Words from Our Guests

 

I feel so privileged to have visited Kahna again, and felt so at ease at Shergarh. It was just like coming home … the place is so very special. Our cycle trips were even more wonderful and the people we met along the way and things we saw will always stay in my memory. Sunil’s maternal home was one of those. The colours inside reminded me of my late aunt’s simple home in Croatia’

Marija: Kanha, Bhopal and Satpura: January 2024

Bhopal was an amazing place to visit – I can’t understand why there were so few European tourists there – it is a beautiful city to walk around with beautiful palaces and mosques, Sikander was a hugely knowledgeable guide (he put my knowledge of British history to shame) and told us so many stories of the Bhopali people and the 4 Begums of Bhopal.  He knew the all-important thing of when to stop for another glass of masala chai.  And then we visited 2 Unesco world heritage sights – both within an hour of the city – the beautiful and peaceful Buddhist Stupa at Sanchi (amazing carvings on the gates) and the cave paintings at Bhimbetka.  Shailendra our guide was fabulous, with so much knowledge, happy to answer all our questions and to show us the wonders of these 2 sites.  There were visitors at both but they were by no means crowded – enabling us to see well and to get some great photos. It would be remiss not to mention the unexpected luxury of the Jehan Numa Retreat – such a beautiful hotel on the edge of town so surrounded by countryside but producing much of its own produce from their own vegetable garden.  The restaurant was fabulous and the chef very happy to help with suggestions. Reni Pani was an unexpected bonus – a great afternoon trip on the river watching birds and (almost) a crocodile. A good step between the Retreat and Shergarh with another very well-informed naturalist.  We loved the idea that if there was eg a bear wanting to visit our cabin that we should sound the old-fashioned claxon horn hanging on the wall...

Verity: Bhopal and Shergarh November 2023

What can we say….. it has been the most wonderful trip thanks to you and the great people, places and experiences you have introduced us to. We will leave truly enriched by the adventure. You offer such an amazing and exhilarating slow journey into a magical world. It is a trip we will never forget.

We did not think you could surpass our previous trips but you have!! Our love of India grows each time we are here.

Alan and Helen: Kanha and Bastar February 2023

 

I cannot begin to say how much I enjoyed cycling around Kanha National Park in a small group, led by Sophie from Holidays in Rural India. The landscape is stunning, the villages fascinating. We went to three different markets, we ate delicious samosas - cooked before our eyes -  at a tiny bright pink chai stop, we puffed up hills, pushed bikes along rough tracks and glided through forest, we had lunch at an incredible waterfall, we enjoyed local guides, saw firsthand the life changing work of Samerth and Frank Water. In between, we stayed at heavenly Shergarh Tented Camp, with all its comfort and wildlife expertise and amazing al fresco communal meals. I swam in the lake, sketched at the village, watched the water buffalo immerse themselves in that same water, counted butterflies, went for night walks with resident naturalise Catherene, got up at the crack of dawn for safaris, saw deer and hornbills and jackals and turtles and a tiger and umpteen miraculous birds. A perfect way to experience India, and one that I intend to repeat ASAP! 

Dinah: Women’s Cycling Trip in MP and Chhattisgarh, Nov 2022 (and repeated in Jan 2023!)

 

It was such a unique holiday.  I just loved passing through those villages, each with their own individual character.  People out on the street, animals wandering about, kids going to school - all so interesting.  Seeing rural communities from a bike is absolutely the best way to get a snapshot of the way of life.  Market visits were particularly absorbing and I would love to have spent more time nosing around villages on market day!  

The stay at Shergarh was just fabulous - I really liked that it was such a small scale operation and that everyone became familiar very quickly.  The food was great too - lots of veg and salad at lunchtime - just up my street.  Waking up to the view over the lake and eating meals in the clearing by the bridge was really lovely.

