I have just returned from a Grand Tour of Rajasthan, the Golden Triangle, Khajurahao and Varanasi organised and facilitated by Robindro Saikhom of Serene Journeys. The whole trip was a truly incredible experience and one I shall remember and treasure for many years to come. Robin meticulously planned our itinerary which we agreed prior to my travelling to India and he paid attention to every detail including all internal transport, hotel bookings, local guides and all tours and activities throughout our journey. This created a stress-free experience from the minute I was greeted at Delhi airport and throughout the trip. Robin had provided me with a detailed plan for the journey prior to arrival but no words could have described the amazing and unforgettable experiences that lay ahead. We travelled extensively in Rajasthan through the Great Thar Desert to the lush green, mountainous terrain around Udaipur and Jaipur revelling in the amazing colours, smells and tastes of India. We visited many of Rajasthan’s ancient forts, havelis and temples, experienced the bustling activity in the local markets and bazaars and enjoyed sharing stories with desert villagers over a cup of chai. From camel-cart and elephant rides to tiger-spotting on jungle safaris in Ranthambore wildlife sanctuary; from bird watching in the Keoladeo National Park to camel trekking through the natural golden sand dunes, I left Rajasthan with unforgettable and cherished memories. After our journey in Rajasthan we visited Agra and the majestic mausoleum of the Taj Mahal then travelled to Khajurahao to visit the temples of the Kama Sutra and on to Varanasi to witness the incredible Aarti ritual and cremations on the River Ganges and the birthplace of Buddhism at nearby Sarnath. Again, Robin had arranged all internal flights, hotels, local guides, boat trips and entrances to local monuments ensuring that the whole experience was fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable. I would have no hesitation in recommending Robin and Serene Journeys to anyone who wants to experience the very best of India with a travel company who will offer a truly personalised and professional service.
I am happy to say I had a marvelous experience in India–from start to finish–due in great part to Robin and Serene Journeys. My involvement with Robin and Serene Journeys began in the planning phases in early 2015. I, and a traveling companion, were first booked to travel and work with Habitat for Humanity, beginning in Chennai, India. Once our responsibilities to Habitat were complete, Robin and Serene Journeys took over. Step one was flying from Chennai to Delhi. Once we arrived at the Delhi Airport, we were met by a representative of Serene Journeys, and even though our flight was delayed, Serene Journeys waited until we arrived and very happily greeted us! At that late hour (after midnight), the rep from Serene Journeys was cordial, pleasant and quite helpful. At the airport we met our driver, Dennath, and Dennath was to be our driver until our journey was complete! And, this one aspect-the same driver throughout the trip–was to make the biggest difference in the whole trip. Our drive took us to our pre-arranged hotel in Dehli, and there at the hotel we were met by Robin–a very pleasant experience. Robin greeted us and arranged to meet us for dinner that evening. Throughout the day and the remaining days in Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, and our return trip to Delhi, we had very competent guides, were in constant communication with Robin, and were excellently escorted and well taken care of by our driver, Dennath. In each of the cities we visited, our tour guide was knowledgeable, spoke English well, and knew all the facts (and more) about the many, many places we visited. Overall, Robin and Serene Journeys made our trip to India an experience to remember and treasure forever.
I had a very pleasant weekend in Jaipur. It was a great introduction to lovely Rajestan. My guide was a long-standing Jaipur resident and so very helpful and knowledgeable. The driver provided by Serene Journeys was reliable & safe. The car was large and comfortable and the Elcesior Hotel was very pleasant and peaceful. It was lovely with the pool to go back to the hotel garden and relax after a busy day out. I decided not to attend the elephant festival as it was too crowded, but the fort was great to see and there was plenty of other stuff to see and do. Shops, colour, historic sights, the lake, good food – a great weekend away. Well organised, thanks.
Thanks to Serene Journeys & Robin. My 5 days trip to Kathmandu was even better than I expected. Dwarika’s hotel is really good and the city is small enough to get a real flavour of it in a few days. It was good to meet a few local people and talk about their life. The guide and driver were friendly and helpful. Altogether a great trip.
………..especially compared to my previous Serene Journey!!!!!!!!!!
Serene Journeys & Robin did a fantastic job arranging my visit to Goa earlier this month. I told him my price range and that I was interested in staying where I could walk to the beach and to local shops and he arranged for me to stay at a hotel that is just off the main shopping area in Candolim and a five-minute walk to the beach – it couldn’t have been better. The guides he arranged were excellent: they were friendly, helpful and well-informed and I came away feeling I’d made friends as well as learned about the local areas. Robin checked with me regularly throughout my visit to ensure things were going well which impressed me a lot. I recommend him highly for his ability to set up individualized tours which match personal interests and his excellent contacts with hotels as well as local guides, which made my visit to Goa – which I wanted to visit for years and was hesitant as I had no personal contacts there – a most memorable one.
Robin was amazing in India, we really felt like we had a personal assistant who could help us with everything. From changing flights to small details like providing us and a sim card, Robin made everything so much easier on our tip. When I got sick and needed hospital attention Robin arranged everything and I\’m sure I would not have got the care I received without him. We can\’t thank Robin enough for an amazing vacation and we hope to return again soon.
I am very happy to recommend the services of Serene Journey in organising a fabulous, interesting and yet relaxing holiday. Robindro arranged several holidays for me including a great holiday for me and my mother around Rajastan – setting out from New Delhi on the grand ‘Palace on Wheels’ train and ending up staying at the glorious Oberoi hotel overlooking the beautiful lake in Udaipur. Transfers, flights and arrangements were provided with great service and aplomb by Robin. The holiday was interesting, easy, relaxing, comfortable and fun. A great trip and great organisation.
Dear Robin
Thank you EVER so much for your wonderful assistance with planning our 4 day Golden Triangle journey. Whilst we had such a short lead time and a few limitations were were absolutely delighted with your service levels during this planning and then to top it off you were amazing at ensuring we were happy and comfortable every step of the way! From our wonderful and caring driver, expert guides and all the airport service managers we never had any doubts for our safety and touring plans at any stage. We have highly recommend your services to our friends and very much look forward to the day that we can plan another amazing journey with you. India is such a fabulous destination and I only wish that we had more time to really be able to immerse ourselves these amazing places and indulge in the heritage luxury of the hotels! Warmest regards, Sarah and Scott
A big thank you to Serene Journeys for compiling and coordinating a fantastic trip to Southern India during my holiday September 2013. Robin was a wealth of knowledge on India and able to answer questions I may have! He helped me to have a vacation I will never forget. I look forward to working with Robin again and would recommend Serene Journeys to people who want a relaxed carefree holiday.
Regards,
Steven Little
