The Sodha Travel Blog

A homestay in India

Allison Sodha — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 19:39:06 +0000

A homestay (or home stay) can be an enriching alternative to traditional accommodations. The idea is to offer a clean and affordable place for foreigners to stay, usually with the intention of learning more about the community, culture, and traditions. If you are interested in learning more about a home stay in India, please read my recent article on Travelhoppers, titled Homestays in India.

One of our Sodha Travelers, Nanci Jackson, recently returned from Kerala. Her favorite accommodation during the trip was a home stay in Cochin, and here she shares a few enchanting memories:

It almost felt other-worldly to stay for three nights at the home of a local family in Kerala. The owners were truly gracious and accommodating and invited me to participate in their daily tasks. One morning, after a delicious breakfast that included a dosa, fresh fruit, coconut and local coffee, I went to the local market with the homeowner, Mrs. R. We shopped together for groceries and other items. In the evening, I helped her (or more realistically, watched her) prepare some traditional Keralan dishes. Watching her cook was like observing an artist create a masterpiece. There was such love in the preparation. Then, during dinner, we had a delightful conversation about India’s culture, the people, and the way modernity is weaving a thread in the country’s traditions. It was such a gift for me to have this encounter and stay with a local family. I highly recommend it for any of your travelers!

Thank you for sharing, Nanci. For more information on home stays in India, including the different categories and amenities, please contact our team!

Sri Lanka Visa Update

Allison Sodha — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:06:27 +0000

A reminder to U.S. citizens traveling to Sri Lanka – a visa is now required before arriving in the country. Previously, a traveler was granted a no-cost visa upon arrival, valid for 30 days. Now, U.S. citizens must have either an Electronic Travel Authorization or a visa to enter Sri Lanka. Travelers will require an approval notice from Sri Lanka’s new Electronic Travel Authorization System, passport, onward/return ticket, and proof of sufficient funds. The application process is completed online or at a Sri Lanka Embassy or Consulate.

Please contact us with any additional questions.

February Featured Tour: Legacy of Leh/Ladakh

Allison Sodha — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:46:54 +0000

Last post, I was excited to announce our newest women-only tour: Colors of India. Just a few days ago, we also added a new Featured Tour: Legacy of Leh/Ladakh. Ladakh is a remote region in Northern India, located between the Himalayan and Kunlin mountain ranges. Historically a Buddhist kingdom, Ladakh was strategically placed at the crossroads of major trading routes. The region is commonly called “Little Tibet” and many travelers have discovered this destination as an alternative to visiting the disputed territory of Tibet.

Lamayuru Monastery

Start your 8-day journey in Delhi, visiting the Red Fort, Raj Ghat, and Humayun’s Tomb . Then, fly to Leh and experience one of the few remaining abodes of Buddhism in South Asia. Here are just a few highlights:

Hemis, the largest monastery in Ladakh
Leh Palace, modeled after the Potala Palace in Lhasa
Thiksey, an 800 year old gompa with panoramic views of the Indus Valley
Lamayuru Monastery, currently housing 150 resident monks

To spotlight this spectacular region, reserve Legacy of Leh/Ladakh during the month of February and receive $50 off registration. For more information on Leh, check out our February edition of The Sodha Traveler.

Tibetan Prayer Flags in Leh

Colors of India Tour: September 20 – October 1, 2012

Allison Sodha — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:29:51 +0000

Our Colors of India tour is now open! Join us on a women-only, 10 day/9 night itinerary in Northern India: Delhi, India’s capital; Agra, home of the majestic Taj Mahal; Jaipur, the Pink City of Rajasthan; Rajsamand, a Mewar town; and Udaipur, the City of Lakes. Travel with a group of women who share in the excitement of India, and make new friends in a supportive, safe, and enriching environment!

This package includes 5* accommodations with daily breakfast, economy airfare from Udaipur – Delhi, comprehensive touring with an English speaking guide, entrance fees to the monuments, airport transfers, fuel surcharges, and many special experiences, including:

A tender moment

Sunset visit to the majestic Taj Mahal
Overnight stay in a historic Mewar Palace
Lunch at the home of a local family
Elephant ride to Amber Fort
Private mehndi (henna) session and Rajasthani cooking class
Evening boat ride on Lake Pichola
Rural ramble and dinner at Deogarh Mahal

Deogarh Mahal

To maintain an intimate cultural experience, this tour is limited to 18 guests. Also, if you are a solo traveler but wish to share a room, Sodha Travel will pair you with a roommate (based on availability.) Please visit our Colors of India page or contact us for more information.

