Colours of Rajasthan

Customer Reviews

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  Martyn

  · November 30th, 2017
  A good varied mix of temples, forts and other interesting and sometimes unexpected treats at an even and relaxed pace. Our tour guide (Ronnit) was also a big factor in making the trip special and somehow even laid on a Tiger in Rathembore.
  Trip date: November 2017
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  Maurice Verber

  · April 4th, 2012
  A truly amazing trip which exceeded our already high expectations. This was a perfect way to get to see the main sites in Rajasthanand to get a feel for the real India. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?We were very lucky in that we saw tigers on both of our drives (morning and afternoon) in Ranthambore National Park. The afternoon sighting was exceptional. We spent two hours sitting watching a tiger which was no more than 4 metres away from us. It was dozing, occasionally waking to look at us. It then got up and wandered past us for a toilet stop, before settling down again.This was a highlight, but to be honest, there were so many.  I could have spent all day sitting in a the magnificent Jain temple at Ranakpur.What did you think of your group leader?Mayur Hada was brilliant. He was experienced, knowledgeable and considerate - everything you want in a guide. He really made everything come alive, and the trip would not have been as good without him. He made sure that on the long driving days, we always had an interesting place to stop mid-way, rather than just having a simple lunch stop. Chittorgarh (an unscheduled stop not mentioned in the dossier) was the best of these, and actually warrants an overnight stop.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Read the dossier so you're not surprised by the hectic pace of the trip and the occasional very long driving days. Don't change too much money when you arrive - the dossier estimate of up to £15 per day for meals is way too high. Most dishes were £3  - £4 each, and would often feed two people. There are lots of ATMs, so change as you go.Leave space in your bag for some of the fantastic things you can buy.Is there anything else you would like to add?The hotels were much better than expected from the dossier, so don't expect to be roughing it. Only the hotel in Agra was a bit below par. The only negative thing about the trip was that we all felt that it needed to be 2 days longer. We felt that an afternoon in Delhi when we arrived would have allowed us to recover from the journey, see a bit of Old Delhi, and allow us to travel to Agra the following day in time to to see the fort that evening. Similarly, and overnight stop in (fabulous) Chittorgah would have broken up the long drive from Bundi to Udaipur
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  Trip date: April 2012
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  Ann Nicoll

  · January 18th, 2012
  We hadn't been with Exodus before, been on an organised trip nor been to India so really didn't know what to expect. Have to say we were delighted with the whole experience and would certainly reecommend to others.The organisation was excellent and the programme couldn't have squeezed much more in. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Suprisingly it wasn't the magnificent sight of the Taj Mahal or Red Fort that was most inspirational,  though they didn't disappoint, it was the 'off the cuff' visit we made to a local village school that we happened to pass. The children were so delighful and welcoming and we felt we had a taste of India that wasn't just for the tourist. Another visit that sticks out was a walk round a small local village, eating from road side stalls and drinking in the fabulous colours all around us.  What did you think of your group leader?Avtar was simply amazing, always on hand to answer questions and explain the customs and rituals of a very complex county. He went out his way to show us a side to his country he is obviously very proud of.The 'Bollywood' movie was an experience!.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?It was definately a bit colder than we imagined ( December/January) especailly in Delhi. Temperatures fell to single figures at night and only rose slowly  during the day. It was also quite foggy/misty all the time so some views weren't as clear as at other times of year. Advise would be take an extra jumper or two. Getting clothes cleaned at Hotels was easy and very inexpensive. There are long road journey's ( it can't be avoided) so be prepared.Is there anything else you would like to add?Enjoy every second. You can sleep when you get home. Don't be scared to taste and try. Try not to sleep on the bus as you miss some of the most 'exciting' driving you will ever experience.
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  Trip date: January 2012
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  Helen Feetenby

  · January 17th, 2012
  I am afraid I wouldn't recommend it - it really felt like a package tour rather than a journey. Most daylight hours on the vast majority of days are spent on the bus, and the scenery is flat and pretty uninteresting so doesn't mitigate the length of the journeys. I was surprised how short the stops were at the sights - for example 20 minutes to walk around at the Taj Mahal. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?The Taj Mahal exceeded my expectations (which were high) though the pleasure was marred by only having 20 minutes to walk around, so constantly checking watches.What did you think of your group leader?He was really a nice chap and looked after us well. I could have done without some of the banter on the coach, but it was well intentioned, he clearly loves his country and wanted to share it with us. The driver was amazing - there is a lot of traffic on the roads and he must have been really tired at times, but he did a great job, and his assistant was also really kind.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Really think about how long you want to spend on a bus in a relatively short holiday, and be prepared for having a fair number of cold showers.Is there anything else you would like to add?Really a nice group of people, hotels quite nice, and some great things to see - I just think the itinerary could benefit from being less ambitious or having more days.
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  Trip date: January 2012
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  Maureen Bradford

  · January 12th, 2012
  An amazing dash through Rajasthan.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Oh now I loved the Taj mahal of course.  Other than that I enjoyed Udaipur, Bundi and Puskha.  I loved the palaces and forts but the markets were especially fascinating.What did you think of your group leader?Avtar has an amazing energy and excellent knowledge of his country.  He was also very helpful, kind and caring.  He is inclinded to talk too much :-) Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Take hand gel.In December/January the rooms in the hotels are a bit cold so ask for a blanket.In december/january take a fleeceGet an early night so that you can keep on going - this is a hectic trip.  Is there anything else you would like to add?If you want to see lots of sights in a whirlwind tour then this is the trip for you.  If not, book something else.
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  Trip date: January 2012
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  Jamie May

