The Best of India: Treasures of the North and South

It was an amazing trip due in large part to the guide that we had and the supportive group participants. All of the places we stayed at were beautiful in their own way. Getting to go from fancy hotels in crowded cities, to peaceful cabins on a farm to houseboats traveling alongside villages gave a true sense of the diversity of the country. The lecturers selected were knowledgeable and I only wanted to hear more from them. The home visits were memorable and enlightening. Even though we did and saw so much, it was still a manageable pace. Definitely would be willing to go again.

This is an amazing program. It exceeded my expectations in every way.

This is an intense and comprehensive first look at India today. It is a fascinating place the bears examination and visits by more Americas.

Our guide, Jayanta, was excellent. He was informative and made things happen on time. He also helped when problems arose. But keep in mind that the weather is hot and tourist diarrhea is always a possibility.

This was a great trip with an interesting eclectic group of fellow travelers. I highly recommend it!

Our trip to India was a dream come true. It exceeded our expectations in every way. We learned so much, saw places we had only dreamed about in the past, and we have so many happy memories.

The trip to North & South India was a trip of a lifetime! You won't be disappointed.

This is an excellent trip. It gives an in-depth look at a diverse and complex nation that is an important part of our geo-political world. We recommend the trip highly.

Outstanding tour. Given India's impact in the world, it should not be missed.

India was a delightful surprise. The absolute riot of color, spices, kind people, beautiful scenery and historic spaces was a constant source of joy. Our experiences were varied and culturally in-depth. We used every mode of transportation imaginable from camel carts, rickshaws, tuk tuks, to internal flights and the train--all without a hitch. Learning to cross the busy, chaotic streets was an experience in itself! The food was incredible, which included a special evening with an Indian family and a cooking class after visiting an outdoor covered market for fresh veggies. Cheers to Shagzil Khan, who was an amazing tour guide and group leader. Very knowledgeable, thorough, caring with an amazing attention to detail and a fun personality. Thank you, Road Scholar for providing this positive bucket-list experience!

This trip was absolutely amazing! The intinerary offered a mix of rural and urban settings. It was wonderful to visit different regions of India. Our guide, Shagzil Khan was outstanding. He presented a wealth of information, was very funny and clearly loves sharing his country with others. He had a wonderful rapport with everyone in the group, other guides, the bus drivers, bus attendants, and even the people on the street. The coordination the trip was smooth. At one point a road was closed to the bus and within minutes Tuk Tuks appeared to take us to our destination! Shagzil and a local guide, Shaitan Singh, had a strategy to visit the Taj before there were any crowds. We were the first group in the dome and the guard showed us how the mosaic stones glowed with a flashlight and then called each of our names "to echo for all eternity" around the beautiful dome. We had very full days but also some free time to venture out independently or relax. The Indian people were friendly, curious about us and often wanted to take our pictures. The food was delicious. Some of the hotels even had Indian "street food" items we could try in a hygienic environment. Several hotels had very nice pools and spas. We were provided with plenty of water in the hotels and on the bus. Everyone in our group raved about this trip. It was fascinating to visit a place with so many challenges, chaos, reverence, diversity, vibrancy, beauty and wonderful people!

Excellent, well-organized, engaging and informative program with a well-prepared and very knowledgeable tour leader and local guides. This was an amazing adventure in which we sampled 6 different modes of transportation and had multiple opportunities to interact with the Indian people and sample a variety of local foods and cultures. Did not want the adventure to end.

The itinerary hits all the high notes. I especially enjoyed the deep dive into the Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Jewish & Christian places of worship, history, cultures & conflicts. Our guide’s retelling of myths & stories enhanced the sculpture & art appreciation. I cherish my new understanding & appreciation of the subcontinent. Even vaguely understand cricket— insofar as any of us new to game can.

Under the expert guidance of Road Scholar guide Shaitan Singh we traveled across India by bus, rickshaw, tuk tuk, camel cart, jeep, plane, train, house boat and foot exploring temples, mosques, museums, palaces, mauseoleums, farms, spice and tea plantations, ancient observatories, Gandhi sites, bazaars, old city sections, artisan centers and a school. We feasted on a wide variety of authentic regional food including three meals in private homes. As we traveled on the bus, Shaitan moved us from being students of India's history into the heart and soul of India as he talked about what we were seeing out the bus windows. Through his passion for his country and his willingness to share stories from his life, we came to truly know India, its people, its faiths, its governance and its every day life. We gained understanding of traditions in his culture like arranged marriage. Speakers such as a woman doctor dispelled some stereotypes we may have had about women in India. We were thrilled when we spotted elephants including a baby grazing on the side of the road as we traveled through a national park. I could write much more but will stop here to tell you this was indeed a trip of a lifetime and I would encourage all travelers to go on this adventure.

