Holiday Reviews
We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same trip can have different views!
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Gujarat holidays, Asiatic Lions, Blackbuck & Wild Asses, independent reviews
 Reviewed 30 Jun 2009 by Lesley Prout |  |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Perhaps the sightings of leopards and wolves as well as the Asiatic lions, wild asses and blackbuck promised. But also being just about the only Europeans in the area we felt a lot closer to the local population including the tribal people.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
We went in June, immediately pre-monsoon, when it is very hot. This is not a problem if you manage it by taking early morning and late afternoon safaris and holing up during the hottest period. Although the bird population is lower then, the mammals are easier to spot near waterholes or with reduced foliage. We had an outstanding driver (Mr Deepsingh) and the personal service meant that we could request specific add-ons or diversions: the Harrappan city of Lothal (a mere 2,500 BC) and the Calico Museum at Amedabad were spectacular. Do your research before you go. Think about adding an extra day in Amedabad as we did. Remember that Gujurat is dry (alcohol) and the cuisine is largely vegetarian (excellent).
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
There are no chain hotels in Sasan Gir or the Rann of Kutch so all staff are local and of course this goes for the park drivers and trackers. Rann Riders was exemplary in its integration with the nine different communities in the nearby village. In both places the construction and operation was low impact.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was exceptionally enjoyable with excellent support from the operator who were not only able to tailor the programme to our specific requirements but also to react swiftly and creatively to unexpected circumstances - in our case the unscheduled closure of the Blackbuck Sanctuary (we still got in!).
| Reviewed 15 May 2009 by Ed King | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Staying in the Jalore Wildlife sanctuary. A fantastic initiative where wildlife areas are managed on a private basis, offering genuine protection and a chance for animals to thrive in India. In a country with enormous pressures on it's reserves, this is something to be truly applauded. We saw a wide range of wildlife including Asian Steppe cats, Hyenas and beautiful buck and were closely on the trail of an elusive female leopard and her cub.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
After March the temperature in the desert rises sharply. Go on the night safaris and do not be afraid to ask for anything. Ravindra will tailor the trip to your wishes.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, employment to locals and also not only protecting a habitat but actually improving it.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fantastic, the mix of adventure with luxury was amazing and the team tried very hard to meet our wishes. It is said all too often how unique somewhere is or a trip is, but in 20 years of travel to India we have never been to such a mix of unique wildlife spots with wonderful palace and fort like accommodation. The level of service was never less than first class. Really recommended and true luxury deserve every success with their initiative to protect India's wildlife on such a scale. Well done.