Journey to India, Just Returned
Feb 21st, 2014, 08:40 AM
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Journey to India, Just Returned
What a wonderful journey! My husband and I have just returned from a 2 week visit to northern India. Many thanks to all of you who helped us in planning our trip. We appreciate all your input and helpful advice, as we worked for many months in developing our itinerary. Castle and King was our agent in India, and Arvind (the owner) was a pleasure to work with. We highly recommend C & K. Our guide was top-notch and very knowledgeable, and our driver was excellent - very important components of the trip.
My TR will follow, hopefully within the week, as soon as I recuperate from jet lag, etc.
Here though are some preliminary comments. We were very happy with the mix/variety of hotels: large chain hotel, palace, heritage property, Oberoi. For us, the length of stay at each location worked out well. The vehicle (Innova) was comfortable and safe for the various road trips, some of which were long distances. The flexibility of a private tour allowed us of course to set our own pace, make changes, stop for shopping where desired (or not), have our personal preferences and care met graciously, etc. C & K provided us with a cell phone for our use in India, which was indeed a reassuring convenience. We had a fantastic journey, filled with many special memories which we will always treasure.
Carole
My TR will follow, hopefully within the week, as soon as I recuperate from jet lag, etc.
Here though are some preliminary comments. We were very happy with the mix/variety of hotels: large chain hotel, palace, heritage property, Oberoi. For us, the length of stay at each location worked out well. The vehicle (Innova) was comfortable and safe for the various road trips, some of which were long distances. The flexibility of a private tour allowed us of course to set our own pace, make changes, stop for shopping where desired (or not), have our personal preferences and care met graciously, etc. C & K provided us with a cell phone for our use in India, which was indeed a reassuring convenience. We had a fantastic journey, filled with many special memories which we will always treasure.
Carole
Feb 21st, 2014, 06:12 PM
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Bob,
Yes, we did have Krishna for our driver! Thanks to your recommendation, we requested him. Arvind and Krishna said "hi" to you and Karen. We were very pleased with both Krishna and our guide. Thanks again for your help.
Carole
Yes, we did have Krishna for our driver! Thanks to your recommendation, we requested him. Arvind and Krishna said "hi" to you and Karen. We were very pleased with both Krishna and our guide. Thanks again for your help.
Carole
Feb 21st, 2014, 07:35 PM
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Very excited to read your report. We're using C&K for our upcoming Dec/Jan trip--so far, so good. Most interested to hear about your cell phone rental provided by Arvind. Was thinking about asking him about this.
What kind of phone did he procure for you? What did you end up spending for it? Ideally, I was hoping to bring my iPhone and have Arvind help us find a SIM rental so we could take advantage of map apps, etc. while on the road.
What kind of phone did he procure for you? What did you end up spending for it? Ideally, I was hoping to bring my iPhone and have Arvind help us find a SIM rental so we could take advantage of map apps, etc. while on the road.
Feb 21st, 2014, 11:13 PM
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It's great if the company provides you with their phone as a "loaner." Much easier, but then you won't have your iPhone apps .You should ask him about using your OWN phone though. That could get more complicated. You will need a bunch of passport sized id photos. If you find an agent, etc., with "connections" you should have your personal SIM card in a few hours; otherwise it can take up 24 hours.
Maybe it depends on WHERE you get it. it was much easier in New Delhi a few yrs ago, than in Kolkata this time , even with Oberoi assistance.
That said, i think filmwill you will need/rely on things like map apps a lot less during your trip o India, because presumably, you won't be planning out the routes yourself. (Apologies if i misunderstood how you intend to use them.) Ask your TA in advance about the iPhone, bring it, but don't waste too much time on obtaining a SIM if not easily accessible.
Maybe it depends on WHERE you get it. it was much easier in New Delhi a few yrs ago, than in Kolkata this time , even with Oberoi assistance.
That said, i think filmwill you will need/rely on things like map apps a lot less during your trip o India, because presumably, you won't be planning out the routes yourself. (Apologies if i misunderstood how you intend to use them.) Ask your TA in advance about the iPhone, bring it, but don't waste too much time on obtaining a SIM if not easily accessible.
