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We here at Bespoke India Travel takes your travel to India and our other regions seriously - every guest means a lot to us and our Objective is to make sure that the experience you have with us is one that is rich in adventure and full of layers - we want this trip to be one that you can look back and think that this was a vintage holiday!
Your monies are fully protected from Day 1 as we operate with the Travel Trust Association which delivers you a complete financial protection – so you can travel with peace of mind.
Contact us at 0044-203-617-1133 or through our website http://bespokeindiatravel.co.uk
Our experienced UK-based travel consultants will give you accurate, up-to-date travel information. They travel regularly and extensively in the region to make sure your attractions, hotels, and local guides meet our top-notch standards.
Our countries include India ,Nepal ,Bhutan and Sri Lanka in South Asia.
We also operate fantastic holidays in SE Asia -Thailand ,Malaysia ,Singapore ,Vietnam, Cambodia ,Laos and Indonesia.
After nearly 30 years in the travel industry we are always happy to impart our honest advice , what's practical and of course the unmissable places.
Reviews 309
DEBRA CHATZIAPOSTOLOU
Apr 30,202012 day tour - Golden Triangle plus Bharatpur and Ranthambore I contacted Sanjay at Bespoke India Travel on the recommendation of a friend who had booked a holiday through them a couple of years ago and we were very pleased that we did! His enthusiasm and obvious love of India, coupled with his in-depth knowledge of all the hotels and places to visit etc. meant it was a pleasure dealing with him. He seems to genuinely care about his clients and strives to ensure that they have the very best possible experience, at a very competitive price! He was always very quick to reply to any queries we had by e-mail, or phone (which was particularly helpful when we were trying to fill in our on-line visa applications) and all the things that he suggested adding to our itinerary e.g visiting the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary and the Step Well at Chandler Baori made the trip even more interesting and varied. I travelled with my sister and a friend and it was the first time any of us had visited India, but any worries we had quickly disappeared as soon as we were met by one of BIT’s reps at Delhi airport. We were looked after incredibly well throughout our stay and had absolutely nothing to worry about! The local agents and guides were all brilliant. There was always someone to meet and welcome us at each new place, and they would then escort us to our accommodation, get us checked in and run through the itinerary. A special mention has to go out to Surender, our driver for the whole trip. Some of the journeys by road were very long, but despite the chaotic Indian traffic, we always felt very safe in his capable hands, and he was always pointing out interesting things along the way! The standard of car was excellent, meticulously clean and we were grateful for the snacks and drinks he provided, and also for having WiFi! We stayed in a variety of accommodation from a friendly, family run homestead In Agra to a luxury haveli In Jaipur, they were all lovely in different ways and the staff, in the main, were always very gracious and went out of their way to make our stay comfortable. The only disappointment was that, despite going on 3 safaris we didn’t catch a glimpse of a tiger, but many other guests did see them and we always knew there were no guarantees! Also, the Holi celebrations that had been organised in our hotel had to be cancelled, due to the Coronavirus, but this was obviously completely out of their control. Finally, I would like to say a huge thank you to Sanjay and all his team for making our trip so very memorable, we saw so many wonderful sights and the holiday exceeded all our expectations. I hope to return to India in the future and will definitely book through them again!
Andy Bell
Apr 29,2020Our Rajasthan trip was a magical experience, enhanced by the careful planning and advice from the Bespoke India Travel team. During our trip it became clear that this advice was based on good, in depth knowledge and insights about locations and hotels. One of the best aspects is the guidance on locations and experiences that are slightly off the beaten track.
Charles
Apr 29,2020Bespoke India Travel and Sanjay were recommended to us by friends, and we are so glad we chose to go with them and not with one of the larger companies. Sanjay's advice on hotels, places to see, things to do and the general pace of the holiday was spot on. All the arrangements worked like clockwork. His local agents, the guides and our driver were brilliant. Sanjay himself was in frequent touch both with them and direct with us to check that everything was going smoothly. When we mentioned one small thing that bothered us, it was sorted instantly and without any fuss. This and the whole holiday was above and beyond anything we had expected. It was a wonderful holiday and we can't wait to go back (and of course, we shall use Sanjay and Bespoke India Travel again!).
