Land Of The Tiger

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 72 reviews.

Simon Povey

LAND OF THE TIGER

Written April 2010
Unfortunately we got stuck in Dehli because of the Icelandic volcano. It was a nightmare 10 days so spoiled things a bit but the holiday itself was spectacular and we both absolutely loved it. I would recommend it to anyone who loves animals, especially the big cats or birds. Also, Exodus as a company impressed us so much, they sorted everything. As our airline abandoned us I don't know what we would have done without the guys in customer services, they went above and beyond.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
It was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime trip to sit and watch tigers hunting in the long grass and cubs playing in the shade of a tree. We'll never forget it.
What did you think of your group leader?
Vijay was great, he knew everyone along the way and sorted everything for us. He collected together money for tips and then he took care of them as we went, this was a big relief as we didn't need to worry about tipping too much, too little or offending anyone - something that became a bit problem when we were on our own (due to the volcano).
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
India is famous for it's Dehli belly for good reason, make sure you have plenty of toilet roll, alcohol gel and soap leaves and keep them with you whenever you are out and about. Around half of our group had problems, you have to be prepared for the poor facilities when on the road. Also, be careful with the Tuk tuk drivers in Dheli as they can try to fleece you, the taxis are safer and still relatively cheap.
We flew out a day early because we know that Exodus trips tend to be 'hard core' and we didn't fancy a train journey almost immediately after a long flight. We were right to do it as the train was so late we didn't get to the lodge until after midnight and had our first game drive at 5:00 the next day! We were tired so I can't imagine how bad the rest of the group felt!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I've really taken to Exodus' ideology, it's great to know that your money goes to the right places.  Local businesses are used and local people really benefit from your visit, either directly from your business or from the fantastic projects that your trip helps to support such as the school we visited.
We also can't say enough about how well we were looked after by staff back at head office when we were stuck in Dehli and really struggling to get information locally, having them to talk to made it much more bearable and I never felt that they would let me down.
Keep up the good work!
Roger Nelson

LAND OF THE TIGER

Written March 2010
Taj Mahal, three national parks and a bird sanctuary, 128 bird species (including 88 new to me) 20 species of animal (including 14 different tigers) pleasant enough company, food and accomodation, interesting journeys by train and minibus - overall a very interesting experience (even the "Delhi-belly" on the night train!)
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Hard to decide - I am not a tiger fanatic, but seeing a tigress with three cubs kill a chital in the bushes a few yards away, and then fight off an adult male which trotted down the road looking for his share, would rate pretty highly; as would a scarlet minivet in the top of a nearby bush, catching the morning sun; or a small herd of gaur beside the road; or the first good sighting of a coppersmith barbet; ....... and the Taj Mahal lived up to expectations.
What did you think of your group leader?
Competent, efficient, and quite personable
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
(1) Take double the amount of film you expect to use, if you're using a film camera, and don't take any film slower than 200 ASA; better still, take a good quality digital camera, with universal adaptor and charger - the light in the woodland is not great, especially in early morning and late evening when most wildlife is seen
(2) Cash about £450 into rupees per person at the State Bank of India bureau de change in the airport immediately on clearing customs; that should last you the whole trip if you're not too extravagant, and you can still turn any left-over back into pounds on departure
(3) Imodium and Dioralyte have little or no effect on Indian gastrointestinal infections; chewing a bit of soap seemed to work for me
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Don't expect Indians (except schoolchildren) to be friendly and cheerful, unless they're hoping to get money from you. There's little point in learning any Hindi (except as an intellectual exercise) because they will either not reply at all, or will reply in English. I was regularly "blanked" when greeting people whilst out walking, whether I spoke in English or Hindi. (The odd more friendly one would just laugh at my pronunciation).
Bruce Baker

LAND OF THE TIGER

Written December 2009
View this holiday as a cultural experience and then any disappointment in regards to wildlife spotting will be curtailed ! Tigers were difficult to spot and the terrain in all 3 parks made it even harder . A cultural experience which was enjoyable and we did see tigers but not as many as we hoped for .
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Seeing the first tiger print -inspirational but where were they ? The groups spirits were disheartened at times but moral was positive .
What did you think of your group leader?
harish was very good , knowledgeable about everything and able to manager a diverse group very well . He also had a wicked sense of humour . At the end of our time with him two of the group had a later flight, he entertained them all day with more sight seeing -what a nice bloke .
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Take thermals -it is very cold in the morning and also consider taking something plastic to sit on so that you don't get wet.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Don't rely on the spotters - they often came across as disinterested and its the drivers who do all of the hard work ! If you have been on a safari remember this is a very different experience but definelty a " tick box" thing both in regards to the country and the tigers .
kevin beards

LAND OF THE TIGER

Written April 2009
I've been on many exciting adventures around the world and this trip was up there with the best of them! In fact,I'd say it was THE best!! -a totally unique experience,not just seeing wild tigers(although that was breathtaking) but the whole Indian experience itself was simply terrific!-I feel very priveliged to have made this trip,and my life seems so much richer for it! Thank you Exodus!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Obviously,seeing wild tigers was the main aim of this trip,and we weren't dissapointed,having about 14 sightings. However,there is much,much more to this trip.The wildlife in general is incredible,particularly the birdlife.Then there are the visits to the ancient forts and temples.The overnight train journeys are a wonderful experience as long as you accept that you are in India,and don't expect western standards! Last but not least-the extremely friendly Indian people!-the friendliest and most hospitable people I've ever met! A special mention for our guide Krishna,our guide.He was brilliant,always on hand to sort out minor problems,and nothing was too much trouble.
What did you think of your group leader?
Excellent! very knowledgeable,very friendly and humourous and very helpful!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Don't go with the sole aim of seeing tigers! You almost certainly will see them,but there is so much more than tigers in this wonderful Indian experience!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Don't think about it,Do it!!
Alastair Lloyd

