Planning for India - comments please
Aug 28th, 2010, 11:53 AM
#44
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I sent an email to cleartrip about the resident Indian rate, and got this reply:
"Please note that in case if there are any rate differance amount that you need to pay directly in the hotel at the time of your check in." Which suggests that if I booked that hotel I might get hit up for extra money at check-in.
Fortuitously, I now have a reservation at La Place in Lucknow, thanks to travelocity, which I was initially checking via kayak for Mangalore. I will actually be staying in a Taj hotel in Mangalore - the Gateway - although it's hardly one of their top properties (at $60/night I couldn't resist).
"Please note that in case if there are any rate differance amount that you need to pay directly in the hotel at the time of your check in." Which suggests that if I booked that hotel I might get hit up for extra money at check-in.
Fortuitously, I now have a reservation at La Place in Lucknow, thanks to travelocity, which I was initially checking via kayak for Mangalore. I will actually be staying in a Taj hotel in Mangalore - the Gateway - although it's hardly one of their top properties (at $60/night I couldn't resist).
Aug 28th, 2010, 02:58 PM
#45
Original Poster
Question for <b>inquest</b> - I just spent some time with the maps (different ones for each state, of course!). It looks like the good resorts in Wayanad are around Kalpetta and Sultanbatheri, in the south (I really like the look of Edakkal). But if I'm actually on the way from Kunnar to Coorg, I'd want to be in the north, around Tholpetty, which seems short on good places to stay. Do you know what travel would be like (type of road, length of drive) from Sultanbatheri to Coorg?
Aug 28th, 2010, 07:52 PM
#47
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Indianapearl and Gertie--where in Texas? I have a house in Texarkana, 3 hours from Dallas, and am there occasionally.
There is a large population of people from India in Houston.
"Don't mess with Texas" !! Did you know that started out as an advertising logan to keep Texan highways litter-free?
There is a large population of people from India in Houston.
"Don't mess with Texas" !! Did you know that started out as an advertising logan to keep Texan highways litter-free?
Aug 29th, 2010, 02:58 PM
#49
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Thursdays..apologies for interruption to the thread. Thanks for the reminder, Gertie.
Dgunbug, dont be scared off by the very expensive recs fo the Oberoi level hotels which often dominate the responses on Fodors India forum. (It's one of the reasons i visit Indiamike--so i can keep perspective on how most people travel, and not feel like the poor relative who can't afford--or chose to-- to pay $300or $400 or $500 for only ONE night. )
Rarely should yo have to pay over $100, if that is the maxbudget (close to mine) for a decent, clean, and lovely hotel or homestay in a nice are in India. IT will be 3 or 4*, not 5*, and you will probably encounter have more Indian travelers than foreign visitors.
Dgunbug, dont be scared off by the very expensive recs fo the Oberoi level hotels which often dominate the responses on Fodors India forum. (It's one of the reasons i visit Indiamike--so i can keep perspective on how most people travel, and not feel like the poor relative who can't afford--or chose to-- to pay $300or $400 or $500 for only ONE night. )
Rarely should yo have to pay over $100, if that is the maxbudget (close to mine) for a decent, clean, and lovely hotel or homestay in a nice are in India. IT will be 3 or 4*, not 5*, and you will probably encounter have more Indian travelers than foreign visitors.
Aug 29th, 2010, 03:19 PM
#50
Original Poster
No need to apologize. But TX is a bit far for me - wonder if there are any Indiaphiles in NC (aside from the one I already met through fodors). Do wonder if inquest saw my post on Wayanad - but I've decided to go straight to Coorg anyway.
Dgunbug - I just booked my second Taj hotel for under $100 - admittedly a Gateway, which seems to be their lower end offering? Anyway, I have a room at the Gateway in Coonoor for $80/night, and that's high for me. I couldn't resist the description in LP, just as I couldn't resist the Windamere in Darjeeling.
CaliNurse - looks like I'll be staying with Hyacinth at Kannur - she has availability for my dates. Tx.
Dgunbug - I just booked my second Taj hotel for under $100 - admittedly a Gateway, which seems to be their lower end offering? Anyway, I have a room at the Gateway in Coonoor for $80/night, and that's high for me. I couldn't resist the description in LP, just as I couldn't resist the Windamere in Darjeeling.
CaliNurse - looks like I'll be staying with Hyacinth at Kannur - she has availability for my dates. Tx.
Aug 29th, 2010, 09:49 PM
#51
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Due apologies thursday.Been a wee bit busy of late & did'nt look at the forum.All the interesting places are around Kalpetta & Sultanbatheri.Less than 1/2hr drive.The road from Sultanbatheri to Kutta (Karnataka border)is good the stretch from Kutta to Virajpet was bad about 6mths ago.Virajpet to Madikere is good.
BTW,thursday,you must try some Coorg cuisine,very unique.Their pepper pork (Pandi curry) served with rice dumplings is superb.A local delicacy,but be warned,its very spicy.Could give some interesting things to do & places to dine in Coorg.Will keep you posted.
