11 independent reviews for North India cultural tour
Reviews for North India cultural tour
Alexandra Bjurstrom review 28 Mar 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Our guide Dinesh V. went above and beyond everyday to make sure we got the best out of every experience. Though the early rise was hard, he was absolutely right encouraging us to lineup at 4am for the Taj Mahal. Being the first people in at sunrise was the high list of the trip.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Bring less clothing than you think you need. It’s so heavy, and anything you desperately need, you can buy for very cheap.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, we were always introduced to local artisans, encouraged to dress respectfully as the locals do, and did not participate in any activities where animals were treated poorly.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
10/10. I was nervous about a large tour group, but everything went perfectly. I know that this is so much to do with Dinesh’s generosity and commitment to his job, and am so grateful.Hannah Bennett review 18 Feb 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Visiting Varanasi2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be flexible and open-minded.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, trip supported local businesses4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A great adventureSue Loughran review 5 Feb 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
What an amazing trip! Where do I begin. I guess by praising our tour leader 'Ronny' {Ranobir Guhawho} was flawless, making sure everything ran smoothly and efficiently' dealing with each problem with the minimum fuss and making the overall experience both authentic and pleasurable. It was our first trip to India and group tour, and we really loved it. traveling on public transport, eating at local restaurants and on one occasion a meal at the home of a very welcoming family. The cooking class was one of our highlights as was the night we attended a Bollywood movie. We Learnt a lot about India. its history, its people, its culture and its religions. There is just so much to take in that it'll take a long period of reflection to really comprehend how amazing it was.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be open to everything and Embrace the whole experience3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We were introduced to many projects that supported and were run by local people. I was also surprised at how, with the dedication of local groups, they were really trying to tackle the ongoing issues relating to conservation and the environment within their local communities.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
5 stars. We both certainly would travel with this operator again!Lauren Philp review 21 Sep 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
I loved meeting new people, all ages from all backgrounds. I've met people that I'll never forget. The tour guide made us all feel safe and welcome in India. I loved watching the dance show and trying all the food.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Bring wet wipes and hand sanitiser. Be prepared to travel on trains for a while. Bring a sleep mask, air mask for pollution, ear buds for sleeping and consider buying a sim card. Bring walking boots.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. I liked buying products directly from the people who made them.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It's a vacation I will never forget. I wish I could of spent longer on the trip because I feel I would of really got to know people better. India is an amazing place and if you want to see the North of the country in a safe yet exciting way then this trip is a great start. Begining to end was planned really well and I loved it. Thank you to Abhi for helping us all out too.Graeme Stokes review 1 Aug 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Camping in the desert was great. Varanasi was a very spiritual experience. And Udaipur was a very lovely city.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared for a full on Indian experience. Go with it and you'll have a great time. Also group travel is a great way to go.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I felt we reduced environmental impacts where we could by either walking or using local transport.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
The best vacation I've had. Thanks to our friendly and knowledgeable guide, a lovely group and a fantastic itinerary.Estella Lianne Gentle review 11 Feb 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Jaisalmer2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared to spend more than you expect on optional trips3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Benefited local people, I hope so, environmental and conservation? Not sure4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
FabCatherine Hogan review 6 Oct 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Ranthambore where we saw a tiger and a leopard as well as a host of deer and birds.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared for some very long bus journeys on bumpy roads.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I'd say our trip didn't have any negative impact and perhaps had some small positive effects eg because we shopped with providers chosen for their fair dealing with workers.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
The itinerary was wonderful and worked really well with children, capturing their imaginations.Sara Kirkham review 14 Mar 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The unexpected parts are always the best and we had a few of those! We had a backroads tour through the countryside of India due to roadblocks, which was very exciting! On the actual itinerary - Varanasi was an experience, Pushkar and Udaipur great for just wandering, Jaisalmer staying in the grounds of the fort glorious unsets!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Book it! Go with it, if stuff changes then well it's more the real Indian experience! We expected very basic hotels/hostels but were pleasantly surprised with the level of accommodation :) Mostly hot showers, big rooms, mostly with windows, some TLC required in places but clean and friendly and much better than expected at the price :)3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, where possible local transport used, local guides, local businesses supported.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A fantastic taster of a small section of Northern India - you do travel a fair amount, but that's part of the experience too ;)Alan Zenthon review 14 Feb 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The guide and the group. The variety & pace was incredible. The street vendor who called " give me a chance to rip you off!".2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
If you buy something ready made in Udaipur, haggle hard. Avoid buying souvenirs until you are in Puskar. Sleeping bag useful, but travel as light as possible. Tripadvisor is good, but the guide is better.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, yes, yes.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
One of the best adventures you could go on. Challenging, life affirming, and a desire to go on moreCristina Rayson review 15 Nov 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Varanasi, Udaipur was beautiful, but for me Varanasi was my Indian dream. The Ghats, boat trip to watch the Aarti, the market and the Bollywood dance class we organised, just perfect!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Travel light!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Just by paying foreign fares for visiting places I felt we were helping conservation.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Great vacation overall!Judith Brockmann review 23 Jan 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Being exposed to a completely different world that seems to follow a completely different logic than what I'm used to. The contrast of a croweded public transportation and the beauty of moghul architecture and art.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared for the cold in January and make sure to have warm, functional clothes and a sleeping bag.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I felt that tourism is a key income resource for the region, so while spending money, the trip helped local people. Our group was environmentally friendly by using lots of public transportation and being attentive to litter. The tour organiser could support local people to become more professional in service (esp. hotels). I've observed that (younger) Indians were very keen to learn. Therefore, I could very well imagine that they would welcome "advice" on how to lift the level of professionalism, e.g., clean bathrooms, hot water, synchronizing servings more, etc.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Vacation was a great to help me see my own culture with completely new eyes and become more aware of things that I have taken for granted in the past.Holiday Reviews
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