6 independent reviews for South India by rail vacation
Reviews for South India by rail vacation
John Aperghis review 6 Sep 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Too difficult to single out any best moments, the whole trip was wonderful. Superbly organised and we were very well looked after. Zipwiring from Jodhpur Fort was certainly a special bit - incredible.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
We had 3 kids under 12. You have to think about providing some activities for them, you can't expect them just to site-see or aimlessly wander. We booked camel ride, elephant washing, canoeing, cookery, dance shows, wildlife trek. Also, be wary of the road distances in India, we probably covered too many miles and the children really got bored after multiple 6 hr journeys. Train was a good way to cover ground.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
To some extent yes, especially for those people working in the hotels and in the cafes/restaurants we visited. The elephant/bear rescue centers were very eye-opening and really made us think differently about animals and how they should just be left alone in the wild. My biggest concern was probably the amount of plastic consumed over the drink in the form of drinking water. Some hotels provided drinking water in reusable glass bottles which was encouraging to see.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Absolutely brilliant. Despite being seasoned travelers we thought we'd better use an agent to arrange this trips with the kids being so young. We did ask ourselves whether it was value for money, things being much cheaper in India, but I think the whole ease of everything and inclusion of all the activities was money well spent. It was a very special vacation, a real experience for the kids but a good experience for us learning how to travel to such places with kids.Chris Warburton review 9 Aug 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The tours in Mumbai and sites in Hampi2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Get involved, ask questions and chat to people, was really interesting3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was greatDavid Evans review 1 Feb 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Everything went extremely smoothly. The drivers were all very helpful. Our tour operator couldn't have been more helpful.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take your time planning what you want to see and do before finalising the itinerary.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The local people were extremely friendly especially when they knew we were on our own and not with a tour group. We were treated always with extreme courteousy. we mixed with all different classes. We spent our money in local shops and eating houses.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Brilliant, I would go back and do it all again. I have already asked the tour operator to work on a new itinerary which mixes some places we went this year and some new places.Gustav Jagner review 21 Feb 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The diversity between the different hotels/resorts/homestays. We were excited over a lot of things, cultural, historical places and the people we met. The mix between interesting places and relaxing places.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Don't worry, the local travel agent are very thorough and competent.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Traveling by train reduces environmental impact. Some hotels and resorts had an ecological approach. We where impressed that there was clear thoughts and actions to save water.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We are very satisfied our vacation met all our expectations. The local organisation gave us the feeling of security and good planning. Like a "guardian angel" by our side. But not to close, we felt as we where on our own when we wanted that.Carole Noble review 25 Oct 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
For us there were two extra special parts of this vacation, both of which were on our bucket lists. Firstly spending two nights on the houseboat in the backwaters, we were treated like royalty by the crew and loved watching the world go by in peace and tranquility. The second was visiting the temples of Tamil Nadu. No peace or tranquility here, but so beautiful. We also appreciated our final few days in Cochin. It was great to return to a familiar place and spend time relaxing.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Tip your drivers generously, they work really hard and take care of their guests so well. Local mosquito repellent is cheapest and best, and really necessary. Make the most of each stop/place, you may never be back here and this tour takes in some really magical places. Take a small towel everywhere with you. Hand washing facilities are everywhere, but no drying facilities! Finally, if you are waiting around for your bag at Cochin airport, check the end of the conveyor, they take them off and leave them there!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
As we went just ahead of the season we hope that the few extra weeks of work were of benefit to all of the people we came in contact with; drivers, boat crew, local shops and restaurants and the hotels. At some of our hotels there were bikes that we could use for getting around and these were very welcome. In most places we were happy to see solar heated water and local products being used.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We very much enjoyed this vacation, completely met and often exceeded our expectations. This was in no small way due to the staff of the vacation providers who could not have been better. The hotels were well chosen, although if would have been nice to be closer to town in Pondy. However, overall, this was one of our best vacation experiences ever!David Jelley review 6 Mar 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Sitting with the train door open looking out over paddy fields as the train made its way south to Kanyakumari. Watching the sunset over the boulder fields and temples of Hampi. Walking in the tea covered hills near Coonoor.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Towns are exhausting and many of the amazing temples are in towns/cities, so factor in some peaceful time in the countryside too. Use some trains, driving is not always relaxing3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes we spread our spending around to a wide variety of people. I'm afraid improving the environment in India will need a huge investment in the infrastructure to clean up polluted waterways and start a proper refuse collection service. Train rubbish just gets dumped on the tracks.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
An amazing way to get an insight into the many sides of India. Trains are a brilliant way to see the countryside and talk to Indian people. The tour company was the most helpful travel company I have ever dealt with and I highly recommend using them.Holiday Reviews
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