BTW,thursday,you must try some Coorg cuisine,very unique.Their pepper pork (Pandi curry) served with rice dumplings is superb.A local delicacy,but be warned,its very spicy.Could give some interesting things to do & places to dine in Coorg.Will keep you posted.
Aug 30th, 2010, 05:28 AM
#53
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No apologies needed, inquest, but thanks. I just thought that post might have gotten lost.
For Coorg, the Rainforest Retreat has space, Alath-Cad hasn't replied yet. Any other suggestions?
For Coorg, the Rainforest Retreat has space, Alath-Cad hasn't replied yet. Any other suggestions?
Aug 30th, 2010, 11:03 AM
#54
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You will love Hyacinth--i say that based on her marvelous emails,in which it is evident she is great fun, very intelligent, and well traveled. I just checked the most rcent TA reviews and wow...I am happy for her success!
We came into town and ate at the Gateway (which had justbeen converted in name from a Taj to Gateway) and had the most wonderful lunch.It was delicious-not a lot by US standards, but cant recall exact price. Worth saving for, for the food, and the atmosphere. Did you book a room where breakfast is included? Great dining room overlooking gardens. YOu'll swear you're at the English country estate. From the front lawn, you go out to a little park like ara and you see the church steeple. Don't miss the old bar/lounge. It all has this wonderful , somewhat faded Raj-era atmosphere. We stayed out of town (Kurumba Village) but if we return ,will def'lly stay here.
You are not too far there--though too far to walk--to the edge of town where the tea factory and farm are. Try the free samples ...the wonderful way they make milk tea at the stand there when you first arrive--even chocolate tea--yummy. But don't buy the big bags of their tea--it is the "dust" not the leaves. We made that mistake and lugged around heavy bags of tea cause they seemed like such a good deal.
There is a homestay right in Coorg town (Aas opposed to outside of town) that is supposed to be good. Do you want a place right IN town, or out a bit in the countryside? Let me know and i'll dig up that name. We stayed at Orange County, the most expensive place on that trip, although Faith (travel planner) got it far more inexpensively than we could have. Glad you do NOT want to stay there--unlike the vast majority who love it, we did not.
We came into town and ate at the Gateway (which had justbeen converted in name from a Taj to Gateway) and had the most wonderful lunch.It was delicious-not a lot by US standards, but cant recall exact price. Worth saving for, for the food, and the atmosphere. Did you book a room where breakfast is included? Great dining room overlooking gardens. YOu'll swear you're at the English country estate. From the front lawn, you go out to a little park like ara and you see the church steeple. Don't miss the old bar/lounge. It all has this wonderful , somewhat faded Raj-era atmosphere. We stayed out of town (Kurumba Village) but if we return ,will def'lly stay here.
You are not too far there--though too far to walk--to the edge of town where the tea factory and farm are. Try the free samples ...the wonderful way they make milk tea at the stand there when you first arrive--even chocolate tea--yummy. But don't buy the big bags of their tea--it is the "dust" not the leaves. We made that mistake and lugged around heavy bags of tea cause they seemed like such a good deal.
There is a homestay right in Coorg town (Aas opposed to outside of town) that is supposed to be good. Do you want a place right IN town, or out a bit in the countryside? Let me know and i'll dig up that name. We stayed at Orange County, the most expensive place on that trip, although Faith (travel planner) got it far more inexpensively than we could have. Glad you do NOT want to stay there--unlike the vast majority who love it, we did not.
Aug 30th, 2010, 11:20 AM
#56
Original Poster
CaliNurse - from my Gateway booking:
Rate Description Rate Includes Breakfast. Additional 12.5 PCT Tax Applicable On Published Tariff.
Room Description STANDARD ROOM QUEEN BED GARDEN VIEW\/COLONIAL STYLE\/SITOUT
Of course, it's the Raj-era vibe I'm going for (I'm still really a Brit).
For Coorg LP strongly recommends being outside town, although a homestay would be nice.
Now I have to figure out the cheapest way to do wire transfer. I think there was a recent thread about using xe.com... Plus I'm now running into availability problems for around New Year.
Rate Description Rate Includes Breakfast. Additional 12.5 PCT Tax Applicable On Published Tariff.
Room Description STANDARD ROOM QUEEN BED GARDEN VIEW\/COLONIAL STYLE\/SITOUT
Of course, it's the Raj-era vibe I'm going for (I'm still really a Brit).
For Coorg LP strongly recommends being outside town, although a homestay would be nice.
Now I have to figure out the cheapest way to do wire transfer. I think there was a recent thread about using xe.com... Plus I'm now running into availability problems for around New Year.
Aug 30th, 2010, 10:59 PM
#57
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Thursday,as a brit,I'm sure you'll love the legacy,the English,left behing in Coorg
.Some of the finest properties are now owned by Tata Coffee.Called Plantation Trails,these bungalows once occupied by the gentry is now let out.this link showcases them
http://www.tatacoffee.com/plantation...s/overview.htm
I've stayed in a couple of them and can vouch for it.One for instance was Elk Hill(dont see it mentioned in there list,happened to be their guest a few years ago)
Most of the places to visit are around Madikere,though,Tata Coffee properties are around Polybetta(an hrs drive).I was'nt too impressed with Rain Forest(there are better places than that).Club Mahindra is a good resort,has lovely cottages over looking a valley.A full fledged resort & Spa offer everything,just about 5km from town.
http://www.clubmahindracoorg.com/
This link has a list of home stays around Coorg:
http://www.homestaykodagu.com/tourist_place.html
The reason I prefer Madikere (not the town) is the elevation(altitude) it offers.Estates around have a 'hill station' feel as the mist engulfs them.Its a wonderful experience.The town itself has not much to offer,though worth a visit.
