Thank you Gary for another great holiday and the best
holiday organisation we have experienced (two years
running). All went well, yet again some great choices from
you. The hotels and homestays were just right. Tranquil was
superb. We shall be back - we have fallen in love with
India. Thank you again.
Alison Welton
February 2010
The whole decision-making and booking of the holiday was
swift and painless due to Kerala Connections' (Gary Tree's)
helpfulness and efficiency. We have declared this one of
the best holidays we have ever had. We greatly appreciated
having our own driver for 8 days and became very fond of
him. Kerala is a beautiful place with charming people.
Elizabeth Graham & Mike Brook
February 2010
We liked Philipkutty's the best, the hospitality was
exceptional and the food wonderful. The staff at Surya
Samudra were over attentive to the point of being annoying
and there was still a lot of building work going on.
Mr Christopher White
February 2010
Diana - from first talking to you to the end of our
holiday - it was superb. The Old Lighthouse Hotel in Cochin
was very good. The houseboat a wonderful experience. Marari
Beach was just wonderful. I could not find words to
describe the kindness and care we received. In fact, I do
not visit the same holiday destination more than once. But
I hope to go back next year. Thank you for everything.
Marian and Vivienne Rudd
January 2010
We had an absolutely wonderful holiday, totally
unforgettable. We met some fantastic people who added
immeasurably to our experience; both drivers Mr Sanil and
Mr Prakash; the lovely staff at Shamrock and Salim
Pushpanath and his small team at Aanavilasam stand out. On
our last night at Pollethai, the new chef prepared us a
wonderful Kerala feast which really was generous and
special. We will be recommending India and Kerala
Connections to friends and family.Thank you.
Andrew Gillon
January 2010
A wonderful trip. Although Olive Brook only gets '3' for
furnishing it was one of the nicest as the boys were so
kind and hospitable so '6' for hospitality!
Mr and Mrs Pierce
January 2010
Gary - this is to thank you very much indeed for
organising such a successful holiday for all of us. I know
it was extremely complex for you having to deal with such a
diverse number of people each with different needs - and
you managed it wonderfully well - all the connections
worked perfectly. The places you found for us to stay were
of the highest standard, and the drivers provided by Kerala
Connections were extremely good and very helpful. I shall
certainly recommend your
company to anyone I know wanting to travel to South India.
We greatly enjoyed the whole expedition.
Jane Falloon
January 2009
Just a quick note to say how much our group enjoyed the
trip you arranged for us to Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The
Marari Beach Resort was wonderful in every way, beach,
birds, flowering trees, lovely swimming pool and excellent
service. Your drivers were excellent, weaving their way
brilliantly along narrow roads crammed with people,
bicycles, scooters, lorries and buses, and the train was
fun even if filthy. The only slight let down of the entire
trip was the Radisson Hotel at Mahabalipuram - which was
spread out over a vast area and rather soulless with
inefficient service. I would very much hope to come back
to you next year to get suggestions for visiting Goa
perhaps combined with Hampi and Karnataka. In the meantime,
many thanks for all your help.
Valerie Pakenham
January 2010
This is the third time we have travelled with Kerala
Connections and we can't fault them in any way. From the
initial planning stage through to completion of journey,
everything has run like clockwork with excellent customer
care from both Kerala Connections and their Indian partner
- Companion Holidays. We will definitely be travelling with
them again.
Adele Alcock
January 2010
Thank you for arranging such an amazing trip for us. All
went smoothly with no hiccups. The organisation was
seamless and the information you sent most useful. We will
definitely be going to India again and Kerala Connections
will be top of the list of contacts. Fabulous!
Cath and Chris Henry
January 2010
Just to say a very big thank you for arranging what
turned out to be a most amazing holiday in South India! The
drive from Mysore to Cochin was absolutely beautiful,
particularly around Ooty and Munnar. Our driver, Anil, was
lovely and had a great sense of humour. All our
accommodation was first rate - particularly Orange County
and Tranquil. And as for Bangaram, well it was just totally
idyllic. We also loved Case del Fauno in Munnar.