Neil Kirkman
Mar 26,2020Our planned trip to Sri Lanka this month was to be our third organised by Sanjay, the previous two being to India. Our previous experience had shown us that our expectations would be greatly exceeded and that all arrangements would run like clockwork. This time however we took off against the backgorund of the corono virus outbreak . As we left the UK, Sri lanka had had just one case several weeks previously an dso it seemd much safer there then in the UK. Our holiday started extremely well with a very confortable overnight stay near Colmbo and then on to Wilpattu National Park where we had a very succesful safari. However there the news trickled through that a party of Italians had infected some guides and the virus was spreading qiuickly. We were so cut off and enjoying ourselves so much in beautiful surroundings that this didn't seem a big deal. We were going to be staying in small boutique hotels in remote places . Then Sanjay and his agents on the ground, Butterfly tours, started to ring saying that we needed to check our travel insurance - he feared that UK Government announcements might give them the opportunity to invalidate it. This was easier said then done when after ringing for hours we still couldn't get through. This was when Sanjay told us very firmly that for our safety he wanted to get us home as soon as possible. We grumbled a bit at first still not realising what was happening around the world but he insisted. Then Air Lanka suddenly announced they were stopping flying and Colombo airport was closing to incoming flights. Sanjay was absolutely right ..the net was closing fast. Air lanka appeared to have taken the phone off the hook and gone home , the Sri Lankan government were making rapid draconian announcements, there was no way of contacting our insurance company. The penny dropped that this was getting very serious very quickly. The wifi was unreliable where we were making it very difficult to contemplate trying to find our own flights. In the midst of mayhem Sanjay managed to book us on a flight leaving at 2.00 am to Dubai, worryingly this got cancelled and we could not get into the airport without a boarding card so Butterfly arranged for us to have dinner and to be able to sleep for a few hours at the hotel where we had spent our first night prior to catching a later flight at 6.00 am. By this stage we had missed our onward flight to London but all was sorted out for us and despite it being a bit hairy until we were actually on the plane, all actually went like clockwork albeit to a constantly changing plan .. I know that Bespoke India Travel is a small company and I wondered whether in the rush of everyone trying to get their clients flown out we would find oursleves at the back of the queue. All I know is that Sanjay and Butterfly were in constant communication with us so we never felt 'alone', As the big picture kept changing by the hour then our plans were changed and we were told what was going on and by being constantly ahead of the curve due to the team's foresight in anticipating the next development Sanjay got us out. Of course we weren't his only clients out there or in India so I suspect he went for several days without any sleep until we were all home. The point of this review is to say that with experience and the right attention to detail you can expect a holiday to go well under normal circumstances, but when circumstances are as uniquely far from normal as possible then that's where true professionalism is shown and Sanjay and his team rose to this challenge superbly increasing our confidence in him even higher.
Matt Bourne
Mar 14,2020Very well organised trip. We had nothing to worry about from beginning to end. The hotels were amazing, the guides were good and itinerary was excellent. Bespoke india travel certainly earnt its name.
Christopher Thomas
Mar 11,2020We met Sanjay at the destination’s exhibition in Manchester, and expressed our interest in seeing India. We had travelled extensively but not here. Right from that initial discussion we were impressed with Sanjay's knowledge enthusiasm and obvious love for his country. As first timers he advised us to start in Amritsar, rather than face the cultural shock of Delhi. From there he proposed up into the hills to Dharamshala and on to Shimla. Rather than the 6 hours journey on the Toy Train to Kalka he suggested the experience of the first two hours of most impressive scenery then to be met with our driver to return to Shimla for the lesser 3 hour drive the next day. From there he recommended the train to Delhi for a couple of days and then pick up a new driver after another train journey to Agra. Once we had feasted on the splendour of the Taj Mahal onto tiger spotting in Ranthambore, finishing in Jaipur, and eventually back to Delhi. It all seemed very complicated but the arrangements worked seamlessly. We were met at each new location by the local representative, and then our guide for the duration. In between our drivers looked after us and skilfully negotiated the Indian road system. At stations bags disappeared to be found above the seats in our allocated carriages. Likewise, at the destinations in reverse. The combination of hotels that Sanjay had arranged were truly delightful, and ranged from Heritage, Homestay to Five Star. Through doing this we met some lovely people, both fellow travellers and Indians. We have never stayed in a hotel bedroom with our own minstrel’s gallery as we did at the Dera Mandawa in Jaipur. And who could ever forget the witticism and wisdom of our host Mr Singh. We came across larger tour parties in Shimla and Ranthambore, but somehow, they were missing the true India that we were seeing with our combination of drivers and guides in our own vehicle. At each stage of our journey we were contacted by Sanjay's man in Delhi who ensured that all flowed as it should. In that way we were even able to adapt arrangements as when Trump decided to visit the Taj Mahal, and Agra suffered the inevitable lock down. With some deft footwork we were able to get clear before he arrived. When Sanjay outlined his ideas for our 18-day adventure I was concerned that it may be beyond our budget, but it was not. In fact, the same tour (hotels and all) when priced by Audley was double that sought by Sanjay. Others we discussed this with over dinners were paying a lot more than us. We found India fascinating. Each location we travelled to different from the rest. The guides were courteous, knowledgeable and humorous. The drivers both skilful, and caring. Thank you, Sanjay, for showing us your country in such a professional and organised manner. We shall be back in contact to see more.
