About me:Namaste !! !! " Our Journey completes Only with a Happy Traveler & Quality Tour Guide " I am Arvind Kumar live in Pink city Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. a person who listens to his inner self loves to travel in nature & show my Culture , Heritage Traditions of India . My experience in travelling Tours for India , Nepal & South India for families n individual group always came across some special request which maybe spending a night in the desert watching the stars or eating at local place or Just a Romantic Birthday Celebration while a day . Apart , from Commercial n Touristic Travel I like to stop for pictures Sunset , Sunrise or a small temple or just to meet a Camel man passing on the road interact with rustic lifestyle of Shepherds , Colors of Turban and Colors of the Saree . Festivals of India to do on the tour not just dragged for shopping by the tour and this need I understood and tried to fulfill helped me to perform n built me a better guide . I have studied from Catholic school where I learned English - language and Hindu by religion but I love Buddha and I love to care for dogs and cats but my favorite is Camel and Horse . Associated with Rajasthan Tourism department since year 2005 , as I come from a very cultural family of Rajputs of Rajasthan raised with my father who English helped me understand the world of the East and the West # Explore your holiday # Touch people's heart with feeling of joy n happiness #
LanguagesEnglish, Spanish & Hindi
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Our trip to India was an unforgettable experience, with a fantastic driver who made us feel safe at all times, knowledgeable guides who brought the country’s rich history to life, and an itinerary tha…Our trip to India was an unforgettable experience, with a fantastic driver who made us feel safe at all times, knowledgeable guides who brought the country’s rich history to life, and an itinerary that took us to some truly breathtaking places. Most of the hotels were great, offering comfort and good service, while the food was absolutely amazing and a highlight of the journey. Although there were a few too many stops at places trying to sell us things, it didn’t take away from the magic of the trip, and we would highly recommend visiting India for its beauty, culture, and hospitality.
We used Swastik India tour for a 17 days personalize trip. In fact, we had our own driver for the entire trip and had different guides for every cities . All the hotels was included, some was great an…We used Swastik India tour for a 17 days personalize trip. In fact, we had our own driver for the entire trip and had different guides for every cities . All the hotels was included, some was great and some was ok. But overall, we really love our trip and we recommend this tour operator.
Here is a summary of our liked and disliked:
Liked :
- Sleeping at the castle was such a great experience
- Our driver couldn’t speak English really well but despite this he was really professional. We felt safe with him the entire trip.
- Confortable car ( this is really important since we have in average 3-4 hours driving a day) and always clean and the car was smelling good.
- we loved most of all activities but our favorite one was the train ride with the monkeys.
- good food at every hotels.
- really really really good communication with the tour operator before and during this trip. We even asked to change one hotel while travelling and they change it for us at no extra cost.
- we took 3 stars hotels in average and they we’re good. But I would suggest to take 4 stars if water pressure and clean room is important for you.
Disliked :
- We didn’t like the sleeping desert experience. In fact, we slept max 3 hours since the dogs were barking all night. (Jaisalmer)
- some of the guides were too pushy to buy things. Always trying to push you to buy carpets, textiles, jewelry, etc.. I understand they need money but after visiting at least 4 carpet stores we had enough.
- we didn’t like the restaurant ( poor quality food) that our driver choose and stop while travelling between the cities. At one point, we felt that he was probably getting extra money for stopping to those restaurants.
In general, we loved our trip and we felt really safe and taking care of with this tour operator and our driver. The reasons why we are not giving a perfect score is because of the guides. We understand that is not their fault. But, we think the tour operator should double check before booking guides that will not try to rip off the tourist .
But again , we loved our trip and if I had to book another India trip i will for sure use their services again.
Thanks Swastik for this amazing trip !
Karni’s organisation was first class, tour guides and drivers great, hotels were a little lacking, an opportunity to upgrade to 4/5 star, would be welcome. Generally no complaints and amazing value fo…Karni’s organisation was first class, tour guides and drivers great, hotels were a little lacking, an opportunity to upgrade to 4/5 star, would be welcome. Generally no complaints and amazing value for money.
