Thursday, February 11, 2016

2016



Please find enclosed my feedback form from for our recent holiday. However, I don’t think the numbers really do justice to the amazing time we had and so I wanted to give you some more detailed feedback which may help you in putting together itineraries for future travellers.  Overall, we had an absolutely wonderful holiday. The itinerary was a great balance of different types of activities and not so manic that we couldn’t fully appreciate each thing we did. This was a marked difference from other travellers we met whilst there whose itineraries, often put together by the likes of Cox and Kings or Audley Travel comprised largely a tick sheet of the architectural sites in the big towns which after a few days they found exhausting as well as rather monotonous. They were all extremely interested to hear about our time at Chambal as well as walking near Kumbalgargh and our Godwad Leopard Safari Camp which was undoubtedly the highlight of our holiday. We only stayed one night here and it would have been good to have longer. Chambal Safari Lodge - the river safari was wonderful – we saw the Ganges Dolphin as well as gharials, crocs, turtles and numerous birds.  Ramathra Fort - really thrilled to have included this.  The sunset boat trip was especially magical.  The Fort itself was wonderful – not least because it’s still a work in progress. Shahpura Bagh - another stunning luxury palace hotel where we took full advantage of all the facilitiesGreat hosts and lovely food.  Finally, a mention to Travel World Experiences for co-ordinating our itinerary on the ground.  Everything ran like absolute clockwork, which in a country like India is a huge testament to their efforts and the many local guides and excellent drivers they employ. We were always met and looked after whenever we arrived somewhere new. Having a local phone was a really good idea. Our 2 drivers were excellent and we always felt very safe in their hands – they didn’t drive too fast and were also very nice and personable people.  So, nothing but praise all round for them. I will be feeding back a glowing report of our holiday to Responsible Travel and wish you all the very best for the future. We are hoping to arrange a holiday to Kerala and the South in February at some point – so we will definitely be coming back to you for advice and help organising that.  
Sarah Pajwani



The trekking was amazing and extremely well organised.  We had a really great guide.  Mountbatten Lodge, Clarkes, Mandir Palace and Tikli Bottom were all wonderful.  The drivers and staff were all great.  Overall, the best holiday in India yet.  Thanks for all your help.
Deborah Stoate




Thank you so much for organising the Educational (and extension) to India. It was a very interesting, enjoyable and above, all useful trip, as I now feel much better equipped to sell the destination.  The people from both ground agents were impeccable, the drivers and guides excellent – we could not have asked for better service. It also brought home how invaluable it is to book with a reputable company who have the contacts and the knowledge to make everything go like clockwork – the calm amongst the chaos!
We were impressed by the catering on board the train to Agra – a sharp contrast to what we get in the UK!  Agra was of course magical and the guide was invaluable. Delhi was an eye-opener and there was so much to see.
David Carter - Billington Travel
David and his wife travelled to India on a tailor-made educational holiday sponsored by us.  This kind of trip enables Travel Agents to experience India and learn about the service we offer.  


As we experienced when travelling with you before, if something becomes unavailable then you produce a stunning alternative. This looks perfectly balanced with sights, travel and leisure. 
Linda Boyd


Just returned from our 5th holiday to India (4th with Kerala/India Connections). Once again we have experienced wonderful sights. India Connections in UK and TWX in Delhi worked together to provide a fabulous programme.  We have completed the Questionnaire online and submitted to you. As you will see we have generally scored very high and thank you once again for listening and compiling such an interesting and absorbing programme.  TWX provided a first class professional service looking after everything so well throughout. All drivers were very good but our main driver from Amritsar to Shimla ‘Raju’ was outstanding, warm, friendly and courteous throughout.

Ranjit’s Svaasa, Amritsar; Very friendly family hotel.  The Golden Temple was mind boggling and we made 2 visits the second at twilight. To see the Wagah border ceremony first hand was amazing.

Chonor House, Dharamsala: A lovely hotel with beautiful wall paintings in the bedroom and throughout the place. A terrace restaurant with amazing views.

Judges Court, Pragpur: We really loved this place. A grand old Manor with wonderful antiques throughout. The food was fabulous.

Clarks Hotel, Shimla: Very comfortable hotel with lovely staff.  This was the only place to charge for wifi, at an exorbitant 800 rupees for 24hrs.  We would not have missed the toy train ride for anything, 4.5 hours of amazing winding tracks, in a crowded train with lovely people sharing food and chatting.

Lemon Tree, Chandigarth: Not much good to say about this place apart from the room which was comfortable and clean - but realise that it was just an overnight stop. 