Another place that comes to mind is Java Mane.Its an old bungalow renovated,right in the middle of a large pond,with beautiful artefacts,a gazebo to sit out.Its about 30km to Madikere.
http://www.javamane.com/index.html
.Some of the finest properties are now owned by Tata Coffee.Called Plantation Trails,these bungalows once occupied by the gentry is now let out.this link showcases themhttp://www.tatacoffee.com/plantation...s/overview.htm
I've stayed in a couple of them and can vouch for it.One for instance was Elk Hill(dont see it mentioned in there list,happened to be their guest a few years ago)
Most of the places to visit are around Madikere,though,Tata Coffee properties are around Polybetta(an hrs drive).I was'nt too impressed with Rain Forest(there are better places than that).Club Mahindra is a good resort,has lovely cottages over looking a valley.A full fledged resort & Spa offer everything,just about 5km from town.
http://www.clubmahindracoorg.com/
This link has a list of home stays around Coorg:
http://www.homestaykodagu.com/tourist_place.html
The reason I prefer Madikere (not the town) is the elevation(altitude) it offers.Estates around have a 'hill station' feel as the mist engulfs them.Its a wonderful experience.The town itself has not much to offer,though worth a visit.
Another place that comes to mind is Java Mane.Its an old bungalow renovated,right in the middle of a large pond,with beautiful artefacts,a gazebo to sit out.Its about 30km to Madikere.
http://www.javamane.com/index.html
Aug 31st, 2010, 01:54 AM
#58
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Inquest, i love those mists swirling around the hills. That is what i remember about the hills on the road from Coonor, and the road down the hills from Ooty toward the flatlands (direction toward Mysore. Thursdays, these are spots you'll be using your camera for sure.
The place i recall is Gowri niwas--got good reviews on HolidayIQ last time i looked. But it is in town. We ended up not staying in that part of Coorg.
One homestay near Orange County, and located right by the river, and def'lly below oyur budgeted max, is called MIna's Nest. It is just outside Siddapura village. When we drove by it, I thought--"Next time i'll stay there" but other than the outside, which looked new and bright, i know nothing.
There'sa waterfall just outside COorg, on road to the Tea Factory,. Lots of monkeys, you cant miss it--loads of people walking over the rocks and getting photos with the waterfall backdrop. Not spectacular, but lots of fun--the monkeys and tourists as much as the falls!
The place i recall is Gowri niwas--got good reviews on HolidayIQ last time i looked. But it is in town. We ended up not staying in that part of Coorg.
One homestay near Orange County, and located right by the river, and def'lly below oyur budgeted max, is called MIna's Nest. It is just outside Siddapura village. When we drove by it, I thought--"Next time i'll stay there" but other than the outside, which looked new and bright, i know nothing.
There'sa waterfall just outside COorg, on road to the Tea Factory,. Lots of monkeys, you cant miss it--loads of people walking over the rocks and getting photos with the waterfall backdrop. Not spectacular, but lots of fun--the monkeys and tourists as much as the falls!
Aug 31st, 2010, 02:51 AM
#59
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Be aware, however, thursday, that these little bits of England may well be just that: expatriate enclaves where the very Indians you have come to meet are relegated to the role of silent servants endless deferring to Memsahib. Sawdays is full of them. Choose carefully from the excellent suggestions above. Homestays are, of course, the go. When you see a property owned and run by an expat, take care. Unless, of course, you're in the mood for a bit of non-India India.
Aug 31st, 2010, 03:57 AM
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LOL,dogster,the white men have long left,not even a straggler.Tata Coffee is wholly owned by the House of Tatas have been into tea estates in Munnar & Anamalai & coffee in Coorg & Chickmagalur.Replaced by a young crop of executives looking after these estates.A fine lot.Interesting.
I've spent many an evening at the Pollibetta Club close by, open to member only,as a guest.We were joined by local planters(Kodavas who speak impeccable english with linguistic fluency)along with their lovely ladies in tow.
Oh yes CaliNurse.Those misty hills.Should be back next year.
My only hangup with 'homestays'was that one has to compromise on privacy.They are overly hospitable.Believe,that they have to spend time with you,since you are actually 'living' with them.Found it a bit stifling.
I've spent many an evening at the Pollibetta Club close by, open to member only,as a guest.We were joined by local planters(Kodavas who speak impeccable english with linguistic fluency)along with their lovely ladies in tow.
Oh yes CaliNurse.Those misty hills.Should be back next year.
My only hangup with 'homestays'was that one has to compromise on privacy.They are overly hospitable.Believe,that they have to spend time with you,since you are actually 'living' with them.Found it a bit stifling.
