Regions Travelled:
North East India

Hotels:

Excellent

Transportation / Car – Coach:
Excellent. My driver was excellent.

Local Representative:
Excellent.

Sightseeing:
Excellent

Did the Tour meet your expectations?
I did not have an expectation for the challenges of traveling in Northern West Bengal and Sikkim. Having been to India four times we knew what to expect around its colors, sight, sounds, smells, foods, local and cultures. While many things were familiar , it was surprising how such short distances, could take so long to traverse. Mr. Swateen, the driver was familiar with all the terrain and with Subha Newar, our guide also a veteran of these locales, their daily plan for routes and rest/snack times were logical and efficient. It was also very reassuring to know that they knew many other drivers and guides in all the areas we visited. As I mentioned in my email regarding criteria, we had visited many monasteries in Bhutan 12 years ago. While we found the interiors much as we remembered, the exteriors and surroundings were different and charming. My only disappointment was the cloudy weather in places were we were looking to view Khanchangdzonga and the other peaks visible from Tiger Hill in Darjeeling. Our earlier stay in Pelling was our best chance to see it and the weather gods only allowed us a few of the three highest peaks and glaciers for some 30 minutes. We were delighted with the Silver Oaks Elgin and the Mount Pandim in Pelling due to their victorian character and charm, not to mention the service of the traditional wait staff in the dinning room. We expected and hoped for the same at the other two, but fully understand that you were constrained due to my criteria.

What were your feelings before you started your tour to India and how do you feel now?
We have always had good feelings for India, all the more so after our first trip to Rajastan and the Gangetic Plain. Most of our family and friends were skeptical of our going there for the first time in October of 1995, given their “popular knowledge”, thus their expectations of a country so wracked with poverty, disease, obscure and arcane cultures, languages and religions. We as Christians have come to respect the ethics and passion of Indians and that they as we are all on a journey seeking peace and happiness for ourselves and our loved ones. I lament what I see in the society, where individuals and groups toil diligently and purposefully in their work, for so little in return. Having seen road building communities in Hamashal Pradesh, where families lived along side the recently graded road, amidst the dust, dirt and tar smoke, with women and children breaking up rocks by hand, while tending to a toddler on their backs. I was disappointed to see similar scenes in northern West Bengal, lo, these 24 years later. I know of the progress India has made in many areas, and admire the effort and leadership which has brought it about, but too many streets are still unfinished, gutters still blocked, electric transmission cables weaving from over burdened poles, swaying in the breeze, water delivery lines laid out along the roadway, etc. The Western/American visitor/tourist, looks at these conditions and shudders and says, why can’t they finish building, or tearing down, or fencing, or grading or cleaning up the trash? I saw an older man, a painter meticulously restoring the colors and lines of the Indian flag along the base of a monument at a crossroads in Jaigaon, surrounded by a noisy, chaotic, whirlpool of vehicles and pedestrians. Such care attention is needed in all areas of civil and public projects. Sikkim is trying, and so we learned from our excellent guide. I see these things and ask myself those question. Many would say that then it would not be India. I don’t think so. It would be a better India if more of its leaders were to be genuinely apply themselves and their followers improvements in these matters.

What was the highlight of your Tour?
We carried away from our stay in Jaigaon with the Kafley family wedding, a gift of being welcomed and embraced by they and their relatives from many places. That was the highlight of our trip. Within the nine days we were touring, we marveled at the proliferation of Poinsettias all along the roadside. It is a plant native to Mexico, and I was delighted to see this import from my parent’s homeland. We very much enjoyed the menus and the quality of preparation and service in all the hotels. Everyone in service, whom we met was courteous, gracious and efficient in all aspects of the roes they had. The train trip was full of surprises and fun and was set up by Subha to seamlessly begin a day wit many activities. The rides trough the cedar forests and the surprising route from Darjeeling to Siliguri, which took us next to the border with Nepal was also memorable. The visit to the Zoo in Darjeeling was also great.

What would you like to explore in India next?
It is more of interest to my wife than mine, and interest in visiting the Northeasterly corner of India along the Bhamaputra River, where there are indigenous tribes.

Any other suggestions / comments
Our guide, Subha Newar was excellent. he looked out continuously for my and my wife’s well bing. he supported me continuously as we walked anywhere during the tour, explaining what we could expect, or course giving us historical background and information. We did not plumb his wealth of knowledge fully, but was always ready and able to expand and provide more depth to our questions and observations. he is proud son of his native land and show that he has an interest and desire to improve his stills and abilities to communicate with future clients their languages. (German being one.) again I must mention that he provided me physical assistance whenever I needed it or called up him. (Allowing me to rest my hand on shoulder as we strolled or used stairways, Taking photos for me with my iPhone.)

How was your Experience with “Kumar Tours” from Enquiry to Travel, till end of services.
Always of high quality and professionalism.

Would you like to recommend your friends to travel with Kumar Tours
Yes!

 

 

Mr. Anthony Edward Ramirez and Mrs. Jean Ann Ramirez – California USA
*** Photos shared with Kumar Tours by the guest

Mr. Anthony Edward Ramirez and Mrs. Jean Ann Ramirez – California USA
*** Photos shared with Kumar Tours by the guest