I took this tour with my 2 daughters, and there are so many great things to say about this tour.
1- Our driver Pradeep was professional and kind towards us, always on time and great at communicating o…I took this tour with my 2 daughters, and there are so many great things to say about this tour.
1- Our driver Pradeep was professional and kind towards us, always on time and great at communicating our next steps in our tour. Pradeep was our private driver the whole trip and then had different tour guides in each city we visited.
Pradeep is a safe driver that navigates the crazy roads of India like a pro. He also new of the safe clean places to eat and he carried a cooler in the car to store water bottles.
We did not get sick to our stomachs no even once. Pradeep was funny and great to talk to on the drives. Great guy
2- The tour guides new their history and told the stories in good enough english that we were able to understand it all.
3- The stays kept getting nicer and nicer, we were treated like royalty in each one. in one of the palaces we stayed, they even received us with music, saffron dot on our forehead with a blessing and flower petals on our heads. I felt like i stepped back in time and I was a princess coming back to one of my palaces.
4- We liked Indian food before we even visited India, but now we love it even more! We got to try new dishes full of flavor and culture. we loved every meal.
5- There is lots of driving in between cities, so be patient and just relax and trust your driver. Traffic consists of cars, motorcycles, cows, camels, pedestrians, dogs, motortaxis and sometimes monkeys on the side of the road...traffic is a zoo
6- We felt safe at all times
7- The day of the safari, we did not get to see tigers as expected, but it was still fun to ride in the safari jeep
8- All palaces are GORGEOUS places to take pictures, make sure you like the outfit you are wearing, these make great pictures for social media. Also make sure you wear comfortable shoes or sanadles for walking. the first week we were there it was 108 degrees, we were grateful we were wearing skirts and leather sanadles.
B
A great trip and experience I would recommend
We had the safest and most knowledgeable driver in all of India from Delhi to Jaipur. Super clean and mechanically sound vehicle with fresh water bottles daily and cold air conditioning. Vishnu or Bis…We had the safest and most knowledgeable driver in all of India from Delhi to Jaipur. Super clean and mechanically sound vehicle with fresh water bottles daily and cold air conditioning. Vishnu or Bishnu (my apologies) you must be highly sort after as you made us 2 old ladies feel very safe and entertained. Guides all the way were also VERY knowledgeable and happy to give us as much or as little time at each highlight as we wanted. The vehicle used in Goa needs some maintaining as it gave a lovely sound from the rear wheels every time the breaks were used - all part of the adventure. We did book 2 hotels ourselves prior as a couple did not suit our needs at our own expense (eg: Goa we wanted to be on the beach and in Jaipur we wanted a place with a pool) We also did not want to do the long drive from Jaipur back to Delhi and booked and paid for internal flights at our own expense. Swastik India Journeys were totally OK with these changes, got back to each message within a day of emailing them and advised the drivers and guides in advance. GREAT EXPERIENCE - RELIABLE COMPANY - Our first time in India was so wonderful we will be back again and book with Swastik India Journeys.
F
It’s a Lovely tour!!The itinerary is amazing. The people associated were welcoming and professional. I felt safe and enjoyed every minute of the trip.
M
All guides and driver were super cooperative and knowledgeable. Hotels were of good standards. Loved our time in India ❤️
Great itinerary,amazing hotels, excellent guides and driver made our holiday one of a lifetime experience. I would love to do more tours with Swastik in the future.
C
The tour was just AMAZING! Thanks to the wonderful team at Swastik to make everything super organized.
This is an real nice tour for first timers in India.