Wendy Hampton
January 2010
The local agent arranged everything flawlessly and
smoothly. Kept in touch via the drivers. Shibu, our driver
for 10 days was courteous, considerate and competent. The
jeep safari at Munnar was too long. We had a really
enjoyable holiday overall and would recommend Kerala
Connections highly. Many thanks.
Howard and Karen Milsom
January 2009
Gary - I just wanted to drop you a quick e-mail to say a
big, big thank you for organising such a fantastic trip for
us. We had a brilliant time and everything went like
clockwork. The accommodation was all wonderful, the people
fantastic, food brilliant and such a beautiful place. We
will definitely be going back. Bangaram Island was very
disappointing. The staff and food were fantastic, however,
for the cost the accommodation was very poor.
Fiona McDonald
December 2009
Thank you for arranging such an enjoyable holiday. My
favourite hotel was Tea Bungalow. The houseboat trip was
made very special by Thomas who was so caring and a great
chef.
Alison Craig
December 2009
Kerala Connections is very thorough and efficient.
Trevor - an excellent and most memorable holiday. Thank you
for all your help with putting the itinerary together and
helping find hotels to suit our wishes. Everything ran like
clockwork.
Becky Thurtell
January 2010
Completely fantastic! It was a really great trip, I
loved it! The most huge and beautiful tropical place that I
had ever been to, I can't wait to return!
Julia Jean-Francois (from the US)
January 2010
(Responsible Travel customer - for full report go to
www.responsibletravel.com
Metropole Hotel, Mysore needs better management. Good
potential but poor organisation. Malabar House, Fort Cochin
- Sophia on the front desk is worth her weight in gold.
Breakfast spread distinctly average for this class of
hotel. A pity because the building and location are great.
Houseboat took a disappointing route.
Bruce Oliver
January 2010
A truly memorable holiday - many thanks. The local agent
was always available. All transfers went smoothly and
efficiently. We found that the CGH Earth Group
establishments were professionally run and the staff polite
and attentive. The Taj Green Cove at Kovalam could learn
some lessons from CGH Earth. The restaurant was chaotic,
staff like headless chickens and the food poor. The place
was great but the staff!!!.
Mr Underwood & Miss Cater
January 2010
It was a great holiday with a variety of experiences.
Kerala Connections clearly understood our needs and
preferences and matched that up with their extensive local
knowledge to produce an extremely well organised itinerary
and memorable experience.
Fiona Burke
January 2010
(Responsible Travel customer - for full report go to
www.responsibletravel.com)
Excellent holiday - the best organised of many to India.
Thanks.
Shaun Hill
December 2009
Top scores for all the hotels. On the whole this was an
excellent trip. The only negative comments I have are that
we didn't like being taken to shops where the guide
obviously had an arrangement with the owner.
Judith Lobo
December 2009
Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed our holiday and felt the
organisation was excellent. We would definitely recommend
Kerala Connections to our friends. I am already planning a
return trip in 2011. If other people are planning
genealogical trips in India, I would be happy to give them
the benefit of our experience!
Mrs Caroline Seville
November 2009
Amazing holiday!! Itinerary was perfect. We thoroughly
enjoyed Kerala (so green), people very hospitable. We
jammed so much into our seven days and a lot of our holiday
was made a better experience because Raj, our driver, went
out of his way to show us as much as possible - he was
brilliant. Thank you Gary for your advice on planning the
trip.
Mavis Mellish
November 2009
Thank you so much for organising our trip so perfectly.
We really had a wonderful time. We did find the South of
India much easier for travelling than in the North.
Everything went really smoothly and that's unusual for our
holidays! Overall we were very happy with the accommodation
with the exception of the Metropole Hotel in Mysore. The
building is quite beautiful and we recognise that heritage
hotels will often be quirky. But our complaints are mostly
in relation to cleanliness and efficiency. We loved the
Gateway Hotel at Coonoor - excellent food and wonderful
Yoga master. Tea Bungalow at Fort Cochin
was just perfect. Our room was stunningly furnished and
decorated, the two managers could not have been more
helpful. I wrote a review to Trip Advisor as soon as we
returned. The houseboat trip was stunning, perfect for
relaxation, so very peaceful and beautiful. Our crew were
charming and again the food was superb. Marari Beach was a
perfect ending to our trip. A number of people have already
asked us about our travel arrangements and we have passed
your name onto them. We will not hesitate to recommend you
to anyone thinking of travelling to India. We certainly
hope to return as soon as possible. Thank you again for all
your advice, planning and recommendations.
