Essence of India Reviews

Great trip - saw many aspects of Indian culture. Especially interesting at this time of the festive season. Be prepared for very very busy travel on the roads - trucks, buses, cows, camels, rickshaws, motor bikes etc etc. all going in various directions!!! Many women are dressed in their beautiful sarees for this period. The trip was excellent. The ...read more tour director did a well managed itinerary and was especially knowledgeable on the history and relevance of each attraction. We saw the Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Amber Fort to name a few. Of particular interest to us were the safaris at Ranthambore National Park and it did not disappoint. We saw a tigress with her two cubs eating the kill from the previous night and then a tiger at close quarters on the afternoon safari.

The hotels were all of the best standard available in each area and we were very pleased with the accommodation and service that we received. The itinerary is full on and is jam packed to ensure that you get as much sightseeing that anyone could wish for. And not to mention the rickshaw ride around the streets of Delhi!!! Make sure that you take your heart pills before you go - but it is something not to be missed. Overall we had a tremendous time and would recommend this trip if you're thinking of travelling to the Golden Triangle.

We thoroughly enjoyed our tour, it was very well organised and so interesting. All the hotels were of a high standard, except for the Radisson at Khajuraho. Our room was alright but other tour group members requested a room change because of the low standard of cleanliness.

We were prepared for something different and India was another world! Our ...read more tour director Taj was excellent, nothing fazed him and he was very caring towards the older, less mobile tour members. He was so knowledgeable on India and Kathmandu. Having local guides was another plus. Everyone found day 9 a very long, tiring one as we arrived so late in Agra after travelling on the Shatabdi Express. The train ride was comfortable but it was dark and there wasn't much to look at outside.

We had so many interesting and great experiences too numerous to mention them all, but the tuk-tuk ride in Varanasi to the Ganges and watching the evening ceremony was an experience we'll never forget. The Taj Mahal is so beautiful, photos can't do it justice. All the meals were delicious and we were supplied with all the bottled water we needed. Anyone who is interested in India and Nepal should try and do this tour.