Western India

Quotes and Feedback from our customers

February 2011

"Inspirational, thought-provoking and much more than a holiday"

"We loved meeting the people, in their homes and work environments, where we could start to appreciate the impact of Traidcraft and fairtrade on their lives."

"The accommodation was comfortable throughout for the type of tour and pricing"

"Meeting artisans, workers and others was delightful - some great characters, helpful to see working conditions and to understand more about life and work."

"An interesting and varied mix of producers and projects visited"

"It was everything and more of what I wanted from a trip to India plus more. I knew I didn't want a regular tourist type holiday and was thrilled when I found the tour. It was exactly what I wanted without knowing what I wanted exactly!"

"We were made so welcome and treated so royally where ever we visited. We learned a great deal, were impressed by the work and felt privilaged to enter some of their homes"

"All the projects were admirable and it was interesting to hear how they differed in policies, marketing, work conditions etc" 

"The elephant ride was a thrilling experience"

"All the ladies at St Mary's were a delight."

"For the length of time away and the amount we saw, the standard of food we ate I think it was value for money"

"I think the amount of producers we visited was excellent and gave us a real insight into the traditional skills, issues of marketing, work conditions and pollution"

"St Mary's: the positive feel style of operation, recognition that they can embrace western notions of design while retaining traditional designs/methods, the characters and welcome we received"

"Tourist attractions included the classics and a few more unusual ones. Balance was right with project/producer visits"

"The Dharavi Reality tour was such a positive experience! The British notion of what a 'slum' really is was blown away and we truly valued the opportunity to see the industriousness and creativity of the area"

"Broadened our understanding of India in a variety of ways - culture, faith/religion, ways of life, food and history"


February 2010

"The variety of textile production was far in excess of my expectation. We saw ancient textiles as well as new ones being made. We met lots of lovely producers who gave us time and answers to our questions which will help us to explain their work to our Fairtrade purchasers at home."

"Ranjith was an excellent leader. He was mindful and caring, taking note of our needs. He not only informed, but also encouraged us to think through our experiences. Through him we learned so much about India, especially the areas we visited"

"The tour was absolutely perfect with a great guide who gave us so much information and so much to think about"

"The holiday was excellent... we saw India away from the tourist areas and got to meet people"

"The vegetarian food was especially good"

"Memorable. Each day was packed with experiences and was very stimulated indeed"

"My favourite producer visit was St Mary's. Very welcoming people and we saw the training of local people in the centre, the homes of the workers, the hospital wards and mothers with young babies... I bought some fantastic pieces of embroidery and felt it was a very rounded visit"

"I felt very safe and we had a tour tailored to our needs. Ranjith offered a very good balance of things for the group and made an effort to accommodate individual needs as much as posisble"

"The producer visits were the real highlights for both of us especially after selling the products for many years. These visits made a real connection. Very moving at times. There was a real sense of well being as opposed to the poverty seen elsewhere"

"The favourite tourist visit was to the Taj Mahal - setting, beautiful architecture, atmospheric. Our anticipation and expectations were well rewarded"

"Ranjith obviously wanted to give us as much experience as posisble of Indian transport - small coach, jeep, 4 x 4, auto rickshaw, cycle rickshaw, elephant, slepper train..."

"It was an interesting experience being guests in people's homes"

"I really liked the food in the farmers houses. The touristy places were not as good as the local ones"

"It was my first tour organised by Traidcraft and I was absolutely delighted about the whole holiday"

"The food was one of the highlights of the tour"

"The service provised by the tour leader was absolutely excellent... nothing could have been better"

"The views I had about India was very much from a remote European angle. This has changed a lot and a great interest in india has arisen"

"All the producer visits were excellent or very good. It was a privilege to meet so many people and humbling that they were so keen for us to visit their homes"


February 2009

"The tour was very good. We thought the tour would be a good introduction to India and it was"

"The programme was full and interesting, especially for us on our first visit to India"


February 2008

"Well planned, excellent attention to detail"

"I was unaware of Traidcraft until this tour - I am very impressed with the vision, not only of providing fairly traded goods, but of creating tours to meet the producers"

"Better than I expected..."


February 2007

”It more than fulfilled my expectations”

“It was a ‘never to be forgotten’ holiday”

“I enjoyed all the visits and found them fascinating and very informative. We were made most welcome and everyone took the time to show us round and answer questions”

“We would like to thank you for all your hard work and the excellent service you provide organising the Meet the People Tours”

“Very busy, but the excitement keeps you going. Huge variety of visits and great shopping!”

“British Indian food will never make the grade again! Great for vegetarians”

“Ranjith is already a legend!”

“Aditi was an inspired choice as his deputy – a friend and alternative source of local information”

“India is the most vibrant place I have ever been”


February 2006:

"An excellent way to improve understanding of other's situations and what fair trade means to the producers"

“A trip of a lifetime after all these years as a Traidcraft Rep”

"The friendliness of the people, whether on the streets in Mumbai or in the homes of producers, made a big impression on me"

"It was such a privilege to be able to see people at work in their own homes or place of work, and to be so warmly welcomed by all"