"Thank you so much for putting together such an inspiring journey. I have just gotten home and already have large elephant legs and tiger paws started to begin.The colors, the light, the beautiful people, the fabrics, the elegant way the people dress, the structures, the elephants, the camels, the tigers, the Indian miniatures, the caves in Mumbai, the birds, Kanha!!!!! All the very foreign tastes and sensations! We really enjoyed, Amit, our guide as well. I also felt quite full of visual fantasy. Thank you again for facilitating this fantastic experience!"
Kathy Ruttenberg, Woodstock, NY, December 2007

"We had a wonderful time, thanks for everything."
Meryl Gordon and Walter Shapiro, New York, NY, March 2007

"This is just to let you know that I had a wonderful time in Kanha. Thank you for arranging everything. Five tigers, two from the back of elephants, the rest from jeeps. Astonishing other wildlife, including a leopard with kill a hundred yards from the gate of the park. Thank you again. You helped make an almost life-long dream come true." -
Craig N. Murphy Director, PNE Social Science Center, Wellesley College, MA Jan 2003

"I've shared the attached photo with Toby and my fellow explorers, but knew you would like seeing it. It's a picture of Lady of the Lakes in Ranthambhore. I had no idea I had caught her at a point where the contrast was so extraordinary. Enjoy and fell free to post it. I will be sending you a check for Saving Wild Tigers. I have had a passion for big cats since I was about 5 years old, so seeing tigers in India was a special thrill for me. The trip could not have been better organized and, of course, Toby made it the success that it was. What an incrediablyknowledgeable man and so interested in his 'charges' - he took excellent care of everyone of us... Thanks for all you do to make these trip so wonderful AND for caring so much for tigers. The world would be a sad place without them."
Rhonda Work, (explorer on Wild India-National Wildlife Federation tour), Tallahassee, FL, February 2005


"I too checked out the web site (savingwildtigers.org) and made a contribution. After spending as much as I did for my own personal enjoyment it seems only reasonable to make a generous contribution to help protect tigers for the future.For those interested in learning more about the status of tiger conservation, I suggest a very informative book titled "How the Tiger Lost Its Stripes: An Exploration into the Endangerment of a Species" by Cory J. Meacham -- it's a very interesting as well as sobering read about the various forces bearing down on tigers (habitat loss, poaching, etc.) and the complexities surrounding conservation efforts. It made me appreciate even more the enormous good fortune we experienced on our trip. The truth be told, it's not looking good for the wild tiger and without support for efforts of groups like Saving Wild Tigers, we may well have the distinction of being among the last generation to be able to see tigers in the wild. Everything went smoothly from start to finish and all of the people who helped out along the way in so many ways -- tour guides, staff at the lodges, drivers, etc. -- were wonderful. Toby, especially, was a star. How he managed to stay on top of all the infinite number of details, in such a calm manner and with unfailing good humor, was a marvel. The extra week extension you helped arrange (for Jim, Colleen and me) was wonderful and allowed us to see another part of the country. Each of the parks (Ranthambhore, Kahna, and Nagarahole) had their own special qualities and were magnificent together. In the parks, Jodi (sp?), Sid and Suniti were all great birders and helped us enormously. Although I lost track of all the forts, temples and palaces, they all were very impressive. The Taj Mahal (by moonlight!) and the Jantar Mantar Observatory were particular personal highlights. And, something that I had not really given any thought to in advance -- the food -- was incredible! For the most part I had no idea what I was eating but it all tasted great."
Eric Myers (explorer on Wild India-National Wildlife Federation tour), Anchorage, AK, February 2005

"I was one of the group traveling with Toby to see the wild tigers. I have travelled extensively and the group was remarkable in no detectable friction, promptness and no one strayed. This combined with an exceptional job by Toby. He is one of the best tour directors I have known.I was fortunate enough to have spotted 5 different tigers, along with 4 leopards along with the other game except the sloth bear but I feel very fortunate.Our accomodations and food excellent as well as transport. As the senior citizen (85) of the group it was real fun."
H.B. Stewart, MD (explorer on Wild India-National Wildlife Federation tour), Bakersfield, CA, February 2005

"The Wild India trip was fabulous and one of the best trips that I have ever taken. It was well organized and Toby did a great job taking care of everything. I liked the mixture of culture and wildlife. The only regret that I have is that I did not see enough tigers (I only saw four). My 10 day extension was also great. I really lucked out with regard to the weather. I got fantastic views of the Himalayas... will highly recommend it to anyone that might be interested. Toby was an excellent guide and is very knowledgeable. Thanks again for your efforts."
Max Agoston, (explorer on Wild India-National Wildlife Federation tour), Cupertino, CA, February 2005