J
This 14-day tour was absolutely amazing. The driver was always on time and kept the car exceptionally clean throughout the journey. The guides were extremely knowledgeable and very helpful, they assis…This 14-day tour was absolutely amazing. The driver was always on time and kept the car exceptionally clean throughout the journey. The guides were extremely knowledgeable and very helpful, they assisted us in choosing the best restaurants in each city and even helped with currency exchange. All the hotels were excellent, and the customer service team was always available to assist us, even with the smallest queries.
E
Had a super exciting time in India. I’m so glad I booked this tour for our very first family trip to India. We all had a wonderful experience.
All the guides, drivers, and everyone associated with …Had a super exciting time in India. I’m so glad I booked this tour for our very first family trip to India. We all had a wonderful experience.
All the guides, drivers, and everyone associated with the trip were extremely welcoming and attentive. The hotels were excellent throughout, but the castle stays were truly unique, an experience you can only have in India.
Overall, I highly recommend this tour. You won’t regret booking it. 😃
A
A fantastic tour with an exceptionally well-planned itinerary.
S
A lovely short trip to India that I enjoyed very much. The hotels were great, and the guides were knowledgeable and helpful throughout the journey
C
It was very nice tour. Hotels were excellent. Guides were super knowledgeable.
D
Many thanks to driver Manoj for taking us on a wonderful tour of Dehi, Rajasthan and Agra. You showed us many fascinating places, negotiated the traffic skillfully, and introduced us to several well s…Many thanks to driver Manoj for taking us on a wonderful tour of Dehi, Rajasthan and Agra. You showed us many fascinating places, negotiated the traffic skillfully, and introduced us to several well spoken local guides. We appreciated your efforts to take us to local restaurants where we experienced the most delicious meals. We travelled safely and smoothly and learnt much about Indian culture and life. We were amazed with the richness and history of the palaces and forts we visited.
S
We booked this Tour with a 4 day goa extension, plus a 1day pre tour stay and 1 day post tour Hotel stay. It was a really good tour made all the better by our driver Narendra, he was pleasant, smart a…We booked this Tour with a 4 day goa extension, plus a 1day pre tour stay and 1 day post tour Hotel stay. It was a really good tour made all the better by our driver Narendra, he was pleasant, smart and punctual, he made sure everything ran perfect, there were a couple of problems and he sorted them out easily and professionally.
There are some long days, but the sights are worth it, we stayed 3 star hotels which were good but, one or two were a bit out of the way and one Hotel the food was not that good. All of the tour guides we had were good and gave us lots of information one who stood out was at Jaipur, he was Bowani and he was excellent. 4 Days in Goa finished it off nicely.
L
This was just mind blowing! Do not hesitate to book this tour. Our driver narindra and every single tour guide in each place were skilled and professional. We felt like part of the family. The hotels …This was just mind blowing! Do not hesitate to book this tour. Our driver narindra and every single tour guide in each place were skilled and professional. We felt like part of the family. The hotels and meals were beyond our expectations. We felt safe especially on the road for so many hours with Mr. Narendra driving us. We had a comfortable air conditioned car that was always on time for every tour. He gave extra information and helped us with banking or dropping is for extra shopping or meals. Just exceptional.
The Tour was great! We had explored the golden triangle and the food was really delicious. Our drivers Ranveer and Yogi was very good and always stayed in communication with us during each day of the …The Tour was great! We had explored the golden triangle and the food was really delicious. Our drivers Ranveer and Yogi was very good and always stayed in communication with us during each day of the tour.
Fantastic tour. Very well organized and extraordinary choice of places to visit. All the hotels during the tour, really exceptional, very clean and well located.
Very well organized, saw and experienced a lot. Suggestion for improvement: Improve WLAN even during the long car journeys and hotel selection. Hotel in Nepal was great!
To much down time! hotels ok but to far away from anything to do in the golden triangle part of the trip !
Amazing tour, professional company, excellent service, very good staff. Ask for Narendra as your driver - makes you feel safe, patient, and highly professional.
A
We had such an amazing trip, all the guides were very knowledgeable and our driver Manoj was brilliant.