This program lets you see so many aspects of India-urban, rural, north, south, different religions and cultures. Road Scholar has thoughtfully selected the local experts and guides and the activities and it really shows. I loved the balance of bustling cities, quiet rural and natural areas, interpersonal experiences (cooking together!) and informative lectures. The lodging and food were uniformly delicious and comfortable. This trip is not to be missed!

When I started my MBA program - they said that if you had not visited China and India - you have missed 2/3 of the world's population. I toured China with my MBA and have now done India. I cannot strongly enough recommend this trip. We had an incredible guide who gave us multiple insights into India - politically, religiously, culturally etc. My sister who has been to India 4 times when she saw our itinerary said: "You are going to see everything you need to see but you are going to be exhausted". She was right that we saw many amazing sights - but she was wrong about us being exhausted. This trip is extremely well planned and runs at a good pace - with lots of well spent free time, touring and lectures. We had only planned on going to India this one time - but I am sure after this trip that we will return to India to experience more of this delightful, fascinating, growing country.

I was very pleased with the trip and our guide. Shagzil is an amazing guide. He is very generous with his knowledge. His delivery is very welcoming and his ability to handle the group is excellent. He is very attentive, kind, patient, funny and thoughtful.

The Best of India trip is terrific. There is so much to see and learn about the country. Though I realized we only saw a small portion of it, it was fascinating, educational and fun. Our guide made the whole trip seamless and interesting . I definitely recommend it.

This was a phenomenal trip in every way. We saw countless monuments and palaces and archeologic treasures most people never dream of seeing. We learned intricate details about the culture, from relationship and society to religions both historic and contemporary. We had a lot of fun, too, dancing multiple times with Indian hosts or performers, listening to music or watching traditional martial arts. I was moved by our time spent at the Gandhi memorial and by the speaker who spoke to us about "Gandhi's relevance today." We learned about Aryvedic medicine and spices. It is truly impossible to overstate how wonderful this experience was. As usual, the participants were interesting themselves, coming from a variety of professions and travels. They were fun-loving, kind and welcoming to all. The main guide, Shagzil Khan was extraordinary. He worked so hard to keep us comfortable, healthy and stimulated. He is a treasure trove of knowledge and fun (witty and cheerful). The accommodations and food were comfortable to first class and the food was good, providing both European options and more traditional Indian fare. Depending upon where we were, the food options varied some. Finishing up with the house boat experience was smart because it was calm and relaxed, providing a chance to walk in the villages surrounding the river and interacting with some locals. Another highlight was the Indian hosted dinners, especially the dinner before which we went to the market with two delightful young women who bought our ingredients. This intercultural evening I will always remember. We made Dosas! I could go on and on, but I won't. This may not be a trip for a beginning traveler due to some of the differences in transportation, air pollution and adaptability required. However, it was perfect for me and for those with whom I traveled. I hope many choose to experience this program on Road Scholar. I have enjoyed all my trips (6 previous) with RS, but this was the best.

This was a wonderful program and exceeded my expectations in many ways. It was an extensive introduction to a very complex country and society. Our tour guide was superb, and I met many people who I hope to remain friendly with in the future.

This was our 23rd trip with Road Scholar and it ranks as the best and most amazing -- and that's high praise because all of the other trips were wonderful, too. Our guide was amazing, the accommodations were superb, and, most important, we experienced a broad section of the vast Country of India. We viewed, touched, tasted, and smelled the complexities of the cultures and histories of the areas we visited. Shagzil Khan, our guide throughout the three-week experience, is an absolute master organizer, problem solver, historian, cultural interpreter, and through it all, was completely unflappable. Thanks, Ann and Bill

The Best of India North and South trip was fantastic. Our guide Shagzil Khan was a wonderful, kind, and very knowledgeable guide. The lectures were great, and the variety of experiences was perfect. We loved seeing the crowds in the cities, enjoyed the countryside and the small villages, loved the houseboats, and also the beach and coastal areas. It was a perfect trip!

This program exceeded every expectation and will remain one of my favorites. I have been on 22 trips with Road Scholar and will rank this one top of the list. If you are going in January, make sure to take some warm clothes for the north and really light clothes for the south. We experienced a 30 degree range in temperature! Be prepared to have jaw-dropping experiences every day on this trip!

