Just wanted to say thank you for the wonderful time we had in India. What we liked in particular is the driver (Sanjeev I believe) who accompanied us in the South. He did a great job and went out of his way to accommodate our requests (like stopping at different locations, taking detours to see a rubber plantation, or a rice paddy, or spice plant, or an interesting street stand where he helped us to negotiate prices) Always on time. Always neat. Kept the car impeccably clean. And good driving skills. He is the best!
The guides at MAHABALIPURAM and KANCHIPURAM Very good guide, TRICHY, VTANJORE Guide was OK but we did not like his rather low brow attempts at humor and also that he tried to steer us into a couple of expensive stores. But he knew his stuff, MADURAI Excellent guide (female)! Knowledgeable and excellent English, AGRA Very knowledgeable guide and although he did try to steer us into stores even after we said we are not very interested but he did it softly, NEW DEHLI- excellent guide knowledgeable, polite, good English no hard sell.
The best experience: Four temples KANCHIPURAM, TRICHY, VTANJORE, MADURAI all different, all amazing, learnt a lot. The disappointment (expected) Taj Mahal looks exactly as its postcard image and not much more. But now we can say that we visited it. Interesting experience Ayurvedic massage in Periyar, did it twice-great bargain, 1.5 hours of it for $25 Definitely recommend.
Unexpected pleasure, Kathakali theater performance in Cochin, we were very skeptical, but it turned out to be a wonderful experience (especially since our driver took us there 1 hour in advance so we could see how the actors apply make up). Also we attended on our own a martial arts performance in Periyar, quite interesting as well.
We also liked the Elephant ride we did on our own, it was not just a stupid tourist ride, they took us into the forest and the driver was very knowledgeable about all the plants/spices growing there. Overall we are quite happy with itinerary, we liked the out of the way South way more interesting than standard Dehli/Agra routine. Also, perhaps our impression is very subjective, but the people appear to be far nicer and friendlier in the South than in Dehli and Agra (Well.. I lived 8 years in New York City and know what to expect from people in a place like that) And culturally South is more authentic and unique we have seen great Mosques and Palaces before but nothing had prepared us for these huge Hindu temples.
I hope you find this feedback useful
Thanks again and Happy New Year
Jacob
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14 Day Gems of India with Nepal Private Tour
It was a memorable and challenging journey and Right Travel generally gets high marks from the group responsiveness and good planning. Travel arrangements such as meeting us as planned and transfer all went well.
The tour guides were a high point, especially Hariom in Kathmandu, but they were all knowledgeable, personable and spoke and understood English.No complaints on the quality of the tour guies, they all knew there stuff. Even the drivers added value by stopping along the route in rural areas to point out things of interest. The Taj Mahal and the early morning on the Ganges were high points and the step well was a true wonder made even more memorable by a village festival going on in which we joined in.
Taj Agra was outstandingly beautiful. Oberoi Maidens in Delhi also good and the others also equally fine. The trip went well and everyone enjoyed it.
Lamar
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14 Day Gems of India with Nepal Private Tour
Our recent trip to Inida & Nepal was very enjoyable and memorable. I found Right Travel on the internet and booked the tour via emails with Medhat who is very helpful and always prompt in responding to my inquiries.
Although we don't have a national guide, there was always someone waiting for us at the airport and train station. We also appreciate the phone calls from the local office agent every 2-3 days to make sure we are fine with the arrangements and check if we have any problems/questions. We have to give special thanks to all of our drivers. They are all excellent and caring especially Ravi in Delhi. The local tour guides are good and accommodating. In Varanasi, we were supposed to go to this temple where there are lots of monkeys, the guide knows that we are afraid of monkeys and changed the destination to a different temple on the fly.
The hotels in Agra (Orient Taj) and Khajuraho (Taj Gateway Chandela) are excellent with nice rooms, good services, and good food. The hotel in Varanasi (Ramada Plaza) is also nice. It has standard rooms but the location is good ... easy access to our familiar restaurant, McDonald. That helps to cure our home sick a little
We are happy with everything. Thank you for the nice trip!
