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.

Ian Richards

HIGHLIGHTS OF NORTHERN INDIA

Written March 2012
India is a truly amazing country and the adventure tested all of our senses. Extraordinary sights of people in abject poverty, surrounded with rubbish, contrasted with awesome scenic views. Alonside the richness of the architecture and beautiful colours life in the raw continues.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The first view of the Taj Mahal in the early morning through the main gate was 'breathtaking'.
What did you think of your group leader?
Mayur was quite exceptional. His depth of knowledge on a whole raft of subjects from historical data to his recommendations on local cuisine and his very evident pride in his coutry were second to none.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Go with an open mind and be prepared for the totally unexpected. Overnight train journeys were the biggest challenge; privacy is non existent and a light weight sleeping bag would be useful. Bacterial hand wipes & washes were invaluable. The pace is fast, be prepared for late nights and early mornings. However, we would not have missed it.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
A wonderful trip which only scratches the surface of what India has to offer. Truly memorable and we hope to go back again to continue the journey.
Tracey Rodger

HIGHLIGHTS OF NORTHERN INDIA

Written March 2012
Exactly what it says on the tin - many highlights, very quickly - a bit of a whirlwind trip compared to most others I've already done, but very rewarding none the less.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Its a wellknown cliche, but the first sight of the Taj Mahal is unforgettable, though likewise watching the colours of the buildings make themselves apparent as the sun rose at Varanassi.
I love the sheer scale of variety seen on India's streets as people get on with their lives, or sit back streetside to enjoy each others company.
What did you think of your group leader?
Mayur is a lovely guy, extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Would love to head back some time to do longer in the National Parks and would definately be asking if he was guiding any so could benefit again from his experiences.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Minimise meat intake?!?! Had been warned but had previously lived in Sri Lanka without upset so didn't listen - forget Delhi Belly - I got 'the varanassi's' as we coined it and it was a couple of days of truly grimness.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Loved it! Was everything I expected it to be and then some - good group and all transporting relatively timely so did at least manage to get the odd moment of 'free' time, but beware it is literally odd moments. I had another trip to join that was slightly more leisurely in nature but felt a bit sorry for those who were returning straight back to work in UK as they were all feeeling a bit knackered!
Wanda Bentley

HIGHLIGHTS OF NORTHERN INDIA

Written March 2012
A dream come true. Whirlwhind to say the least and not for the faint-hearted! Having said that, it was everything I had hoped for and a lot more!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The welcome we got in the little village we visited, the first view of the Taj Mahal, "Main Street" Jaipur, watching the sunrise on the Ganges in Varanasi, Mahatma Gandi museum, seeing a tiger up close!
What did you think of your group leader?
Pravar was the ideal leader - organised, knowledgeable, very likeable personality with a great sense of humour, and took a genuine interest in each member of the group ensuring everyone's well-being.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Ladies should wear sports bras - especially if sitting on the back seat of the bus! Despite following all the safeguards closely, almost everyone developed one form of Delhi Belly or another. Locally bought medication was very effective and cheap as chips! I believe the local "dioralite" equivalent is vile so bring your own. We had excellent advice from Pravar (tour leader) to drink loads of water right from the start and so drink it whether you feel like it or not. You will be surprise how little you pee!

My friend and I travelled from Manchester - arrival at aiport 3 hours before flight, 8 hour flight to Dubai, then a 3 hour wait at Dubai for the connection to Delhi, then another 3-4 hours. The long drive from Delhi aiport to our first night-stop (Jaipur) on top of everything was a killer. I would certainly recommend getting to Delhi the day before and getting a decent night's sleep ahead of the bone-shaker bus ride to Jaipur!

