Highlights of Northern India

Customer Reviews

• JH

  Julia

  · April 29th, 2019
  We had a great time. It was a full on tour and we saw and experienced everything and more than expected. Naveen was the best tour leader and he made us feel safe and part of a big family. He made it all go very smoothly and kept us all on schedule without it feeling rushed.
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  Trip date: April 2019
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  Wendy

  · November 20th, 2017
  Didn't know what to expect, this is the first tour with exodus. I loved the smaller group (8), we all bonded really well fortunately. The group leader Mayank, was brilliant, his knowledge was incredible and he had a good sense of humour. He seemed to understand the needs of a group from the UK very well. The accommodation was a little varied, the best places were where the staff were welcoming and friendly. The hotel in Jaipur was the best in terms of friendliness, food and overall ambience. In a couple of places the reception staff were a little less than helpful, it seems rules are rules and they can never be broken! The transport was comfortable when in the minibus, even though some of the days were extremely long. We did not travel by train, the first trip changed to minibus overnight due to a 13 hour delay on the train. This journey was not pleasant, it was nigh on impossible to sleep with the extremely bumpy roads and constant car horns. The company did their best in providing a larger bus so that in theory some of us could have laid out across 2 seats, but most of us were exhausted after this 14 hour drive through the night which impacted on our enjoyment of the next day. When the second train was also delayed by 13 hours we chose to fly at our own expense and spend an extra night in the hotel in Delhi. We were not prepared to wait for the company to find an alternative train or the possibility of another long minibus ride. I would say this was the only downside in that the company knew that the train had this 13 hour delay at 8.30am, but a decision about different transport was still not forthcoming at 12 midday. It was another 2 hours before the rest of the group knew that a later train was available.
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  Trip date: November 2017
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  Clare Tivey

  · November 8th, 2013
  India was hot, fascinating, noisy, exciting, chaotic, and beautiful. I thoroughly enjoyed my tour and it was a pleasure to travel with such a lovely group and guide, to an amazing country. My only criticism, not enough quality time spent in Delhi but I would definitely recommend this trip to any India first timer.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?The Taj Mahal is simply spectacular; the detail in the carving and inlays of precious stone in the walls was awe inspiring. The change in colour during our visit from a pink at dawn, to a brilliant white when the sun fully rose, was wonderful. Ranthambore offered beauty of a different kind, alas no Tigers but peace and natural splendour, a good contrast to the bustle and exciting commotion of Varanasi and Delhi.  Tuk-tuks not inspirational as such but a very cool, if rough way to travel, loved them. What did you think of your group leader?Pradeep, our group leader was welcoming, informed and above all, patient. We were a full group of 16 and perhaps at times quite challenging, his enthusiasm and attention to detail never wavered. He gave us time to wander around and explore in our own small groups, advising on how to get around and back to our hotels safely and cheaply. I don’t have a bad word to say, Pradeep was an excellent host and a thoroughly nice chap.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Keep yourself hydrated. Take a sun hat, umbrella, anything for shade, as you’re often out in midday heat and it is strong. The early starts after a few days can be tough, make sure you retire at a reasonable time to get the rest you require. Pack of tissues or loo roll in your bag whenever you go out, very handy. Change money to get plenty of 10 Rupee notes/coins for tipping in public toilets etc. Inflatable cushion for the plane and long bus journeys, trust me you’ll thank me for this. Overnight trains – put all valuables in the middle of your main luggage, padlock everything if you can and chain bags together, a sleeping bag liner is also advisable, as are earplugs if you’re a light sleeper.Is there anything else you would like to add?Get stuck in to the food, almost all of it is delicious. Acquire info from your guide and don’t be afraid to take time away from the group if there’s something you’d like to see, be streetwise, you’ll be fine. Talk to the locals, most were pleased to chat and very lovely. Always have your camera ready, there’s so much to see you’ll want to snap everything but do ask if you’d like to take a photograph of a local, it’s only polite. There’s lots of travelling on the bus but because there’s so much to see and chat about to your fellow travellers, the time flies by.
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  Trip date: November 2013
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  Peter Carr