  · November 28th, 2011
  A whistle stop tour of the main highlights of Northern India on this very crammed itinerary. You see lots, but you also see alot of the inside of a coach!What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Seeing Tigers in Ranthambore, the Taj Mahal at dawn and seeing it change colour, dinner in Udaipur overlooking the lake  and city palace.What did you think of your group leader?Got us safely round, and took care of everything. A bit of a lack of understanding as to what appeals to his clients but nothing serious.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?There are lots of India trips out there so think carefully about which one you book. This in my opinion is a full 14 day trip condensed down. There is no time for relaxing, casual shopping or sitting in a cafe and watching the world go by. You go as a group everywhere and everything is pre-arranged. The group had a (minor) mutiny twice and slipped the leash to go out to dinner in Udaipur (as opposed to stay in the hotel for dinner) and to hit the bazaars in Jaipur for some shopping. It's hard to be too down on this trip as you see and experience some amazing things but just book it with your eyes open. If you are well travelled or have been travelling on your own you may just go a little stir crazy in such an controlled environment.
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  Trip date: November 2011
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  Fredrik Blix

  · March 10th, 2011
  Coulours, friendly charming local people. Perfect arrangements by the Exodus tour leader and good local guides. Not a dull moment and beautiful drives on local roads.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?To see the economical development is a bonus on top of seeing all the fantastical historc sites.   What did you think of your group leader?The best we could have wished for. Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Go to incredible India and spend your money there directly, benefitting to locals rather than giving it to aid organisations who loose so much money before it reaches the locals.   Is there anything else you would like to add?Do not miss India and Rajastan during your life time.
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  Trip date: March 2011
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  Ian Regan

  · May 4th, 2013
  Accomadation exeded expectations, Very flexible itinary, Good optional extras, Guide was knowledgable and willing to organise group requests. Itinary was packed, diverse and interesting giving a superb overview of this area and its culture. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Tigers at Ranthambore reserve, Sunset and rise at the Taj Mahal, Holi Festival. the city of UdaiporWhat did you think of your group leader?Yadduh was knowledgable and well versed on the area, he was willing to arrange additional trips upon request. He understood interviduals requirements and acted on these where possibal. He showed good leadership when working through the Indian pedestrian traffic organising alterntive transport when needed such as Rickshaws and Tuk TuksDo you have any advice for potential travellers?Be prepared for busy days and a hectic scedule, Do try the street food but onlyif you see it cooked and recomended by your guide, A few long journeys on rough roads to be expected. Is there anything else you would like to add?Be preapared to be sucked into the Indian culture to get the most from this trip.
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  Trip date: May 2013
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  Lynda James

  · April 8th, 2013
  A wonderful trip which covers a huge area in a relatively short time. There are long journeys in the coach but it is well worth it as there are lots of magnificent sights and experiences packed into the fortnight and there is always something to see out of the coach window. You could not do this trip in the time span without the experience of Exodus and an excellent group leader. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?There were so many! But probably the first close up sight of the Taj Mahal just on dawn with nobody else around except our group as our tour leader had 'encouraged' us to run as soon as we entered the gates! An experience never to be forgotten. Closely followed by seeing six tigers in one day on our safari visit. What did you think of your group leader?Chandra was a star! He looked after us as if we were his own family and his knowledge of Indian and Rajasthani culture which he imparted to us made our trip more interesting and meaningful. He often stopped the coach to show us different aspects of Indian life which we would not have seen without him. He had a super sense of humour and dealt with any problems efficiently. He was ever mindful of our safety and comfort and we could not have wished for a better group leader. Do you have any advice for potential travellers?If you want a restful, relaxing holiday then this trip is not for you. However, if you want to see and experience a totally different culture and way of life in an exciting country with lovely people and come home with fantastic memories and a smile on your face then this is definitely one for you! Is there anything else you would like to add?We hadn't travelled with Exodus before, had never been on an organised group tour or travelled to anywhere as exciting as India but we loved every minute of this trip. We cannot wait to do another. 
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  Trip date: April 2013
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  Robert Alleway

  · March 18th, 2013
  This tour went well beyond our expectations. It is a well thought out route which took in some amazing places and gave a good insight into Indian life. Days could be long and there were some early starts but I wouldn't have wanted to miss a thing.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?There were several. Being the first to enter the Taj Mahal at 7 a.m.when no one else was there was wonderful. The place is serene and beautiful it was just breathtaking. Then after another early start seeing so many tigers close up at Rambanthore National Park, was very special. The game keepers see so much that I would have missed had they not pointed things out to us. Udaipur is spectacular and beautiful. The hotel was quite special too.What did you think of your group leader?Our guide Chandra really made the holiday for the group. He was knowledgable and informative, often talking to the group about Indian life and customs. He would advise us on anything we were interested in, I always asked his advice on which Indian dish I should select from the menu, and my meal was always delicious!!! He advised us on staying safe, local scams that we should not get caught out with. He definately was a top class team leader who would often get the coach to stop in order to give the group a little cameo of Indian life.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?I wouldn't hesitate in recommending this trip if you want an interesting active holiday. Rajastan is a large state and so distances covered meant a lot of time on a bus, sometimes six or more hours a day. It's not a strenuous trip but it is pretty full on with very little down time. Having travelled all the way to India to see the sights I was happy to take all the opportunities to see this amazing place. We took the advice of our leader on where to eat, so avoided any upset stomachs. Make sure you have comfortable robust footwear.Is there anything else you would like to add?Go ahead and book it, Rajasthan has so much to offer.
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  Trip date: March 2013