2 independent reviews for India wildlife and culture tour, Rajasthan
Reviews for India wildlife and culture tour, Rajasthan
Val Cardwell review 1 Mar 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
We were lucky to get close up to tigers in Ranthambore, we enjoyed exploring magnificent buildings and admiring superb craftsmanship. In rural Rajasthan we saw wonderful countryside and wildlife but some of the most memorable things were spontaneous events and interaction with people.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Trust the tour operator to work in your best interest. Be flexible, try new things, interact with people; if there is something you particularly want to do - ask. On a practical level a dust mask or scarf may be useful, and take a large memory card for all those photos. Try a few words of Hindi!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, very definitely. Most of the accommodation used was family run, employing local people, especially in the more rural areas. Meals were usually made from very local produce. There was opportunity to purchase locally made crafts, and to see artisans at work in the villages. Five of the places we stayed specifically supported wildlife conservation projects, replacing hunting of eg. leopard with eco tourism.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
This was one of the best vacations we have had, the organisation, attention to detail and thoughtfulness left us completely free to enjoy all the new experiences in a totally stress-free way. We learnt a lot about the culture of Rajasthan(ancient and modern) and also had great fun, lots of laughs and have come home with many many happy memories. Thank you.Chris Hunt review 6 Oct 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
In our 3 weeks we had so many highlights -Delhi a very intense city - a person in our group called it --compressed humanity---walk through the spice markets, the kitchen at a Sikh Temple where they feed the poor -you can help out. All the forts, temples & mosques are so very different because there are so many different gods. A village lady who, as the goats were being brought in made us a cup of hot tea as soon as they were milked -very nice. Village children --all want you to take their picture or have you be in theirs. A nights stay in the Princess Room at Roopangarh Fort -beautiful room & location --we were very spoiled. Ajunta & Ellora caves -like nothing you've ever seen.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Challenge yourself to do something different. See the main sights but get off the regular tourist trail a bit & see some of the real India- at times it's confronting but there's always something different around the next corner. Try train travel it's not like on the TV -air-conditioned - sleepers - safe & secure. We went in September -still a bit warm. Our tour operator said our next trip should be in October/November-a bit cooler. Try the local street food -your guide knows where it's good to eat -5 of us the trip & nobody got Delhi belly or anything like that. Our guides told us about Indian people- how they live, eat, pray, their schooling, history, arranged marriages - a lot of information. We flew into Delhi -train to Agra then driving over about 2 weeks to Udaipur -fly to Mumbai then overnight sleeper to Aurangobad for the Ellora & Adjunta caves & then fly out of Mumbai.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Our guides took us to small villages off the beaten track. We saw the local hand manufacture of clothing, rugs, mortar & pestles, brightly coloured ribbons, sesame oil, bangles & much more & we went home with our bags full. We bought pens & exercise books & took them to a local school in Roopangarh village, spent some time & learned how the children spend their school day. The conservation work being done by Ravi Ji at Jagnath Wildlife Safari refuge in Dhawla Village is commendable & the night drive through the wilderness was very rewarding. We also were guests of Pushpendra & his team at the Varawal Leopard camp. His passion & knowledge of the local Leopards -where to see them, what their habits are, how they move around & their population growth was exemplary.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
This trip was so good we will be going back. We are Australians -we have 24 million people -in total. Mumbai has 22 million in one city. Our land mass is twice that of India. Our tour operator did an exceptional job of looking after the 5 of us -their organisation was flawless. We changed the itinerary a few times & they were more than happy to do that We went on an affordable trip - if it's 3 or 5 star accommodation no matter where the care & experience will be the same --- unforgettable.Holiday Reviews
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