Our group of 20 really enjoyed this trip. Our group leader, Jay Kar, did an excellent job in providing the best travel and learning experience we could all have. His knowledge and expertise in handling a diverse group of road scholars was impressive. We all appreciated his professionalism and his sense of humor. I highly recommend this trip to those who are interested in learning about India, its culture, traditions, and its people. Everywhere we went, we were touched by how warm and welcoming of visitors the people of India were. RS did a fantastic job in putting this program together. India is not a travel destination for everyone but it has a lot to offer to those who are curious, open minded, and eager to explore the world. We were happily surprised by how good all the accomodations were, including the houseboat and the remote Clemens Village Retreat. The highlight for me was seeing the Taj Mahal in the evening (from the Mehtab Bagh) and visiting it the next day. We really enjoyed the visits with the different families who opened their homes to us, had dinner for us, cooked with us, and even entertained us. We'll never forget the smiles of the school children we visited in Gadoli, as well as the camel cart ride to get to their school. Jay provided unexpectedly fun experiences during the trip, such as enjoying masala tea (chai) from a street vendor, who showed us the process of making it, as well as a stop at a place where they made plantain chips. We watched how they are made while we enjoyed tasting them. India is a country of unimaginable contrasts and traditions. Everywhere we went, we were treated with kindness. The food was superabundant, delicious, and varied. My favorite dinners were those that were served on banana leaves and those cooked by our chef on the houseboat. I highly recommend this trip to those who are interested in visiting and learning about India.

The accommodations were first class, the food was the best I've ever had (as a vegetarian), the Group Leader was enthusiastic and just a nice guy. The variety of transportation was great: airplane, bus, train, taxi, tuk-tuk, cycle rickshaw, camel cart, boat. Amazing architecture, hands-on experiences with locals, and friendly and open people. A good balance between urban and rural areas. So much color!

The India North and South was an amazing and wonderful program. It was a good balance between big cities and rural areas, including seeing spices and several fruits/veggies growing for sale to stores. I bought two beautiful saris for $30 each! And was taught how to drape and wear them.

Treasures of North and South India did not disappoint! Variety of experiences and locations along with excellent food and Tour Guide exceeded my expectations. Great value and a very rich experience.

If you have any interest in India, this is the trip for you! Three weeks gave us enough time to learn about all aspects of Indian culture, see several different regions, and to see many interesting sites. The Taj Mahal was magical.

Fascinating country and we got to see a lot of it. Fun trip and great learning experience.

If you are considering this trip- do it! When Christopher Columbus sailed west from Europe he was searching for a shorter route to India. That alone is reason enough to be intrigued by this fascinating land. This trip offers the best of North and South. Aside from the major temples, mosques, museums, monuments, palaces you will experience a glimpse of the real India. There is a mix of big cities and rural resorts. Unique opportunities hard to find like a lunch in the garden at an organic spice plantation with the enthusiastic owner offering a guided tour. A demonstration of a unique form of martial arts by a group of young men from a school in Kerala. The hotels and busses were clean and comfortable. Our group leader Jay is knowledgeable, informative, patient and kind and kept us informed and safe all along the way. The trip concludes in the backwaters gliding along watching India go by at a slow relaxing pace. This trip is perfect. It was my 5th time in India and I would not change a thing. More than 5 stars.

Truly extraordinary. Surpassed my expectations. Gave me enormous insight into India, its people & culture. I hope I can return as tI find the country captivating. My other seven Road Scholar trips were all excellent, but this one is my favorite thus far because of the PEOPLE and their genuine warmth. This trip gave me the opportunity to experience this.

This was a trip of a lifetime--simply amazing! I loved everything about it--my fellow travelers, our exemplary group leader, a comprehensive itinerary that indeed included the best of the north and south of incredible India and its incredibly warm people! I will relive my adventures many times over, relishing memories of exotic flavors and colors, and a new appreciation for India's history and culture. Thank you, Road Scholar!!

This trip far exceeded my expectations and from being on y'bucket list' to be done once - I now find myself wanting to go back to India to see more. The value for money is tremendous. The guide Jay made it for me.

Road Scholar trip to North and South India was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream! The trip exceeded our expectations and was a great value for the price. This was our first experience with Road Scholar but the pre-trip materials provided and excellent introduction to the country and the itinerary. My husband and I would definitely go on another Road Scholar trip in the future.

