Eleven intrepid travellers recently returned safe and sound from an amazing trip to India. And no one got sick! Called “The Happy Group” by our tour guide Shiraz, it was the trip of a lifetime, every day bringing new adventures, building friendships and full of fun and laughter. We were up for everything! Here is a snippet of our time together.
We began our 16-day tour in Delhi, staying at the majestic and history filled Maidens Hotel. First a visit to Al-Mujedi Mosque, followed by a hair raising tuk tuk tour of Old Delhi back streets and the markets. Finally, to the largest Sikh temple in Delhi where over 10,000 people a day are fed regardless of caste, creed, or religion.
On to Rajahstan, Agra and the Taj Mahal’s jaw-dropping beauty, full of Indian tourists in their brightest clothes. A tick off the bucket list.
Then to the heritage pink city of Jaipur, via the Abhaneri stepwell, and a stay at the beautiful Alsisar Haveli. Probus royalty for two nights at least! A jeep safari to the sixteenth century stunning Amber Fort, visit to the Astronomical Observatory, tour of the City Palace and Jaipur Museum, bazaar walk, and then a tuk tuk tour, truly filled our day.
Next to the village of Rohet and the memorable Rohetgarh boutique hotel – somewhere you never want to leave. We took another jeep safari out to a Bishnoi tribal home passing various wildlife along the way, witnessed an opium ceremony led by a tribal elder (no takers), then a visit with local weavers and rug makers.
Jodphur was the next stop on our journey, the mystical blue coloured town of India. A visit to the Mehrangarh Fortness, followed by a Heritage Walk through the old town, to finish up at at an ancient stepwell where we were refreshed by a traditional Indian ginger lemon tea.
It was an early start the next day for our drive to Jaisalmer, 150 kilometres from the Pakistan border and on the edge of the desert. Our local guide escorted us on a Heritage Walk to the lake and on into the city behind the fortress walls, another adventure only to be topped by a hair-raising jeep safari and camel ride that evening. As the sun went down, we watched as tribal singers and dancers entertained us (and we entertained them).
On to Khimsar with a stay at the incredible Khimsar Palace Hotel, then to the small town of Mandawa, renowned for its beautiful frescoes. We walked the village visiting old havelis known for their artwork. A horse and cart ride for some courtesy of a local Bollywood star, finished our fun filled day.
The last stop on our travels through Rajasthan was Samode and the beautiful Samode Palace, a must stay for anyone visiting this part of India. We took a private tour through the stunning back areas of the palace, then a walking tour through the village. Our final last supper with tour guide Shiraz was a fitting end to our India adventure, before returning to Delhi the next day.
Thank you, Perfect Travels and Shiraz, for the best time ever!
Our Indian travel partner is happy to run the same itinerary in February/March 2026, subject to a Tour Leader being appointed. If anyone is interested in taking on the role, please contact Rosalie Karim who will explain what is involved and how much time you need to devote, both before the trip and during the trip. It would suit someone who loves to travel and who may have spent time in India or Asia in the past.