Kirsty: Women’s Cycling trip in MP and Chhattisgarh, Nov ‘23

 

After a holiday/ cycling extravaganza in Sophie’s care, in addition to months of friendly messages  and  an excellent preparation package, I was able to be my best self in this completely new, wonderful but alien environment. I don’t need to specify each detail, just simply say that as an entire package it left me feeling safe, comfortable, crazily stimulated and happier than I’ve been for a long time

Job well done that lady

Abi: ‘Cycle for Safe Water’ Nov 2023

 

On a recent trip to India we had the honour of Sophie Hartman the founder of Holidays in Rural India guide us on a charity cycling event for Frank Water in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, India. Sophie and Katie, the owner of Shergarh Camp, had spent months finding the perfect route for 10 of us to cycle through picturesque villages to see and experience the projects and people that Frank Water are involved with.

Sophie’s attention to detail was outstanding from the moment we had contact with her. Every single detail was thought about from a beautiful handmade folder with the itinerary to a little essentials goodie bag on arrival, hand painted congratulation cards to never ending food supplies and snacks galore to keep us all going.

Her organisation was above and beyond and far exceeded my expectations. Sophie had a great understanding of the needs of each person and we were all made to feel at ease. Our luggage was taken by a team of 2 cars who drove patiently at the front and back of the pack to help with any bike issues which were very minor and few. We never felt unsafe at any point and completely welcomed by everyone we came across. All flight changes and transfers were dealt with seamlessly behind the scenes and all schedules perfectly timed.

I can't recommend Sophie Hartman and the team highly enough. Energetic, thoughtful, amazing attention to detail and she loves what she does so if you are looking for an itinerary tailored to you that’s personal and of the highest quality to have a brilliant adventure in India then Holidays in Rural India is without question the best of the best. Can’t THANK YOU enough Sophie.

Lisa and Mark ‘Cycle for Safe Water’ November 2022





My expectations were exceeded during my adventure in India. 

Right throughout the whole time in India I was pleasantly surprised by attention to detail which was way above what I have received in similar holidays in other countries during my long life.

Well done to everyone involved,  I had a great time with loads of positive memories.

I would thoroughly recommend ‘ Holidays in Rural India '

John ‘Cycle for Safe Water’ November 2022

 

Cycle for Safe Water was one of the most exceptional adventures I've been privileged enough to enjoy and I can't recommend it highly enough!"

As a visitor to a country, it's hard to feel like you are truly within the community, but this trip was different, giving our small group a glimpse of genuine rural life as we unobtrusively passed through the landscape. And visiting Frank Water projects, speaking to the people who benefit from the life-changing work, made me that much more determined during the long days in the saddle.

As a group of ten, we started as strangers and ended as the most supportive team of friends, enjoying the highs and lows together, while being guided and cared for exceptionally by Sophie and her amazing team. With my rose-tinted specs on, I’ve long forgotten the tired legs; brutal hills; rough tracks and the hot, hot sun having been carried forward by endless chai and banana cake! I wasn't a cyclist before I went and in honesty, I still don't consider myself one now, but feel so very proud of my achievement both personally and in support of Frank Water.

If you have even the tiniest inkling that this may be a fun adventure... sign up now... it will be!

Georgie and Simon: Cycle for Safe Water November ‘22

 

Having just returned from our Indian holiday for 2020 we are wistfully reading the journal and looking at the photographs. 

We have visited India many times with other tour operators but this immersive journey through Central India has been a new experience. Meals with families, fabulous markets, pooja at ancient temples, dancing at weddings, greeting new babies and having the opportunity to visit the Baiga tribes people for their ancient and traditional dances.

Add to that some relaxed wildlife and tiger watching too.

We had an amazing and enjoyable trip and both agreed on one thing, that we really felt we were participating rather than observing as we have on previous occasions for much of the time.

Also we have to say that after nine previous trips this is the first time that NOTHING has gone wrong. We did not have the slightest problem, everything went totally smoothly and seamlessly. 

