Most Inspirational Moment
There were so many highlights from which to choose but I think my favourite was the visit to the fort at Bundi. I had never heard of this town, but was blown away by the beauty and solitude of this abandoned palace with its pristine frescoes. And to have the place virtually to ourselves was amazing! Although not to everyone's taste, I also really enjoyed getting caught up in the chaotic crowds in the tail end of the religious procession in Pushkar; swiftly followed by the crush of a political rally further down the same road! We were enveloped in local life in all its chaotic colour.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Navin was knowledgable, caring, well-organised and appears to know just about every chai seller in India ;). His skills go far beyond that of the standard tourist guide to encompass finding lost wallets in a strange town, fixing leaking toilets and removing ticks from guests' legs ;). Whenever there was any query or problem, Navin always had our backs and got it sorted pronto. Thank you, Navin!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don't rely on laundry being done in the hotels, be prepared to handwash stuff instead if necessary. The drives between towns can be long and the roads are so bumpy it can be difficult to read. But there is so much to see outside the window of the van, you need never be bored! Take a warm layer to counteract the efficiency of the aircon in the van! Leave your presuppositions at home and throw yourself into the sights, colours, sounds, sensations of this fabulous place, you will never forget it.