RAJASTHAN TOURS TRAVEL

Guest name(s): ms ahna chu and terry teu
Country:USA
Email: ahnachu@earthlink.net
Tour taken: rajasthan 15 days
Year: 2002 october

Hi Durjay!

Just wanted to drop you a line saying what a wonderful time we had in Rajasthan. Your organization arranged things superbly and I can say I would recommend you highly to others w/o any reservations.

The itinerary was great w/exception of Mandawa. I would not recommend that place as a site to visit due to lack of interesting sights (painted havelis were not really good) and the unpleasant tourist-harassing atmosphere.

I very much enjoyed staying at the heritage sites. Bhairon Vilas was quaint, Narain Niwas Palace was beautiful, Pal Haveli was my favorite only b/c of the homey friendliness of the staff (the manager? small thin man - was extremely nice and friendly and helpful and so was his teenage boy helper), and Shikarbadi was beautiful and a nice respite away from the city. Although our 1st night was totally ruined and horrible b/c of a very noisy group of children being there at the same time and our room in the worst location.

I would have preferred a central city location in Jaipur especially. Juhu is also too far away from Mumbai city center. I took a 2nd class train at rushhour by myself and although part of the India experience I wouldn't want to do it regularly! The day manager at Juhu Emerald (very tall youngish man slightly overweight) was extremely nice and helpful. Anil was the perfect driver - safe and courteous at all times. I would definitely hire him as a permanent driver for CompassIndia as he would be a wonderful asset.

Jeetu was very attentive and sensitive to our needs. He also arranged some fun evening things that I particularly enjoyed (at Bikaner, at a folk cultural village I forget where I think maybe near Jaipur, and to see a Hindi movie, and a "CompassIndia exclusive" visit to a Bishnoi village woman)

One point though - I really don't think that fasting should be allowed during a guided tour, as there are responsibilities of both guide and driver that could be compromised by getting weak or sick from fasting (this did not happen on our trip but it could have)

Our other local guides were also very good, w/ Yogi, Sanjeev, and Vishall Singh especially helpful. Vishall was the MOST patient and gentle person! and fun Rajasthan trip!

So thanks very much Durjay for a very memorable trip.

Ahnachu

ahnachu@earthlink.net