When planning for our trip to India my sister (a globe trotting trixie) introduced the idea of hiring a driver. Instead of waiting around for India's notoriously late trains, dragging luggage at bus stations and navigating our way through crowded corridors in the second most populated country in the world - a private driver sounded like an excellent idea. After scouring the Internet we settled on the company that responded the fastest and in the most professional manner.

Enter Amit from India Driver Tours.

Amit met us at the airport and instantly won us over. He remained calm throughout the most treacherous traffic while we silently prayed for our lives.

Not only did Amit drive us around India he also provided valuable advice. He instructed us to stay in the car while he purchased water for us so that we received local prices. When exchanging money he called around for the best price. Amit prepared us before every attraction letting us know the price of admission and how to handle the persistent street vendors.

Amit was better than a copy of Lonely Planet and always suggested interesting venues - from restaurants with nightlife to the best mode of transportation to the Taj Mahal.

And unlike a copy of Lonely Planet, Amit answered all our questions about local customs with detailed descriptions and historical backgrounds.

He provided much insight that we would have never otherwise received on our own. Kuddos to him for putting up with our dry sense of humor and girly drama. Amit was our saving grace in India. If you are traveling to India, find yourself an Amit.