Hi there, I will be going to India either later this year or early next year and would like to know if anyone can share with me the tour operator used (providing it was a wonderful experience). I have been in touch with: Smithsonian, Wilderness Travel, Mountain Travel, Cox and Kings and Martin Randall. I hope someone can help. Thanks so much.

If you decide on Smithsonian, you MUST buy the insurance. They will not refund anything (depending on timeframe) even for the most valid cancellation reasons.

As it was an issue among posters the last time you asked, do you want a group tour or a private tour? You said a group tour then. Is that still the case?

I haven't used these people, but this is a group that doe some tours that are a bit different than the same-old, same-old. I'd check it out.

http://theblueyonder.com/holiday_category/rajasthan/

we used and loved;
www.legendsandpalaces.com.
Ask for Mr. VP Singh.

indianpanorama.in ask for Tim as your initial contact

In case you are still in search of a trip.

Wild World India

2 trips done, a 3rd in the planning

Wonderful it was. Wildlife-based.

Reports with photos are here.

http://safaritalk.net/topic/7066-tigers-and-then-some/

http://safaritalk.net/topic/8610-you...s-bears-oh-my/

G Adventures!

Had a great time in India with them last October!!

Another vote for V.P. Singh, Legendsandpalaces.com.

A private tour which is far superior and less expensive than a group tour.

I had good luck with a local operator on my first visit to India, Indian Moments. I think you get a great deal more for less money and they seem to be infinitely flexible, very important if you want a personal experience. And no western middle men adding significantly to the cost of second rate tours.