Inspiring Journeys Start with Great Stories

Janu, An Entrepreneur’s Secret By Charlie Grosso !

Janu, An Entrepreneur’s Secret By Charlie Grosso !

Three years ago I meet a young man on the platform at the Jaipur Train Station, Janu. My arrival in Jaipur was preceded by three long sweaty weeks of solo travel in India where everyone wanted money. Janu is a driver and he was looking for a fare. I knew I was being hustled but in my exhaustion, I gave in, bargained for a price to the hotel where I was to meet a friend. When he dropped me off at the hotel, none of us had change to break the large bill and Janu said something that took me by surprise. You can pay me later, he said. For the first time in three weeks, a transaction that was not money–centric. He impressed me. I ended up hiring him for the next couple of days and wrote about it here.

Wanting to experience Holi, I emailed Janu to see if he would help us out and act as our fixer for the few days we will be in town.

What a difference three years makes.

Janu’s Private Tour is now an expanded operation with drivers and six cars under his command. Long gone are the days where he greets the arriving train and hustles fare from the platform. Over coffee one afternoon, in between juggling calls from two cell phones, Sherry and I talked to him at length about his business.

Your Schedule. Whatever You Want, However You Want.

Janu’s operation is not a typical tour operation. He doesn’t have a pre-set package that you would join with a bunch of strangers. Instead you hire his car and his drive and set the schedule yourself. You can stay in a town longer than anticipated, for less days than you originally thought and change your mind at the last minute about where to go and what to do. You are in control. Janu and his men are here to facilitate.

His Word. Remember That Little Something Called Honor?

No deposits, no credit card number necessary. All you need to do is make the arrangements, the numbers of dates, approximate itinerary and price and he will be there to pick you up. Showing up is not contingent on payment received. What a concept! Showing up is a matter of honor and that he has given you his word.

Pay Me Later.

Years later, with a vastly expanded operation, Janu still does not accept money up front for his services. You pay him at the end of your trip, and of course if you are not happy for any reason, you can re-negotiate the fees. Satisfaction guarantee is baked into the business and service from the start.

No Commissions.

Part of a tour operator’s standard business practice is the commission they make from making hotel arrangements and other secondary services on your behalf. What Janu does it he give you a list of hotels within your budget in the cities you want to visit. You can look over each property on your own and make the reservations directly. He does not make any commission in between, as there is no way for the hotel to know how you are referred when you make the bookings on your own.

This alleviate the question you have in the back of your mind, I wonder how much of a percentage did he make off of me / am I being rip off?! It also has the added benefit of reducing the amount of customer complaints. Everyone has different standards and minimal necessities when it comes to lodging. Some want air-conditioning and others must have turn down service. There is no way to please everyone and someone is bound to be unhappy. If your tour operator is in charge of your lodging, they would be the first of hear of your dissatisfaction. By forgoing the commission, Janu ensures the variables he cannot control (i.e. hotel management and services) is not directly reflected as part of his business performance.

Three years ago Janu impressed me with his manners. Three years later, his ability to eliminate all Westerner’s concerns and possible objections when booking a tour impressed me yet again. It is no wonder he has expanded so rapidly and successfully.

The hard part of any business expansion is the how do you clone yourself problem?! With the expanded and growing operation, Janu must hire and try to select people whose ethos best represent his business conduct. I had a chance to meet a few of his other drivers and they all seem to be on the up and up and lovely. But lets be real. This is India. Everyone has a side hustle if not two. Whether Janu knows of them, if the manner those side hustles are conducted are inline with his own ethos that is hard to say. I trust by the success, the repeat business and all the glowing recommendations from other travelers that Janu has managed and selected his team well.

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Anna Backer’s Rajasthan !

Usually I do everything myself: plan the route, think what places of interest to see, organize the lodging, food and spectacles. But in Rajasthan it was all different. I entrusted myself into skilled hands of Janu from Janu Private Tours. They think everything over and organized a great trip for us. I didn’t poke my nose into anything. I trusted.

Our acquaintance with Rajasthan culture started early in the morning. Dal Kachori, Mix Paratha, Aloo Matar Ki Bhaji, Poori, Besan Chilla, Idli, Sambhar, Rawa Upma, Sabudana Khichdi, Coconut Chutney and so on… these are the names of the dishes we were served for breakfast. We – real admirers of Indian cuisine – were delighted!

I expected that Rajasthan would be vibrant, but it exceeded my expectation! A riot of colours and tints, fascinating ornaments, colonial architecture, vivid traditional clothing- in India all this wide diversity looks so harmonious and beautiful! That is why there are so many photos in this review – I want to show you so much!

In Krishna Temple (Govind Dev Ji Temple) in Jaipur we were at a ceremony. It was so bright and happy – the parishioners were singing, and some were dancing. I love Hindu ceremonies – they have nothing in common with strict moral teaching, the act of obedience and humility for sinners (as all of us are condemned by default). Hindu rite is a feast of life with fresh flowers, cheerful music, smiling faces. People dance and sing, they are not afraid to laugh and be happy; they hug, take photos (with tourists like us), they don’t have to stand obediently and give careful heed the words of authorities. They are allowed to be themselves!

The castles in India are not just for protection. These walls witnessed vigorous life of local kings, sheikhs, their wives and concubines. So many interesting stories we heard from our personal guide Madan Singh!

