Review

NameMr E Bolt, UK
Date of travel22/12/2009
Number of people2
Review CountriesIndia
Overall level of satisfaction
Level
- Excellent
Excellent
Overall, the holiday was very enjoyable. We would be very happy to travel with Tribes again.
We hoped that Rajasthan would be an interesting, if not visually stunning in terms of landscape, destination and that as a first trip to India it would offer a good mix or chaotic cities and peace and quiet in more rural settings. This is at least as it turned out, pleasingly, but we were delighted with the desert trips to Khimsar and Jaisalmer in particular. Visually good in its own way: in particular I thought that the view of the wind farms stretching as far as the eye can see, and acting as a backdrop to the ancient city of jaisalmer in the desert was stunning.
We gained some insight into how people live there faced with water shortage and farming problems.
It seems clear that tourism is becoming (if it isn\'t already) a major contributor to the economy of Rajasthan.
In previous years we have tried to gear up our major annual holiday to take in alot of wildlife/national parks. Although that was not the case this year (but it was still a thoroughly enjoyable holiday) I think in 2010-2011 we will be looking to travel to Madagascar and to a wildlife-orientated tour of one of the African nations.
Tribes service
Level
- Excellent
Excellent
The advice and details we received prior to travel were always excellent, helpful and good timely reminders. Thanks.
Expectations
Level
- Excellent
Excellent
I think I've described this above.
Guides
Level
- Good
Good
Mixed bag of guides: Jaisalmer guide was superb and very good company, as was the one in Bikaner. Both gave us lots of details about living in that part of the world that were well beyond guide book stuff.
Guide in Jaipur was very knowledgeable but really didn't seem to want to do what he was doing: show us around.
Guides in Ranthambore were a nuisance, apart from one of them (except that they claimed to \"know\' where the tigers were) and the canters were too many people on them: jeeps would have been much better.
Social & Environmental Responsibility
Level
- Good
Good
Economic, as above: tourism seems crucial to the economy there at present. We do try to buy anything we can over there from local shops/street vendors etc. Apart from that it is difficult to see how us travelling about Rajasthan could have much benefit to the locals society or environment.
Other comments
We are not especially fussy about hotel rooms so long as they have a toilet and bath/shower and are quiet. Not to say that we don\'t enjoy some opulence, but it\'s not necessary all the time! The hotel in jaisalmer that we stayed at (Gorbandh palace?) was our favourite because room were quiet and comfortable and the staff were helpful without being over-attentive. Special mention to Khimsar fort: we loved it: the setting etc. was a great place to relax after jaipur. The hotel in jaipur was comfortable but the room, being located next to the lobby area was sometimes very noisy, even at night. Hotel in Bikaner was a little peculiar feel about it. The room was fine: a sort of decaying comfort about it, but the atmosphere was a little eerie, as if it was not really a hotel at all.
Final special mention to the staff at the ranthambore hotel (forest resort?). Superb staff. very friendly, and pleasant smiles and lots of help.

Review

Overall level of satisfaction

Tribes service

Expectations

Guides

Social & Environmental Responsibility

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