Reviews

Review 1

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Varanasi was the most dramatic (traumatic?). We saw abject poverty alongside beauty. Tordi Garh gave us hope for the future devlopment of Indian villages.

What did you think of your tour leader?

He was great and very helpful. Got the balance between giving us direction and giving us freedom of choice just right.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Take everything recommended in the pre-travel advice leaflet. Try and buy an Indian sim card when you first get there - it is much cheaper to call home with it.

Sum your holiday up in one sentence

Life changing

Reviewed by Peter Hopkins who travelled in April 2012

Review 2

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

All of it! Truly unforgettable especially Varanasi and the visit to Tordi Garh.

What did you think of your tour leader?

The tour leader, Yadu, was excellent. We couldn't have asked for someone better!

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

As much as is possible from a 2 week trip to a country!

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Go on this tour!

Reviewed by Lisa Drury who travelled in October 2010

Review 3

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Whilst walking around a temple in Varanasi we came across an English school. They asked us for our help with their lesson and we spent about an hour with them. The kids were so genuine, polite and enthusiastic and it was completely impromptu, I will never forget it.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Our tour leader was amazing! Very knowledgeable and helpful. One day I got very ill and had very intense stomach pains and was in agony, he called the doctor and arranged for me to stay longer at the hotel until I recovered. The manager of the hotel then drove me two hours to meet up with the group later on that day. This was so reassuring and it was all done without any fuss.

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Vish made sure we only used local services and stores so that we could put our money back into the local economy. We helped with the lesson as well and this was a learning opportunity for both sides.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

Yes, whilst walking through Tordi Garh the waiter at the hotel introduced us to his family and we saw his house. The sleeper train also got us on familiar terms with other people.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Go to India!!! But take a torch and lots of Imodium.

Reviewed by Lisa Mountain who travelled in April 2010