Allan S
Mar 09,2020This company are experts on India and they made our experience a fantastic one. They exceeded our expectations in every way possible. Do not look past them.
Charlotte Cook
Mar 05,2020Our holiday booked with Bespoke India Travel was just perfect. Sanjay arranged some wonderful accommodation- we especially enjoyed the Dera Mandawa. We went to him without much of an idea about where we wanted to go or what we wanted to do, and he tailored us a 12 day trip which had so much variety. The suggestion of the safari really was great, it was one of our favourite parts. I would definitely recommend Bespoke India Travel to anyone wanting to visit India and it's vibrancy. It was made so easy for us and was completely affordable. Thanks Sanjay.
AH
Mar 02,2020We have recently returned from a fantastic 23 day holiday in India, brilliantly organised by Bespoke India Travel. Sanjay fitted in all the places we wanted to visit, from Amritsar, Dharamsala and Shimla in the north to a tour of Rajasthan, with a variety of accommodation from luxury hotels to small havelis and a friendly homestay in Agra. The service was superb, with two friendly and helpful drivers so we had great continuity, and with specialist and extremely knowledgeable guides in each of the places we visited. We would particularly recommend visiting Jaisalmer on the edge of the Thar desert, where the Gulaal Hotel was especially friendly and welcoming. We cannot recommend Bespoke India Travel highly enough, and hope to visit India with them again.
Ben Diamond
Mar 01,2020Our trip to West Bengal and Sikkim last October organised by Bespoke India Travel was truly superb. Sanjay was excellent from the very start of the proceedings and continued to ensure that we were having the best time throughout the holiday. Everything went like clockwork. The hotels picked throughout the trip were just what we had wanted and the two guides we had were extremely knowledgable and interesting. The drivers were very competent and safe. A special shout out to Mukund, our guide on the Sikkim leg of the trip, he was such a lovely guy and he went over and above to ensure we had the best time. The trip was a feast for the senses from the bustling, noisy Kolkata to the serene, spectacular scenery of Sikkim. The local people in all areas were delightful and the food was gorgeous. Just brilliant.
Mr & Mrs King
Feb 16,2020A huge thank you to Sanjay for all his efforts in pulling together our recent trip to India. Sanjay's tips & suggestions proved invaluable. We saw & did so many interesting things from visits to the iconic monuments to time spent amongst the wildlife as well as mingling with local people & enjoying local traditions & foods. A perfectly balanced mix. We have made so many wonderful memories. Sanjay's help in bespoking our trip meant that we got the most out of what we know we will look back on as a very special experience. We will definitely be recommending Bespoke India to family & friends.
Jason
Feb 04,2020Our trip to Kerala was excellent and Sanjay made the whole process very easy. The hotels were all very good and we had an excellent driver who we learned to rely on for help with almost anything. The only thing that would have improved the trip would have been to listen to Sanjay's advice and had 2 days in Kochi and 3 days in Munnar rather than the other way around as we insisted. Sanjay has said that next time he will be more firm with us!
Paul J
Feb 03,2020Excellent organisation and attention to detail.
Mrs Kendra
Feb 03,2020From start to finish - working with Sanjay has been a delight ! He tolerated the ever changing number of the group / found rooms where there weren’t any - allowed for my input and demands - I would highly recommend to any other people wishing to follow in our footsteps!! His liaison with drividian travel in India made the trip work like clockwork!!!!!!