Caroline and Barry: Central India, Wildlife and Culture February 2020

 


I’ve travelled in India 8/9 times both self-organised and with small groups but my ‘Holiday in Rural India’ was a really special experience leaving me with some wonderful and vivid memories. From my personal hand written itinerary to all the details that Sophie provided before we arrived I knew I was in safe hands from the start. With a wealth of local knowledge and first hand experience she was able to cater to our small group’s wishes and provide unique experiences and beautiful places to stay - as far from 'mass tourism' as you can imagine. Almost too many highlights to list but walking in the forest straight out the door at Fringeford with an expert wildlife guide pointing out everything from Lion Ants to fresh Tiger tracks via vivid Green Vine snakes was really special (even more so to the sounds of the jungle and the fireflies in the 'night walk' that evening). Driving up a bumpy jungle track to arrive at a remote Toda village - a small tribal group who worship the buffalo and then walking through the jungle to see their sylvan temple was another lovely adventure. For me the highlight was our visits to Theyyam performances (a traditional North Keralan temple dance) watching the performers being made up and dressed to become ‘Gods’ before performing dramatic dances to loud drumming music - really a unique evening.

We enjoyed all these memorable experiences whilst being in the safe and sound care of ‘Holidays in Rural India’ - staying in stunning locations with delightful hosts and delicious food. Thanks Sophie - I’ll be back.

Andrew: ‘South India off the Beaten Track’, February 2020

 

After such a successful tour to Shergarh organised by Sophie last year we knew just who we needed to organise our fortnight trip to Gujarat. We were right. With her usual attention to detail and with careful regard to our particular interests -  ranging from birds and nature to textiles and food - Sophie crafted a perfect itinerary. A train trip from Mumbai to Bhuj followed by four destinations in Kutch and finishing up in Ahmedabad from where we could fly direct to Goa.  Everywhere we went Sophie had personally scouted out in advance to check on timing of journeys, the accommodation and the quality of all the sites and experiences she had in mind for us. Devpur Homestay was an ideal  beginning … time to unwind after the flight and train in a beautiful house in a village where we could walk happily whilst being  entertained by a charming host. The Bhuj House was a perfect base for our visits to local craft villages and wonderful museums over the course of the next 5 days.  The owners of Devpur and Bhuj are her friends and they welcomed us as friends too. She found us two wonderful and extremely knowledgeable guides..Salim for the first part of our trip in Bhuj and the Great Rann (including the unmissable Dholavira archeological site and the white salt desert ) and Niyati for the second half in the Little Rann and then on to Ahmedabad via Modhera and Patan. At each stage very efficient transfers were arranged through Sophie's network of contacts. Throughout Sophie kept in ( light ) touch with us and our hosts to check we were happy.  We ended up in Olaulim in Goa ..where we were greeted as old friends..thanks again to Sophie who introduced us to this corner of heaven last year. We know Sophie is working on further destinations and interesting  itineraries  and we look forward to benefitting in the future  from her meticulous research and excellent taste.

Mandy and Dick ‘Kutch, Gujarat: Textiles, Landscape and Communities’ February 2020

 

I just returned home after my second trip in India organised with Sophie and her company Holidays in Rural India, and it has been another resounding success. Last year I travelled with my 73 year old mum to Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh arranged by Holidays in Rural India, and absolutely loved the slow pace of the trip, and the fact that we stayed in off beat destinations, away from mainstream tourism, and always felt we stayed in hotels that were chosen with care and attention to their sustainable ethos. So this year when another 3 friends wanted to join us traveling in India we did not hesitate to contact Sophie again.
This time we opted for travels in Southern India, and the key was for me (a seasoned Indian traveller) to visit new places that I had not been to before, that the pace of the trip was not too hectic as all the other travellers were 60+ and that we would stay in small, characterful properties where we would have close interaction with the locals.
Well we were not disappointed - from the incredible driver Sham who is one of the most caring, competent and safe drivers I've ever had in India (and incidentally I was so touched that Sophie took care of his accommodation and made sure he had extra money to find himself somewhere to stay each night, as many travel companies in India simply expect their drivers to sleep in their vehicles which is dreadfully disrespectful and inhumane), to the wonderfully varied accommodation (home-stays, wildlife lodges, forest and river fronted retreats) and their gorgeous owners and staff, to the carefully thought out excursions and experiences - all of which were amazing.
Sophie remained in touch with us throughout the trip, and made sure that we were settled in every new destination we stayed at, and in fact her communication on all stages of the process was immaculate - from the initial enquiry, to messaging us all to make sure we had got home OK at the end of the trip.
It makes such a different traveling in India with someone who has such passion and love for the country and the people, who has personally tried and tested and built a relationship with all the owners, so that you feel you are staying as an extended family member.
I really can't say enough positive things about traveling with Holidays in Rural India.

