Highlights of Northern India Discovery Holiday

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

Average Review Rating: from 79 reviews.

Harriet McGall

HIGHLIGHTS OF NORTHERN INDIA

Written April 2012
From start to finish, this action filled, culturally enriching, and thoroughly inspired adventure kept me entertained, educated and fulfilled for each and every moment of the 9 days. The guide was excellent and his attentiveness to detail and to each individual made everyone feel appreciated, valued and special.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Everyday had a least one inspirational moment--staying in the palace where Princess Diane and Prince Charles had stayed, spending the morning at the Taj Mahal, participating in the Flower Ceremony on the Ganges, riding the Indian trian, shopping in the market, studying Hindu and Muslim houses of worship...and the list goes on!

Each experience was new and thrilling. Living through these magical moments day by day made the 9 days evaporate into thin air all too quickly!
What did you think of your group leader?
The leader was perfect! He was a very gentle and happy soul who listened and responded to every need of every passenger. He was extremely well organized, knowledgable and knew just how much information and time was needed during the visits to the sites. He kept things moving, and he always had a kind word, and a gentle but firm approach to guests who were late or did things that they were not supposed to. I liked to refer to him as "dad", even though he was certainly young enough to be my son!!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Make sure that you drink lots of water and go to bed early!! You need your beauty rest if you are to really enjoy all that this trip has to offer!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Please support Exodus--this is my second trip with them, and as a single, I found it to be a wonderful way to meet new friends, and to travel safely in exotic lands. Way to go, Exodus!
Judith Underwood

HIGHLIGHTS OF NORTHERN INDIA

Written April 2012
Northern India was a wonderful and very different experience and we are so glad that we went on this trip.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Without a shadow of a doubt both of us said the Taj Mahal, a building unlike any other, with such a sense of peace and tranquility. Our goup leader Veerendra got our group there to be first into the Taj Mahal enabling us to get some wonderful pictures with no crowds. Fantastic!
What did you think of your group leader?
Veerendra is such a lovely man. always smiling and always calm in the midst of the chaos that is Northern India. Nothing was too much trouble for Veerendra and everything worked like clockwork transport, timing etc.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
You have to accept Northern India for what it is, there is a good chance you will get an upset stomach even if you follow all the eating guidelines, but it's not a bad thing to come back from your holiday 4lb's lighter! The vegetarian dishes are an absolute delight - so much choice. I was worried about the Agra to Varanasi train journey and there was no need to be it was an unusual but enjoyable experience.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
We were with such a lovely group of fourteen other people who between them had a wealth of travel experience and stories, meaning that our travel wish list has now grown even longer.
Edward Yandzio

HIGHLIGHTS OF NORTHERN INDIA

Written April 2012
The holiday produced everything it promised. Our outstanding guide (Mahindra Sunni) ensured that we had the best possible experience.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Visiting the Taj Mahal early in the morning avoiding crowds and the boat trips along the Ganges.
What did you think of your group leader?
Mahindra Sunni was outstanding. He was always attentive, went out of his way to help everybody and fulfill particular requests to ensure all members of the group had the best posssible experience. He is a very nice guy.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
For the over night sleeper train I would advise you take your own thin sleeping bag as the quality of bed wear provided was variable.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Intensive schedule but very rewarding experience.
henry egerton

HIGHLIGHTS OF NORTHERN INDIA

Written April 2012
this is a very intense trip,every day is busy but with immense variaty
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
seeing a tiger in it's natural environment
What did you think of your group leader?
our tour leader was very knowledgable and helpful
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
bring antibiotics!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
as usual Exodus come up tops!
Ian Richards

HIGHLIGHTS OF NORTHERN INDIA

Written March 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.
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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.
Tracey Rodger

HIGHLIGHTS OF NORTHERN INDIA

Written March 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.
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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!
Wanda Bentley

HIGHLIGHTS OF NORTHERN INDIA

Written March 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!
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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!