Jill Muggleton
November 2009
You can really recommend Hindustan Beach Hotel. Super
spa and massage.
Marie-Louise Arnberg
November 2009
Dewalokam Resort - what a find! Fantastic family,
brilliant location, more like a 5 star resort. The very
best that Kerala has to offer.Thank you and keep it up.
George and Jeanette Tripp
October 2009
The beach resort (Marari) would be better near a town
(not much to see). Thattekkad bird guide and sanctuary were
excellent. Thekkady, we stayed there to see wildlife, there
was very little to see (flying foxes excepted). The
organisation was good and seamless. A well sorted tour.We
loved Kerala.
David and Barbara Leishauer
October 2009
We had a great holiday and couldn't fault the
organisation and arrangements. A great mix of things to see
and do, and a great welcome everywhere that we went. It was
a shame that we didn't get to visit the Periyar National
Park - but it gives us an excuse to return!
Mrs Priest
October 2009
We had a wonderful honeymoon. Each hotel made a special
effort for our special holiday. All the
accommodation/resorts were absolutely excellent. Special
praise to the houseboat crew - they made our stay with them
very special. Sanil our driver was an absolute joy, very
professional and helpful.
Carol Atkinson
September 2009
I wanted to say how much we enjoyed our holiday. Superbly
organised from start to finish, it was the dream family
adventure I'd hope for. So much so, I'd like to see if you
can arrange a jaunt to Marari Beach for us as we fell in
love with the peace (and open- hearted warmth of the staff)
at Marari.
Kathy Conant
January 2010
I think Kerala Connections documentation is really
excellent - congratulations! A wealth of info and Handy
Hints ...!
Unlike almost all other organisations Kerala Connections
still knows what excellent customer service actually is!
I am most impressed and would like to thank you!
Philip Hinchliff
November 2009
A complete bespoke itinerary with one week's notice –
that is impressive. And it all worked flawlessly. Very good
ground staff as well – the drivers were very helpful and
good guides. We nicknamed Krishna’s care “The Magic Carpet”
because you just spoke the word and 5 minutes later you
were there. Thank you very much for an excellent,
professional job.
Sjoerd Wadman and Ramona Becker
September 2009
The holiday was a great success. All the arrangements
worked perfectly. All the accommodation we stayed in was
good, but we particularly enjoyed the homestay at Gitanjali,
Mysore which was a peaceful oasis. The CGH Earth hotels (Brunton
Boatyard, Coconut Lagoon and Marari Beach) were all
wonderful. The hospitality was amongst the best we have
ever experienced with extremely helpful and courteous
staff, great food (especially at Coconut Lagoon), wonderful
settings and spacious accommodation. It was also impressive
to see the real effort the company is making to encourage
sustainable tourism, particularly at Marari Beach. Both our
drivers, Manu (Bangalore to Wayanad) and Prakash (Wayanad
to the Backwaters) were great. They were always on time,
the cars were clean and comfortable, and they were happy to
stop wherever we wanted. Mr Kumar at Cochin was very
friendly and telephoned us several times (via the drivers)
to check we were happy and to confirm arrangements for the
next step. We appreciated this and enjoyed meeting him in
Cochin.
We received a high standard personal service whilst in
India. A number of the staff in the places we stayed also
mentioned that they knew Diana, Gary or other Kerala
Connections staff and commented on how much care you take
in checking the quality of the accommodation. This is
obviously the case from our experience and thank you for
that.
Overall then a wonderful time was had by all and we will
definitely be travelling to southern India with Kerala
Connections again, probably in 2011, when we would like to
explore the eastern side from Chennai down to Madurai and
possibly the southern tip of Kerala. Thank you once again
for all your hard work, and care and attention in planning
and arranging our perfect holiday. We would be grateful if
you could also pass on our thanks and appreciation to the
great team in India and all the people who helped to make
it such a memorable time for us.
