Bollywood on Oprah!

For all Bollywood fans, Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan will be on Oprah today, September 28th. Considered one of the most famous couples in the world, this is their first interview together since their marriage in 2007. Check your local listings for showtimes!

SAWERA Fundraiser: Almost sold out!

We only have a few tickets remaining for our SAWERA fundraiser on October 3. If you are interested in attending, please let us know. Tickets are $65 and include a formal Indian dinner, dancing, and entertainment. There will also be a silent auction that includes some fantastic packages, including a trip to India. We look forward to seeing you and thank you for supporting an end to domestic violence!

Kerala: 100% computer connected!

Starting in November, all of Kerala will have access to internet access, making it India's first state with high-speed connectivity in every village.

Currently, Kerala boasts around 1,450 villages. The project is an undertaking by the state government to make the state 100% e-literate. When the campaign started last year, all but approximately 175 villages had broadband connectivity. Only nine villages, in inaccessible areas, remain to be connected.

According to the Memoirs of India blog site, "Broadband connectivity also provide services like eFiling of income tax returns, getting online applications of the public services examinations, and getting application forms for various purposes from the websites of the state government."

Kerala is one of the most popular Indian states for tourists, and our Sublime Kerala tour is a favorite among clients. 100% internet connectivity is sure to set an example for other regions in India, and we are excited to observe the technological expansion!

A testimonial - before the departure!!

I recently received this client testimonial that beautifully articulates how Sodha Travel does more than just coordinate the travel details:

"And people ask why to use a travel agency? Let me tell you why I not only use a travel agency, but I use Sodha Travel - an agency that I call my "one stop shop" for all things India. Your company goes beyond booking the hotels, flights, tours, and transfers. You promptly answer every email and phone call I have about about weather, clothing, currency, and gratuities. When I asked about wifi, I received a form with the availability and cost of wifi at each hotel on my itinerary. And yesterday, without asking, you sent me a list of restaurants in each city on my itinerary that serves food suitable to my dietary needs. Need I say more? This is all even before I depart! Would I ever receive this level of service from a traditional online site, or even another agency? Not only are your prices very fair for the services offered, but there is no question you can't answer about India. To me, that says it all. This is the second trip that I have booked with your agency, and I have returned to tell you that you continue to exceed my expectations. Well done. Very well done."

Melinda
Tampa Bay, Florida

We thank you, Melinda, for your kind words!

Travel Reviews

Recently, an AOL Travel column highlighted the do's and dont's when reading travel reviews. It is all too common that travelers read certain reviews of properties and destinations, only to be given misinformation or unreasonable expectations.

Almost daily, clients contact us with specific hotel requests based on online reviews. We always encourage travelers to do their research, but also recommend the guidance of professionals. More often than not, the hotels that clients request lead to disappointment while the alternate properties exceed all expectations.

Our advice is to diversify the online research. Go beyond the standard sites of tripadvisor.com, hotels.com, and travelpost.com. Talk to your friends and family and make a list of concerns and possibilities. Then, discuss it with a travel professional. It is our job to plan the best trip for you from an objective perspective. After all, we don't want you to have our experience - we want you to have your experience!

2010 Commonwealth Games: Delhi, India

The Commonwealth Games will be held in Delhi, India from October 3-14, 2010. For the past few months, we have been receiving inquiries about the best time to reserve accommodations and services. The answer is now! Some hotels are already at full capacity and others are quickly selling out. Tours, transfers, internal flights, and hotels are also being rapidly reserved in areas around Delhi, particularly Agra, Ranthambore, Samode, and Rajasthan, to name a few. India is expected to see a surge of visitors, many who will attend the games and then continue their travels throughout the magnificent subcontinent. Furthermore, because the games are held only one month before Diwali on November 5, many are finding an appeal to arrange their travel in conjunction with the festivities. If you plan to attend the games and/or visit India during this festive time, we encourage you to coordinate and reserve your travel plans as soon as possible.