Architecture Trip and Success with the Tigers
Firstly we had one of the best tiger viewings our guide had seen in awhile. It carried a fresh kill right infront of our truck in the morning and in the afternoon we found a small family of tigers and we watched them Eat and play just a stones throw away from us. This trip takes in so much Beautiful Architecture. Of course there is the Taj Mahal but other less known forts are very impressive, very detailed and much more preserved than I was expecting. I do wish it had more time inside the cities to see more 'real life' india. We were bused from hotel door to fort entrance a lot which is the easiest way and probably the best in the heat but you do feel like you miss whats going on around. I would have liked more time to weave the small streets of Jodhpur with the Blue houses and to experience 'markets' rather than rest-stop giftshops. This trip was very busy but we covered a lot of areas and you cant help the distance required to get to each one. Bus journeys were long but roads are improving and times are getting quicker. There are plenty of stops, if you are someone who doesnt need to stop these can feel frustrating or like the journeys are longer than necessary but its a group tour and there are always others that appreciate the rest stop - and you have to think of the driver. Meals in hotels were reasonable but restaurants and especially some lunch stops were more expensive than you would expect for India as they were touristy but its probably better than getting unwell, this trip is too busy to be risking that.
Most Inspirational Moment
The tiger viewing in Ranthambore has to be the best thing, it was so special and knowing that sightings are not guaranteed made it even more a highlight. The Taj Mahal, i had always been keen to see it but I struggled to peel myself away from it - it was stunning - not just the building but just how its presented and there is something about it that does feel so special when you are there - we had fab weather too!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our Guide Manoj was so knowledgeable, extremally passionate about working for Exodus and being a guide. Had a good sense of humour. There is a lot of information to take in and it can be difficult to understand some things but he was very patient and happy to re-explain. Very organised and professional but he did walk quick, if you want to keep taking photos you will be doing a lot of catching up!
Advice for Potential Travellers
You have to go on this expecting the unexpected otherwise you wont enjoy. You have to go with the flow and just accept the country you are in is probably like nowhere you have been before. Be flexible. Expect things in the hotels to not always work - wifi, hairdryer etc. You are not in hotels long enough to worry about its facilities just take them for what they are otherwise its not the right tour for you and you will let little details ruin your holiday. Binoculars for Ranthambore or a camera with a good zoom! Also there are so many different birds in India! Atm withdrawals are the best for cash, most places take card but not everywhere and sometimes the guide will arrange things and you pay him so some cash is needed. Places of worship are only the official places you need to have shoulders and knees covered but it was more comfortable as a women to just have trousers/long skirts on everywhere. Easy shoes to get on and off at temples and socks if you dont want to be bare foot. Take cards/books/download movies - there is a lot of bus time
Suggestions
If internet access regularly is important to you , get an indian sim card at the airport arrivals hall. Expect queues and a long process though and if the transfer bus cant wait for you it might resolve in you getting a taxi to the hotel. I think outside airport its hard if you are not a resident. Wifi is available but cannot be relied on/can be weak/not everyone could connect.