This trip was spectacular and offers the best of North and South India for a first time visitor to India.It was a memorable trip which I will never forget.

This trip was superbly managed. It is not easy to get around in India, but the guide was always one step ahead of us. I don't know how he did it. The lectures and program choices were really interesting, and all the guides were absolutely delightful. I can't recommend this trip highly enough. It's long and busy, but you cover a lot of ground.

This trip to India was everything I hoped it would be and more. We covered such a wide range of sights and activities, and our group leader was brilliant throughout. What a great way to first experience India!

The Best of India: Treasures of the North and South WOW! WOW! WOW!

This 21 day tour of North and South India exceeded my expectations. I recommend that anyone considering visiting India visit more than 1 area of the country. I learned so much and came away with such a warm feeling for the country and it's citizens, and really hope to return some day to explore more of it!

I took this trip to fulfill a bucket list item - see the Taj Mahal. I got much more than expected. India is a beautiful country. The northern and southern parts are very different and this trip gave us a sample of both. I will never forget the noise (constant horn honking), the friendliness of the people and the many cultures living together. The educational aspect of this program helped make the trip such a success. Dheerendra Singh made it all fit seamlessly and this is the leader you want when you take this trip. Be prepared to go outside your comfort zone when it comes to culture and religion.

If you want to know and understand the culture and people of India, this is the programs for you!

This program was an incredible experience and I would do it again.

Jay is a fantastic tour guide. He made it a point to get to know everyone on tour. It was obvious he was well liked by the other professionals and shop keepers we met along the way.

This trip was wonderful. Every stop on the tour was a highlight. The Taj Mahal , Kerala backwater cruise , tasty food served on coconut palm leaves, colorful sarees , an abundance of friendly people and Jay, a terrific tour leader, made this tour beyond excellent.

A SUPERB experience to an important part of the world that so few of us have a good understanding of. A country rich in Culture and History. Extremely well presented by our Group Leader Jayanta Kar. We highly recommend this Road Scholar program!! - Bill and Doreen

What an excellent trip! Road Scholar tour guide Jayanta Kar led us through the huge mosque in Old Delhi, a rickshaw ride in Old Delhi's alleyways where splendid wedding dresses hung in shop windows while brides-to-be and their mothers searched for the perfect ceremonial attire. The Sikh temple and the Gandhi cremation site were highlights in New Delhi. Agra -- the Taj Mahal -- is a sight that despite being so familiar from photos is still a building that can be fully appreciated only in person. Stunning doesn't come close to the right word -- I don't know one that is more apt, however. Wherever we went in North India, we saw temples, stayed in excellent hotels -- don't let Jayanta Kar's banter mislead you; he cannot, however, keep a straight face when he teases, so it's easy to see through his no-indoor-plumbing shtick. Highlights of the tour include a stay at a rural retreat with a camel-cart ride and a visit to a local farm where the farmer and his children were gracious though by Western standards they were not living in opulent wealth. I especially enjoyed going to the market with a local hostess in Mysore and going with here to the house of a family where the woman used the fresh ingredients to cook a dinner that we ate off banana leaves. Her daughter and husband contributed to the chat and we guests pitched in with chopping and eating. Another highlight was a talk on the position of women by a doctor who has made it her mission to bring contraceptive and pre- and post-natal care to women across Rajasthan. We saw fortresses and temples aplenty with excellent summaries of their religious and historical significance. In South India, we were impressed with the comparative wealth and the mutual tolerance of religious cultures -- Hindu, Muslim, and Christian. The spice farm visit was excellent as were the Calicut fish market (we visited on our own). I cannot do justice to the excellence of the experience except to encourage everyone to go.

A life-changing experience Fulfilling a long-time dream

A SUPERB learning experience. We visited many interesting cultural and historical sites. We stayed in wonderful accommodations with very friendly staffs. Excellent friendly bus drivers (and their helpers). Met wonderful new friends. All-in-all ... A beyond-great adventure.

The Best of India North and South was an amazing adventure that has found a true place in my heart that I will never forget. I was asked to go along by a friend and previously did not have India on my list of places to go. I am more than thankful that she considered me as a travel companion and I encourage anyone who would like to experience a magical place filled with rich and dramatic history, amazing vistas, incredible food and kind, considerate and friendly people to choose one of the Road Scholar Tours of India.

Outstanding. Exceeded my expectations.

If you’re ready to step out of your comfort zone and experience the world that the majority of people live in, then go to India with Roadscholar. What a wonderful experience.

