ABOUT OUR TOURS
AND HOLIDAYS
NAMASTE, I'M SARAH MEIKLE, DIRECTOR OF ALL INDIA PERMIT TOURS...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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*If you are travelling on your own, let's chat about your options for pairing up with a fellow traveller if you are keen on twin-share
"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 have been incredibly fortunate to have travelled to India almost 30 times. From the early 2000’s, when I helped to establish Tourism New Zealand's representative office in Mumbai, to more recent years on many holidays. After travelling back and forth so often, people started asking me to help them with their own holidays, and All India Permit Tours was created...
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I now use my extensive knowledge of India to help create trips for visitors from mainly New Zealand and Australia. I have first-hand, up-to-date knowledge of the best hotels and experiences across India and focus significant time and energy on curating itineraries for guests that ensure that they are getting the holiday in India that they have always dreamed of. Outside of hosting small-groups, I continue to visit destinations around India to grow my experience and knowledge of the destination.
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I am an India holiday specialist, I only arrange tours to India so you can book with confidence knowing that I really understand the destination.
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Hear me talk about my experiences in India on RNZ Afternoons!
I want to show you the places that I love…my small-group tours are curated but you have plenty of flexibility with free time to explore at your own pace or you can join me as I make new discoveries and visit old favourites. My aim is to make this feel like it's your own holiday; I don’t want you to feel like you are on a big group tour. You’ll be able to make the most of your free time by doing the things you love - do a yoga-class, have an Ayurvedic massage, try out a Bollywood dance class, learn an Indian craft, do a cooking class or just have some pool time! The choice is yours; it's your holiday.
Groups are generally limited to 12 guests, so if you are travelling alone or with a friend or two, you won’t be overwhelmed by too many people. The tours are best suited for people aged 40 – 75 with a good level of health and fitness. India can be challenging at times and sometimes physically demanding with the heat and activities. It can be an intense environment. ​But if you have a strong, clean bill of health, good energy levels and are an enthusiastic traveller, then you will love this experience regardless of your age.
I coordinate all the accommodation (twin-share and single basis available)*, land and domestic train/air transport, the main attractions and tips (the ones you can’t miss), airport transfers, drivers and guides (as needed). Our accommodation is a combination of international hotels and heritage properties (known as ‘haveli’). All are in great locations, very safe and comfortable – I make sure that you experience a little luxury. The accommodation details are confirmed with you on confirmation of your booking.
All breakfasts are included as are some meals. Where they aren’t included, I make recommendations for the group and reservations at some of my favourites, or there is the opportunity for you to go and explore on your own if you wish. Alcohol is at your own cost; tax is quite high on booze, so I leave you to manage your own consumption based on your budget. Most dietary requirements are very well catered for, particularly vegetarians, with over 50% of India’s population eating a ‘pure veg’ diet.
All India Permit Tours are perfect for people who want to explore the famous sights (and sites) of India, but maybe you don't have time to do all the research, or you just want to go with someone who has done it all before and can take the pain out of the planning (that's me!). Don't be put off about the concept of travelling in a small group - it's a great way to see India! And, I can absolutely promise you the holiday of a lifetime!
And, if a curated small-group isn't for you, or you have a group of your own, please feel free to talk to me about tailor-made holidays. I can help you organise your own trip of a lifetime. Whether it's a solo trip, couples holiday, cricket tour, yoga retreat, foodie feast or a religious pilgrimage, let's talk about your plans.
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.