John Day
Feb 03,2020John & Alan, Newcastle upon Tyne An excellent customised two week birding trip to Kerala and the Western Ghats. Accommodation was superb whether at sophisticated tea estates or at birding homestays and the penultimate relaxing day on a backwaters river cruise was the icing on the cake. Wide range of food available and excellent cultural and birding guides at each venue. Our driver/guide (Bharath) was exceptional (and has now become a bird watcher). A wonderful experience with over 180 bird species seen (as well as mammals). I would not hesitate to use Bespoke India again and can thoroughly recommend them
Mrs J Findlay
Feb 03,2020We're recently back from a fabulous 15 day tour of Kerala. We started planning it with Sanjay's help and suggestions last summer and it couldn't have gone better. Bespoke India and their local partner in Kochi were there for us at every stage but never intrusive. Our driver, Santhosh met us at the airport and stayed available throughout 6 different locations. Private guided tours of a spice farm, agricultural valley and tea plantation were fascinating. All hotels and a homestay were carefully chosen as locally run and benefitting the community. At the same time they had every comfort you could wish for and wonderful staff. Kerala itself is wonderful. Trip of a lifetime.
Isobel Gowan
Feb 01,2020Dear Tarun, Sanjay and team, Whilst it’s fresh in our minds we wanted to say a huge thank you for our fabulous three week tour of Rajasthan. We were very well looked after at all times and our driver Raj Kumar was exemplary-kind, courteous, careful and always there for us. Every guide we met was hugely knowledgeable and we especially enjoyed the variety of hotels you booked us into: grand palaces, heritage havelis, comfortable homestays and the amazing Manvar desert camp. It was lovely to be met by your local reps and know that we were in safe hands wherever we were. Truly a trip to remember, Isobel and Andrew
Alexis
Jan 14,2020We have recently returned from an amazing 4 week holiday in Rajasthan organised by Sanjay at Bespoke India. We didn't want an " off the shelf" package and Sanjay listened to all our preferences and helped us plan a great trip. We really appreciated the benefits of having a local guide in each place we visited. As well as their knowledge they introduced us to some amazing people and greatly enhanced our experience. The best meals we ate were in local rather than " tourist" restaurants recommended by our guides. We wanted to stay in small heritage style properties where possible and we were not disappointed by Sanjay's recommendations, from the luxury of Fort Bujera in Udaipur to the historic Haveli Braj in Bundi. Bespoke India and the local tour operator responded quickly to an unexpected issue that arose and we were very impressed by the way this was handled- minimising the disruption to our trip and ensuring we were adequately compensated. I have no hesitation in recommending Bespoke India and hope to return with them for another trip. India trip Nov 2019.
Peter Hayward
Jan 12,2020We chose Sanjay at Bespoke India Travel from the few UK companies that offer tours to North - East India because his suggestions seemed the most interesting. We were not disappointed. He was very cooperative and helpful in planning the holiday, creating a bespoke tour that included all the places we particularly wanted to visit within the three weeks we had allowed, with a route that made maximum use of our time. His price was competitive too. The whole trip went very well. In particular, the Assamese company whom he engaged for the majority of the trip was outstanding. We're not sure how it was arranged, but we ended up with the boss of that company as a guide and he was brilliant. He was good company - friendly with a great sense of humour – and very knowledgeable on the area, and he dealt calmly with the inevitable minor adjustments en route. Possibly because he was the boss, we seemed to end up with the best rooms in every hotel. Certainly, except in two cities where the choice of hotel was very limited, the hotels were far better than we expected, some being positively luxurious. The separate guide we had in Kolkata on our way in and out of India also went out of his way to meet our needs, and he packed a lot into the relatively-short time we had there. Two comments. First, Sanjay's tour dossier wasn't packed with glossy pictures, and because it was a relatively-new area, in a couple of places the description of sites wasn't wholly accurate. However, that didn't affect the success of the holiday – and remember, you can pay a lot more to get a glossy dossier! Second, we were given the telephone number of the wrong guide in Kolkata, so when we missed a connecting flight in Dubai on the way out, our texts warning the guide we were on a later flight never got through. However, it was all sorted out in the end, and we don't think these small points warrant dropping our rating below 5*. The North-East states we visited (Tripura, Manipur, Nagaland, Assam and Manipur) were all different and very interesting, and we'd recommend them.
Des Yates
May 01,2020Sanjay at Bespoke listened to what we were looking for, came up with a suggestion, tailored it to suit our budget and timescales after a long discussion and booked everything for us. In country we were met at the airport and given a local mobile to contact the local team, we were transported around by our own driver and left to our own devices at all other times. The accommodations were all fantastic, the staff friendly and helpful. All in all we had a great time and would recommend BIT to anyone.