Karen, Andy and Ellie Zuntz
August 2009
A fabulous holiday! Thank you so much. CGH Earth should
be very proud of their staff - it really made each resort
so much better having such friendly and caring people.
Kirrie Wallace
August 2009
Thanks to Diana and Trevor at Kerala Connections, we had
a colourful and very exciting trip to Kerala last Christmas
2008. We stayed in a variety of accommodation some of which
were outstanding and good value for what they were
offering. Most were a middling price range. We by no means
stayed at 5* luxury places throughout although we did enjoy
one or two special places. Most were very different from
places we have stayed elsewhere. Perhaps that is the
diversity of India but we felt their local knowledge made
the difference between a good trip and a great trip. We
booked comparatively late and hotel/homestay availability
was limited so we were especially pleased with where we
found ourselves. The transport was well arranged with good
cars and drivers. When there was a problem beyond their
control, they made sure everything was sorted to our
satisfaction. We were very pleased overall and recommend
them highly to anyone thinking of a trip to Kerala or
elsewhere in India.
Penny Parkes
December 2008
We had a WONDERFUL holiday and loved every moment - so
thanks for putting it together for us. I though the
itinerary was brilliant and worked very well. We really
enjoyed everywhere we stayed, Olive Brook was charming -
and especially loved our team on the houseboat. My mum and
dad are thinking a bout a trip next year - so obviously I
will put them in touch with you.
Ms G Charlesworth
April 2009
Safely returned from a fantastic holiday in Kerala so I
though that I'd write to say thanks for the organisation
and work you put in. Everything went smoothly and as our
son decided to stay on Mr Kumar sorted out accommodation
for him. This 'on-the-hoof' arrangement was made with the
minimum of fuss and no inconvenience to us - top marks to
him. For us Brunton Boatyard and Windermere were the pick
of the hotels. However, the accommodation and food were
superb in all the hotels and all the staff we met were
unfailingly helpful, cheerful and courteous. Thanks again.
Mr I Dodd
April 2009
Mr Kumar was charming and made suggestions as little
extra to add to our trip eg we witnessed a Hindu
procession. Our driver, Shree, was wonderful. He was
patient and good humoured all the time.
Mrs G Fine (booked through Responsible Travel)
March 2009
The Leela, Kovalam was very good but a large hotel and
rather impersonal. I would absolutely recommend the
services of Kerala Connections. You provided a suburb
service.
Mrs Simmons
March 2009
Our holiday in Kerala was well planned and we enjoyed it.
Thank you for arranging our trip at such short notice.
Mr and Mrs Metzner
March 2009
All the accommodation was superb as were the general
organisation, transfers and activities. Paradisa Plantation
was quite outstanding in every respect and the Nimmy Paul
cookery session was a real treat. We had a holiday with
many 'highlights' and no 'low points'. Your selected
itinerary was perfect - thank you.
Mr and Mrs Boulton
March 2009
The booking procedures, organisation and documents supplied
by you were excellent. We appreciated the use of the Bird
book - thank you. We had a really enjoyable holiday. Our
driver, Ramesh, was excellent. The trip enabled us to see
and do many things - often quite different. Thank you.
Mrs Jean Coote
March 2009
The whole holiday was superb. Our driver, Shibu, was
excellent - he was with us for 8 days and never put a foot
wrong. The cruise on the backwaters was quite lovely and
the food outstanding. Coconut Lagoon was very good and the
staff really good. Spice Village was outstanding, the staff
could not have been better, particularly Gidish and Johnie.
They really put themselves out for us. As you know we are
keen on birds and thanks to the excellent guides we saw 130
species whilst we were on holiday in Kerala. Well done all
round for arranging such a great trip. We may well go back
again some day and we would definitely use your company.
Mr F Onslow
February 2009
The friendliness, co-operation, positive attitude,
cheerfulness and attention from everyone at Marari Beach
Resort was the best we have ever experienced.
