Our Sodha Travel team has been busy preparing new custom India tour programs that will be launched this summer! Based on your feedback and recommendations, we have crafted four itineraries that serve the diverse interests of our clients. The themes include family-travel, vineyards, Ayurveda, and more! Read on for an exclusive preview of our *new* private India packages.[...] Read More...
Ranthambore National Park is one of the most filmed wildlife reserves in the world. Located in Rajasthan, it is also one of the largest national parks in Northern India. It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1955 and became a part of Project Tiger in 1973. As the park is relatively small, guests often view leopards, tigers, and jungle cats.[...] Read More...
Many travelers are initially drawn to India for its extensive history and culture, including a visit the famed Taj Mahal. And the numbers prove that over 72% of foreign tourists include a visit to the iconic monument of love in Agra. As Destination Specialists, it is our responsibility to not only be experts in the places we sell, but also be informed of alternate locations that offer similar elements of the more popular and well-known locations. When planning an itinerary, many of our clients inquire as to whether or not a popular site or city is worth visiting. We usually communicate that it is popular for a reason. Can the inundation of tourists detract from the experience? Possibly. Does the fact that so many people visit indicate it is worth it? Probably. However, only after learning more about our client’s travel preferences and special interests can we make a fair recommendation.[...] Read More...
Did you know that Sodha Travel is a member of The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), the largest and oldest ecotourism organization in the world? Through the years, Sodha Travel has maintained a commitment to sustainable business practices. This not only applies to the administrative elements of our company but also through Responsible Tourism: leaving the destination a better place than when you found it. Our team continues to seek new ways of incorporating sustainability and conservation in the travel industry.[...] Read More...
Our Golden Experience Giveaway was a tremendous success! A warm thank you to all who entered to win a private tour of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. After conducting an official drawing, the winner is…[...] Read More...
In the past few months, three incidents of rape and attempted rape in India have made international headlines and have unfortunately branded India as an unsafe destination for tourists. As appalling as the recent incidents have been, they are a gross misrepresentation of what most visitors experience – a very safe and friendly environment. India is a complex country with almost 1.3 billion people and even the most seasoned traveler can find the country to be a difficult place to navigate and integrate. This is why Sodha Travel partners with a destination management company with over 50 years of experience providing travelers with safe and enriching travel experiences.[...] Read More...
We always appreciate when our clients send us feedback and testimonials regarding their travel experiences. Our team values the input and strives to exceed expectations, based on comments and suggestions. Susan and Jacob from San Diego, California, recently returned from three weeks in Sri Lanka and India. Their itinerary included a custom Jewish tour in Mumbai, overnight houseboat in Alleppey, and traditional dance performance in Kandy, Sri Lanka. The following testimonial is posted, with permission:[...] Read More...
Indian-spiced popcorn? Yes, please! At the Portland Indian Bridal Showcase, I had the opportunity to meet Neha Patel, the owner of Masala Pop. Neha grew up eating her mom’s savory blend of popcorn, spiced in the tradition found in her native India. She started experimenting with her own blend of spices and flavors to create a one-of-a-kind snack with a spicy kick. After 15 years as a sustainability professional, Neha decided to pursue her dream of starting a specialty food business. She quickly turned her “hobby” into a retail shop and manufacturing space for Masala Pop to supply farmers market, co-ops, movie theaters, specialty grocery and more. The enthusiasm from customers inspires her to continue to create new and exciting flavors and products.[...] Read More...
Are you ready to ride an elephant to Amber Fort? Or view the majestic Taj Mahal at sunset? Sodha Travel is excited to announce our Golden Experience Giveaway! You and a guest can win a private 6 day/5 night tour of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur that includes deluxe hotel accommodations, private vehicle and driver, comprehensive touring, entrance fees, airport transfers, and much more![...] Read More...
Even the most privileged travelers consider Bhutan a special destination. Its secluded location, limited accessibility, and preservation efforts have shielded many from visiting this jewel in the Himalayas. Bhutan only opened its doors to tourism in 1974, with the number for tourists kept to an environmentally manageable level through government regulated tourist tariffs. Bhutanese are renowned for their happiness and are a proud people who wear their national costume with pride.[...] Read More...
Bhaktapur, also known as Bhadgaon, is an ancient Newari town located in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the district houses the famed Durbar Square, Nyatapola Temple, and Kailashnath Mahadev Statue.[...] Read More...
Located in Southwestern India, Kerala is a scenic region of palm-fringed beaches, hill stations, tea plantations, backwater canals, and wildlife sanctuaries. It is the most literate state in India (93%) and the first state to become 100% internet connected. Also, Kerala is considered the birthplace of Ayurveda, a traditional and holistic form of medicine.[...] Read More...
The methodology of Indian cooking has influenced the cuisine of many cultures worldwide. Experiencing the local and regional spices is often a request from our clients when traveling to India, and what makes our Taste of India package so popular. The following guest post is written by Chandrika Nimmagadda, a Sodha Traveler who owned Curry Leaf restaurant in Portland, Oregon for eight years.[...] Read More...
Sodha Travel is excited to be a part of the Portland Indian Bridal Showcase on Sunday, February 10th at East India Co. Stop by our booth and learn more about our services, including India destination weddings and honeymoon packages in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bhutan. Sign up for an exclusive discount off our custom packages, and win prizes by testing your trivia knowledge! Tickets are only $5 with online pre-registration, and $12 at the door. We hope to see you at this wonderful expo that showcases ethnic treasures![...] Read More...
Dear Airline Industry,[...] Read More...