The season for this holiday is:
15 October 2019 - 16 March 2020
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This Inntravel adventure exceeded all of our expectations. It was an excellent combination of city and rural stays and was so much more than a holiday. The chance to see life in southern India, to meet and live amongst the villagers in the rural areas who made us so very welcome, was wonderful. We experienced and learnt so much, which was exactly what we had hoped for. Whilst the accommodation was simple, it was clean and comfortable and the villagers were justifiably proud of their guesthouses.
We thoroughly enjoyed all of our stays but particular highlights were; watching the betel nut harvest in Hulgol and learning about the wonderful co-operative which supports their farming, the explanation and evidence of the impact of climate change at the Coast House, the amazing ladies at the Hill House and of course the relaxing houseboat cruise. All of the food that we ate was absolutely delicious, we enjoyed trying so many new things and were very grateful for the cookery demonstrations and explanations. Best of all was the wonderful welcome that we experienced everywhere that we went.
As we were there at the time of year when the weather was starting to get very hot and humid, we appreciated the morning and evening walks with the chance to rest and relax during the hottest part of the day.
We wanted a holiday where we could see the real India and that is exactly what this "journey" offers. Thank you Inntravel and Village Ways.
This was first and foremost definitely the “Holiday of a Lifetime”! It was not without some trepidation that we left for a 5wk stay in various parts of the subcontinent especially, from my point of view the first 10-day section, walking from village to village in Binsar. Considering my age (68), a rather dodgy right knee, slight breathlessness due to altitude and being quite a bit less fit than my husband, I managed pretty well. I would, however, strongly recommend walking poles if you do have any knee issues etc, they helped enormously.
The main highlight has been the food,the variety the quality and the thought behind it whether it was breakfast,lunch evening meal, picnic or snack.Being welcomed into peoples homes and local schools, being part of a large temple festival. Being invited to a housewarming party and generally being treated as an honoured guest rather than a tourist. It was delightful to have at least a small insight into the peoples' everyday lives.
This Inntravel adventure exceeded all of our expectations. It was an excellent combination of city and rural stays and was so much more than a holiday. The chance to see life in southern India, to meet and live amongst the villagers in the rural areas who made us so very welcome, was wonderful. We experienced and learnt so much, which was exactly what we had hoped for. Whilst the accommodation was simple, it was clean and comfortable and the villagers were justifiably proud of their guesthouses.
We thoroughly enjoyed all of our stays but particular highlights were; watching the betel nut harvest in Hulgol and learning about the wonderful co-operative which supports their farming, the explanation and evidence of the impact of climate change at the Coast House, the amazing ladies at the Hill House and of course the relaxing houseboat cruise. All of the food that we ate was absolutely delicious, we enjoyed trying so many new things and were very grateful for the cookery demonstrations and explanations. Best of all was the wonderful welcome that we experienced everywhere that we went.
As we were there at the time of year when the weather was starting to get very hot and humid, we appreciated the morning and evening walks with the chance to rest and relax during the hottest part of the day.
We wanted a holiday where we could see the real India and that is exactly what this "journey" offers. Thank you Inntravel and Village Ways.
This was first and foremost definitely the “Holiday of a Lifetime”! It was not without some trepidation that we left for a 5wk stay in various parts of the subcontinent especially, from my point of view the first 10-day section, walking from village to village in Binsar. Considering my age (68), a rather dodgy right knee, slight breathlessness due to altitude and being quite a bit less fit than my husband, I managed pretty well. I would, however, strongly recommend walking poles if you do have any knee issues etc, they helped enormously.
The main highlight has been the food,the variety the quality and the thought behind it whether it was breakfast,lunch evening meal, picnic or snack.Being welcomed into peoples homes and local schools, being part of a large temple festival. Being invited to a housewarming party and generally being treated as an honoured guest rather than a tourist. It was delightful to have at least a small insight into the peoples' everyday lives.
Inntravel and Village Ways were perfect partners for our trip (thank you Madhu!), integrating standard tour itineraries with opportunities to visit the beautiful cities of the Golden Triangle. Our immersion in Mughal history felt complete in Jaipur's Amber Fort. The Forsyth Trail walk gave us a real sense of achievement and the camping facilities were as luxurious as could be. After seeing so much evidence of big cat activity, actually sighting three tigers in Pench was awesome; watching the sun set there to a soundtrack of jackal calls as they massed for the hunt will stay with me for ever. There is probably no better way to experience Indian rural life and landscape than the visits to Hulgol, Pavinakurva and Mothakkara. And the ever-changing view from the houseboat Good Earth had us entranced as we glided through the backwaters, with barely another vessel in sight.
Advice to others: While there are plenty of activities and excursions, they tend to be at the start and end of the day, so be prepared for long rest periods during the days (not every site has a library). Also, you will want to recognise the service you get from the team members and contribute to village development, so keep a suitable amount of cash!
This is an Inntravel holiday with a difference. It's how to experience India beyond the tourist traps. The people we met were all so delightful, so kind and friendly. We talked with villagers, had tea in their homes, exchanged greetings with countless children, saw their daily lives - and we felt genuinely welcome. This is not a "comfort" trip - it's India as it should be experienced - but any minor discomforts are far more than made up for by the quite amazing food. Anyone who thinks they don't like Indian food (and I must admit, we had our misgivings) need not worry. Every dish was tasty in a way we don't do food in England, yet we never once broke into a sweat through it being "too hot". It was delicious.
A highlight is the friendly caring welcome we got on arrival at our various stays-homestays and hotels. We were made to feel special and valued visitors in their busy village lives. Other highlights include the festivals we were taken to in Mothakkara and Pallippuram, swimming in the Arabian Sea, the dawn drive across the Western Ghats from Hill House to Calicut.... but in fact very difficult to pinpoint highlights as the whole experience was a highlight in itself as so varied and wonderful!
A superb tour. It lives up to its name - truly intoxicating! Eye opening and fascinating from beginning to end.
To enjoy this holiday you need to be flexible and able to embrace new experiences. The country is fascinating and full of contrasts. Everyone seems to own a mobile phone but clothes are still washed by hand, bashing them on rocks. Road safety is not a high priority with children being transported on motor bikes with no helmets in the chaotic city traffic. All the people we interacted with were charming and helpful. School children often requested a photograph with us and on Republic Day we were honoured to be invited to the local school to watch the parade and participate in prize giving. Highlights included living on the houseboat, meeting friends and family of our guides, walks in the beautiful countryside around the Spice House and Hill House and enjoying all the delicious home cooked meals.
An excellent and rewarding experience. Walton's and the houseboat were outstanding. We learnt such a lot from visiting the spice, tea and coffee plantations, brick works, ship building and witnessing a hundred ways to use a coconut! A vivid memory was seeing two men and six goats on a motorcycle; "Only in India!"