| Commendations |
-----Original
Message-----
Guest Name(s): MS Dawn Kingsbury
Attean
Country: Virginia, USA
Email:
DAttean@netscape.net
Tour Taken: India Nepal Highlights
Year:
2003, September
(Referral Letter)
Hi Candice!
I'm
glad you wrote. I had such a phenomenal experience in India that I
love every opportunity I can get to talk about it! (And let me say,
I'm a bit jealous that you are just starting out on your journey.
Mine is now over and I will have to wait a year or so before I can
return.)
I, too, traveled to India alone and placed my care
and safety into the hands of complete strangers. It is a decision I
will never regret. Durjay and his people made me feel completely at
ease at all times, and I can honestly say I met some great friends I
plan to keep for a lifetime. The guides are knowledgeable and
friendly and, most importantly, attentive to your every need. After
the first few days, I felt like I was traveling with friends I had
known for much, much longer. They truly took whatever steps were
necessary to assure my comfort and happiness. I felt safe and
protected one hundred percent of the time. I never felt harassed and
if the beggars and hawkers threatened to get overly aggressive, my
guides stepped in before I even had to say a word. One question: do
you happen to know the names of any of the guides with whom you will
be traveling? If I had the same escorts, I could give you even more
personalized information about them.
In my experience,
Durjay and Compass delivered even more than what was promised. I had
many fascinating and memorable experiences that went way beyond the
confines of my itinerary. I asked for some last-minute itinerary
changes that Durjay handled without a glitch. My advice is, if there
is something extra that you learn about that you want to see, ask
about it. I am confident that Durjay and his team will do everything
within their power to accommodate any request you make.
The
train - now that was an experience! If you are traveling solo to
India, you must already have a sense of adventure. My advice (and
this goes for the whole trip): stay as open-minded as possible about
anything and everything. This is not as hard as it might sound
because you are in a foreign country completely outside your comfort
zone and removed from your family and friends. I went into it with
an "anything goes" type of attitude. It helped me to laugh
at many things that might have annoyed me or grossed me out if I
encountered them in the U.S. I saw some weird stuff, and loved it.
Back to the train: are you taking only day trains, or will there be
an overnight trip, too? The day trains are nothing. I took two day
trips - one was about 2 hours and the other 6 hours. Very easy, very
comfortable. Don't freak out about the bathrooms, just use the
handles to hold on. The food was decent, and though the on-board
employees spoke no English, everyone else on the train (i.e.,
businessmen) did. The night train was a bit different. Tell me if
you are taking a night train and I will elaborate in my next e-mail.
Sorry this mail is getting a little long. But there's one
more piece of advice I need to pass along. Actually two - The first
is, no matter what anyone else tells you, opt to dress on the
conservative side. I left my shorts and tank tops at home and was
glad I did. You will get stared at no matter what, but there is no
sense attracting even MORE unwanted attention. I saw a group of
European girls in skimpy clothes at the Taj Mahal who looked very
uncomfortable with leers they were getting. (Ogling is a fact of
life for westerners in India. Just ignore it. With your guides you
will be completely safe and protected at all times.) The second
piece of advice is about food: you already know only to drink
bottled water. But don't forget about raw vegetables and fruits,
which are washed in the local water. I made this mistake and ate a
raw cucumber sandwich. This mistake I will not repeat!
OK,
I hope I was able to help even a little. If you have more questions
or concerns, I would love to write more so let me know.
Have
a GREAT trip!
-Dawn |
 |
|
You
will be picked up from your hotel and proceed for a full-day tour of Old &
New Delhi. (Start at 0900 hrs).
JANTAR MANTAR - This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories
built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This observatory consisting
of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use. 
AGRA FORT - Built by the famed Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is
predominantly of red sandstone. Ensconced within is the picture perfect Pearl
Mosque, which is a major tourist attraction. 
Morning
drive to Daswamedh Ghat and take a boat ride on the sacred river Ganges to see
the cremation Ghats and witness the living traditions of one of the world's
oldest and most important religions. (To start at 0500 hrs. for the best lifetime
experience) For you to appreciate this remarkable city, we'll transfer you to
the banks of the River Ganges before the sun rises. Board a boat with your guide
and proceed to the middle of the river, where at sunrise the sight unfolds before
you. Thousands of faithful come daily to the banks to bathe and pray while in
the background, temples and palaces rise in tiers from the water's edge. Then
return for a walk through the cobblestone streets along the banks of "Ganga".
As shops are opening, the place now becomes a beehive of activity as the faithful
are coming and going. Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple while returning to the hotel.
Copyright
© 2003, Festivals
& Cultural Tours India. All Rights Reserved. (No rights for reproduction
of Images / Contents from this website) 