LAND OF THE TIGER

Written April 2009
Overall this trip in the month of April, was an eye opener on Indian culture and way of life. From travelling on the road and rail networks, to joining a Priest precession by chance on the road, to seeing the amazing Architecture India has to offer to meeting the people, but most of all seeing the wildlife India has to offer in their natural environment. A good balance.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
• Seeing the Wildlife that the 3 parks had to offer, all 3 parks have different terrain as a backdrop for photography, but especially seeing Tigers, Leopards and Wild Dogs were all a bonus as their is no guarantee of seeing these species, unlike many of the others.
• Joining a Young Priests precession along the road, was a by chance moments as we were only on the road at that time due to our train being delayed. Every Cloud has a silver lining.
• Seeing the amazing Architecture, especially the Taj Mahal at both Sunset and Sunrise and the old forts situated within some of the parks.
What did you think of your group leader?
You couldn't fault the leader, very knowledgeable, helpful and funny. Made every effort to include everyone in the group of 16.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
April is a good month to travel in for Wildlife sightings although the parks get very dusty (I saw 12 different tigers, 3 Leopards, a pack of Wild Dogs on 2 occasion, along with Crocodiles, Monkeys, Wildbore, Gaur, Indian Cows, some Mongooses, loads of different Deer species and hundreds of different birds, plus Lizards, Turtles and huge Butterfly's. But I didn't get to see a Sloth beer up close, I was to slow, but some of the group did.
The temperature was rising day by day and is manageable if you like it hot, but you can't stay under the midday Sun for to long. If taking camera equipment take either a dust cover or a light coloured T-Shirt to cover and protect Camera/Lenses from the Sun and Dust and also a beanbag to rest the camera when not shooting by free hand.
If you are considering taking a camera a 100-400mm lens is a good balance for the wildlife, for birds something with more range 600-800 may be better although my 100-400mm has got excellent shoots when the birds were relatively close. I would also recommend a 18+mm for architecture.
About £500-600 should cover you for the Trip + extra drives + the odd gift (based on 70 Rupees to £1).
Don't forget to take a decent pair of Binoculars
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The Wildlife Park's can get very dust in April (not sure how bad it is in other month). If you have a bad back I would carefully reconsider doing this trip as the Canter along with the Jeeps make for a bumpy journey around the terrain of the Parks.
Be prepared to haggle when buying gifts.
betty cadden

LAND OF THE TIGER

Written April 2009
Seeing wild tigers in their natural environment made the holiday. The emotion and thrill of witnessing the tiger spectacle is a personal experience never to be forgotten.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The most inspirational moment was experienced in Banhavgarh N.P. watching a male and female tiger pairing while we were on an elephant and due to the terrain we were eye to eye at close quarters.
What did you think of your group leader?
Harish Kumar- exceptional knowledge of wild life and nature.He was organised and communicated events with care and attention. He looked after different requirements of each member with professional attention and detail.He enhanced ever aspect of this excellent holiday.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Tipping does eat into your holiday budget! During March dust is a big problem, mosquitos less so so but it still worth taking precautions. It is cool early morning, hot in the afternoon but bearable. The food was very good the lodges but suggest eat vegetarian.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
We consider a visit to the best bird sancturary in the world at Keoladeo is essential. An extesion for 3-4 days at Jim Corbett N.P. would have been welcomed. All the field guides/drivers at the parks were very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable but Mukesh at Banhavgarh was excpetional. It was appreciated and sensible to have a good class hotel in Delhi for the end of the tour. (Connaught Hotel) We will be looking at what Exodus have to offer in other locations.
Jackie Abell

LAND OF THE TIGER

Written January 2009
If you want a real taste of India, then this is the trip for you! This is a wonderful opportunity to experience Indian life and culture, and to see tigers in the wild.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Seeing the tigers in the wild! To experience tigers in their natural habitat is a real privilege, and if one looks you in the eye you can't help but feel honoured!
What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader was really knowledgeable and friendly. He was an excellent guide who advised and guided us throughout our trip. I would recommend him highly to Exodus as a valuable asset to your team.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
To bring more money than you think you need! Tipping is customary in India, and the advice from Exodus is a little bit misleading and vague. Every member of our group ran out of money during the holiday, due to the constant tipping we were expected to do. It's also extremely difficult to get hold of more money in India. Many of us couldn't use the ATMS, despite having Visa and Mastercard. For most of the holiday you won't have access to ATMS as you're out in the countryside (and the parks), so we were constantly worried about running out of money when we realised how much we got through simply on tips. Personally I would recommend a good £500 simply on tips. Meals are relatively cheap. We ran out of money and most of us didn't buy a single souvenir! If you find yourself in possession of rupees (unlikely!) at the end of the holiday, you will not be able to use these at Delhi airport as they don't accept them (they deal mostly in US dollars and UK sterling). Add them to your guide's tip!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
This is a really enjoyable holiday.
Exodus Response
I thank Dr Abell for her review and am glad she had such a fantastic trip.
It obviously concerns me that this passenger says that such a large amount of money was required for tipping alone. If a passenger chooses to partake in all 6 optional game-drives, and the other optional activities on this trip, then the costs will rise.
I will certainly be keeping an eye on this matter and will modify trip notes when needed. Feedback such as this allows us to monitor and continually improve our trips.
Katherine Tory, Product Executive for India

- Exodus Staff

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Our Clients’ Reviews

LAND OF THE TIGER

LAND OF THE TIGER

LAND OF THE TIGER

LAND OF THE TIGER

LAND OF THE TIGER

LAND OF THE TIGER

LAND OF THE TIGER

Exodus Response