ABOUT OUR TOURS
AND HOLIDAYS
NAMASTE, I'M SARAH MEIKLE,
DIRECTOR OF ALL INDIA PERMIT TOURS
AND I AM AN INDIA HOLIDAY SPECIALIST
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A LITTLE BIT ABOUT ME...
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ABOUT ALL INDIA PERMIT TOURS
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WHAT IS AN ALL INDIA PERMIT?
An All India Permit or "AIP" is a logo you see on brightly painted trucks all over India. Dating back to prohibition times, an AIP means that the truck has permission to cross over state lines and travel all over the country and not just limited to travel within the state that the truck is registered. So, if you have an AIP you have the freedom to explore all of India...just like my tours!
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THE ALL INDIA PERMIT LOGO​
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"My husband and I have just returned from two weeks with All India Permit Tours led by Sarah. There were ten of us in the group; none of whom we knew before we left.
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What a fabulous time - from start to finish! It was amazing to have everything so well organised. Beautiful hotels, incredible food, wonderful guides. We could never have seen as much as we did on our own, as we did in two weeks with Sarah.
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Sarah is a superstar organiser; so knowledgeable about everything India, including the best restaurants, safe street food, history and more. She even got us tickets to an IPL cricket match in Mumbai. What an experience!
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We were so well supported - I couldn't recommend Sarah highly enough!"
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Jenny, North India Tour, April 2024
​I’ve been incredibly fortunate to travel to India more than 35 times. My journey began in the early 2000s when I helped establish Tourism New Zealand’s representative office in Mumbai - and since then, India has captured my heart. Over the years, my visits have ranged from professional assignments to countless personal holidays, each one deepening my love and understanding of this remarkable country.
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After being asked time and again for help planning trips, I founded All India Permit Tours - a way to share my insider knowledge and passion for India with others. Today, I design extraordinary holidays for travellers from around the world, especially from New Zealand and Australia, who are seeking authentic, enriching experiences.
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My focus is India - and only India. I spend time on the ground each year, visiting new places, meeting with trusted local partners, and staying in the best hotels, so I can confidently craft trips that go beyond the ordinary. Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, I’ll help you create the Indian holiday you’ve always dreamed of.
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You can also hear me chat about my Indian adventures on RNZ Afternoons — tune in and be inspired.
At All India Permit Tours, I curate small-group journeys designed to feel like your own personalised holiday - with plenty of built-in flexibility and space to explore at your own pace. You’ll have the chance to join me as I revisit old favourites and discover new hidden gems, but there’s always time for your own adventures too. Whether that’s yoga at sunrise, an Ayurvedic massage, a Bollywood dance class, learning a traditional craft, joining a cooking session, or simply relaxing by the pool - it’s your holiday, your way. And yes, I’ll happily help you find the perfect souvenir or keepsake to take home.
Travel is all about people and places - connecting with new cultures, cuisines and stories. That’s why my tours are intentionally small, usually capped at 12 guests, so the experience stays personal and immersive. If you’re travelling solo or with a friend or two, you’ll never feel lost in a crowd. India is vibrant and full of life - and at times, it can be intense - so these tours are best suited to travellers aged 40–80 with good health and energy. If you’re an enthusiastic explorer with a sense of adventure, you’ll be in great company.
I take care of all the details: your accommodation (twin-share or single), internal flights and trains, airport transfers, transport, guides, entrance fees to key attractions, and even tipping. You’ll stay in a mix of boutique heritage hotels and quality international properties - always well-located, safe and full of charm. Accommodation is confirmed once your booking is secured.
Breakfast is always included, and many other meals are too (depending on the itinerary). When meals aren’t part of the plan, I’ll offer local recommendations or make group reservations at my favourite spots. Alcohol is at your own cost - taxes on it are high - so I leave that up to your taste and budget. Dietary needs are well catered for, especially if you’re vegetarian (more than half of India is!).
Alongside me, you’ll be guided by India’s best local experts - people who speak the language, know the history, and love to share their stories. You’ll see the icons of India, but we’ll also dig deeper - meeting artisans, makers and everyday locals for authentic experiences most travellers miss. My tours are perfect for those who don’t have the time (or desire!) to do all the planning - that’s what I’m here for.
And if small-group travel isn’t quite your style, or if you’re planning a private trip - whether it’s a solo journey, couples’ getaway, cricket tour, yoga retreat, culinary adventure or spiritual pilgrimage - I also create tailor-made itineraries to suit your needs. Just get in touch and let’s start planning your India holiday of a lifetime.
When I was considering the logo design for All India Permit, it was important to me that it was in keeping with its original inspiration. That led me to searching out an India-based truck artist who actually paints the very trucks that display ‘AIP’ permits. I was lucky enough to happen upon Akhlaq Ahmed, who goes by the name Shabbu, who is something of a local phenomenon. He's now a well-known artist who painted film posters and signs on the streets of Delhi before starting his career as an artist. In true Indian fashion, we liaised over WhatsApp and Instagram messenger, and I briefed him on my requirements for a logo, wanting it to emulate the brightly painted trucks.
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When I was up in Delhi on a trip in March 2024 I had the opportunity to meet Shabbu and he presented me with the finished artworks that he had painted on canvases. You can see by the look on my face, how delighted I am with the outcome! Working with and supporting Indian artisans and experience operators is an important way that All India Permit Tours provides unique and authentic experiences to guests in India.
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Photo references:
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THE ALL INDIA PERMIT TOURS VALUES
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A LOVE FOR INDIA - I have been travelling to India for 25 years. I truly LOVE this place!
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Authentic Experiences - To truly appreciate a destination, travel should be more than just getting the photo. I aim to guide my guests off the beaten path, immersing you in local experiences that reveal the heart of India. Each journey is crafted to provide genuine and meaningful encounters.
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Supporting Local - I am a strong supporter for choosing small, independently-run experiences. While my itineraries include a variety of options, I focus as much as I can on locally-owned experiences that enhance the travel experience. Engaging with local hosts and artisans, as well as partnering with small businesses and cooperatives, is essential to my approach.
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Immersive Journeys - India is rich with experiences that go beyond its renowned landmarks. My itineraries are crafted to provide immersive encounters with local experts, allowing you to truly connect with the diverse Indian culture. I also promote a spirit of spontaneity, encouraging my guests to savour the unexpected joys that India has to offer.
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Thoughtful Guidance - With extensive experience in the Indian market and countless visits over almost 25 years, I prioritise transparency in my recommendations. If an itinerary doesn’t fit or a hotel isn’t ideal, I’ll be upfront about it with you during the planning process. I believe in only recommending experiences I would be excited to enjoy myself.
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Ethical Travel - I recognise that some practices in tourism can be harmful, and I am committed to ethical travel. I do not knowingly support activities that exploit people or animals. For example, I choose not to offer elephant rides but do provide opportunities to visit elephant rescue sanctuaries. I prioritise partnerships with businesses that care for and respect their staff, ensuring a responsible travel experience.
