Highlights of Northern India Discovery Holiday

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

Average Review Rating: from 113 reviews.

Linda Furnell

HIGHLIGHTS OF NORTHERN INDIA

Written October 2012
In terms of sightseeing and getting to understand more about the culture and the history of the country this trip totally fulfilled my expectations.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Being in Varanasi was probably the highlight for me. The sun setting and rising over the Ganges.
What did you think of your group leader?
The group leader was exceptional. He really made the trip. I couldn't imagine doing it without him. Apart from being extremely knowledgeable he was totally reliable and had excellent communication and personal skills.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Be prepared for long hours of travel. The timings are only estimated and depend on congestion on the roads and railways.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
At 65 years of age and female I had concerns about this holiday, particularly the rail journeys. However, in reality I coped extremely well and had no regrets at all about booking it. It was a wonderful experience and I met some delightful people. We're even having a reunion in London in 2013.
Michelle Tulip

HIGHLIGHTS OF NORTHERN INDIA

Written August 2012
A trip to remember.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Probably the Taj Mahal, it is truly beautiful. An area of calm away from the bustling streets and tooting vehicles. Just as stunning up close as at a distance and a perfect place for some group photos to remember your trip!
We also had a guided village walk, this was great to be amongst the villagers, they were welcoming and probably as interested in us as we were in them!
Varanasi was also one of our favourite places, different sights and smells everywhere you turn - fruit stalls, animals, scarf shops, tuk tuks, religious people – non-stop!

What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader Yaddu was very knowledgeable, and answered all our many questions! We found him very helpful and approachable and only to happy to go out of his way to help.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
It is a full on trip so expect to be travelling a lot, but it is worth it - you can still see some interesting sights from the comfort of the coach. The second train journey is a long one so be prepared for that, we slept better than expected but some other group members didn't find it that comfortable. Its certainly an experience!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
If you want to see as much as you can of Northern India in a short time this trip is for you, elephant rides, Bollywood, camels, monkeys and of course lots of cows! A great experience with friendly people, there is little order to India but that is what makes it so interesting. Our only reccommendations to Exodus would be to offer an optional flight choice instead of the second train trip, as by this point in the holiday everyone was quite exhausted and would probably be happy to pay a little extra to avoid the 14 hour train trip. A more luxurious hotel on the last night would have also been nice. The one we stayed in was clean but a bit dated.
Charlene McGowan

HIGHLIGHTS OF NORTHERN INDIA

Written August 2012
This was a once in a life time tour. Very tiring but worth it when arriving at each destination. Only down side was train journey back- if there was an option for a flight (which some on the tour did) then this should be offered. Definatley a tour not to be missed.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
the people - despite the poverty and the lack of modern facilities they are the most welcoming and colourful people.
What did you think of your group leader?
First class leader who looked after us all exceptionally well. His knowledge of the area was second to none.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Be prepared for the poverty and living conditions in some of the villages it's like nothing you have ever experienced but worth every minute
Harriet McGall

HIGHLIGHTS OF NORTHERN INDIA

Written April 2012
From start to finish, this action filled, culturally enriching, and thoroughly inspired adventure kept me entertained, educated and fulfilled for each and every moment of the 9 days. The guide was excellent and his attentiveness to detail and to each individual made everyone feel appreciated, valued and special.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Everyday had a least one inspirational moment--staying in the palace where Princess Diane and Prince Charles had stayed, spending the morning at the Taj Mahal, participating in the Flower Ceremony on the Ganges, riding the Indian trian, shopping in the market, studying Hindu and Muslim houses of worship...and the list goes on!

Each experience was new and thrilling. Living through these magical moments day by day made the 9 days evaporate into thin air all too quickly!
What did you think of your group leader?
The leader was perfect! He was a very gentle and happy soul who listened and responded to every need of every passenger. He was extremely well organized, knowledgable and knew just how much information and time was needed during the visits to the sites. He kept things moving, and he always had a kind word, and a gentle but firm approach to guests who were late or did things that they were not supposed to. I liked to refer to him as "dad", even though he was certainly young enough to be my son!!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Make sure that you drink lots of water and go to bed early!! You need your beauty rest if you are to really enjoy all that this trip has to offer!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Please support Exodus--this is my second trip with them, and as a single, I found it to be a wonderful way to meet new friends, and to travel safely in exotic lands. Way to go, Exodus!
Judith Underwood

HIGHLIGHTS OF NORTHERN INDIA

Written April 2012
Northern India was a wonderful and very different experience and we are so glad that we went on this trip.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Without a shadow of a doubt both of us said the Taj Mahal, a building unlike any other, with such a sense of peace and tranquility. Our goup leader Veerendra got our group there to be first into the Taj Mahal enabling us to get some wonderful pictures with no crowds. Fantastic!
What did you think of your group leader?
Veerendra is such a lovely man. always smiling and always calm in the midst of the chaos that is Northern India. Nothing was too much trouble for Veerendra and everything worked like clockwork transport, timing etc.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
You have to accept Northern India for what it is, there is a good chance you will get an upset stomach even if you follow all the eating guidelines, but it's not a bad thing to come back from your holiday 4lb's lighter! The vegetarian dishes are an absolute delight - so much choice. I was worried about the Agra to Varanasi train journey and there was no need to be it was an unusual but enjoyable experience.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
We were with such a lovely group of fourteen other people who between them had a wealth of travel experience and stories, meaning that our travel wish list has now grown even longer.
Edward Yandzio

HIGHLIGHTS OF NORTHERN INDIA

Written April 2012
The holiday produced everything it promised. Our outstanding guide (Mahindra Sunni) ensured that we had the best possible experience.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Visiting the Taj Mahal early in the morning avoiding crowds and the boat trips along the Ganges.
What did you think of your group leader?
Mahindra Sunni was outstanding. He was always attentive, went out of his way to help everybody and fulfill particular requests to ensure all members of the group had the best posssible experience. He is a very nice guy.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
For the over night sleeper train I would advise you take your own thin sleeping bag as the quality of bed wear provided was variable.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Intensive schedule but very rewarding experience.
henry egerton

HIGHLIGHTS OF NORTHERN INDIA

Written April 2012
this is a very intense trip,every day is busy but with immense variaty
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
seeing a tiger in it's natural environment
What did you think of your group leader?
our tour leader was very knowledgable and helpful
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
bring antibiotics!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
as usual Exodus come up tops!