Over the past two decades I have sent innumerable friends to India under his guidance in Orissa and in other Indian states. All have been delighted.

Babu is a rare individual. He is well-educated and well-informed about Indian history, art history, sociology, religion, economy, and folk lore. He is a charming and erudite companion, delightful to be with, informative without be overbearing, and thoughtful of the needs of those with whom he travels. He is a good judge of character, assessing well the particular interests of his clients. He engages in conversation easily, challenging preconceptions and opening the doors to new perceptions without threatening personal boundaries. Babu is scrupulously honest. His natural, easy-going personality wins the confidence of strangers, thereby enabling him to make abiding friendships in the villages, towns and cities wherever he travels. These friends and contacts mean that his clients have unusual introductions to the heartland of India: to farmers and shopkeepers, students, businessmen, artists, and craftspeople. They have the chance to directly engage with India, rather than simply viewing it from a privileged distance. If you have the possibility of traveling with Babu Mohapatra: Take It! You will never regret it. He will provide you with one of the finest experiences of your life.

One of my favorite experiences of travel in India was camping with Babu in the tribal villages of central India. Several of us traveled together and Babu arranged for everything. For a ten day period we made a circuit of the mountainous tribal region, visiting eight different tribal groups, many of whom had rarely been exposed to outsiders. Each night Babu chose a camp near a fresh water source on the outskirts of a friendly village. Some days we would use the camp as a starting point for a hike into more remote communities. On others, we would drive to a new district and then walk through the beautiful jungle and into one small village after another. Sometimes we visited local markets where farmers and craftsmen sold their goods. Once we even witnessed a festival with fabulous costumed dancing. Babu provided the transportation, tents, bedrolls, blankets and pillows, and cook who created deliciously spiced meals over a simple campfire. We were always treated with great respect and kindness by the tribal peoples. At night they would often join us by our fire to ask questions and talk long past dark. The entire experience was unforgettable! Next...