"It was an amazing trip...even though we learned upon arrivel that up to half of Ranthambhore's tigers had been poached in the past few months. Even though we were prepared, none of the three of us (Eric, Colleen or I) got sick! We're most thankful for that... Toby was great - not only on the two weeks we were with him, but also setting us up with a great guide at Nagarahole and we hooked back up with him on ourway through Delhi on trip home. Our bird list for the trip was 209 - we only did one park list - Nagarahole and had 122 there. An unexpected bonus to the whole trip was the food. It was so tasty and so different from what we eat here at home. I brought home a bunch of spices and a cookbook and will start learning. Thanks for including the Taj at night - that was a treat... Our extension came off without a hitch and I appreciate all you did to make that work... Thanks for setting up such a great trip."
Jim Stratton (explorer on Wild India-National Wildlife Federation tour), Anchorage, AK, February 2005

"Our Wild India trip was nothing short of stunning. Thank you for arranging the perfect itinerary and taking care of all the planning such a trip entails before it even begins. And a thousand thanks to Toby; a better guide to India and Indian wildlife surely could not be found on the planet, nor a better traveling companion, nor a finer man."
Rava Villon and David Duke (explorer on Wild India-National Wildlife Federation tour), San Diego, CA, February 2005

"But before too much time goes by, I want to thank you for all your help and that of your colleagues in making our trip to India wonderful. We were particularly impressed with Mr. Rao, who unfailingly came to our aid when we contacted him with "glitches" in the program. We also were incredibly grateful for the help of the man who helped us navigate Mumbai, both when we were transferring to Arangabad and when we were moving on to Thailand. I am so sorry I lost his card, because we would have liked to sent a special "thank you" to him directly. He was impressive. Also impressive was Jagdish Prasad, the naturalist who guided us through the Keodaleo Ghana park. In fact, he was one of the best we'd ever met. We saw more than 75 different species of birds in one day under his tutelage. I know I had asked you for a top-notch person to work with us there, and you really came through. Finally, I truly appreciated your flexibility in letting us change our trip at the end. It just didn't seem to be the time to go south. But when we go to India again, we will be sure to contact you for help!"
Wendy Lavallee and Vin Catania, Boston, MA, January 2005

"We had a wonderful time in India. Thanks for organizing such a special trip!"
Margot Delogne, Dedham, MA, November 2004

"Had a great trip and liked both Nsefu and Kapani (South Luangwa Valley, Zambia). Nick at Kapani says hello. I am sure I am going to have hundreds of useable images and found some of the landscapes combined with wildlife to be unique. "
Larry Broutman, Chicago, IL, July 2004
Read Larry's article on photographing in South Luangwa National Park in Nature Photography magazine Summer 2005 issue


"We had the most fantastic time. Thanks for all the excellent arrangements that you made all of which worked absolutely brilliantly. Toby was as ever patient, knowledgeable and very long suffering with everyone in spite of being tested to destruction on a few occasions. Thanks again for all your help which was much appreciated."
Tony and Bella Covill, London, United Kingdom, Wild India tour March 2004

"I personally loved the trip, I would have stayed longer! I miss the parks, the sal trees, the tigers, the food....I will go back sooner than later, that's clear...We met great people and I sincerely believe that having Toby with us was great. I did not know his name before, but I now realize it was a great chance to have him with us. He was extremely accomodating, in all circumstances...in addition to being the answer to all questions. The Taj was fabulous. All the parks are beautiful and so peaceful, and they all have a little something different."
Christine Matherat, Geneve, Switzerland, Wild India tour March 2004

"I traveled to India with very specific things in mind both professionally and personally. I had consulted with Nina Rao for two years prior to traveling there and found her advise and counsel to be indispensable. She was able to connect me with the absolute best people on the ground to assist not only in my photographic work but also to help me understand the place and the people at a more personal level. Without that kind of insight that can only be gotten by working with the right people onsite, traveling loses so much of it's long term meaning. Nina understood this and put me exactly where I needed to be with the right people to help me accomplish all that I had set out to do. Thanks to her and to everyone on the ground (Toby, Lakshmi, Dhruv, Raj and Anil) for a very productive and moving experience." - Gene Eckhart, Lewisville, TX Apr 2001

"Spiritually cleansing and enlightening, aesthetically pure & beautiful beyond my greatest expectations; life changing … thank you!! An INCREDIBLE TRIP!" - N.K., New York, NY Apr 2001