We chose the evening flight to return to the UK so it meant we had a full day in Delhi - ideal for hiring a taxi from the hotel (1700 rupees for 8 hours or 80km) for sightseeing. There were 6 of us sharing and we paid 300 rupees each (just over £4!)
Is there anything else you would like to add?
If you wear contact lenses, bring your glasses! Ranthambhore Park was very dusty and although I had wrap- around sports sunglasses, the dust still got in and killed! Don't bring too many clothes! You can rinse through at night and it will be dry by morning. Enjoy the warmth and friendliness of the Indian people!
Christopher Russell

HIGHLIGHTS OF NORTHERN INDIA

Written February 2012
Really well organised and balanced itinerary - great and informative guide who added some really excellent touches e.g. bollywood film. Will be recommending to others and will consider other exodus trips in the future
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The 'Taj' and seeing a tiger
What did you think of your group leader?
Excellent - really added to the enjoyment of the whole experience
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
We went end of January/early February - be prepared to wear layers for early starts
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Thank you
Ian King

HIGHLIGHTS OF NORTHERN INDIA

Written February 2012
A great experience. An excellent itinerary, a great guide, a good group of co-travellers and a fascinating country.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Either seeing a tiger in Ranthambore park or the trip to the Taj Mahal.
What did you think of your group leader?
Excellent. Everything was really well organised and our every need was taken care of. Our guide was very experienced and his knowledge of the places we were visiting was great. The little things that our guide did were able to turn what would have been a good trip into a great one.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
The trip is quite fast paced which may not be to everyone's liking. I would recommend taking sufficient warm clothing if you travel during the winter months.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
If you haven't been to India - just book yourself on this trip!
Nicky Dowey

HIGHLIGHTS OF NORTHERN INDIA

Written February 2012
Brilliant trip I will remember for the rest of my life. Really opened my eyes to a different culture and well organised and our group was very well looked after by our guide Jito.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
I loved the Taz Mahal trip, so beautiful! I payed £1 to get on the back of an elephant in the middle of a river and let the elephant hose me down with water. Souveneers are so affordable and really different. It was amazing to be part of a different culture- saw painted elephants walking down the middle of Delhi! Had a tuk tuk ride( indian taxi) round town at high speed- very fun. Seeing the holy men wearing loin cloths and smoking marajuanna probably shocked me the most. The temples history and religions of india is well explained by local guides in each area and all questions are welcomed and answered well.
What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader was a very kind humble man- a traditional hindu and he loved his job ( highly coveted in his country) and took superb care of us. Nothing was too much. When we had spare time he would help us to get taxis, advise us on the best restaurants to go to and often spent his spare time with us and we all got along well. Couldnt say a bad thing about him or the holiday.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
I think everyone in our group did get diarrhoea or vomiting at some point in the trip through no fault of our own, so I would advise immodium and to be aware there is a high potential the same may happen to you.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Be aware you may witness some extreeme poverty which can be a little upsetting and you will be asked for money or food from beggars and street children. Also if you have white skin the indian people will want to get a photo of you. Some will ask and pose with you but other times you will be snapped unawares.
Ruth Flowers

HIGHLIGHTS OF NORTHERN INDIA

Written January 2012
My return to India, as a tourist, lived up to all expectations. The colours, the smells, the beautiful palaces. A busy trip that was very well organised and one that I would definitely recommend. All the hotels were to a very good standard with only a few bathroom problems! Sticking to purely vegetarian food I suffered no tummy problems. Whenever I think about my time in Inida I am left with a HUGE smile!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Stepping into the outer courtyard of the Taj Mahal was an extremely emotional moment. I am not sure why the tears came, I think it was the pure beauty and wonderful atmosphere. This was definitely the highlight of the tour for me and we had plenty of time to take in all the beauty of the Taj Mahal and the surrounding buildings.
The train journeys were quite an experience. We travelled to Varanasi on New Year's Eve and before boarding the train we sang Auld Land Syne to the other passengers on the platform. From the bemused look on the many Indian faces they clearly had not heard the song before!!
What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader Ronit was a star. One of the group proved to be very difficult but he dealt with her in a very calm and toally professional manner.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Always carry tissues for the impromptu toilet stops!
Small gifts, pencils/biscuits, would be very useful to carry to hand out to the many children that follow you.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
We encountered bad weather, very foggy mornings and in Varanasi we had torential rain, so it would be good to have a back-up plan if an itinerary item cannot take place. We missed three sunrise experiences; Ranthambore game drive, sunrise at Taj Mahal and the morning boat trip in Varanasi. Even though we were all grateful for the extra time in the mornings we did lose out on events we were looking forward to.