Look what I've found.
 

http://www.walksofindia.com/walks.html

This is the next step from the Calcutta Walks guys. Highly recommended. Mr. Dogster put them well and truly thru their paces. I believe my guide is out of psychoanalysis now.

Now they are taking on the world. We-e-elll, India anyway. It's the new breed of Indian tourism. Young, keen and fearless. To be supported.

Have bookmarked, but not sure when I'll get back to India.

Hi dogster, Ifte and Manjit told us about this when we were in Kolkata. As they said, the quality depends on finding guides you are committed as they are. As you know, we loved their walks in Kolkata, and when we get back to India we'll certainly look at what they have to offer in the areas we visit.

So when are you heading back?

Dunno. There's a lot other places in the world as well... and the visa thing is really getting me down. I got three days worth out of the last one, then had to go away for two months. By the time it was possible to go back I was somewhere else. It's a deal-breaker for a 'loose' traveller like myself. Istanbul [again] was fun. I hanker for a bit of Middle East. Of course, they keep having revolutions.

Heath matters keep me close to home at the moment. I'm up for it - but my legs aren't. Hence my last adventure: thedogster.wordpress.com/the-azamara-army/

Sigh. Yes, the visa issue complicates things.

Sorry you are not feeling well. I hope you are back on your feel soon.

PS I always love your cruise sagas.

Good luck with the legs. Yes, the Indian two month thing is really annoying. I guess Australians can't get 10 year visas?

Sorry the legs are playing up.

Your website is looking fantastic now. I'd strongly recommend everyone has a look. Just beautiful as well as all the great stories

Thanks for your concern, guys. I only hurt when I walk. lol. The rest of the time I'm perfectly content. Most importantly, I'm in a good head space. The leg stuff ain't news. It's just more of the same. Pfft. Onward and upward, just a little less physical each time. I'd have to do these walking tours in a palanquin.

Hence my absorbtion in the website[s]. So thank you, Mary, for saying such nice things.

Palanquin carried by Nubians of course - with nice floppy ears

Dogster your site is where I go when in need of inspiration when I'm stuck here working. Always does the trick for me so thanks

MaryW--on the aforementioned website I've encountered the phrase "Coming Soon." What does that mean to an Australian?

Hey Dogster, nice to see you posting. Sorry to hear about the legs acting up again

Wow -- I've just spent the morning reading both sites. Amazing.

My husband is working in India right now and between his comments and these websites I'm starting to get antsy. Well, he's half working, half checking out the place for a possible move in the future.

The Walks of India site doesn't have prices. Does anyone have a ballpark estimate?

Thx

Marija. I don't think I want to go there. Probably much the same as it means elsewhere! However add a Dog to the equation and it could be anything.

BKP, we did two Calcutta Walks when we were there in Dec 2010. A full day drive/walk tour was 50,000 Rs for the two of us, about $115 A 3 hour walking tour was 20,000 Rs each, a total of about $93 for the two of us. And they were worth every rupee!

Great info Dogster. Thanks! We'll try to do the walk while in Jaipur if we have time. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Yup, there tour ARE expensive, particularly for a single fella BUT, as Kathie says - for once they are worth it. I certainly got my money's worth. For those confused, best go here for a Doggy review of their Confluence of Cultures tour:
thedogster1.wordpress.com/little-things/

'Coming soon' means 'coming soon'. <i>'Soon'</i> is a wonderful word. Somethimes you spell it <i>'so-o-o-o-o-o-ooon'</i>. Even our cyber sleuth Marija hasn't been able to find what I'm working on now... heh. Coming soon.

Congrats on the mobile device version of www.thedogster.wordpress.com. Like your iPad, eh?

No. Any version not on my computer is accidental. If it's good, of course I'll take all credit - if its bad - its not my fault. lol. I must go look at it. As for my I-pad, frankly, I haven't yet embraced it - or it me. I like my 'puter on the road.

Dear Dogster,
Your writing gives a whole new meaning to doggie-style! LOL the request for abuse, followed by your email address.
Info on Calcutta much appreciated--might be there in March, on a small group trip to Assam with Tim, the friend of the guy who runs Indiaunbound.
Oh, those poor legs. I was about to go all nursie on you . Perhaps see a good chiropractor--a lot of leg pain starts with problems in the lower back.
I ha an iPad too, for upcoming trip to Europe--but havent figured it out yet.

Cali, I look forward to your report on Assam. It's still on our list!

not sure of exact dates yet,Kathie. Sill let you know. Do you want to come???

There are whispers about your 'puter.

When your legs are better, try Oman. No unrest. The Sultan sees to that. So far, anyway. Few Westerners outside Muscat. Unsullied everything, particularly the coast.

I wish to report the appearance of NEW factu-fiction in Mr. Dogster's scurrulous website. Keen eyes will spot the clue.

Thanks for the heads up, dogster!

Cali, I'll pass on the tour but I want to read your report.

Oh, Dog! I go to ground in Indiana and surface in Texas to find you've got leg pains. MP will sympathize, but different diagnosis -- "pes cavis." He can't walk far and neither can you. Limits our travels until he has surgery. Is there a remedy in store for you???

Going to hear a three-hour concert of Indian music next weekend with our old friend, bonnieheather, and her spouse. I might like to go back to India with someone who can do some sightseeing. MP can't do the walking anymore -- basking on the Riviera or some such thing . . .

River cruises, indiana, think river cruises. MP can sit on the deck and watch the daily life while you hurtle off on excursions.

As for surgery: did that, twice. Didn't work. But I get around. Just differently, with lots of stops. It can be done quite easily. There's a whole industry for old dodderers. It's called cruising.

Oh, and here's a tour company for India I just found:

http://www.theblueyonder.com/index.htm

that actually seems to provide some rather good trips. All the others just do the same thing, relentlessly. These guys add in all kinds of local flavor. Their home base is Karnataka [and those are the most interesting trips] but these guys are all over.

Despite my keen eyes, I've lost the NEW factu-fiction that I was reading. Where is it hiding?

Dogster,
Sorry to hear about the knees.

Will you return to the arms of Azamara? I will be trying their BA to Rio cruise next year.

Miriam

Sorry you're not striding about as you once did. It makes life a bit more challenging.

Is the Love Boat still an option?