Ganga Kinare, Rishikesh: Wow, on being taken to our Ganges facing room with a large window view of the river and mountains and a balcony outside. Very glad you booked such a room. Everything at this hotel was great, staff, food, surroundings.

Haveli Hari Ganga, Haridwar: Another excellent hotel and Ganga facing room. The only place we have ever stayed at where they provide sticks to ward off the monkeys. Obviously we had been looking forward to our stay in Haridwar and we were not disappointed. To be there during the Ardh Kumbh Mela and to witness Bathing Day is an experience we will never forget.  The sight of thousands of people chanting, praying, bathing will live with us forever.

Colonel’s Retreat, Delhi. A most comfortable and friendly guesthouse with nice owners and staff and perfect for the short stay in Delhi before flying home. Lovely rooftop restaurant.

Thank you to everyone, we are sure we will be back.  Alison and David Bettle



We thank you for all of your organisational skills regarding our recent trip to the ‘Golden Triangle’.  The airport/train station pick ups and drop offs worked seamlessly which added hugely to our enjoyment of the trip and peace of mind.  The driver and guides selected were courteous, knowledgeable and helpful making our visits to the historical sites immensely interesting and entertaining.  Their time keeping was excellent and their driving skills incredible.  We felt safe and secure.  We were very pleased and impressed by the hotels selected which allowed us to rest and experience the wide range of cuisine that India has to offer.  The document detailing our day to day itinerary including advice regarding tipping, anticipated weather and activities at each location is first class.   We happily, will be recommending your company to our family and friends who are interested in the trip that we have just completed.   Martin & Rosario Hunt who booked through Sunways Travel



We’ve just returned from our trip to Rajasthan, I’m pleased to say everything worked like clockwork (again).  All the hotels were super especially the Taj Lake Palace (Udaipur).  Our main driver was superb always helpful and a great driver. Thanks to you and all your team in India. I’m sure we will be using your services again in the future.  
John and Jan Williams


Diana - all the flight problems shouldn’t overshadow what was a great holiday. You and your team did a brilliant job. The guides and drivers were all very very good, hotels were spot on – I really couldn’t fault it all.   So thank you very much to you and Gary – you did a great job and I would happily recommend you to anyone thinking of going to India.  Thank you!!   
Martin Fricker (these customers were caught up in protests and were unable to get to their departure airport). 



First class service.  Isha (the local agent - TWX) could not have been more helpful.  I managed to lose my rail tickets and hotel vouchers and we were delayed in Shimla due to snow and ice.  Alternative arrangements made quickly and efficiently. Raj Niwas Palace was a real oasis in the otherwise unremarkable town of Dholpur.  The Machkund temple complex was amazing.  So quiet and so spiritual.  We seemed to be the only visitors.   Ramathra Fort was the surprise hit of the holiday.  A torturous journey on the road from Kaurali redeemed by the magnificent accommodation and food.  The guided walk through the local village was the highlight of the holiday.  Everywhere else we stayed was excellent – but I thought I’d confine my comments to the two lesser visited destinations. 
Mr and Mrs Edge



I cannot speak more highly of TWX (the Delhi agent).  The rep spoke excellent English and everything was explained fully as soon as we arrived in Delhi. He truly made us feel as if we were being looked after properly and help was never far away. Not that we needed it. Our driver, Jesse, was a lovely man and should also be commended highly.  The train journey was great fun and this then brings me onto what was really the highlight of the trip for us. Sher Bargh was the most incredible place I've ever stayed. We were looked after like kings and queens, they upgraded us to a Royal Suite which obviously helped but it is a truly incredible property. We hope to go back one day. We had just the right amount of time in Ranthambore National Park and were lucky enough to see three Tigers! 
Kelvin Ramsey and Joanna Milton (honeymoon – booked through Premier Travel)



All agent representatives were very good – especially at Agra.  
Alison Roberts and Barbara Dyer


All our guides were excellent – all very different but each one added to our enjoyment and knowledge of the country.  The representatives were all reliable and helpful.  The whole trip went very smoothly and we enjoyed the country despite our anxieties! 
Jeremy Barham and Sophia Davies (who gave a score of 5 for virtually everything)



The service and personal touches at Royal Heritage Haveli, Jaipur were excellent.  The driver was fantastic and the guides in Delhi and Jaipur knowledgeable and good.  
Jennifer Jones and Elizabeth Martin



Isha was excellent and the local reps were satisfactory.  
Mr and Mrs Simpson – gave us top scores and also Chhatra Saga.  All other hotels got scores of 3, 4 and 5.
 
 

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