Mr and Mrs Byrne
February 2009
We must say that we had a wonderful time in Kerala and all
arrangements went perfectly. I can recommend the
balance/mix of the trip which worked very well. Everyone we
met was most helpful and caring. All drivers were most
friendly and informative. You are aware of the driving
techniques in India, so sufficient to say we survived!
Thank you for a marvellous holiday, every step of the way
was an adventure. I will of course recommend your services
to anyone I encourage to try Kerala.
Steve Finch
February 2009
Gary - I would like to personally to thank you for all your
efforts on our behalf. We had the most fantastic holiday -
best ever and hope to return to Kerala before too long.
Alison Welton
January 2009
A very good holiday. Everyone in Kerala tried to please and
went out of their way to help. Our driver, Ramesh, was
excellent, outstanding. We were very impressed with Kerala
Connections organisation and documentation.
Mr and Mrs Bloom
February 2009
We had a wonderful holiday in Kerala and thank you for
all your efforts on our behalf. Overall this was one our
our best holiday and everything went like clockwork, no
doubt due to your excellent organisation. Kerala and the
people were lovely and you couldn't wish for a better
introduction to India.
Mr and Miss Hissey
February 2009
Gary Tree went to a great deal of trouble advising me on
hotels and locations and as a result we had a superb
holiday. The staff at both our hotels (Koder House and
Coconut Lagoon) went out of their way to be pleasant and
helpful and were really appreciative of the fact that we
were spending a week with them.
Clare Pugh
January 2009
We thoroughly enjoyed all our stays and the standard was
very high. Mr Kumar was most helpful, efficient and prompt
at dealing with any request.
Mr and Mrs Goldstein
January 2009
A wonderful holiday - we will definitely recommend you to
our friends and will be using your services again when we
return. Many, many thanks.
Mr and Mrs Tudor
January 2009
I found that Kerala Connections were very efficient and
never had to worry that the driver would not turn up. 10
out of 10 for both Kerala Connections and Mr Daniel.
Mrs Kemsley
January 2009
Wonderful holiday, organisation excellent. No complaints.
Mr Shibu, out divers was exceptional - reliable, polite and
helpful and a lovely person who helped make our holiday so
wonderful. Thank you.
Mr Lucas and Miss Hall
January 2009
I just want to tell you on behalf of all four of us what a
magnificent job you did on our itinerary. The hotels were
all so different and great fun. The locations could not
have been better. We all had the best holiday we have ever
had. We were pleased that you suggested that we just stick
to Kerala on this occasion. Your service was so personal
and you were not thwarted by all our questions. Thank you
so much. We would be happy to talk to potential Kerala
Connections customers to tell them about the excellent
service you provide.
Mr and Mrs Sint
January 2009
An absolutely super holiday. Everything worked like
clockwork and the guides were super. The driver was very
good and a delightful person. The Taj Green Cove is
beautiful.
Mr and Mrs Keys
January 2009
We had a wonderful time and thought the people of Kerala
are the most friendly we have met anywhere. We had a
magical time and are grateful for all the organising. We
are interested in doing a tour of North India and will talk
to you about this.
Pat Stanley
January 2009
We just wanted to say thank you to all your staff, both
here and in India, who helped to organise such a fabulous
trip. Everything was perfect and ran smoothly. I thought
our trip was perfectly paced and gave a wonderful
combination for people like us who like to sightsee but
don't like to dash about madly. Thanks again for all your
hand work which gave us such a wonderful holiday. I will be
writing to the Vegetarian Society magazine about our trip
and will include your website.
Liz Wyman
January 2009
A truly wonderful holiday - we have now been twice with
Kerala Connections and would go again!
