How was your Explore Tour Leader?

Anil Khumar was exceptional as a tour leader for the duration of our Indian Rail Odyssey (20130309). With reference to his country's history and culture, he was able to impart considerable knowledge in a way that was interesting and lively. With regard to logistics, he was able to sort out the most awkward situations, showing very good man management and even shepherding skills when required. He was extremely courteous and had a great sense of humour. There was not a time during the tour when we ever felt vulnerable or out of our depth. This was largely due to the input of Anil.

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

Go with an open mind. The lonely planet was a very useful tool, even though it was quite bulky. If I was going again, i would probably explore other options with regard to factual reading matter. The food is not expensive and therefore, relatively, we did not spend very much. There was no shortage of ATM machines in towns and cities, so changing currency was never a real issue. Be careful about what you eat and make sure that you disinfect your hands at every opportunity. Take mosquito repellant. Keep a journal.

Do you have anything else to add?

Nothing more to say except that I would thoroughly recommend Explore's Indian Rail Odyssey.

 

A superb, full-on and, at times, hectic trip! From arriving in Amritsar and going straight out to see the border gate (with Pakistan) closing ceremony to sitting on a rice boat in Kerala, this is a great way of seeing India. The highlight has to be seeing a wild tiger in Ranthambore and sitting watching her bask in the early morning sun for 40 minutes! Being the first ones at the Taj Mahal at sunrise will stay in my memory as a 'kodak moment' forever. The train rides are a true experience and deciding which person is willing to sleep on the top bunk requires some very easy-going and flexible people! The train ride at Ooty was so delightful. I was blown away by the architecture at so many places. As usual with Explore, the guide was excellent, informative and kept us to schedule when needed, especially at the 2 minute train stops; he also took us all to see a Bollywood movie one evening, an optional extra, which the whole group thoroughly enjoyed. This is a fab trip!

When I think of this holiday I cannot help but smile. India is an amazing country- colourful, abundant, magical, multifarious.  We saw snakes and monkeys, camels, peacocks and a tiger. We travelled by bicycle rickshaw, tuctuc, steam train and elephant. We visited the Sikh holy of holies, temples for Ganesh and Nandi, a 400 year old synagogue and the resting place of St Francis Xavier. We saw the Golden Temple by moonlight, the Taj Mahal at dawn and in the midday sun we lounged on a houseboat in Kerala. The hotels were all very smart and comfortable but the best experience was travelling on the trains, even though they are not at all up to British standards of cleanliness. At the stations you get a real insight into the life of the ordinary people of India going about their daily business. I will always remember the groups of Indian women in gorgeous silk and gold saris sitting on the platform surrounded by goats. This could not be described as a relaxing holiday as there were so many early starts and a constant moving on, but it was a great adventure and gave a real sense of achievement. We didn’t get ill either! – top tip drink lhassi instead of beer.(RIN - 20th February 2011)

Highlights; eating lunch with the pilgrims in the golden temple at Amritsar and joining the crowds cheering at the border crossing at Wagah.The train part really is an odyssey and enabled us to feel really immersed in the local culture. The local food was excellent and with care and hand gel we were able to avoid any tummy upsets. Advice is to eat local food and drink lassi! (RIN - 6th November 2010)