This past March, we traveled to India for the wedding of a friend. We booked a tour thru a large tour operator, and then learned of Elephant Ride Inc via a friend. Since we had some gaps in our travel itinerary, we contacted Megha Kalia just a few days prior to our trip. After a pleasant and constructive conversation about our plans and interests, Megha promptly and efficiently proposed an intriguing choice of sites and activities during the few extra days we would be spending in Delhi. Our trip, especially the tour by Elephant Ride, was great. Both tours were very complimentary—thanks to Megha's insight and careful planning.

Megha arranged for us many of the most interesting and memorable parts of our trip that were personal immersions into the culture of India far removed from usual crowed tourist destinations. For example, we visited an Indian school and had the opportunity to observe various class lessons, tour classrooms and laboratories, and even participate in the Principal's lunchtime staff meeting. We also attended an acclaimed cultural dance program at the India Habitat Centre for a brilliantly choreographed performance by nationally renowned dancers. We also explored Connaught place to visit some of the best sweet marts in New Delhi where we sampled traditional Indian sweets, beverages and pastries such as halwa, rasgulla, rasmalai and kulfii.

We browsed the Mecca of shopping bazaars in the Connaught palace area and bought a variety of beautiful shawls and embroidered linen at outstanding prices. What made this all possible—especially the great shopping deals—was our super helpful travel companion Suman who really looked out and took great care of us. In summary, Elephant Ride Inc. planned and executed a very intimate and personalized tour that I doubt could be offered any of the big tour operators. One travel guide we bought in preparation of our trip states that there is no doubt that the best source of travel advice comes from a like-minded friend who's just been where you are headed.

In our interaction with Megha, we soon realized that we had that like-minded friend who knew our style and interests.

Tom & Kathy