Hilary Marks
January 2009
In the last three years we have used this company for
holidays in Kerala (twice) and Sri Lanka. They were
recommended to us by friends who rated their service and,
as you can see by the number of times we have used them, we
have not been disappointed. They have arranged holidays to
suit our particular needs, and have always been available
on the end of a phone to discuss variations in itinerary or
programme. Being a small company they have always provided
a dedicated member of staff to deal with us, and even if
that person has not been available, a colleague has always
been able to deal with any issue raised. The accommodation
they have suggested has always matched our requirements
exactly, and they speak from personal and recent
experience. The travel and accommodation arrangements are
impeccable, and our contacts and guides in India and Sri
Lanka have always been punctual, well informed and
extremely solicitous. We have not had one single hitch in
any of our three holidays and are confident that if we had,
they would be sorted with the efficiency and attention to
detail they bring to the rest of their organisation. We
have recommended them to other friends who have had a
similar experience to those described here. As to costs, we
have found them very reasonable when comparing their prices
with those of other agents and with internet prices. The
next time we go to this part of the world we will certainly
use Kerala Connections and continue to recommend them to
friends without hesitation.
Vaughn Malcolm
December 2008
Our Kerala tour was just perfect - spacious vehicles,
careful drivers, wonderful accommodation, fantastic staff
and beautiful locations. The itinerary couldn't have suited
us better and it all joined together seamlessly. I would be
hard pressed to think of one moment when we weren't
thoroughly enjoying ourselves. All in all a really great
holiday - many thanks.
Mrs Bouchet
December 2008
Our holiday was a near perfect as it could have been. India
far exceed our expectations for both scenery, interest and
the delightful nature of the people. I think the only thing
we disliked, was having to leave! The information and help
that Kerala Connections provided throughout was extremely
thorough, accurate and so useful. We would both love to go
back and explore some more and we would certainly use your
company again and would have no hesitation in recommending
your excellent service. Thank you for introducing us to
such an enchanting part of the world.
David and Hazel Fairall
December 2008
This is a very quick note to thank you for all of your work
in organising our recent holiday to Kerala. It was the real
trip of a lifetime. We have been to so many places over the
years but I don't think we have ever experienced the
brilliant organisation and lovely people to meet that you
managed to arrange for us during our holiday. Firstly, it
was a great balance between lovely lakeside resorts and
fantastic inland scenery - ending up in Cochin. Secondly,
everyone we met spoke so highly of you. It's obvious that
you work well with all of your colleagues there - and I
guess treat people fairly. And we reaped the benefits in
terms of people going out of their way to give us a good
holiday.
All in all it was a really good holiday and we are hugely
impressed with the way that everything was managed. Thank
you so much.
Prof Geoff White
December 2008
We especially enjoyed Koder House in Cochin, Windermere
Estate in Munnar and the houseboat. We had a wonderful time
and your recommendations were good.
Orna Matz
December 2008
In summary, we had an amazing holiday, thank you!
Everything was great, especially our driver Krishnan. We
really appreciated being able to relax and enjoy the tour
without having to organise ourselves too much. Kerala is an
amazing place and we loved everything about it. Kerala
Connections make the whole trip simple and enjoyable - your
expertise truly made our holiday - one of the best we've
ever had.
Mr and Mrs Downey
December 2008
We had an outstanding holiday, it was a great balance of
culture and relaxation. We want to give a big shout out for
Bennett, our driver, tour guide and buddy. What a lovely
person. He was like an extension to our family. We felt
100% comfortable with him and in those driving conditions
he really made us feel at ease.
Thanks for providing us with a memorable holiday...
awesome!!
Stewart family
December 2008
The top score does not seem high enough. Orange County
Kabini and Casa del Fauno - both wonderful, top class
establishments in every respect. Our diver, Ramesh, was
absolutely first class.
Ms Perret and Mr Park
December 2008
We would like to thank you and complement you on organising
such a wonderful holiday in Kerala. We both had the most
fantastic time. I cried as we left Coconut Lagoon I loved
it so much. We have sung your praises to many.
Mr and Mrs Butters
December 2008
Our driver Ramesh was excellent and I highly recommend the
food at Olive Brook being a major highlight of the holiday.
Stella Grove
December 2008
Gary Tree was excellent to deal with. I will recommend
him and your business. Thanks.
Mr and Mrs Bucknell
November 2008
Great trip, I have told many people to only go through you!
So well done and thanks.
Mr and Mrs Tetlow
October 2008
Thank you for our final documents. We've also got our
visas. I must say again that I think you provide a
wonderful service and you are so efficient. I have never
found such a good travel company.
