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Suggested Reading
  • Holy Cow: An Indian Adventure by Sarah MacDonald
  • The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy
  • Travels Through Sacred India by Roger Housden
  • Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie
  • India: A History by John Keay
  • Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri
  • The Mango Season by Amulya Malladi
  • Dreaming in Hindi by Katherine Russell Rich
  • Travelers' Tales India: True Stories
  • Customs and Etiquette of India by Venika Kingsland
  • Little India: www.littleindia.com
  • Movie Recommendations
  • BBC Documentary Series: The Story of India
  • Gandhi
  • Lagaan
  • Monsoon Wedding
  • Earth: 1947
  • Bride and Prejudice
  • Slumdog Millionaire
  • Water
  • Bombay
  • Categories

    Archive for the ‘Testimonials’ Category

    It is that time of year to be thankful! Last week, I received an email from Deanna, a Sodha Traveler who visited India and Sri Lanka in September. Deanna was feeling very thankful for her experiences abroad and wanted to share it with our team (reprinted with permission):

    As I am making my lists in preparation for the Thanksgiving holiday, my mind keeps wandering to the sounds, sights and smells of my trip. What I am most thankful for this year was the ability to experience such a remarkable part of the world. It was an indulgence. This gratitude extends to you and all of Sodha Travel for planning everything so beautifully. I look forward to sharing my photos and memories with the family at Thanksgiving. Thank you again and wishing you a wonderful holiday.

    Thank you, Deanna. We also feel very thankful for the opportunity to meet and serve so many diverse clients. Every traveler has a unique and captivating story!

    *In recognition of Thanksgiving, our office will be closed on November 24 and 25. The Sodha Travel team wishes you a wonderful holiday!

    The Temple Trail is Sodha Travel’s September Featured Tour! With over 31,000 temples, Tamil Nadu is considered the Land of Temples. Many believe these ancient structures are unmatched in their architectural brilliance. On our Temple Trail tour, spend 8 days in Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Thanjavur and Madurai. Also experience South India’s classical music and dance circuit, including a Bharatanatyam dance performance.

    Here is a testimonial from Randi, a Sodha Traveler who experienced this tour in June:

    Tamil Nadu is fascinating and a complete contrast to other regions! I especially enjoyed my time in Trichy. The Srirangam and Rock Fort temples were captivating, as were the people of the town. I was also surprised by the musical and artistic history of the cities we visited…The guides were informative and professional and took the time to share such a complex history.

    Thank you, Randi! Remember, reserve this tour in the month of September and receive $100 off per person!

    Did you know that Sodha Travel reserves Independent Itineraries across India and Nepal? An Independent Itinerary, or II, allows a traveler the flexibility to plan as many or as few details of their trip before departure. I am proud that Sodha Travel is one of few agencies that not only specializes in travel to the Indian subcontinent, but also provides direct support and advocacy from team members in the United States and India.

    Kevin Helms, a Sodha Traveler, recently returned from a 10-week Independent Itinerary across India. Kevin had some idea of his travel plans but prefered to keep an open schedule. Before his departure, he confirmed certain reservations, including hotels and airport transfers in his arrival and departure cities, train ticketing in Rajasthan, and touring in Kerala. Then, I supplied Kevin with the contact information of my Sodha Travel team member in Delhi.  During the trip, Kevin contacted him to reserve additional services, including air/rail tickets and accommodations. My team member was also there to assist him when his passport was lost during the third week of his journey. Here is an excerpt from Kevin’s email that he sent to me after returning to California (reprinted with permission):

    As I was planning my trip, so many people thought I was unhinged to travel to India for 10 weeks without set reservations. After all, I was not backpacking and not staying in hostels. I wanted nice accommodations and good tour guides. Your Sodha Travel associate in India was great to work with. He was efficient, professional, and made good recommendations. He was so valuable when I lost my passport and also helped me with a local phone plan. India was magnificent and overwhelming. Knowing I had a human connection was comforting in such a foreign terrain. Thank you for providing excellent services from both the United States and India!

    Thank you, Kevin! Our team is always happy to assist you. Remember, please send your testimonials to travel@sodhatravel.com.

    Only one week remains to reserve our Ananda Ayurvedic Spa package and save $300 per couple!

    Ananda Spa

    Ananda is a world class destination spa located in the foothills of the Himalayas. Among its many accolades, Ananda was awarded the World’s Number One Destination Spa for three consecutive years and listed on Top 10 Worldwide Yoga Retreats. The 21,000 square foot spa offers an exceptional variety of over 80 body and beauty treatments, yoga, and spiritual fitness. Ananda also features rooms, villas and suites that have been infused with natural Himalayan light and overlook the Ganges River, majestic mountains and the sacred city of Rishikesh. Clearly stated, Ananda’s mission is to Energize your Body, Restore your Mind and Calm your Soul.

    Jasmine, a Sodha Traveler who visited Ananda earlier this year, said it was “more than a spa. The facilities were exceptional, the cuisine was amazing, and I left feeling absolutely rejuvenated. I would love to return every year to that sense of peace and relaxation and I cannot say enough wonderful things about my experience.”

    And remember: Reserve this package in the month of April and receive $300 off per couple!

    Calling all travel tips!  We are in the process of updating our India and Nepal Destination Guides. We will also be adding a page of travel tips and hot spots, recommended by our travelers! Here are a few examples of recent suggestions:

    “If visiting Kerala, be sure to take a cooking class. The region is overflowing with spices and the cuisine is some of the best in the world.”  – Jason K.

    ” Try not to take offence to the looks by the locals. You are a foreigner and it is part of the culture. They are curious, not rude. ”  – Barbara A.

    “If visiting Delhi, be sure to visit Depauls in Janpath Market near Connaught Place for awesome cold coffee.”  – Eliana R.

    “Bargaining is an accepted part of the culture, but don’t walk away from a good deal for a few dollars of difference. The vendors depend on the sale for their livelihood and to support their families, and in the end you have a treasured item from your trip.” – Ronald L.

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    Please send your India and Nepal tips/recommendations and contact information  to travel@sodhatravel.com by June 1. Thank you for your valued contribution!