The tour of the Golden Triangle sites itself was good and the guides were excellent and it was a great introduction to some of India’s greatest wonders. All administration was completed quickly and very efficiently. But it would have been helpful and much appreciated if we had had a detailed itinerary before we started, including potential liabilities. We only received a summary itinerary which did not include things such as the visit to the elephant establishment in Jaipur. This was expensive and we would have preferred to have been aware of it before hand. We would rather not have invested in a project which keeps elephants in captivity but it’s very difficult to say no when you’re there in person & have been given a personal introduction. Further it would have been helpful to know in advance in order to dress appropriately I.e. in something which one didn’t mind getting covered in elephant spittle. One further point we felt that as the tour was entitled as a Golden Triangle and Leopard safari that the cost of the leopard safari should have been included. Though the safari was excellent and we saw a leopard, we would rather have paid more upfront than been asked for then cost of the safari before completing it. Our summary itinerary only mentioned the tour’s inclusions & you had to search to website for the exclusions. If something appears in the title of a tour it really should be included in the cost.
Charming 'Old School' Train Voyage Across Rajastan
The Palace on Wheels Trip was strange for me, as someone who is an eco traveller and runs a few nature lodges. The service was pretty amazing, and the sites were pretty spectacular, and the food was very delicious ~ the trains were a little worn but everything was clean. There were some things I wouldn't expect from a luxury train - like flourescent white lighting in certain parts, and like an excessive use of plastic bottled water (please think a little more about the environment and unnecessary waste of single use plastic!), but overall it was an amazing way to see Rajastan.
I really hope in the future the trip will focus more on sustainability and social impact - after all, the 'palace' besides enjoying a privileged lifestyle, should also be truly noble in the wish to improve life for all people and to properly steward this beautiful planet we call home too.
The evolution of the Palace on Wheels should be just that - a transformation to still be luxury, but a luxury with a sense and sensitivity to sustainability and a genuine commitment to social impact.
This 7 day journey by train was a great way to see many important cities/sites in Rajasthan, including Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and of course Delhi and Agra. The train may not have been up to a maharaja’s standards and the rooms were a little tight but expected for a train. However the day trips were very well organized and complete including many trips to religious sites, palaces and forts with boat rides, camel rides and elephant rides. The food was very good as was the service. And a special thanks to our 2 butlers Maharaj and Nandu who were wonderful and took such good care of us.
We have been on a couple of cycling trips before and this one was probably the best. Tri our guide was outstanding and all our fellow cyclists were a great bunch of people. We got a real flavour of life in Vietnam. Lots of interesting food.The meals were good and plentiful. Thought we would lose weight but didn't! Good Hotels. Many highlights but a couple or so to point out,Whale Island and Hoi An, the 30km exhilarating downhill ride and cycling in city centre traffic...... great fun but leaves your heart racing. It is quite full on which leaves you wanting to spend more time in some of the places visited. The usual pattern is arrive at 5 - 6 pm, leave at 7.15 next morning. However we did find time to swim in the hotel pools. Overnight train was great fun ....all part of the adventure. To cover the length of the country there are some longish times in the bus but the bus was comfortable but great chance to talk with your fellow travellers. This also gives you time to see more of the country and people watch. Staggered us how much could be piled on a scooter!The bikes were ideal for the road conditions as well as being clean and very well maintained. At the frequent refreshment/rest stops there was lots of juice, water, fruit, nuts and biscuits. The driver and bike mechanic were very friendly and very competent. Great organization, things happened when Tri said they would.
An interesting blend of Vietnam from north to south including an o/n sleeper train. The success and enjoyment of these trips is usually down to the blend of fellow travelers and team leader and this one was no different. The weather, early season, was mixed with a little more rain and cloud than hoped for but did not detract from the enjoyment but a little more sunshine would have enhanced the countryside. A read of the brochure and trip notes will give a very accurate picture of the breadth and variety of the trip. The daily riding distances are mainly governed by the fitness of the participants and their ability to cover the miles in a reasonable time and for the first time in my experience of 7 trips we were delayed by some participants who frankly were not cycling fit and I wonder if they had read and understood the pre - trip advice!
some of India’s greatest wonders