I just want to drop you a line to commend you on our first class recent tour of India. Everything was first rate. I could not complain about a single thing in terms of our accommodations, guides, transportation and itinerary. I would recommend your company as 'the' way to see India, particularly for women or first time visitors. You have great people working for you in India. I would particularly like to acknowledge Youvee, our travelling companion and Naresh and Das, our van drivers. They spent 5 days with us. Together the three of them catered to our every wish and went out of their way to insure our safety and well being. Youvee handled arrangements such that we never had to wait. He accompanied us on our journeys, deflecting hawkers with innovation and compassion for both us and them. He maintained a pleasant attitude and fit in well with our group. We enjoyed him immensely and really appreciated having him with us. We were sad to leave him. He will make an excellent guide.
Das was the driver's assistant. Das was always visible when we exited a venue, pointing the way to our van. You couldn't miss his big smile and warm eyes. For some excursions, such as the sunset walk through Pushkar, Das accompanied the group providing and extra male presence and an extra set of eyes. I for one did not show enough fear of the oxen and Das was there to ensure I gave them ...... and their droppings ........ a wide birth. When we went to the train station in Jaipur, we were pleased to see Das on the train platform as we waited for our train to enter the station. He was there once again to provide an extra buffer with Youvee, as we attracted a lot of attention from other travellers. He truly went above and beyond the call of duty.
Naresh, our driver, was amazing. From the moment we sat in his van we knew we were in the hands of a master. Coming from a small town of 12, 000 people, where people all drive in the same direction on the same side of the highway, we did find the traffic patterns of India beyond our understanding, but never once were we fearful. Naresh drove with skill and patience. When he delivered us to a sight, it was as close to the entrance as was physically possible. When we came out of a venue, our van was parked in a choice location. At one particular venue the hawkers were so intense that a long walk may have been disturbing, but because the van was right there, we all tumbled into the van and were able to laugh at our experience with the hawkers rather than be disturbed by it. We were sad to leave Naresh and Das in Jaipur, but it was a very pleasant surprise to find Naresh's smiling face waiting for us at the airport upon our return to Dahli. He is a special driver.
Shamir showed us every major sight in Delhi that we could fit into 2 days. He left no monument unturned. Mr. Singh in Oudiapur is a fountain of knowledge and a born teacher. He is definitely a keeper. And Johnnie in Varannassi is a mover and a shaker. He bargains hard on behalf of his clients, shows great consideration for their needs, and is very open, gregarious and entertaining as a guide. I truly enjoyed Johnnie. And Joshi is a true professional. All of the guides and drivers know Joshi and aim to please him. It is obvious that he does a great job of overseeing the players, checking in with them frequently, and checking in with the clients to double check that everything is going smoothly. Everyone works very hard, round the clock, to insure your clients have a very positive experience while in their care.
Again, if any of my friends or acquaintances are planning a trip to India, I will definitely recommend your services. Thank you so much for a wonderful adventure.
Coleen Ramsay and Kathy Grebenc Barthurst, Canada