Tea Pickers in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

To start this mail, let me just say that Sri Lanka is a dream come alive. I had visions and expectations of the island being a paradise and yet so different from home. I just never anticipated the extraordinary kindness of the people, the pristine coastlines, and natural diversity. I also never thought the guides, reps, and my driver would be such an important and memorable part of the trip. Your team was so professional, informative, and thorough. I hope to return to Sri Lanka not just for a vacation but mostly to connect with the people who added such warmth to my journey. I cannot thank you enough for planning and executing a memorable trip. You know those vacations that people always talk about as changing their life? This was mine and I will never, ever forget it. I cannot say enough good things about Sodha Travel and I look forward to planning my next trip with you. Thank you again.

Thank you, Katie. If you are interested in more information about Sri Lanka, check out our May newsletter that highlights Kandy, considered the most scenic destination in this island nation. We always welcome your feedback: travel@sodhatravel.com.

If you’re inspired to follow the travels of Oprah, Sodha Travel can arrange unique and affordable custom tour packages to India.  There’s so much to do in each city that a personalized tour, tailored to your tastes, can really help you maximize your trip.

Mumbai

You could stay in Mumbai for months and never exhaust it, though it’s best known internationally as the capitol of Bollywood. Picturesque spots such as the Elephanta Island and the Gateway of India – also visited by Oprah– provide opportunities for sightseeing, whereas Mumbai’s vibrant nightlife can keep you entertained any and every evening. But Mumbai is perhaps best experienced on foot, where you can see the culture that Oprah found so inspiring first-hand.

Agra

Agra is the home to the magnificent Taj Mahal, which needs no introduction, but the city offers more than this wonder of the world. There’s other breathtaking architecture in the form of Agra Fort, and as a former center of the Mughul Dynasty’s empire, there’s rich history to be found everywhere– in the museums, restaurants, and intricate traditional puppet shows.

First Look: Women of India

Oprah’s adventure in India continues Sunday, April 29, at 9/8c. Get a sneak peek at Oprah’s visit to the Taj Mahal, the mysterious “city of widows” and her private visit with the queen. Plus, Oprah hosts a sit-down with a group of diverse Indian women, who speak candidly about their lives in India.

Jaipur

Oprah attended Jaipur’s annual Literary Festival, but there’s plenty to do in the city during the rest of the year. The breathtaking Palace of Winds is perhaps Jaipur’s best known architectural wonder– you can’t go inside, but the exterior is truly a marvel. And Jaipur is the “crafts capital” of India; many artisan-families peddle their wares here, their crafts the result of generations honing their skills.

Rishikesh

Rishikesh is surrounded by beautiful mountains; and India’s sacred river, the Ganges, winds through it. Appropriately enough, it’s a spiritual haven. Yogis flock here to perfect their art, and there are numerous meditation centers and retreats. Rishikesh is also known for its phenomenal opportunities for adventure, including white water rafting and extraordinary camping locations.

If you want to follow Oprah’s journey, specialized tour packages to India can give you the opportunity to experience each city in a personalized way. Come join us!

Also, remember that our women-only Colors of India tour still has space available! Explore the treasures of North India in Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Rajsamand and Udaipur. Highlights include a sunset visit to the Taj Mahal, overnight stay in an historic Mewar Palace, and a private mehndi (henna) session. Be sure to contact our team for more information or to register!

Allison put together an amazing 3-week tour of India for myself and my mother. We wanted to see as much of the country as possible without becoming overwhelmed, and Allison did a wonderful job of crafting a beautiful, varied, and extremely well-paced trip. We enjoyed every stop along the way and always felt that we were in good hands. We were really able to relax and savor the experiences thanks to the excellent planning. Thank you!
Caroline S., Ohio, United States

Allison asked quite a few questions before recommending things for me to consider. She listened to my suggestions & patiently answered my questions & my trip turned out beautifully. I was very pleased with her services. Melissa P., South Carolina, United States

Tripology is an excellent resource for travelers seeking a destination specialist. Fill out a quick trip profile, including destination, travel dates, budget and activities, and a specialist will contact you to discuss your travel plans. It is free for travelers and a wonderful way to connect with a certified agent that specializes in your destination! We have met several of our clients via Tripology and look forward to connecting with many more prospective travelers to India, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bhutan.

Our April Featured Tour is Legends of Nepal. Highlights of this 9-day itinerary include a safari in Chitwan National Park, a visit to picturesque Pokhara Valley and an optional flight to view Mt. Everest. Also experience the Kathmandu Valley that incorporates Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur. Nepali culture is similar to the neighboring countries of India and China and the folklore is often illustrated in dance and music. For a small territory, the country boasts an uncommonly diverse terrain, including eight of the world’s top ten highest mountains.  Here are a few additional fast facts about Nepal:

Location: Between India and the Tibetan Autonomous Region of the People’s Republic of China

Area: 147,181 Sq .Kms.

Population: 23.2 million

Capital: Kathmandu

Political System: Multiparty democracy with constitutional monarch head

Official Language: Nepali

Reserve Legends of Nepal in the month of April and receive $75 off registration!

• Airport transfers with assistance
• Vehicle and driver for appointments
• Reservations at family-friendly hotels and B&B’s near the embassy, consulate, orphanage, or adoption facility
• Customized family trips throughout India, including daily excursions to the Taj Mahal from Delhi (Please note: The Taj is closed on Friday)

It has been truly rewarding for our team to get to know these families, hear their stories, and be a small part of their journey. To all our adoption clients, we thank you and wish much happiness to the children in their new homes! If you are interested in more information about international adoption, please visit Children’s Home Society and Family Services, Central Adoption Resource Authority – India, and the United States Bureau of Consular Affairs Intercountry Adoption. If you or someone you know is in the process of adopting a child from India and requires travel assistance, please contact us!

Affordability: India remains one of the top fifteen most affordable destinations in the world.

People: Indians are some of the friendliest people in the world and enjoy engaging with foreigners.

Communication: Many Indians can speak at least conversational English and internet/cell/wifi service is now widely available.

Diversity: India really offers something for everyone, including history, culture, architecture, adventure, yoga, cuisine, beaches, Himalayas, backwaters, national parks, shopping, festivals, music, dancing, religion and spirituality.

Discovery: With less than 9 million annual tourists, India is still considered an undiscovered country.

Tell me, why would you select India as your next destination?

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!

Please contact us with any additional questions.

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