Till the next time Sophie!

Gwen, February 2020

 

My second holiday with Holidays in Rural India was an amazing fortnight in the southern India states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Goa. If you are interested in seeing, and living with, true citizens of rural India, then this is the holiday company for you. It was founded and is run by Sophie Hartman, who has extensive knowledge of all the locations and accommodations provided. She has experienced personally all aspects of the holidays recommended, and our various homes in India on this occasion varied from beautiful home-stays like Gitanjali, near Mysore, to beautiful cabins in the wildlife sanctuary of Fringeford, where we met the most knowledgable nature guide I have ever encountered, to a beach house in Kerala from where we were able to experience the amazing Theyyam festivals, and the delightful quiet of Olaulim, where we relaxed at the end of an amazing holiday. All arrangements were thorough, and information on all aspects of the holiday were excellent. This will definitely not be my last holiday with Holidays in Rural India.

Ann, February 2020

 

Thank you for organising our very recent and wonderful trip to India. We met many kind, friendly people, who made us feel welcome in their homes. Our guides, Salim and Niyati were superb, clever and informative and ensured we had some truly incredible moments amongst many different communities in Gujarat. We were very privileged to meet these groups and learn about their history and their lives. Our accommodations were charming and the food we ate was excellent. It will definitely take some time for us to assimilate all that we experienced. Our final few days at Olaulim Backyards was blissful. Pirkko and Savio were charming helpful hosts and we were so grateful that they told us about a musical event in Old Goa, that was so very special. Our last morning before heading for the airport, going for an early morning walk round the lake, having a swim, a read, watching Mantra the naughty donkey lapping from the swimming pool, and feeling the sun on our faces, was the perfect end to a brilliant trip. Thank you so much from us both.

Ann and Glyn, February 2020

 

We have just spent 2 idyllic weeks in southern India organised by our inimitable Sophie. She spent  much time organising the details which made such a difference. She chose 4 jungle safari home stays, each different, each unique and contributing to an unforgettable rural holiday. This was our second tour with Sophie, and we hope to return again to India in the future. We can highly recommend Fringeford high up in the mountain rain forest, where you will meet mowgli as an amiable adult. Jungle hut offers a similar  experience. In all places the cuisine was excellent, and the accommodation impeccable. In addition we met many  visitors who shared our love of  wildlife and nature.
We should also mention the incredible warm climate in India during the winter months, when the uk suffers unbearably.

Robin B, January 2020

After twice travelling with Holidays in Rural India, we now have our eyes on a third trip to Gujarat. Sophie has a great knack of creating extra-ordinary tours. They take you well beyond the standard tourist destinations. The organisation and attention to detail in planning these trips is exceptional.
Our first trip to central India combined an authentic experience visiting Gond and Baiga tribal villages with the excitement of safaris in the Kanha national park. This time we went to Southern India for an equally wonderful but quite different experience. Variety was everything. Every place we stayed was a delight, and each quite unique including: the remote natural beauty of Fringeford; the almost palatial luxury of the Rajakkad Estate; the ease and comfort of Cardamom House; and so much more.
A key to the success of these tours is the focus on maintaining high ethical standards whether it be in the selection of accommodation, the care taken with the drivers' comfort and safety, or the protection of the environment and the integrity of rural communities.

Alan and Helen October 2019

We had a lovely trip with Holidays in Rural India this winter. Sophie has the knack of taking you to really worthwhile places that nobody much visits - and, when you get there, to connect you with a network of her friends, colleagues and associates who ensure you make the most of your stay. We were the only visitors at several UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Madhya Pradesh, were objects of friendly curiosity in rural villages in Chhattisgarh, and stayed in simple comfort in the backwaters of Goa. This was all backed by Sophie's extremely thorough approach to ensuring that travel connections worked and that the places we stayed delivered proper service and support. 

