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...

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  Jean Wisby

  LAND OF THE TIGER

  

  Written December 2008

  This was an unforgettable trip. The organization was excellent. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The sighting of eight tigers, and the painted storks plus the numerous variety of beautiful birds.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Hemal is a knowledgable and caring group leader. His hard work and foresight ensured that every member of the group gained the maximum benefit from the trip. We were fortunate to have a leader who is a qualified naturalist.  

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  If highly spiced food at every meal is not to your liking just ask for an omelette and chips.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Travelling by coach through the towns and villages of rural India opened our eyes to a completely different way of life.

  We recommend that anyone considering this trip to do it. A fantastic experience.

   
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  Mary Page

  LAND OF THE TIGER

  

  Written April 2008

  A great trip for those who want to have the chance to see tigers in the wild but with the added bonus of the Taj Mahal and the unique experience of travelling on Indian trains.   

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Watching a sleeping tiger wake up, stretch, yawn and saunter off into the grass as if the presence of several overawed humans was just another minor irritation to be taken in its stride.

  Meeting the children at the school in Tala, whose lessons are spent sitting on the floor but whose manners are impeccable, enthusiasm infectious and curiosity unbounded. 

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Harish Kumar was an excellent group leader.  His knowledge of wildlife, especially birds, was outstanding and he did his job professionally and with great humour and patience. 

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  It can be very dusty on the game drives so take a stuff bag or piece of cloth to protect your camera.  You'll need to have it ready for use at a moments notice and if you keep it in a case that will just get covered in dust too.  It is very cold early morning and especially when the jeeps get up speed so take a warm fleece and lots of layers.  I even wore a hat and gloves on some mornings. Don't forget your universal plug for the sinks and some comfy trousers to sleep in on the train. We found that showing photos of our family were a great idea when sharing train compartments with other Indian families.  Even with no Hindi on our part or English on theirs it was a great way to get to know people.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Get used to being the centre of attention and curiosity wherever you go.  We ended up being followed by crowds of curious people who just wanted to find out what we were doing in their town.  There was no aggression, just curiosity and the odd bit of English practice.  Be prepared for an assault on your senses  ........... noise, colour, smells, taste.  It can seem overwhelming after a night flight but you'll soon be loving it.   

   
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  Patricia Wakeland

  LAND OF THE TIGER

  

  Written April 2008

  A fascinating experience although I seemed to be back of the queue when it came to having a good view of the tigers.   

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  My first view of the Taj Mahal (from the other side of the river at the rear) was awesome and the tut tut journey through Agra was an experience not to be missed.

  Any glimpse of a tiger made all the waiting worthwhile.

  The colour of the women's saris inspired me to take more photographs than I perhaps would have otherwise. 

   

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Our group leader was extremely affable, though some of his explanations were long winded.  He appeared to be very organised and enjoyed being control, although we had more than one misunderstanding.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Your clothes on the game drives will get very dusty,  although it does wash out fairly easily.

  Keep asking questions about 'the tiger show' if you are not sure that you understand.  The procedure could be explained quite simply, but our group leader mixed in his own opinion whilst telling us.

  Bottom wipes may come in useful.  I took probiotics to help with any potential digestive disorders but still got the 'Delhi Belly'.

  Tripods are not allowed into the Taj Mahal, or placed on the ground outside of your jeep in the reserves.  There is little opportunity to use tripods on this holiday. 

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  If you buy a DVD from Bandavgarh, check it.  Ours is scratched and won't play.  

   
• 

  Ian Duffy

  LAND OF THE TIGER - March 2008

  

  Written April 2008

  This was a wonderful trip - far more than I was hoping for, especially with the incredible tiger sightings. You always hear beforehand about India being a sensory overload and there being extreme poverty. You may think that you know about this but being there is another matter entirely. It is impossible not to be charmed by the country, its people and the wildlife, yet be left deeply affected by the social (in)justice aspects. In my opinion Exodus is trying to make a positive contribution in this area. They don't always get it quite right but I am proud to have travelled with them on this adventure. You can see some of my photos from this trip at http://www.flickr.com/photos/ianduffy/sets/72157604349127346 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  There were so many to choose from. We saw tiger on 6 out of 9 game drives, and Bandhavgarh and Agra were particularly spectacular. But the joy of the trip is the breadth of experiences and stories that you take home with you.

  So let me tell you about driving in India, and the time we were stopped by a corrupt policeman looking for a bribe...

