India Art and architecture Trips

This is an amazing tour. So varied with so many different experiences, many hectic and full on but also some relaxing days in wonderful locations. Sanjeev was an amazing tour leader and guide, he went beyond expectations to make sure we all enjoyed everything on offer including very interesting explanations of the history, the religions and temples and the amazing food. There were a lot of highlights including a walk through the bazaars at Jaipur, everything about the Pushkar Camel Fair, relaxing at Chambal Safari Lodge and the Hindu ceremonies at Varanasi. Perhaps surprisingly even the overnight trains mixing with Indian travelers were a delight. Highly recommended.

Our tour leader Keshav did an extraordinary job managing our tour. He embodied Indian hospitality and treated us like family. He helped us navigate the exotic, chaotic dance that is India!

I loved this fast paced trip, which covers so many amazing experiences. The itinerary was good and varied, the accommodation and food were excellent. Our amazing guide Sanjeev ensured everything went smoothly so we could make the most of our trip and this is a significant achievement. He also enhanced the trip by helping us understand Indian history, culture and religion. I particularly enjoyed the sunrise from the top of Savitri temple, the Hindu ceremony and later on a meal with a local family in Pushkar, the boat safari and stay at Chambal safari lodge and the boat trip at Varanassi. If I was doing the trip again I would consider arriving the day before the start of the the tour rather than an overnight flight in Ecomomy class and straight into a busy day sightseeing in Delhi.

Accomodation: • The standard of accommodation far exceeded my expectations and was excellent throughout the trip. All rooms were clean, reasonably sized for 2 people and had aircon and/ or ceiling fans. Itinarary: • The itinerary was well balanced between the well known sites in Dehli, Agra and Jaipur, as well as including other not-to-be missed activities such as the "home cookery class" in Agra, and the Craft Centre (Block Printing, Rug Making, Textiles etc.) in Jaipur. The visit to a Bollywood cinema was another unique experience ! • Travelling by road in India can take time due to the distances, but it gives visitors the chance to experience life in smaller rural towns and see a wide range of agricultural . The airconditioned minibus was very comfortable. • At most historic sites we had dedicated local guides who were well informed and spoke good english. Leader: • "G" (Gajendra), was an excellent leader and guide who kept us well informed as to the plan for each day, and also for specific local visits. He was very approacheable and easy to talk to. He dealt admirably with the challenges of shepherding the group into central Dehli on the Metro , and keeping us together as we walked through the Chandni Chowk market !

What a superb quick tour around some of India's most iconic sites (of course, including the Taj Mahal). As we have come to expect with Explore tours, our tour leader was excellent - a real advocate for the country. Accomodation was also better than expected with some really amazing 'heritage' hotels. Food, without exception, was fabulous.

The trip was as advertised full on. India is a culture shock but with our guide Neeraj Beneda we had an excellent support that allowed us to experience everything on the itinerary and more. Wow what a country