Would recommend 100%
A
Overall it was an interesting experience. The driver was excellent!!! The guides varied. Some of them spoke very limited English so the information about sites was forwarded in a very limited way and…Overall it was an interesting experience. The driver was excellent!!! The guides varied. Some of them spoke very limited English so the information about sites was forwarded in a very limited way and answers to questions were not to the point.
I was disappointed with safari. The guide did not cover any of the vegetation or wildlife habitats, he was not on the lookout for the wildlife. The most of the wildlife spotting was done by the tourists. His focus was on the tiger which was a rear occurrence in this area so he got all attendees disappointed when we had not seen one. I was not there to see the tiger, I wanted to learn more about the local fauna an flora. I wish his English and dedication were better. I will rate his performance 3 out of 10.
M
The tour agency was responsive, but the driver that was assigned to me (Lakwan Singh) ruined the experience. His driving was extremely dangerous and he was constantly roaming on his mobile phone. One…The tour agency was responsive, but the driver that was assigned to me (Lakwan Singh) ruined the experience. His driving was extremely dangerous and he was constantly roaming on his mobile phone. One example is when he the police stopped him for driving in the wrong lane and when he told Singh to pullover he drive at the police and tried to drive off. Then 2 police officers came and started banging on the car, and broke the drivers window, but he still managed to hit them with the car and drive off. I appreciate driving is not at the same standard as other countries, nevertheless, it was a scary encounter. As for the guides, overall they were good, but do take you to their network of shops to be pursued to buy things. The hotels were not too standard, no hot water. I had paid extra to ensure a minimum of 4 star hotel, but it did not feel like it.
What a great tour to see all the highlights and it was a private tour around all the highlights. The trip could not have been better organized and a great driver to make sure we hit all the spots on t…What a great tour to see all the highlights and it was a private tour around all the highlights. The trip could not have been better organized and a great driver to make sure we hit all the spots on time and organized us well. Some times it felt rushed but that was only because we did so much and the first fort stay was a beautiful hotel with all the touches for a maharaja.
I think the tour was okay. Sometimes there were issues with the organization.We had a problem with a hotel because it was below the standard and was dirty. It is not a problem per se, the issue was th…I think the tour was okay. Sometimes there were issues with the organization.We had a problem with a hotel because it was below the standard and was dirty. It is not a problem per se, the issue was that the agency was not trying to resolve the problem at first, then afert complaining they changed the hotel. The next hotel was very good.
The first 3 guides we had were rushing and eager to finish the tour, while the guide in Jaipur was amazing.
The driver was amazing too, very professional and kind. He also reminded us of left luggage in the car and was very accommodating. Definetely would recommend.
All in all, it was a good tour but all the issues made it less enjoyable.
The tour was a Great experience
Driver Armin was very good and helpful. All the hotels were clean with good breakfast. All guides provided a lot of information about the places I visited.
L
I was really excited for the tour but I got really disappointed.. Some of the guieds really didn’t want to do there job. One said 3 sentences and then said that we could have free time to explore. One…I was really excited for the tour but I got really disappointed.. Some of the guieds really didn’t want to do there job. One said 3 sentences and then said that we could have free time to explore. One was really moody and barely told us anything. And also they wanted to change the schedule and wanted to finish earlier.. I got uncomfortable and really disappointed. I don’t think it was worth the money at all.. the taxi driver was good tho!
L
Tour was excellent overall. We booked a group tour, and were shocked and happy to find out that since no one else has booked those dates, we had a private tour.
Drivers were amazing, especially Pu…Tour was excellent overall. We booked a group tour, and were shocked and happy to find out that since no one else has booked those dates, we had a private tour.
Drivers were amazing, especially Pushpendra, who always had a smile on his face. Traffic in India is no joke, and we felt safe with him. The guides we picked up each day were also great. For the most part, they spoke English very well.
