rahee went beyond his call of duty to ensure we got the true taste of India, it was amazing.
there are so many highlights but the ones that spring to mind are the Taj Mahal which was sureal and seeing a bengal tiger in the wild, as well as meeting the villagers in a little village on route to Jaipur and giving pens to the children in a local school. I also loved the amber palace and the water palace and the observatory was amazing, very clever.
The group we had were fantastic, we all got on so well and have kept in touch, the whole experience was well worth it and i would have stayed alot longer if i could!
The group leader was brilliant, a great man, very interesting and easy to talk to and get on with which is important when you spend alot of time travelling as a group. he was very knowledgable and went above and beyond our expectations to show us the different ways of life in India, he did a great job, couldn't fault him.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
be prepared to travel alot and wear dark clothes at the bird sanctuary! also take hand wash everywhere with you, it was the best thing i packed!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Just that the whole experience really was a once in a lfie time one, and at all times i was well aware that we were there helping the country and not bringing it down with over commercialised tourism, i liked the fact we stayed in local places and used local drivers and guides, feeding the country and not the fat cat.
David Pearce
The hype is right, the Taj Mahal really is that beautiful.
Written
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
No contest - the Taj Mahal. The most beautiful building I've ever seen.
Excellent. Gopal was consistently entertaining and enthusiastic throughout, and took great pleasure in showing us the best of his country (even taking over a hotel kitchen when he wanted us to try a recipe).
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
I found the insistence of some Indian salesmen a bit off-putting, but one year on I regret not buying more crafts in Jaipur, particularly the paintings and a larger carpet, and a marble elephant in Agra. If you like something, buy it.
The flights on Etihad were great. but if you have to spend six hours in Abu Dhabi airport, take along a few good books and an MP3 player. It's an oppressive, tedious and deeply uninteresting place, you'll need something to do.
Despite what we were told, you CAN spend rupees after passing through customs at Delhi airport.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I hope this will not be our last trip in India. It's an amazing country.
Beverley Fancote
A Wonderful Week
Written
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
He knew just how much information to give without overdoing the detail
He took us to places known only to locals - in Jaipur he took us to a wedding!!
He knew the best restaurants and was aware that we didn't have huge budgets
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
You have to be flexible especially in a country like India - don't expect the comforts of home! Don't expect things to happen when you want them to happen or how you want them to happen
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I have been on dozens of group tours - this would rate amongst the top three.
Nicola Johnston
Taj and Tigers
Written
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
If you are looking for an inspirational tour of Northern India and to get a taste for what India has to offer this is a great trip. It is worth it for the Taj Mahal alone and if you are fortunate enough to see a tiger in Rathambore, it is a remarkable experience.
One of the great things about Exodus is relaince on local group leaders and on this trip we were lucky to have a group leader who was not only very passionate about showing off India, but also enthusiastic about his role. He could not have done any more for the group.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
This trip has a lot of travelling and while there is plenty to look at out of the window, be prepared for the number of miles covered.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
If you are looking for a leisurely holiday, then this would not be the appropriate trip to choose. It covers vast distances in a relatively short period of time. As long as that is your intention, you'll have a great time.
Michael Orriss
Inspiring
Written
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The people and their view of life. Contentment for what they have now and an appreciation for what could be.
from 113 reviews.
- Exodus Staff
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