This is a colorful eye-opening trip! Our guide (Shagzil Khan), the food, the itinerary, and the pace were all excellent. The Indian people are warm and welcoming. Only the flights to/from India were unpleasant- break them up if possible!

Fantastic sites, very informative and especially enjoyed the home hosted meals. The travel guide was the best I ever experienced.

I cannot imagine a better retirement gift to myself than this tour. It did a remarkable job of introducing me to a country and culture and people of which I knew far too little, and left me wanting to learn far more. Nor can I imagine a better tour leader than Shagzil Khan, whose knowledge, passion, sense of humor and organizational skills came through every day.

I absolutely loved my trip to India entitled "Treasures of India North and South" Even though abbreviated by the corvid-19 pandemic, it was a fantastic experience. The content fascinating, the leadership superb, the lectures excellent, the accommodations tops, the fellow travelers great fun. I have no hesitation to very highly recommend it. Raymond Tobey

The true test of a company is how they take care of their customers in a crisis. We were on a 3 week trip to India just as the coronavirus pandemic was accelerating and the entire time Road Scholar monitored the fast changing worsening situation. Our guide and everyone connected with the tour made sure we remained healthy, everything from issuing high grade masks, adjusting the itinerary to avoid potentially hazardous situations, and instituting other health practices. Road Scholar wisely suspended the last half of our trip, recalling us back to the USA. They quickly and behind the scenes arranged the homebound flights (not an easy task given the airline chaos), enabling us to enjoy our remaining days on the tour. No one on our tour got sick and we all got back home 2 days before India went into lockdown. We are grateful that Road Scholar took good care of us, kept us healthy and got us home safely.

This trip contrasts north and south India. Amazingly the areas are different in many respects. The communist area was particularly interesting.

What an amazing experience! The adventure of a lifetime! On top of that, this is an organization that is more interested in your safety, your well-being and the quality of your experience. I know; I traveled with them during the Coronavirus crises.

The trip was scheduled to start just as the coronavirus was spreading. It started as scheduled but because of conditions in India and the world, modifications were made for the participants safety and as the government of India wished. Nevertheless, I would without any reservations take another trip to any part of the world through Road Scholar.

What an amazing trip. First was an amazing guide. Jay was just outstanding. His knowledge of India enhanced the trip greatly. Super guide. If you want to see “all” of India this is the trip. From Delhi to the back waters of waters ofKerala you get an amazing view of India. Would highly recommend this trip. You will love it. Galen and Marilyn Hadley

This is a very well planned trip. You get to see a real cross-section of this terrific country. It is a busy program but no strenuous climbing; just reasonable, and always interesting, walking. Shagzil Khan is an amazing Group Leader and added a lot of fun to the experience. Don't hesitate to take this trip.

Although we are experienced travelers who have now been to 74 countries and all 50 US states, this was our first Road Scholar tour and our first visit to India. We did not know what to expect of either the tour or the country, but were blown away by both. This was simply the best tour we have ever had. Our guide, Shagzil Khan, was was everything that a tour group leader should be. He was friendly, humorous, knowledgeable, completely tuned in to an American clientele, proud of his country and eager to share his enthusiasm, well organized, and a great communicator. I highly recommend this tour

The "Best of India: Treasures of the North and South" program was fantastic! It provided a good overview of the complexity of the country and it has inspired me to learn so much more. I hope to go back, soon!

INDIA IS A BLEND OF BEAUTY AND BLIGHT, HONKING HORNS,TRAFFIC AND CRAZY DRIVERS, WEALTH AND POVERTY, FRIENDLY AND SMILING PEOPLE, CROWDED CITES, NUMEROUS HISTORICAL PALACES, HISTORY, RELIGION,VAST AGRICULTURAL AREAS, SPICY FOODS, COLORFUL CLOTHING AND A WONDERFUL PLACE TO VISIT. OUR WONDERFUL TOUR GUIDE, ANURAG MADE IT COME ALIVE!!!!

India is an extraordinary country, rich in history and beauty. The forts, palaces, mosques, and temples are grander than anything imagined. People were universally friendly and welcoming. With Road Scholar you have an opportunity to experience the best of India.

I had the trip of a lifetime on the Best of the North and South of India. The sites, the people and the tour guides exceeded all my expectations and have inspired me to learn more about India and follow India's continual progress into the future.

A truly wonderful experience that exceeded all my expectations.

This India trip changed my world view and opened my mind and heart to India. I highly recommend the Road Scholar organization as they took such excellent care of us every step of the way!