Only concern was in Varanasi. The guide there didn't speak English as well, and was extremely hard for us to understand. He did get us a great place to watch the Aarti, above the crowds. He was pushy the next day when it came to his tip, wanted more than what we felt was appropriate.
Hotels were adequate, breakfast at each was also adequate. Be aware that the cleanliness standards are not quite the same as in the US, but we had no major issues.
Definitely recommend this tour if you're wanting to explore the Golden Triangle and Varanasi. The Ganga Aarti is something that will stay with me for a long time.
S
We liked our trip very much, it was well organised and we got assistance when needed. The choice of places to visit was good, we would have liked a better distribution of the driving hours, with one e…We liked our trip very much, it was well organised and we got assistance when needed. The choice of places to visit was good, we would have liked a better distribution of the driving hours, with one extra stop on the way to visit something. The guides in the cities were good in general, but we would have liked more choice on the things do to (beside visiting, we were often taken to shops). We enjoyed the time in India a lot, and I can only recommend a trip there!
L
Overall it was a great trip, we got to see the main sites in a short time. It's a very fast paced trip and we found it to be tiresome which is understandable given its packed with things to do from th…Overall it was a great trip, we got to see the main sites in a short time. It's a very fast paced trip and we found it to be tiresome which is understandable given its packed with things to do from the early starts in the morning to the return to hotels/home stays in the evening.
Our driver was great, he looked took care of us and gave us great advice on the local sites, culture and people. Driving on these roads for 42 years and providing the service he does is really commendable.
In each city we had a different guide. The guides were full of information and knowledge and wanted to show off the best main sites. Upon reflection, we felt the guide in Delhi was good and showed us each site but was going through the motions. The other two in Agra and Jaipur were better.
One negative aspect with each of the guides were each one wanted to take us to their own designated tourist traps. On the first day the tourist had made it a favour that he was taking us to a demonstration of how they produced Kashmir rugs and given we were in the region it would be a great experience to see such a thing. Upon arrival it was a shop and a loom machine with a half completed rug. After showing us, the owner then brought out around 10 rugs which varying price tags of $400-1300. When we said no there was a different attitude from the owner who quickly ushered us out of his shop and the guide had a different attitude for the remainder of the day in Delhi. The next day the guide did the same thing taking us to his contact's carpet shop where it was a bigger scale, again, the owner showed many carpets that we weren't interested in. When we told him no, it was the a different attitude from the owner and guide. I'd say once is enough if you're really interested but not in each city. By Jaipur, the guide said we'd go to a few more demonstrations including a blanket stamping demonstration but at that point we said no. They will only show you these 'demonstrations' for the guides to get commission and the carpets and accessories (such as pashminas and saris) are two or three times the higher value in each place. It may not be as authentic but they would be exactly the same and cheaper at home countries.
NB: guides often changed the itinery either to suit themselves or were 'misinformed by the agency'. For example, our sunrise at the Taj Mahal opportunity was almost missed due to the guiding insisting to go the day we arrived to Agra. In my opinion, being firm with the guides as much as they are should be considered.
Hotels were great and had no issues, I wouldn't consider them in the centre of the city and they are not close to restaurants or shops. You'd be required to take a tuktuk or taxi elsewhere to get to these places. They are clean and people who work there are hospitable but I feel there probably could be better choices to be made. When we stayed the night before the tour started, we booked independently into a hotel close to the airport and that was horrendous, so on the other side of things, it could also be worse.
Value for money - where it says meals included, you'll have a buffet lunch on day 4 and a small lunch on day 3 (which was a bit of a mess for our trip due to a communication error between the agency, driver and an additional guide on the way to Jaipur, not due to us). Every other day you purchase your own lunch and the guides take you to the fancier places to eat where food is a lot more costly compared to where you might find independently. Everything here costs money. On each of the days in the tour, there's around 3 or 4 monuments to visit each day. Each entrance costs around 600 rupees ($7.50) but then there are shoe covers which are usually mandatory to buy and tips for people to watch your shoes, tips for people who are taking you around the monuments, tips for the daily guides, etc. It does add up. Most may or may not have change so, will negotiate more of a tip, same goes for ubers, taxis and tuktuks. I would argue that the overall trip cost and value could be cheaper of you did it yourself; by how much is anybodies guess. It does take all the stress, planning, fighting and everything else out of it by the company doing it.