"We both want to thank you for providing the opportunity for such a wonderful nature trip. It was everything we expected and had hoped for and more including the outstanding leadership of Toby (and Lakshmi who accompanied us to the palace in Kawardha and also on our extension to the dam site), the abundance of wildlife and the discomforts of travel in India. We saw loads wildlife including 10 tigers (6 of which were at very close range), probably 2/3 of the world's population of one-horned rhinos, and lots of gaur, wild elephant, monkeys, wild boar, birds, etc. I never knew the abundance of wildlife that exists in India… I couldn't begin to say enough about the wonderful guidance and leadership of Toby. He is right up there with the best guides we have ever had. His knowledge, expertise, patience, kindness and concern for each member was exceptional. His familiarity with the parks and friendship with so many of the staff people was certainly to his and our advantage." - Leona & Dan Bronstein, Okemos, MI Apr 2001

"Saw 14 tigers in 9 drives (in Ranthambhore). Also saw sambar, spotted deer, blue bulls, jackals, peacock, wild pigs, monkey; scenery wonderful; fort impressive. Saw tiger bring down blue bull… Magnificent!! Couldn't have been better." - Virgil Conway, Bronxville, NY Mar 2001

"Our trip to India was fantastic--a 10-star trip--and probably one of the best, if not the best, trips we have ever been on. Toby is fantastic, to say the least. He's like a big teddy bear you'd like to hug. He is so down to earth, but he is also so knowledgeable that it blows the mind. We never saw him play favorites with anyone from the beginning of the trip to the very end. He would sit with different people at meals, in the vehicles, and he always made the rounds to make sure everyone got his attention. We never saw him get upset, impatient or mad … He had everything well greased along the way, so that we had no hitches or problems. He took care of everything just beautifully. Well, we could go on and on, but I'm sure you know all of his many attributes, of which these are just a few. We love him dearly, and he will be one of those people who leaves a wonderful and lasting impression on us. And thank you, too, Nina, for a wonderful trip. We couldn't have done it without you. It was truly fantastic." - Jane & Jim Severns, Lafayette, CA Mar 2001

"We had a wonderful time - having traveled the world, we had accepted the fact that we probably wouldn't see tigers. It was a real thrill to see them both in Panna and on 4 occasions in Bandhavgarh. Toby is a wonderful guide and played a major part in making our trip to India a true educational experience." - Robert & Marlene Kristensen, Lynnwood, WA Mar 2001

"I was truly impressed at Toby Sinclair's knowledge of India and Indian history. He is remarkable and made every effort to give time to all the group. Nothing was too much or too much bother to him. I feel India is my second home and will return as often as time allows." - Angela Hester, Wycroff, NJ Mar 2001

" … the 2nd sighting of the male tiger in Kanha - the light was great as he moved through various majestic backgrounds … cold coffee at the Green Hotel - after quite a grueling journey from Nagpur … the parade as we came into Kabini … but honestly for us the true highlight of the trip was Toby, a beautiful human being, crammed with knowledge. In a world filled with people, this is the rarest of sightings." - Heather Heinlein & Peter Mullett, Chicago, IL Mar 2001

"Toby Sinclair was a gem, fabulous. In no small part he made a great trip more memorable. I would love to travel with him again. We had an unbelieveable trip mainly because of India and because of the tigers." - Jeri & Charles Garbaccio, Demarest, NJ Mar 2001

"Local guides and park staff very good. Toby Sinclair a superb guide. His capable leadership is largely responsible for the success of this trip. The chance to interact with the domestic elephants at Kaziranga was special for me. There is no better way to view animals than riding an elephant silently through the park at sunrise... the tigers were exciting and the Taj Mahal very beautiful but it is the elephants I will always remember - domestic & wild… Thank you for a wonderful trip." - Maureen Harley, Seattle, WA Mar 2001

"I just wanted to let you know that I had an absolutely wonderful time on the trip to India. It exceeded my expectations and I wouldn't have thought that was possible. Toby was an excellent guide as were all of the local guides and park/lodge staff. It was an experience that I will never forget. I hope I can return and see more of India one day. I have some great pictures; I'll send you a couple of my favorites. Thanks for the great trip!" - Erin Harley , Seattle, WA Mar 2001

"I just wanted to tell you what a fabulous time we had in India, and thank you for all your help in making it possible. Everyone was really terrific -- met the planes, drove us around, the travel agents in India were enormously helpful in changing arrangements and just checking in to see how we were doing. Anyhow, I know we were wacky before we left, the stress of the election and the trip and all, and let me underline that we were very, very, very happy with our experience and will enthusiastically recommend you to our friends. " - Meryl Gordon & Walter Shapiro, NY Dec 2000

