Scene from “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” movie

Reports from the London Daily Mail about travel companies in the United Kingdom capitalizing on the film “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” are also true in Australia. Leading mobile consulting firm, TravelManagers has seen a spike in interest in India and their National Business Partnership Manager, Michael Gazal is putting it down to the film’s worldwide success.

“India is a contrasting country of sounds, smells and sights. While people haven’t traditionally seen it as a must-see destination the film has changed that, particularly for older people. We find often with countries that are seen as a bit of an adventure, package tours are particularly popular. Clients like the safety of an organized tour as it removes any hassles or concerns as everything is organized and there is a local guide on-hand, plus it means they are guaranteed to see and experience all the highlights.”

Gazal says the in-depth itinerary through India has been prepared following a dedicated Fam Trip by a number of the company’s personal travel managers in April and will be operated by Total Holiday Options, a company that specializes in designing tours that introduce travellers to destinations where culture and the environment combine.

“We chose to work with Total Holiday Options as they truly know and understand India. The 12 day/11 night tour has been specifically designed for TravelManagers. It not only takes in some of the sites of this much talked about film, but also sees our clients staying at locations were the movie was shot. They also see the more famous sites in Delhi, Agra Jaipur and Udaipur providing them a great blend of the mainstream and off the beaten track sites in one of India's most colourful districts.”

Gazal says many people don’t know that the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is actually a real place where you can stay if you take this tour with TravelManagers.

“Its real name is Rawla Khempur and it’s a charming rural palace hotel situated about an hour north of Udaipur in much better condition than presented in the movie. The tour also includes opportunities to experience an elephant ride, the buzz of the city by rickshaw and a horse safari but there is plenty of free time for people to do their own exploring also.”

Gazal says over the years TravelManagers has experienced similar trends with movies.

“When you see a country visually it definitely sparks people’s interest to go and see if for themselves. If possible, who wouldn’t have a year in Provence?”