I have to confess, after all this talk of adventure, we’re not exactly backpacking. The idea of traveling in India independently is somewhat daunting. In all of our previous trips I’ve spent months on the Internet making preparations. I’ve arranged for all of the transportation and lodging. We have stayed at hotels and B&Bs. We have traveled by rental car and train. The trips were totally constructed by me with no travel agents involved.
But I was less brave on this trip. I have bought the package complete from Spirit of India/Original World, an agent with a lot of experience and connections in India. We were directed to them by the Flying Dutchmen Travel Agency in Santa Rosa and they had good reviews in ITN (International Travel News.) They offer small group tours.
We will be well cared for. We will travel with another couple and will have an escort throughout. They have arranged all of the hotels with an emphasis on Heritage properties. All of the hotels are first rate. They have arranged all of the intra-India flights, personal drivers for the land trips, and even one train (the Taj Express) for one leg where the roads are so bad they would take hours to drive. They have arranged all of the local tours, even handling the guide’s tips. They will provide all breakfasts and dinners and a few lunches.
They promise:
Enlightenment: a new found understanding of another culture, another way of life, art, architecture, religion and food
Community: a connection to new cultures through authentic and meaningful interaction with local people
Wonder: the awe inspired by uncommon beauty, sights, sounds, smells and tastes; ancient traditions still practiced today, so different from our own modern lives
Accomplishment: the satisfaction from having pushed your comfort zone to experience a part of the world that is both fascinating and challenging
Uniqueness: the knowledge that you have had an incredible cultural experience that few others on the outside will ever share
So, with a package like this, we could probably take this trip in our eighties too.
Sounds fascinating! Hope you have a wonderful time (I know you will) and be safe. Looking forward to receiving updates as time allows. When do you plan to go to Africa? Bet that would be amazing too – the rain forests, safaris. Wow! Great blog by the way – very descriptive and an excellent response to the question – why India!
Love it! My friend, Susie, has been traveling to India yearly for over a decade. She’s traveled far and wide throughout the country, mostly alone. Her husband and daughter traveled with her once but she prefers the freedom to come and go when it suits her. In fact, Susie is in India right now. She sends us snippets of her travels via Facebook.
Blogging is somewhat time consuming but your friends and family will appreciate the updates. Your writing is fun and descriptive and I understand there may be video as well as stills this trip. Can’t wait . . . let the adventure begin! Be well . . .
It sounds divine!! Good for you both!
Pingback: Important Decision - How to Travel - Original World Stories