Indian Cinema at Lewis & Clark College

Allison Sodha — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 20:08:56 +0000

Do you love the color, songs, and drama of Indian cinema? Lewis & Clark College in Portland will be presenting 13 Bollywood films from January 18 – April 25. The subtitled films will be shown at 6:00 PM on Wednesdays in Miller Hall 102. They are free and open to the public. Here is the schedule:

January 18: Kuch Kuch Hota Hai

January 25: Lagaan

February 1: Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge

February 8: Zanjeer

February 15: Dil To Pagal Hai

February 21: Satyam Shivam Sundaram

February 29: Mother India

March 7: Khalnayak

March 14: Roja

March 21: Hum Aapke Hain Kaun…!

April 11: Devdas

April 18: Masala

April 25: Kal Ho Naa Ho

For more information, please visit Bollywood at Lewis and Clark.

Colors of India Tour: Coming October 2012!

Allison Sodha — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 17:05:47 +0000

Travel with a group of women who share in the excitement of India and make new friends in a supportive, safe, and enriching environment!

Group Mehndi

Coming soon, Sodha Travel will debut Colors of India, a 10-day tour for women only that includes Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Rajsamand, and Udaipur. In addition to superior hotel accommodations, comprehensive touring, entrance fees, and airport transfers, this tour will include many special and authentic experiences, including a private mehndi (henna) session, a Rajasthani cooking class, yoga sessions, and lunch at the home of a local family. Travelers will also have the opportunity to ride an elephant, stay overnight in a historic palace, and experience a traditional folk dance!

To maintain an intimate cultural experience, tour participation is limited to 16 guests. The proposed tour dates are October 8-17, 2012. Check back soon for a complete itinerary and pricing!

Happy Holidays from Sodha Travel!

Allison Sodha — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 00:11:32 +0000

The Sodha Travel team wishes you much love, joy and peace this holiday season!

In recognition of the holidays, our office will be closed on Monday, December 26 and Monday, January 2. We look forward to an exciting and memorable 2012, as we explore our world and connect with our community. Cheers!

Sri Lanka is a Paradise Rediscovered!

Allison Sodha — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 16:43:28 +0000

Sri Lanka has re-emerged as a hot destination for savvy travelers. It is an exotic confluence of ancient kingdoms, tropical shorelines, earthy cuisine, tea plantations, and religious sites. Sri Lanka was also recently named one of the top 15 most affordable destinations for 2012. Check out my recent article on Travelhoppers, Sri Lanka: A Paradise Rediscovered, where I explore 5 must-see attractions in the Emerald Isle of the Indian Ocean.

The Sweetness of Doing Nothing

Allison Sodha — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 21:45:08 +0000

One of our Sodha Travelers, Erica, recently sent an interesting article from the site LearnVest. The post, The Best Time Investments You Can Make, mentioned Indians as having the ability to enjoy life’s everyday joys:

I love the concept of “La Dolce Far Niente” or “the sweetness of doing nothing,” something the Italians and many other cultures have mastered. Not Americans, though. In America, we don’t feel our time is well spent unless we’re either producing or consuming, says social psychologist Robert V. Levine, author of “A Geography of Time: On Tempo, Culture, and the Pace of Life,” which is a limited (and frankly, stressful) perspective. In other parts of the world, such as India, it’s normal for people to enjoy each others’ company without activity or even conversation. Investing in do-nothing time will help us slow down and experience a different pace of life, in which time’s value is not measured by its productivity.

After reading the article, I sat and thought about this idea of India’s culture. At first glance, India can be a scene of chaos: Millions of people, cars, rickshaws, motorcycles, and cows sharing one sacred land; Technology and infrastructure both booming and yet not able to expeditiously meet the needs of the people; Bribery and corruption permeating the society. However, when you look deeper there is an ideology of – dare I say? – contentment. It is also interesting to explore, as India is presently one of the most productive countries in the world. According to the above, do-nothing time is not measured by productivity, but the Indian people have accomplished both.

Tell me, do you believe Indians have mastered the sweetness of doing nothing? What other cultures parallel this philosophy?

Delhi Airport Development Fee

Allison Sodha — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 17:41:20 +0000

Effective December 1, 2011, the Airport Development Fee (ADF) at the Delhi IGI airport will be reinstated as follows:

International Departure – Rs. 1434

Domestic Departure – Rs. 221

The ADF is not included in any airline tickets that were purchased before November 28, 2011, and passengers will need to pay the additional fee at the check-in counter. Payment must be made in INR – no USD will be accepted – and the fee is per person, including children and infants. The ADF will be included in any new tickets being issued, unless otherwise noted.

The ADF started in March 2009 as a way for passengers to help fund the Delhi airport expansion project. Please let us know if you have any additional questions.