I cannot say enough good about this program...It was excellent. The itinerary gave us a balance of tourist points (Taj, tombs, forts, museums, etc.) and what I will call the "real India", (dinner in homes, meal prep, village celebration) etc.) which gave us opportunities to interact with the delightful people of India...and in large and small towns and areas. Our group leader, Singh is one of the BEST...knowledgeable, thoughtful, kind and fun!

This is a first class program for those wishing to experience the life and history of India in all its riches and culture to its poverty. From the Taj Mahal and other glorious palaces to the Backwaters of Keralaa. It is well directed and superby lead by experienced and knowledeable experts.

This was an extraordinary, outstanding travel-learning experience. It exceeded my high expectations, and I'd recommend it highly for all who want to broaden their horizons and enjoy an action pact exotic Indiana Jones-packed travel experience. S t e v e, Ph.D. Boston area.

I was ambivalent about traveling to India, but I am so glad that we did! The color, the art and architecture, the people, the history and culture, and the amazing food as well as our fantastic guide provided us with a memorable experience and much deeper understanding and appreciation of India.

India is an amazing destination and Road Scholar does a very good job guiding you through it.

The sights, the culture, landscape, diversity, people, food, and the Road Scholar logistics were all top-notch. But if you are considering joining the same or similar itinerary in India, you need to ponder two key variables, viz., a. the air quality the North (especially Delhi, Agra and Jaipur) as well as in Mumbai (if you're planning a stopover en route, as I did) is horrible and poses a serious health hazard; and b. nowadays, visiting India as a tourist directly or indirectly supports the proto-fascist, Hindu-supremacist policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his ruling BJP party, which are undermining at a breathtaking speed the secular, tolerant and pluralistic principles enshrined in the Indian Constitution.

We were very capably shepherded by an extremely knowledgeable and personable leader through a wide variety of experiences that we probably would never have been able to manage or even access on our own. Trip of a lifetime!

Visiting different parts of India gave me a better understanding of the country. This trip was terrific--the food, the sites, the guides, the various means of travel, the colors, the people we met. All in all, a wonderful experience.

This was an outstanding program! If you have three weeks you will become very familiar with many of the wonderful sights and treasures of both northern and southern India. There is a lot to see and learn, and this tour gives you a lot of both. There is a great combination of sights, sounds and hands-on experiences that provide a lot of insight into the history, culture and daily life in India. You visit both urban and rural settings. I recommend this trip without reservation!

This is an excellent program. Once you're there and get started you forget how many hours flying time you had to cover. I am so glad I participated. Ingrid H., Florida

A dream come true journey to India! Tour leader, Jay, was knowledgable, humorous, patient and willing to indulge our interests, like tasting fresh water chestnuts from sidewalk seller. An active tour, be ready to GO and be open to the learn with each step. I’ve learned that who we travel with is as important as our destination. Grateful to Road’s Scholar and already thinking of what adventure to explore next!

Our Road Scholar tour through India was the most amazing touring experience of my life. Every step of the way we delighted in the richness and diversity of India's culture and people, its history and hospitality, its foods and handicrafts. I came home longing to return!

The well curated North-South India itinerary ensures the trip of a lifetime! Site visits are made meaningful by expert guides. Four and five star hotel accommodations guarantee comfortable lodging and fine dining. Experiential learning is furthered through hosted dinners at family homes. In combination, these elements support personal learning about new ways of being and seeing.

North and South India Program with leader Shagzil Khan contains informative, educational, and inspirational insights. India is an amazing country of many contrasts. Experiencing India's history, sites, peoples, and cultures enriches one's life.

Just returned from India North and South. Excellent trip, superior tour guides, bus drivers and assistants, above average accomodations. Food was divine! If your going to India, go north and south for the full experience.

Shagzil Khan was a great group leader and instructor This was a trip of a lifetime and was very fulfilling. I didn't want it to end.

India is a treasure trove of culture, geography, arts, people, animals, and beauty. The country far exceeded my expectations. Shagzil Khan brought India to life for us with his expertise and personality.

This tour exceeded my expectations. From the crowded streets of the market in Delhi, to the beauty of the Taj Mahal and the tranquility of the Kerala backwaters, India is a study in contrasts. Our guide, Anurag, was extremely knowledgeable and enriched our experience with his commentary. He was ever patient, professional and solved every minor problem that arose with grace. Most of all, I came away with a sense of the warm, friendly people of this beautiful country. Our group had such a good time! This is the fourth Road Scholar trip I have taken. Each has wonderful, but the variety of experiences on this trip was exceptional. Highly recommend!