Having looked at royal palaces, we went to see the occupation of ordinary people. Anna as usual, didn’t miss the opportunity to learn some new skills.

India and flowers. It’s interesting but flower business in India is men’s business! Men sell flowers at the markets, and men make flower garland and make bouquets. It was very funny to watch how severe-looking bearded men were making beautiful floral arrangements.

After Jaipur Nadeem from Janu Private Tours drove us to Pushkar. This is a sacred town in India. Pilgrims from all over the country flock here, to plunge into the saint waters of lake Pushkar. It’s only alowed to walk barefoot around the lake.

The lake is one of the most sacred places in India. We watched hundreds of pilgrims making ceremonies and diving in water. I didn’t have any intentions to dive, but Indian Gods had other plans – I slipped on the stairs and fall into water! Rather cooling bath!

It happened to be an orthodox Easter while we were at Pushkar. So, we decided to start our breakfast at hotel with traditional Easter Eggs as it goes in Russia. The staff of the hotel was very confused and informed us apologetically that it is not possible to eat eggs in this city! Pushkar is a vegetarian city! They don’t sell and don’t consume fish, meat and eggs here. This was our first “vegetarian” city and our first Easter without eggs. And it was great, because our Easter turned out to be so special and in such a special place! Thanks Janu Private Tours for taking us here!

Then, we went to Agra, to look at one of the seven wonders of the world – the Taj Mahal! It is gorgeous! So different within a few hours!

Next day, we met sunrise at Agra Fort. We and a few keepers were the only ones in – the whole Fort with its history and secrets was at our service.

Just one week at Rajasthan enriched me enormously – I loved India more than ever with all its ugliness and beauty, chaos and peace, palaces and slums, with its diversity of colors, aromas, emotions, cultures, languages and traditions! India has changed greatly over the last 1o years, changed for better! And so has I, for better! And now we are in full harmony!

India is either loved or hated and I know people who dislike it so much. I beg you to come here once more with open heart! Give India one more chance and you will be pleasantly surprised! And Indian people will surprise you !

I was amazed to hear story of Janu, the founder of Janu Private Tours. He is like a Slumdog Millionaire from the movie, but the real one !

Experience the Charm of India’s First Planned City

Experience the charm of India’s first planned city on our thoughtfully curated heritage walk through the Pink City. Stroll through narrow lanes that have witnessed the lives of countless locals over the generations. Our expert guides will illuminate the remarkable architecture that has evolved since the 17th century, alongside captivating tales of the Kachwaha Dynasty and the impact of British colonialism.

Highlights of the Tour:

• Explore the Vibrant Jaipur Flower Market
  Immerse yourself in the colorful world of Jaipur’s flower market, a bustling hub filled with the fragrance and beauty of blooms. This vibrant marketplace is a feast for the senses, where local vendors display various fresh flowers, from marigolds and roses to jasmine and lotus.
• Iconic Landmarks: Visit architectural marvels like the Hawa Mahal, known as the Palace of Winds, and the grand Amer Fort, where you can admire stunning city views.
• Local Markets: Explore vibrant bazaars such as Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar, where you’ll find exquisite handicrafts, traditional textiles, and jewelry, perfect for souvenirs.
• Artisan Encounters: Meet local artisans and craftspeople who keep traditional Rajasthani crafts alive, from block printing to pottery, and gain insight into their techniques and stories.
• Cultural Insights: Learn about Jaipur’s rich history, customs, and festivals from your knowledgeable guide, who will share fascinating anecdotes and cultural nuances.
• Authentic Cuisine: Enjoy tasting local snacks and delicacies at hidden food spots, experiencing the flavors that define Rajasthani cuisine.

Delve in Jaipur’s street food during walking :

• Chaat – A savory snack typically made with a mix of ingredients like potatoes, chickpeas, and spices, often topped with yogurt and chutneys.
• Bhel Puri – A popular street snack made from puffed rice, vegetables, and tangy tamarind sauce.
• Kachori – A spicy, deep-fried pastry filled with lentils or peas, often served with chutney.
• Pani Puri – Hollow, crispy puris filled with a mixture of spicy water, tamarind, and chickpeas.
• Samosa – A triangular pastry filled with spiced potatoes or peas, deep-fried until golden.
• Lassi – A refreshing yogurt-based drink, often flavored with mango or cardamom.
• Aloo Tikki – Spiced potato patties, often served with chutneys and yogurt.
• Gulab Jamun – Sweet, deep-fried dough balls soaked in sugar syrup, flavored with rose water.
• Jalebi – A sweet made from deep-fried batter, soaked in syrup, known for its bright orange color.
• Masala Chai – Spiced tea brewed with milk and a blend of aromatic spices.

Tips for Travelers

• Dress Modestly: Rajasthan is known for its conservative values, so it is important to dress modestly while visiting religious sites.
• Stay Hydrated: It’s important to stay hydrated in hot climates, so make sure you drink plenty of water.
• Respect Local Customs: It is important to show respect for local traditions and customs when traveling.

Jaipur is a city that perfectly captures the essence of Rajasthan with its mesmerizing history, vibrant culture, and lively atmosphere. Get ready to immerse yourself in this beautiful destination!