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Our tour leader Hemal Dey was excellent. He could not have done more to look after the needs of the group. He was really friendly and engaging as well as being incredibly knowledgeable on most subjects relating to India, the parks and the wildlife. He was everything you would want a tour leader to be.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  You have very little access to credit card facilities. Take about £500 in cash with you and convert it all into Rupees at Delhi airport. Some dollar travellers cheques are a good idea for backup. Be prepared to haggle when buying anything, but don't think that you automatically get a bargain just by being in India. You will be able to achieve a fair price for goods that you would not otherwise be able to source cheaply in the UK. You will need a variety of notes - take 500 and 1000 Rupee notes for settling hotel bills, 100 Rupee notes for most purchases and 10/20 Rupee notes for toilets etc.

  It is cold on the early morning game drives, even approaching summer. Believe the Exodus travel advice about taking a waterproof and a warm layer! Comfortable clothes are important, particularly ones that can be washed and dried quickly.

  Carry a small bottle of alcohol handwash at all times. A loo roll in your bag can also be a good idea for the train journeys!

  If you are a photographer then take some dust covers or stuff sacks to protect your gear. And be prepared to clean the camera sensor after each game drive! You can also never have a long enough lens for the game drives. I was working with a 400mm lens most of the time and this was just about OK. You do not have the facility to use a tripod so bring a bean bag to rest the camera on the vehicle fittings. Oh, and charge your batteries at every available opportunity! I took about 16GB of memory cards, which I found sufficient to cover all the different locations we visited.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  This might seem obvious, but there can be misunderstandings caused by language. Ask simple, straightforward questions and make sure everyone understands each other. I had a much richer experience by getting under the skin of the places we visited and not just taking the standard tourist offer in terms of food choices, hiring additional vehicles to give more space on game drives etc. Be friendly to all the hotel staff and your tour leader and you'll be amazed at just how much better an already incredible trip can get!

   
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  Helen Yarrow

  LAND OF THE TIGER

  

  Written April 2008

  The trip of a lifetime - fantastic itinerary for wildlife lovers with a taste of cultural India too. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The afternoon when leaving a park when we saw a leopard and a male tiger in the space of a few minutes.

  Did not want to stop looking at the Taj Mahal.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Made the trip - his enthusiasm for wildlife was infectious. He quickly understood the focus of the group (wildlife) and worked the itinerary to best advantage.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Get lots of cash out as opportunities to withdraw money are limited (airport and Agra main opportunities) and optional drives are a must.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  A huge thank you to all involved - Harish our local guide and everyone involved at Exoducs in the UK.

   
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  Clare Davies

  LAND OF THE TIGER

  

  Written April 2008

  I was convinced we would be the only group to not see tigers but I saw lots - 15 sightings in total. It was amazing and I didn't want the trip to end. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  On one long bus journey (there are a few!) I sat with my head out of the window and was amazed by the number of people who smiled and waved as we sped past. The people were incredibly friendly and their smiles brightened my day.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Harish was great - he arranged for us to have extra tiger drives, took us behind the Taj Mahal for our reflection photos, took us shopping in Delhi after our tour had ended and booked the Bukara resturant for our last night. I couldn't have asked for more.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  If you want english food stay in England or pack your case full of emergency rations. This trip allows you to experience a big chunk of India in a short time - that means lots of curry, dodgy toilets, early starts and long dusty journeys. If you can't face this try West Midlands Safari park - they have tigers and english food! This trip is really rewarding and I loved the different varieties of curry, even at breakfast.

  Tip - book an extra day off when you get home, it'll be your first lie in for weeks!

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Things to pack - tolerance, a sense of humour and a really good camera and lens (400mm plus). You are going to see tigers in their natural environment; you are one of few and may be one of the last. Enjoy the honour.

   
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  Iden L Hall

  LAND OF THE TIGER

  

  Written April 2008

  Land of the tiger shows a good range of India's amazing diversity in your 2 weeks. But of course, the tigers are the focal point. And we saw 2 in our first game drive hour! 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Difficult to say as so many evocative images: the adrenaline of seeing a tiger through the marsh at Bandhavgar with only 1 other jeep, the anticipation immediately after as we see a nervous chital deer sensing the tiger's approach. The peace of the Taj Mahal. The sensory assault that is Delhi train station. Driving across the flowing fields of Rajasthan.?  

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Shelly was invaluable. Very good on the history and his local knowledge saved us being hassled by hawkers, got us good food etc Made the holiday stress free as a holiday should be.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Take immodium with you. Some of the travelling is tiring.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  I expected a lot from India. And I wasn't disappointed. I didn't expect to be able to relax in the pool in the midday heat! India was a lot more lush than I expected. The cities are full of space & colour as well as history. The parks are FULL of wildlife so when you are waiting for something amazing you can be content with a bright blue roller flying by, or snap away at the grazing deer. And I didn't really think I would see tigers in the 3 parks, 9 in total: I was just hoping to see them on the trip. Great trip.

   

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