Chris and Nicky, January 2019















When we were researching India as a holiday destination, we wanted to ensure we experienced India off the beaten track, not just the tourist hot spots. We discovered Holidays in Rural India and immediately knew we had found in Sophie someone that wanted her guests to fall in love with India.  Not at the cost of comfort though;  Sophie’s attention to detail was exceptional and every place we stayed in welcomed us with genuine warm hospitality and delicious food. Every day was a true adventure, and just when you were sure things could not get any better, India just kept giving, from Baiga villages to bustling Mumbai. The evening chat round the fire and dinner table was always a perfect finish to extraordinary days.

Sarah had already visited the North of India two years previously but had felt overwhelmed by the hectic itinerary.  This trip was perfectly balanced between excursions and down time.

We experienced truly unique moments that will stay with us forever not least the sighting of two tigers in Kahna and arriving at an extraordinary tribal market at the same time as a troupe of dancing Baiga men bringing their village god for for a religious festival. We will definitely be planning our next India adventure in the very near future and of course through Holidays in Rural India.

Thank you Sophie for a life changing experience.

Sarah and Charlie, February 2019

Sophie organised an amazing trip for us. We had been to India four times before and on this occasion wanted to visit somewhere off the beaten track where we could just walk and relax enjoying the countryside and wildlife and good authentic home cooking without too much rushing around. Our trip involved only three main stops .. Shergarh and Bhoramdeo Jungle Retreat and then Olaulim Backyards. 

Each place was different and wonderful in its own way but had in common a very warm welcome from our hosts who bent over backwards to look after us. Sophie from the outset understood exactly what we were aiming for and was extremely responsive both in the  planning process but also when a domestic crisis the day before we were due to depart required us to defer our arrival by a few days. Sophie swiftly reassured us and managed (from her own holiday in India) to switch bookings in Mumbai and Shergarh and BJR and internal flights without fuss to ensure our itinerary still worked to give us enough time in each place and the relaxation we needed.  The bonus was that our rearranged plans meant we were able to meet Sophie for dinner in Mumbai on our first night. That was a great beginning and we knew immediately we were going to be in safe hands. Further encounters with Sophie  followed in Shergarh and Bhoramdeo and her deep love and understanding of these places and strong personal relationships with the owners and their teams shone through and undoubtedly play a large part in ensuring the success of her business. A friend of Sophie is a friend of theirs and nothing is too much trouble. At Shergarh we saw tigers, wild dogs and sloth bears and lots of birds in the capable hands of Raj .. all a first for us... and in camp we were looked after very well by Neville. At BJR Sunny ensured our days were packed with walks through villages, joining  local family celebrations, participating in a puja at the local temple, wandering round local markets and even setting up a surprise sundowner picnic in a field at the end of a ramble. At Olaulim Savio and Pirrko and their menage warmly welcomed us and we spent five lazy days walking in the locality and swimming or canoeing  in the river as well as visiting local sites and markets. The holiday delivered  what we had told Sophie we wanted and more besides. We would happily place ourselves in her capable hands for our next exploration of rural India. Gujarat is in our sights!

Mandy and Dick, January 2019
















We are back in Blighty. So often there is a sense after travelling away of the desire to get home, but we were all so taken with the whole way of life on rural India that we had to tear ourselves away.  What you are helping to create at BJR is quite remarkable and it was a privilege to experience it. Sunny and the team are doing something very special. It seems to grow organically out of the soil of local community life. Once we have got our brains back in gear and done all the washing we will begin to turn our thoughts to returning to India. Kerala and Tamil Nadu in 2019!

Alan and Helen, October 2018















 If you would like to have a different ‘Indian holiday ’that doesn’t involve big anonymous hotels,  multi-cuisine buffets, sitting for hours in airport terminals, look no further than ‘Holidays in Rural India’ with Sophie Hartman. Inspired by an article in Guardian my friend & I asked Sophie to organise an itinerary with the proviso that it took in art, architecture and people but kept well away from any tourist circuit. What followed was the most marvellous and memorable  holiday, every detail was taken care of- reflecting Sophie’s deep knowledge of India and how it works – our stress free journey took us first to Bhopal with its beautiful caves/lakes  followed by the Bhoramdeo Jungle Retreat,  Chattisgarah, Off the Grid, Karnataka and finally the Olaulim backwaters in Goa. Everywhere we stayed we were looked after and cherished by our hosts, the food was delicious (not a madras curry in sight) charming drivers drove us to places in the countryside not visited by tourists and I saw the most wonderful display of butterflies that I have ever seen. None of these experiences would have happened without Sophie’s beautifully crafted itinerary and attention to detail - for those who wish to explore a different kind of India she is the perfect guide in every way. Thank you Sophie we will be back! 

