I am part of a group of three couples aged 60 to 63 and non of us had ever been to India. We did the Golden Triangle and Kerala Tour.

We updated our vaccinations and obtained our over the top India visa’s, at this point I was worried about stomach problems and mosquito bites, so we did some homework and took things we thought we may need. We ate in our hotels and recommended restaurants (most serve Indian and Western), had no salads or ice, and used bottled water for brushing our teeth. We applied anti mosquito spray at all essential times. Ok we may have overcooked it but it worked, only in the last two days did two of our party have an issue with stomach problems, and two of our party had issues with mosquito bites. Hard to say the cause but the houseboat did expose us to mosquitoes, otherwise I’d say we were almost trouble free, like any other normal holiday.

The hotels I thought would be good, and they were. All were clean and comfortable with adequate facilities, some slightly more than others. All breakfasts were good with some very good. Staff very good and very friendly. Money exchange is available at most hotels, get lots of small change for tips for porters and hotel staff, its not compulsory but it is appreciated.

Site tours were well organised with first class friendly guides who were flexible for some changes if required, which gave us some control of itinerary but rarely needed. We bought many souvenirs and the ladies bought lots of clothes and jewellery, only restrictions was luggage weight allowance.

We travelled in a 9 seater (Ford Transit like) people carrier, which was roomy and adequate, but ours had no passenger seat belts. We drove about 850 miles altogether which was a total of well over a day travelling, the ladies did some sleeping but I couldn’t shut my eyes as there was so much to see. I was amazed as how the traffic functions, it has to be seen to be believed, a hidden highlight of my experience. Two of our party were not used to travel on this scale each day managed with no problems, probably thanks to our drivers who were top class.

Our flights were ok but not the best, as we had to do it on a budget, so coming home from Southern India took 30 hours with three flights and airport waiting, not ideal.

So to summarise. Ideally you need to do some homework to prepare, and if you want a relaxing laid back holiday then this is not for you, if you want an adventure that is well organised then look no further. There is a culture shock and lots of rubbish, but everyone seemed genuinely friendly and could speak English, the sites like the Taj Mahal are amazing, Delhi is a wonderful place, and Jaipur sites beautiful, warmer Kerala more rural and cheaper, the coast is what you would dream of, so to cut to the chase I would certainly recommend Lumle Holidays.

Incredible India, an amazing experience, an holiday I will never forget.