"Just wanted you to know what a great trip we had to Kenya and Tanzania! Everything went as scheduled and we were always met and helped where-ever we went… the private mobile tented safari in Tanzania was truly the highlight of the entire trip! Our guide was very professional and saw to our every need. He was very knowledgeable about the animals and we were able to photograph them in great detail. I loved camping in the bush, but being spoiled with gourmet meals and sheets on our beds! Hearing the lions at night was truly a wonderful treat. Thank you for all your hard efforts in putting this trip together for us." - Mary Rose Lemke, CA Sep 2000

" I did want to tell you how much I loved the trip. Your friendly "welcome home" email was here when I got back to Mpls … very much in keeping with the way you conducted the whole trip: providing graciously what was needed (no small task) fulfilling our requests (also no small task) and maintaining our spirits. What did I talk about before I went to India? India is a part of every conversation I have these days. And I discover more about what I experienced each time I tell someone about our adventures: the fabulous food, the posh tented camp, the splendid lodges, the 5-star hotels, those beautiful animals, the Parks, the jeep rides, riding the elephants, the temples and the worshippers, the people, the cities, the birds, the river raft ride, the coracle ride, our exhilarating trek through the foothills of the Himalayas, the awesome traffic, Toby Sinclair - a treasure in every way! All this I talk about to family and friends. Thank you for an extraordinary experience that I have now stored in my memory to enjoy over and over again. " - M. Shryer, MN Nov 1999

"One GREAT adventure! Colorful cities and pristine jungles. I would return in a second and certainly let Rare Earth Explorations lead the way. From the Indian great black woodpecker to the setting sun over the Kabini river, a trip like this does not get much better for me." - Jeffrey Saura, FL Nov 1999

"… wanted to let you know how fabulous my trip was. I saw 5 tigers at Kanha and loved it there -- Navneet and Deepika and Raj are wonderful, and took excellent care of me. Loved Rajvilas also. And in Delhi, Toby and Suhail were very very gracious... I did want to let you know that all the plans you made were terrific, and the IVAT folks were superb. So thanks for everything." - Lynn Sherr, NY Dec 1999

"We saw atleast one of everything we could have hoped to see-tiger (5), leopard (1), sloth bear (1), rhino (2), wild elephant by the score, gaur, four or five species of deer, three kinds of antelope including the black buck, nilgai and chinkara, gharial and marsh mugger crocodiles! Fantastic! Our trip went off without a hitch and having gone to India, I think that's a pretty amazing feat! Y'all did an amazing job and people on the ground were superb! We'll never forget! During one stretch of the trip, we saw a tiger stalking its prey (a herd of sambar), a day later watched the sunrise over the Taj, a day later, flew across the Himalayas for an amazing view of the 'roof of the world' and a day after that, viewed the prehistoric one-horned rhinoceros from elephant-back! Where else can you do that? It's an amazing place!" - J. Gunter, FL May 1999

"... I wanted to take a moment to thank you for putting together a remarkable adventure. I approached the trip to India with great apprehension, worried about staying healthy and comfortable on the trip. Your guidance before the trip was appreciated, but your planning and itinerary of the journey made all my worries unnecessary. We found India entrancing and do want to plan a return adventure soon. J and I think you are great and look forward to traveling with you in the future." - The Kubaliks, CA Mar 1999

"...our terrific guides, who in our book, were perfect-caring, very knowledgeable, and great company. You were especially wonderful Nina, and I feel we were very lucky to have you, especially, and Toby to introduce us to your country. We really did have a marvelous time. You gave J and me more pleasure and adventure than we ever expected-and the tigers did their part to make the trip particularly thrilling. Our many 'thank yous' for an outstanding trip. We are most appreciative of your hard work in putting the whole adventure together, particularly for us novices, and making us feel utterly comfortable at all times." - The Robertsons, CA Mar 1999

"Very moving and leaving an indelible impression! The poverty, dirt and living conditions did get to me, but so did the fabulous color, architecture, gentleness of the people and their deep spirituality. For M and me, the tribal people were an extraordinary and important part of the trip. Thank you so much for a wonderful trip. We loved it all-the parks, the wildlife, the people (and the food)! We particularily enjoyed your company and appreciate the expertise and grace with which you handled the arrangements." - The Svirskys, NY Mar 1999