Catherine Feb/March 2018















Sophie’s attention to detail & care was beyond exemplary in organising our trip to India, we went to 4 places Bhopal, BJR, Off the Grid and Olaulim, at every airport, train station etc (which Sophie had arranged), transport was always waiting for us with lovely drivers, brilliant, totally stress free travel. Every place we stayed gave us fantastic care, attention, food, divine. We saw multitude of butterflies by the creek, went to top of world, devoured the markets of colour and smells, watched the moon rise over the backwater full of jumping prawns, walked through crackling sounding jungle, sure I saw the eyes of a tiger peering at me but even if I didn’t my imagination did and this is what Sophie holidays do they take you to the heart and soul of India. Sophie’s love of India & it’s people really comes through with the different places she uses. What special kind people they are making us feel at ease, always helpful, eating with us, talking with us, thank you. 
In essence there is nothing about our adventures in India I would change and I count myself very lucky that we came across the article about Sophie’s  holidays in rural India. I had a fantastic time and will use Holidays In Rural India again. Thank you Sophie

Suzie Feb/March 2018

From our first meeting with Sophie in chilly Hay-on-Wye in December last year, to the last wave from her as we went through to departures in early February, it was clear she was no ordinary tour organiser.  With her fluent Urdu and Hindi, warmth and generosity, unfailing efforts to show us the real India and its people, whom she clearly loves and respects, their food, culture, agriculture, nature, Sophie showed us a real insight into rural Indian life.  Our time at BJR, Bhoramdeo, passed far too quickly .. our host Sunny and his wife Sabi, and their helpful, friendly team, showed us so many wonderful sights .. honey trees! .. family life, market places, butterflies, birds … I for one was reluctant to move on to Olaulim, Goa .. but on arrival at Olaulim Backyards, was delighted .. a swimming pool and a creek to swim in .. and otters, golden orioles, exquisite fruits from the garden .. heaven!  Thank you Sophie!  Responsible tourism at its finest.

Brontë Jan/Feb 2018















We love India, and usually travel independently, but enthused by an article in the Guardian, contacted Sophie to arrange a trip to Bhoramdeo and Kanha. From the moment we first met her (she happened to be in Devon at the time and came to our house for lunch, and brought internal flight tickets and info about the trip) we knew that her organisational skills, flexibility with dates/itineries, and deep knowledge of the people and language of "Gondwanaland" were the perfect ingredients for a wonderful trip. We warmed to her instantly, and thoroughly enjoyed her company in and around Bhoramdeo, walking and cycling around the surrounding countryside and villages, stopping to talk to people...in fields, houses, clinic (village midwife) roadside tea shops, and colourful Gond and Baiga markets in Chilpi and Taragaon.
Sunny and Sabrina and their friendly staff at Bhoramdeo made us so welcome, with comfy rooms and superb vegetarian food.
The 2 day walk to Shergarh at Kanha was another highlight, and close encounters with tigers the icing on the very rich cake of wildlife, ably guided by the wonderful Raj. Katie, Jehan and their staff made us so welcome, and the misty morning jeep drive to the beautiful Phen NP with them on the way back to Bhoramdeo a real treat.
The friendly family-run Abode hotel in Mumbai was a perfect start and finish to our journey, and ideally situated for a day's exploring (and cricket...I joined a game at the Maidan Oval!) 
If you love India, but want to avoid busy cities and hectic travel, and explore quiet country villages and spectacular wildlife, we can't recommend Sophie highly enough to help you plan a trip. And if you've never been to India, don't hesitate, let Sophie organise a tour for you. You won't regret it!
Philip & Jill February 2018















What an amazing experience my first trip to India was. I can’t deny feeling pretty nervous when getting on the plane but a fundamental key to the success of the trip for me was Sophie’s own particular brand of travel planning and, how to put it, ‘traveller empathy’. She anticipated needs and offered reassurance when it was needed. Seemingly effortlessly well-planned days and most of all an infectious enthusiasm, so that I could not help but love it too. I keep looking back at the photos and cannot believe we did so much and yet felt so relaxed in just a week. There was a kind of purity about it that allowed me to feel free and unburdened and open to anything. So thank you very much Sophie – you are an inspiration!

