TAJ TEMPLES & TIGERS

We have recently returned from the above trip to India with Annie who gave us a wonderful holiday and experience in India.  While we were a little apprehensive about going to India especially as Africa is a favourite destination of ours, we had a fabulous time so much so we would definitely love to return one day.  Having said that we would love a trip with Annie and friends to visit Southern India.  We enjoyed going on this small tour which was a change for us as we generally travel on our own. As you know India is such a colourful country with lots of culture and chaos all which adds to the flavour.  Our extended few days after the tour was excellent where we enjoyed visiting Jodhpur and Udaipur.  Annie organised everything for us and we did not have to worry about a thing.  We were met by our drivers, guides etc who looked after us well.

As we are very keen photographers we were most interested in the animals/birds and very excited that we saw 7 tigers however, we found ourselves thoroughly enjoying the various Palaces ,Forts, mausoleums, villages, towns and the beautiful colourful saris the women wear.  We came home very happy and look forward to our next adventure with AWS/Natural Focus

This particular trip was as smooth as silk, thanks to the efforts put in by Annie, AKA Anne-Marie Zambelli, our larger than life Tour Escort. I was goggle eyed at the level of care she provided, not to mention her first aid kit!…It was an absolute job to be able to sit back and just enjoy the trip without having to worry about any of the details in what is a fairly chaotic country…Suffice to say, thank you Natural Focus for a wonderful experience.

My partner Denise and I very much enjoyed Taj Temples & Tigers Tour. If Annie were Japanese, she would be a National Living Treasure!! Or if she were a bird, then a duck of course … floating serenely on the surface of the water and paddling like crazy underneath it. Seriously though, Annie’s organisational skills and larger-than-life personality made for a great trip for all her clients. Indian bureaucracy would try the patience of a saint but she and Tirath ensured that any and all problems were met and overcome in a timely and efficient manner with no/minimal inconvenience caused to their guests.

This was my third trip to India (and the first for Denise) and I have only ever seen the  usual tourist destinations in the north as well as some tiger reserves. A 16 day trip really does only provide a ‘tasting platter’ of what is on offer but their experience, knowledge and friendliness really does make a great difference …. whether for a first time traveller or a very frequent flyer (and there were both kinds in our group).

As a traveller who enjoys both culture & especially adventure, Taj Temples & Tigers not only met but exceeded my expectations.

I found India to be a fascinating country, a country of many contrasts & the balance of this tour was just right, the planning by Natural Focus was absolutely  impeccable.

Personally, as an avid wild life photographer I was in my element, especially with the sighting of no less than 5 tigers.

I must pay a special mention to Anne–Marie (Annie) from Natural Focus & Tirath Singh our outstanding Naturalist Guide for making this trip so very special.

Having previously travelled throughout South America with Natural Focus I am now waiting anxiously to  hear what they can come up with next.

Loving nature & animals we have been to Africa on several occasions & thought it’s time to visit India – especially as the Tiger is an endangered animal. It was a stroke of good fortune when Natural Focus sent us a brochure of “ TAJ, TEMPLES & TIGERS”, a small group tour led by an experienced tour escort “Anne- Marie”. Not being experienced in the ways of India we thought that this would be the ideal introduction to India.

The programme was exactly what we wanted, slanted to wildlife which gave us the greatest opportunity to see the great Bengal Tiger in its natural habitat & other Indian animals & birds. The other main attraction for us was the Taj Mahal.  Accommodation throughout the tour was from good to excellent. Suggest that this be reviewed from tour to tour to get the best Hotels & value for clients. The service as well as the food was excellent throughout our stay.  Anne- Marie & Tirath ran a very efficient programme and ensured we wanted for nothing. Great job. Excellent Tour, highly recommended if you are wanting nature with a sprinkling of historic treasures!

Teeming with Tigers! I have been fortunate to travel on all 7 continents by way of plane, train, car coach and canal under the auspices of a number of travel companies; however my Temples, Tigers and Taj tour with Annie and her team was just the best for variety, pace and attention to detail. The colour, contrast and chaos of urban and rural India was presented in comfort and congeniality with no question or request overlooked by our guides. Thank you for the wonderful experience, we were so fortunate to view so many of the magnificent and elusive cats.