When one reaches one's seventies, it is tempting to spend time complaining about what's wrong with the world today. It is refreshing to report that one of the things that's clearly RIGHT with the world today is ROAD SCHOLAR.

Being the 2nd traveler in the household I didn't get the opportunity to review the trip formally. I know now that I should have provided my email for that opportunity. Nonetheless: What Was Great: 1. The Trip Leader. Like most things in life, the interaction of knowledgeable, intelligent, organized and approachable individual makes the difference. Jayanta Kar was our trip leader; I don’t think a better exponent of India is available. With minor exception, we left on time, we arrived on time, we saw what we were supposed to see and came away awed. This was our first interaction with RS and I fear that his performance set such a high bar that we can never get better than this! He also laughed at my jokes which made him an exceptional companion. He gets a 10 out of 10 2. The Accommodations. For the most part, we were booked into 4- or 5-star hotels. The staff was welcoming, the rooms clean and quiet, and the physical arrangements easy to get around. One downside was that for those of us who lack dietary discretion, the menu plan was almost always all-you-can-eat buffet of well-prepared, delicious local, western & international cuisines. I felt obliged to sample it all. Fortunately, there was a bit of elastic in my trouser waistband. 3. The Tour Schedule. India is a big country (and, as we learned) which is, in truth, really many nations with 6+ millennia of history before the USA was even discovered that have only recently come together as one. The schedule was ambitious but doable. Interweaving urban & rural historic & fun was well thought out. We could have used more time! I highly recommend this tour. 4. Pre-Trip Recommended Reading. I was not enticed by the suggested reading list. Although I am not a speedy reader I elected to read a concise (600 pg) history of India and it was challenging but very rewarding to read about it and walk through it at the same time. The book was "India: A History" by John Keay (Grove Press).

Every thing "clicked" beginning with the relief of seeing the Road Scholar greeter waving the welcome sign at the Delhi Airport (our flight from Dulles was 18 hours late) to our raucous farewell dinner during which we shared many surprising and exciting spontaneous experiences not described in the program material. Road Scholar has mastered the logistics and components of the Trip. And our Guide wonderfully contributed to the process of bringing us all together as "family." India is joyfully alive. Should it beckon you in the slightest don't hesitate...just GO.

The tour of India was extremely will lead and managed

The Best of India: Treasures of the North and South was an outstanding Road Scholar Adventure. It provided us with a very thorough look at the beautiful country of India. The pace was appropriate, the sights were fantastic, the people in our small group were very friendly. Mostly though the success of the experience is due largely to our exceptional tour leader Shagzil Khan. He made the trip so enlightening and interesting. We both came away with a better understanding of India's culture, people, history and will tell everyone we know that it is worth a visit. Thank you Shagzil for a fantastic experience sharing your beautiful country with us.

A very diverse tour of a very diverse country! Tuktuk and bike-rickshaw tours of chaotic cities and a relaxing river cruise of a jungle backwater. The famous sites: Taj Mahal, Temples, Mosques, Forts, Museums; and also the less famous sites: local villages and school, and visiting with local residents -- even helping cook dinner after first shopping in local markets. Five-star accommodations and great food; opportunities for shopping (souvenirs or heirlooms); and time to relax or explore on one's own. It's all amazing!

Very interesting sites, great accommodations and meals, our primary tour leader was outstanding, and our other local guides were very knowledge. All transfers, hotel registrations, meal reservations, entrances to sites, pickups by our bus/rickshaws/tuk-tuks/jeeps, even our camel carts ran like clockwork - allowing us to focus on enjoying the trip. My favorite activities included: the Taj Mahal & the Baby Taj, our visit to the Sikh Temple, the Home Hosted dinners, the Clement Village Retreat, Abhaneri Step Wells, Somnathpur Temple, Mysore Palace, the spice plantation, and of course the Kerala houseboats. So much to see, learn and experience.

Five star trip! This trip was exceptionally well planned and executed by Road Scholar. We were educated and amazed and pampered. The trip leader Jayanta was exceptional. The food was tasty, and at times dangerously fire hot, but there were always milder choices and no one ever went hungry or unsatisfied. Western style toilet were always available. A quality comfortable face mask for Delhi and Agra pollution is nice to have. Take along an open mind, extra storage room on your camera, extra suitcase space for the delightful things you will want to buy. Leave your politics at home and you will have a delightful time. I only wish I had bought more from the street vendors working for their livings.