"Truly enjoyable. Felt I learned a lot, saw a beautiful, exotic land and people. Enjoyed the wildlife. Trip itself was very well handled. Leaders were great-friendly, knowledgeable and flexible. I hope we can travel together again in the not too distant future…" - The Lipskys, NJ Mar 1999

"You and Toby were a big part of why the trip was so enjoyable, from a personality and knowledge, and organizational skills point of view. I hope we can travel together again. It was my third trip to India-I love it, warts and all, and expect to go back again. The biggest surprise was the utter luxury caliber of the big city hotels." - S. Khalladeh, CA Mar 1999

"The trip was wonderful. Our primary interest was tigers and we certainly experienced tigers. The Taj Mahal was absolutely beautiful..Thank you for organizing such a wonderful tour and for showing us India." - The Kerrs, CA Mar 1999

"Thought the itinerary well planned out. The leadership truly outstanding. India was and is one of my favorite destinations. This trip opened a whole new "India" for me; it was so different in many ways than the northern areas I had been to previously." - D. Masterson, AZ Mar 1999

"I loved it. I most enjoyed going into the villages to have an experience with and photograph the villagers and I love photographing wildlife. The trip offered a tremendous variety of experiences. Fascinating. And Toby did an excellent job." - J. Harris, DC Nov 1999

"Hotel and camp choices were great. Choice of a guide is critical-Suhail is the best! After an initial culture shock we enjoyed the WHOLE India experience. Suhail attended to all our needs and this trip was truly seamless. He 'made' the trip. The animal diversity and viewing was great-far better than anticipated. Loved the trip...loved Suhail ...and got great pictures." - Joe & Alice Darling, NY Apr 1999

"India was overwhelming! The trip truly exceeded our expectations....and the tigers...WOW! Thank you so much for helping make this trip a sucess. We do plan on returning again very soon." - Bill & Maureen Fleming , St. Louis, MO Mar 1999

"A marvelous epiphany of cultural and visual experience, plus a very good system of national parks, from which diverse, and fabulous wildlife may be seen. An introduction to a wonderful people which will forever change our relations with Indian people. Thanks, Nina, for everything." - John Gwynne, Wildlife Conservation Society, NY Dec 1997

"This was a near perfect trip (not quite perfect-weather cancelled most of our flights on the sub-continent). Nina developed an excellent itinerary, the accommodations were excellent and all went smoothly. We needed a good deal of hand-holding in the preparatory stages. She was most helpful in that regard. We were accompanied by Suhail Gupta (naturalist guide) throughout the trip...He handled all the procedural stuff wonderfully well...We saw far more wildlife then we expected. Suhail was extremely knowledgeable about the animals, birds and the parks themselves. He was equally skilled when it came to the cultural side... If you have a chance to use Nina's (Rare Earth Explorations) services in the future, I would strongly recommend you do so!" - Jim Large, Wildlife Conservation Society, NY Dec 1998

"Though I am not religious, India was a spiritual experience for me. The temples, the 1000-year-old ruins... the grandeur of the scenery and the majesty of the tigers in their habitat combined to touch me deeply. I will not forget this experience. Thanks." - Dennis Powell, OH Mar 1997

"The combination of historical, cultural, and natural exposure to India was ideally balanced." - The Wilsons, CA Mar 1997

"It was truly a wonderful experience for us both... the entire adventure exceeded any expectations we might have had... we know that the feelings, emotions and learnings from the expedition will stay with us for a long while, and in time they will bring us back to India" - The Websters, CA Mar 1997

"Very challenging; a great experience... great guides and experts we had were a terrific bonus. Thanks... I had a wonderful time." - B. Hemer, TX Mar 1997

"Magical in so many ways. Never thought I'd behold the Taj Mahal or tigress & cubs in the wild... You did a remarkable job." - B. LaVelle, CA Mar 1997

"S and I very much enjoyed traveling with you and hope our paths cross again." - S. Mishkin, IN Mar 1997

"It was truly a wonderful experience for us both... the entire adventure exceeded any expectations we might have had... we know that the feelings, emotions and learnings from the expedition will stay with us for a long while, and in time they will bring us back to India" - The Websters, CA

"Very challenging; a great experience... great guides and experts we had were a terrific bonus. Thanks... I had a wonderful time." - B. Hemer, TX

"Magical in so many ways. Never thought I'd behold the Taj Mahal or tigress & cubs in the wild... You did a remarkable job." - B. LaVelle, CA

"S and I very much enjoyed traveling with you and hope our paths cross again." - S. Mishkin, IN