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Just over one year ago today, I returned from my most wonderful trip to India. “Trip” doesn’t fully describe the experience – it was much more of a journey, and I have Tapas and Trinetra tours to thank for that. My desire to go to India came out of a need to travel to a spiritual place, a beautiful place, and a place where I could rejuvenate myself. Having just turned 40, my husband offered me a wonderful present that I was wanting - the opportunity to travel by myself to a far away destination while he watched the kids. I was so excited, but didn’t know where to start. I knew what I DIDN’T want – a loud, bus filled with American tourists, or a non-stop visit to a million sites in a short amount of time. I had a deep interest in Gandhi and Buddha, and a desire to go to spiritual places. Additionally, I was interested in visiting textile and paper design areas. I knew I wanted to get to Varanasi, as a dear friend of mine had described it as a “must see” place. Add on to this, that my 70-year-old mother (an agile but a little physically limited woman) would also be accompanying me, and she wanted to see tigers at some place. To top it off, I had a budget and only 13 days. I read a number of guidebooks, and scoured the Internet, and one day, a long and personal email came back to me from Tapas at Trinetra tours. It was clear to me that this was a very different kind of response than I was getting from anywhere else. Other agencies sent back form letters, or very basic emails. Tapas wrote me a real letter, in which he described why it was he loved being in the travel business (connecting with other people, among other reasons), and how he might be able to take all the different elements I was searching for and putting them all together in a well-paced trip. Preparing for the trip, a task that at first felt dreadful and overwhelming, became something fun. Like magic, Tapas conjured up itineraries for me to consider, and together we worked until we came upon just the right one. He took all the fear I had about this kind of a journey, and helped turn it into excitement and anticipation. Even before I left, I felt assured that there would always be someone within reach to help me if I had any problems. The trip itself was amazing beyond words, and as it had been tailored just for my mother, and me it felt so personal. From the smallest of details (pick up, transfers, hotel set up, meal recommendations) to the larger components (choice of guides, and most importantly, our wonderful driver), I felt very well cared for. We had some very complicated logistics (trains, inter-country planes, transfers, etc.), and they all went smoothly. When things didn’t always go according to plan, the people at Trinetra always responded quickly and helpfully. On our last night, when we had dinner with Tapas and his family, it was my mother’s birthday, and they went out of their way to get her a cake! Upon our departure back home, I felt like I was really leaving friends behind. India is a magical place, but potentially very overwhelming. Tapas, and all the people at Trinetra made me feel like India could be my home too, and gave of themselves so generously, that I truly believe this to be so. I am so grateful not only for the incredible trip Trinetra helped me create, but also for the wonderful opportunity I had to meet and connect with such terrific people. I give Trinetra Tours my highest recommendation, and would be happy to speak with anyone who is interested in more information. Most Sincerely, Nancy Kaplan


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