This tour, the north and south of India, was incredible, largely owing to an outstanding tour guide, Shagzil. He is an intelligent, quick-witted, well-organized, humorous story teller who has a vast knowledge of Indian history, religions, politics and culture. We always felt well taken care of, as we traveled to so many wonderful places and had so many different and interesting experiences. An exceptional tour!!!

This programme may look expensive, but for all the things it includes it is a bargain. For anyone who is nervous about going to India, don't worry - the guide takes excellent care of you. Our guide, Jayanta, was absolutely the best

I can not imagine a better way to visit India for the first time. The Program provides high quality lectures, accomodartions, transportation and meals. All major concerns are managed by well trained persons. The guide we had was outstanding.

The quality, variety, and number of experiences included in The Best Of India exceeded my wildest expectations. From the bustle and chaos of Delhi to the serene Kerala Backwaters, from Pink City Jaipur to a spice plantation, from the dust, noise, and litter to the perfection of the Taj Mahal, India is full of fascinating contradictions. There were temple, mosque, synagogue, and church visits along with house, school, village, and factory visits. We traveled by bus, pedicab, Jeep, cab, camel cart, plane, train, tul tuk and boat. Eco Lodges were a welcome respite from the intensity of the exciting cities. The curious and interesting Road Scholar participants added to the overall experience. Leading throughout and providing insight to all subjects India including flora, fauna, history, economy, mythology, caste system, arranged marriage, and numerous other topics was guide and guru Shagzil Kahn. He arranged, directed, informed, and advised with patience, compassion, grace, and humor. He is Road Scholar's "India Whisperer." But above all, beyond the riot of color, exotic scents, cacophony of sounds, and the endless variety of tastes, lies the sincere warmth and friendly welcome given to us by all the Indian people that we encountered. Truly a trip of a lifetime. Five Stars!

I had always wanted to see the Taj Mahal. On the Best of India from North to South program we got to see this fabulous monument from three different perspectives over two days. Our group of twenty bonded during the three weeks and shared many more wonderful experiences from eating dinner at the home of locales to several days and evenings spent on a Kerala riverboat cruising peacefully and watching for birds. And another time, we saw wild elephants alongside the road as we drove through a wildlife preserve. Under the careful guidance of our knowledgeable and supportive group leader, we had a wonderful introduction to India.

Fantastic trip. We saw and did much more than I would have been able to alone. Having a guide who knows the country is invaluable.

This program is excellent!

Extraordinary & delightful. I was very much looking forward to this trip, yet it far exceeded my wildest dreams & expectations! If you have any interest whatsoever in visiting India, this trip is for you you! Even if you have no interest in visiting India, take this trip anyway, it was change you!

The best trip yet with Road Scholar! I can't think of one thing to make it any better. Our tour leader, Shaitan, was superb! He went out of his way to accommodate each one us with great patience and friendliness. Not to mention his knowledge and willingness to answer so many questions. I especially liked our home visits, our stay at The Clement Retreat and village visits, our houseboat stay in Kerala and ,of course, The Taj! Thank you again for a memorable experience. Nancy Agerton

Excellent introduction to India. See the famous landmarks and learn about the wide variety of cultural, historic, and religious influences in different parts of the country. Caution: air pollution and traffic in the cities can be hazardous.

The Best of India - North and South is a wonderful program. We got to see so many interesting sites and experiences -- densely populated Delhi, magnificent Step-Well, historic forts and palaces, and of course, The Taj Mahal. But there was a whole lot more. The time spent on the house boats in the Kerala Backwaters were so relaxing, the Kerala Folklore museum in Cochin was fascinating, etc. And a quintessential ride on the Indian Railways through the countryside.

North and South India is an amazing way to experience India for the first time. If you are lucky enough to get Jayanta Kar as your guide your experience will be elevated to a whole different level. MRB Toronto Canada

We had a fantastic experience. The mixture of time in urban and rural areas was really great. The program was extremely well organized and our tour leader was excellent.

I would recommend this tour to anyone interested in learning about Indian history and culture. Spending time in both the north and south provided a richer picture of the country than would be possible from visiting one area only. While three weeks is a long time, the trip provided a broad range of experiences and time in both urban and rural areas. The trip also included less intense days that enabled us to rest up between the more rigorous travel and touring days. Accommodations were excellent throughout, bus travel was pleasant, food was plentiful and delicious, and our guide -- Anurag Srivastara -- was outstanding. Very much appreciated his knowledge of the country, leadership, and sense of fun.