Katherine Nov 2017

 

I want to thank you so so enormously for your ‘extramile’ care for our quite extraordinary trip – it lived way beyond expectation, primarily thanks to your amazing, thoughtful example of how to cope with life in India. Just one example: as we ordered our kebabs in our hotel in Abode Bombay (we suddenly all felt shattered after the Pinkathon run!) – your champagne arrived from under a table, like something from an angel – exactly what we needed and an amazing celebration of our incredible day – thank you hugely. I do hope the Bhoramdeo team, feel enriched by the experience too – the memory of us all bopping our hearts out after the race, is one I shall treasure. So many other very special memories too, as I flick through my photos. The generosity of everyone with their beautiful manners I shall never forget – nor Sunny’s quite remarkable energy.

You and he make a remarkable team - quietly and lovingly moving mountains, so patiently but persistently and always with a smile.

Lissie Nov 2017

 

Every day of my trip was exciting and memorable. It was a truly wonderful experience to explore rural Chattisgargh with a seamlessly tailored holiday. I felt I made friends every step of the way and a part of me has stayed with a wish to return. At Bhoramdeo jungle retreat each day felt magically like two as time seemed to stretch effortlessly to accommodate an activity of our choice; maybe visiting the local home or the sewing school in the morning and another, maybe a tribal village market, in the afternoon with plenty of time to rest in
between. 
We took beautiful walks through local villages, farmlands and jungle, and spent time meeting and chatting with local people. With Sophie and Sunny as guides it is a real privilege to have genuinely rich and interesting encounters with local people, with lots of room for fun with the village children too.
Bike rides were beautiful, weaving through the quiet countryside lanes to ancient temples and villages, all with time to absorb the unique beauty of the environment and the rhythms of village life. The food is all locally sourced and utterly delicious. The trip to Kanha National Park was exhilarating. Our hosts and guide there are exceptional and without expectation I experienced the real thrill of being in truly immersed in the wonder of the natural world where human presence is an insignificant part of the animal kingdom. Witnessing tigers close by was utterly exhilarating and magnificent, the slow ease of a python across the track extraordinary, time alongside rare wild dogs, many birds species and deer. All with the expert knowledge and tracking of our guide, Raj,who lives and breathes tigers and wildlife. A bike trip through the the buffer zone with an overnight stay to share an evening and hear about the stories of a life lived beside the jungle is a treasured memory. 

Gwyn Nov 2017

 

I cannot speak highly enough of this small, very personal company and the friends they work with, embedded in and committed to the land, the wildlife and its people. Book a tour - they are bespoke and varied. You won't regret it. I just got back - it was the trip of a lifetime.

Les Nov 2017

  

Bhoramdeo Jungle Retreat (“BJR”) must be unique..a tiny group of informal but well equipped apartments, built of local materials, set in gardens with shady hideaways to read, sketch or watch the antics of the monkeys. In a remote tribal area of Chhattisgarh we heard jungle jackals and hyenas at dusk as we sat round a bonfire before a delicious outdoor supper made with the vegetables we chose on that afternoon’s trip to a village market. We strolled to nearby ancient Hindu temples to admire the carvings, to chat to locals or on a memorable occasion to take part in a traditional ceremony. Where else could you be invited to a tribal wedding in a nearby house? We stopped at rural cricket games, visited a village where all ages were involved in making pottery, and we watched tiny children learning Indian dance.
In BJR we were cared for like family guests and saw something of an authentic rural India which is fast disappearing....what more could one wish for ?

John Jan 2015 and Feb 2018

 

 

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