Annie Wong
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Gems of India with Nepal Private Tour
The Air India flight to Delhi was smooth and uneventful --13.5 hours in the air. We landed and were greeted by Mukul Sidola from Rama Tours and Kuber Prasad, the driver. Both proved to be major contributors to our successful trip.
Maidens Hotel - Delhi
Nice, old style hotel located in a residential area. Location not most suitable for tourists interested in exploring the ¡§downtown¡¨. Nothing standing out. Were upgraded to a very comfortable suite. Good Margherita pizza.
Delhi tour
Our tour guide was Anita Bakshi. Experienced and knowledgeable, operating on a auto pilot mode. An interesting city of contrast. The Red Fort was closed for renovations. Overall good experience.
Drive to Jaipur
On this drive we got to know Kuber, the driver, who stayed with us for 6 days. Originally from Nepal, with a compelling life story, turned out to be a well spoken and mannered, delightful man. Always made us feel at home in his car. Went out of his way to make sure that we were OK and that we were making the most of our time. We recommend requesting his service for future travelers. The best!
Jaipur tour
Our tour guide was Ajay Singh. He was very knowledgeable, detailed, friendly and took the time to give us all the background explanations needed to get a good idea of the places and their history. Through him we learned a lot about the cast system, arranged marriages and the mind set of the Indian culture. The city was very interesting, particularly the Amber Fort and in spite of the long line, we enjoyed the elephant ride up to the palace.
Wyndham Grand Hotel
On a scale of 1 to 5 stars - 7 stars. Beautiful hotel, country club setting, beautiful room and free internet. A partial compensation for a dreadful tour guide. OK breakfast. Orchha, en route to Kajuraho Very enjoyable tour of the Temple and castles, recommended to include in future tours.
Kajuraho was a very interesting town with most beautiful and fascinating temples. Situated in a well kept and peaceful garden. The light and sound show the night before of our actual visit to the temples, provided a very good historical perspective. Highly recommended. The Taj Chandella hotel was fine, good soups.
Varanasi
A great experience. The evening ceremony and the morning sun rise boat ride on the Ganges river were most enjoyable and inspiring. Our tour guide Shaquille was well educated and informed. We felt we did learn quite a lot from him. He also took very good care of us through out the narrow, hectic streets and gave us advanced warnings as to what was expected of us regarding shoes, cameras, bags, etc. making sure that we were properly accommodated. We stayed at the Ramada hotel. Very well trained, professional and helpful staff. Most delicious food and a pleasant experience.
Kathmandu and Kathmandu Valley
The city and the valley are jammed with temples. Very beautiful and colorful. Our guide Sharad Shrestha was very pleasant, enthusiastic and didn¡¦t spare words in his explanations. Made us feel good. The 5 star hotel Crown Plaza, considered the best in town, was very pleasant with a nice selection of restaurants. Would recommend not to use lesser hotels in Kathmandu.
Mumbai
While in Mumbai we were on our own, it's worth mentioning that the Trident Hotel in Nariman Point was an excellent choice. Five star accommodations and service as well as a great view of the ocean. The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf restaurant around the corner turned out to be a great and inexpensive substitute for the hotel's overpriced breakfast. And the internet was free.
All in all, the tour was very well organized by Right Travel and very well executed. Mukul called us every day to make sure things were working out smoothly, and was always there to resolve unforeseen issues. The local representatives were very professional, punctual and reassuring. All the drivers were very skilful and eager to serve -- in general we felt very safe and well taken care of.
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India Golden Triangle Private Tour
I want to thank you for organizing my 6 days Golden Triangle, I had a wonderful experience, everyone one was very pleasant and above all i felt safe as i was traveling alone, everyone made me feel comfortable and safe, I enjoyed the choices of hotel you have chosen for me and the staff and the driver (which i forgot to write his name) was very nice and traveling all those hours thru the roads from one place to another I felt safe with him and that was very important to me. So thank you very much it was an interesting and nice trip to enchanting India.
Thank you for all your help
Lisette Goennenwein