Excellent tour from start to finish. The booking and communication process, prior to the tour, were seamless and the arrangements during the trip ran smoothly. Wonderful tour guides, an amazing driver…Excellent tour from start to finish. The booking and communication process, prior to the tour, were seamless and the arrangements during the trip ran smoothly. Wonderful tour guides, an amazing driver (Himmat), comfortable hotels, great food variety in restaurants - a really enjoyable trip. Memories to be treasured!
We did enjoy the tour and saw many interesting places and stayed in some amazing hotels, But you need to know the following things to make your tours better. Excellent hotel choices and places to visi…We did enjoy the tour and saw many interesting places and stayed in some amazing hotels, But you need to know the following things to make your tours better. Excellent hotel choices and places to visit. The city guides were very good but didnt like the way we were 'encouraged' to visit a shop in every location and made to feel obliged to buy something so that they could get commission. The driver was coughing and bringing up phlegm the whole journey and his driving was crazy. One of the city guides was complaining that he was only told 30 minutes before giving us a guided tour so that wasnt planned well. At the safari we got up at 6am and driven to the gates expecting our jeep safari as stated in the itinerary. Our drive said it was too late to book and I pointed out we had booked 2 months in advance, then he said it wasnt included and I showed him it was. He then got us on a truck with many other tourists and entered the park at 8:30 am 2 hours later. Too late to see anything except one monkey and a wild dog ! I hope you appreciate the honest feedback
This was a great tour. Giving my perspective as a SOLO FEMALE TRAVELER.
Leading up to the tour - Karni was super responsive and customized it towards my dates and wishes just the way I wanted it.
HO…This was a great tour. Giving my perspective as a SOLO FEMALE TRAVELER.
Leading up to the tour - Karni was super responsive and customized it towards my dates and wishes just the way I wanted it.
HOTELS
I upgraded to 4 star hotels and they were all decent/good. I had to bargain with Karni because I knew he over-quoted me initially after I upgraded. Hotels were very clean, friendly and helpful staff, comfortable room sizes and great bathrooms/showers. Food at the hotels was was also very good. Both Indian and Continental breakfasts/dinners.
THE DRIVER
Mahendra was amazing - my best pal on the tour. Roads and driving in India are very chaotic and different than the West but I felt safe the whole time. We were on the road almost every day for at least 2-3hrs and we had good conversations as well as good, comfortable silences. I felt like he was really there for me and I couldn't be happier with him.
TOUR GUIDES
Tour guides varied from place to place. They pair you with a local tour guide in each city. I loved my guides in Varanasi and Agra, the rest were decent to bad. They all took me to expensive shops, but some of them listened to what I wanted to see and would take me to those shops too, even one time bargain for me, but some completely ignored my wishes and were just trying to get me to buy overly priced stuff I didn't want. I'm sad I didn't get to experience the actual markets and the hustle and bustle of shopping in India, but if that was the biggest negative - I'll take it I guess.
SIGHT SEEING
This was incredible, I really got to see the most for 7 days and I loved my itinerary. I loved literally everything I saw. Taj Mahal and Agra Fort in Agra, Varanasi - sunrise on the boat on the Ganga river is a must. Jaipur is gorgeous...10/10
All in all - great tour. I would recommend it, just come prepared and be sure to be stern with your tour guides if you don't wanna go into certain shops etc. The only "negative" experience was the shopping and knowing I'm getting ripped off but everything else was great. As a solo female traveller, I felt very safe and taken care of.
We met lovely people from lovely team and country!
We just did not expect the level of pollution we saw in New Delhi and the other cities.