  · November 7th, 2013
  Disappointments: poor standard of hotel in Delhi, lack of information from tour guide, one particularly long day that ought to have been managed better and unnanounced visits to local industry for a 'sales pitch'.Highlights: Visits to see and experience Jaipur, Aggra and VaranasiWhat was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Might have been the Taj Mahal but I had peviously seen it.  Despite the squalor, the sights along the Ganges in the evening and early morning stand out.  Picking up the thread of historical interests through visits to the various forts and palaces helped understand India's past.  The second overnight train journey where the train was reasonably clean and we had the company of three indians was enjoyable.What did you think of your group leader?Very charming but only really engaged if you had questions to ask.  I think we missed alot in terms of what was around us as we passed through rural India, such as the vegetation, industry and cultures.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Embrace it.
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  Trip date: November 2013
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  Gillian Fletcher

  · November 5th, 2013
  In theory this is a 10 day trip, but travelling out on day1, getting there on day 2 with further travel by bus to Jaipur on day 2 to hotel in time for evening meal (at the hotel as advised that nothing local to go to) gives a false impression of how long we are to experience the country.First Hotel was ok, but we were encouraged to sit inside when in fact there was a courtyard area which was more pleasant, but which obviously wasn't where we expected to sit for our mealsThe holiday met the criteria for visiting the highlighlights....Taj Mahal, Ganges, ghats, tigers.... but was not balanced in other areas. There was one experince highlighted for the day, then nothing.......... Long hours on a bus travelling between major sites with not a lot in between.The last day in Delhi felt like an after-thought. We had to pay for a trip into the city....one last chance to experience this wonderful place rather than Exodus recognising what it could offer to comlete an experience of a fantastic country!We have been on previous Exodus trips and thoroughly enjoyed them. This doesn't match up to those. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Seeing a tiger.... this couldn't have been organized by Exodus!Enjoying the tuktuk (not tiktuks as I previously misspelt!) ride back to the hotel, racing against other tuktuks. We felt guilty that we didn't tip them on top of their fare for getting us back to the hotel without being killed on the way! But they did enjoy the race!! What did you think of your group leader?Assertive when needed to be, for example keeping us safe at the railway station, in cities etc. Didn't go the 'extra mile' that some of the leaders go to, e.g. making sure all the group got through security into the airport- could have supported those who needed advice and help when trying to leave the country!  It would have been good to know where alll the tip fund had been used as promised at the start of the trip, as other leaders had done. Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Look at the trip notes carefully and see what time you actually get in the country.Is there anything else you would like to add?Couldn't have seen some of the things we experienced whilst there in that wonderful country, but be prepared for a lot of travel, very early starts and not a lot to see outside of hotels.
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  Trip date: November 2013
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  Wanda Bentley

  · March 31st, 2012
  A dream come true. Whirlwhind to say the least and not for the faint-hearted! Having said that, it was everything I had hoped for and a lot more!What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?The welcome we got in the little village we visited, the first view of the Taj Mahal, "Main Street" Jaipur, watching the sunrise on the Ganges in Varanasi, Mahatma Gandi museum, seeing a tiger up close!What did you think of your group leader?Pravar was the ideal leader - organised, knowledgeable, very likeable personality with a great sense of humour, and took a genuine interest in each member of the group ensuring everyone's well-being.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Ladies should wear sports bras - especially if sitting on the back seat of the bus!  Despite following all the safeguards closely, almost everyone developed one form of Delhi Belly or another.  Locally bought medication was very effective and cheap as chips!  I believe the local "dioralite" equivalent is vile so bring your own.  We had excellent advice from Pravar (tour leader) to drink loads of water right from the start and so drink it whether you feel like it or not.  You will be surprise how little you pee! My friend and I travelled from Manchester - arrival at aiport 3 hours before flight,  8 hour flight to Dubai, then a 3 hour wait at Dubai for the connection to Delhi, then another 3-4 hours.  The long drive from Delhi aiport to our first night-stop (Jaipur) on top of everything was a killer.  I would certainly recommend getting to Delhi the day before and getting a decent night's sleep ahead of the bone-shaker bus ride to Jaipur! We chose the evening flight to return to the UK so it meant we had a full day in Delhi - ideal for hiring a taxi from the hotel (1700 rupees for 8 hours or 80km) for sightseeing.  There were 6 of us sharing and we paid 300 rupees each (just over £4!) Is there anything else you would like to add?If you wear contact lenses, bring your glasses!  Ranthambhore Park was very dusty and although I had wrap- around sports sunglasses, the dust still got in and killed!  Don't bring too many clothes!  You can rinse through at night and it will be dry by morning.  Enjoy the warmth and friendliness of the Indian people!
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  Trip date: March 2012
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  Tracey Rodger

  · March 26th, 2012
  Exactly what it says on the tin - many highlights, very quickly - a bit of a whirlwind trip compared to most others I've already done, but very rewarding none the less. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Its a wellknown cliche, but the first sight of the Taj Mahal is unforgettable, though likewise watching the colours of the buildings make themselves apparent as the sun rose at Varanassi. I love the sheer scale of variety seen on India's streets as people get on with their lives, or sit back streetside to enjoy each others company.What did you think of your group leader?Mayur is a lovely guy, extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Would love to head back some time to do longer in the National Parks and would definately be asking if he was guiding any so could benefit again from  his experiences.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Minimise meat intake?!?! Had been warned but had previously lived in Sri Lanka without upset so didn't listen - forget Delhi Belly - I got 'the varanassi's' as we coined it and it was a couple of days of truly grimness.Is there anything else you would like to add?Loved it! Was everything I expected it to be and then some - good group and all transporting relatively timely so did at least manage to get the odd moment of 'free' time, but beware it is literally odd moments. I had another trip to join that was slightly more leisurely in nature but felt a bit sorry for those who were returning straight back to work in UK as they were all feeeling a bit knackered!
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  Trip date: March 2012
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  Ian Richards

  · March 26th, 2012
  India is a truly amazing country and the adventure tested all of our senses. Extraordinary sights of people in abject poverty, surrounded with rubbish, contrasted with awesome scenic views. Alonside the richness of the architecture and beautiful colours life in the raw continues.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?The first view of the Taj Mahal in the early morning through the main gate was 'breathtaking'.What did you think of your group leader?Mayur was quite exceptional. His depth of knowledge on a whole raft of subjects from historical data to his recommendations on local cuisine and his very evident pride in his coutry were second to none.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Go with an open mind and be prepared for the totally unexpected. Overnight train journeys were the biggest challenge; privacy is non existent and a light weight sleeping bag would be useful. Bacterial hand wipes & washes were invaluable. The pace is fast, be prepared for late nights and early mornings. However, we would not have missed it.Is there anything else you would like to add?A wonderful trip which only scratches the surface of what India has to offer. Truly memorable and we hope to go back again to continue the journey.
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  Trip date: March 2012
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  Ian King

  · February 18th, 2012
  A great experience. An excellent itinerary, a great guide, a good group of co-travellers and a fascinating country.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Either seeing a tiger in Ranthambore park or the trip to the Taj Mahal.What did you think of your group leader?Excellent.  Everything was really well organised and our every need was taken care of.  Our guide was very experienced and his knowledge of the places we were visiting was great.  The little things that our guide did were able to turn what would have been a good trip into a great one.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?The trip is quite fast paced which may not be to everyone's liking.  I would recommend taking sufficient warm clothing if you travel during the winter months.Is there anything else you would like to add?If you haven't been to India - just book yourself on this trip!
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  Trip date: February 2012
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  Christopher Russell

  · February 15th, 2012
  Really well organised and balanced itinerary - great and informative guide who added some really excellent touches e.g. bollywood film. Will be recommending to others and will consider other exodus trips in the futureWhat was the most inspirational moment of your trip?The 'Taj' and seeing a tigerWhat did you think of your group leader?Excellent - really added to the enjoyment of the whole experienceDo you have any advice for potential travellers?We went end of January/early February - be prepared to wear layers for early starts Is there anything else you would like to add?Thank you
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  Trip date: February 2012