Julia Barr
Taking holiday in January 2009
We had a marvellous holiday. The drivers were excellent
throught. I would happily recommend you to anyone who
wanted a similar holiday in India.
Bob B
August 2008
What a fantastic holiday Pam and I had! We were delighted
with the hotels, the itinerary, the pre holiday information
and very impressed with the whole Kerala Connections
Experience!
Many many thanks for all your wonderful organisation and
attention to detail. Our trip was one of the best I've ever
had!
Penni McCallum, Edinburgh
November 2008
It was a great holiday. Everyone was most helpful. The
driver was excellent. Excellent part of the world. Very
friendly people. We are 75 and 77 and had no problems -
health or physical completing this lovely holiday.
Mr and Mrs T
February 2008
We have had an absolutely brilliant holiday. Everything went
perfectly. Your organisation is first class.
Mrs R
February 2008
We enjoyed everything so much I can't tell you. Tranquil
was magic, Cicada delightful (and we saw a tiger at
Nagarhole), Coconut Lagoon a delight and the staff at
Brunton Boatyard could not be kinder (and great food there).
The organisation of the whole trip was incredible.
Gina N and Elizabeth N
February 2008
I thought I would just drop you a note to say how much we
enjoyed our recent holiday. The organisation could not be
faulted. It is a beautiful country and everyone was so
friendly. Kerala Connections obviously has a very good
reputation especially at Coconut Lagoon who treated us as
honoured guests.
I also thought that you might be interested to hear our
views on Etihad Airlines. The seating, meals and in-flight
entertainment (all very important on a long flight) were
excellent. We would certainly fly with them again, although
Abu Dhabi airport is a little limited in its entertainment
value after 5 hours!
Again, thank you for a magical holiday.
Heather B
February 2008
Best arranged and organised holiday ever - hated the heat.
Mr N
Best holiday ever - loved the temperature. Our driver (Anil)
was superb.
Mrs N
February 2008
We had a fantastic holiday...the holiday of a lifetime
indeed!! Kerala is a fantastic place and we got a good
overview of its diversity. All the arrangements and
transfers worked like clockwork - no failures, no slip ups,
on time and to time. We really appreciated the detailed
information you provided to us ahead of time, both the
general information and the information specific to our
itinerary. I would never have been able to negotiate the
tipping maze without it!! Everyone we met was polite and
helpful and I have never come across such attentive service.
And as for the food - stunning, wonderful...now has me
researching South Indian restaurants in our area as I am not
sure I can have the 'usual curry' ever again.
We would pay special tribute to our driver (Shibu) for the
bulk of the trip. Excellent driver, good English, very
helpful but not in the least intrusive or over the top. A
very dignified guy whom we all took to.
Noah (aged 11) had a great time and was of course fussed to
death by staff, drivers, passers by...everyone!!
So, Diana I hope you can tell that we loved our holiday and
cannot speak highly enough of your thoughtfulness and
efficiency in planning our itinerary. We would most
definitely use you again if we go to Kerala and have already
started recommending you to other people.
Thanks again.
All best wishes
John (Cheryl and Noah)
January 2008
We were very impressed with Mr Daniel and the Companion
Holidays team. He called us to make sure everything was OK
and then again to confirm pick up times. The Hindustan Beach
Retreat at Varkala was a really good recommendation. Just
what we were looking for - thank you.
Andrew and friends
November 2007
A really enjoyable adventure-cum holiday. Sanil was an
excellent driver and companion, he looked after us extremely
well and has a great sense of humour. From the scores you
can tell we enjoyed ourselves.
Dorothy and Ian
December 2007
A wonderful introduction to this part of India. People very
friendly and helpful. The local agent was very helpful and
attentive (eg Mr Kumar ensured we got on the correct train
seat). We would love to explore the east coast area and
possibly North Kerala next time.
Jackie and John
January 2008
All of the hotels were excellent. Thank you for a thoughtful
well planned itinerary. It was an excellent Kerala
experience.
Wendy and Helga
October 2007
Thanks again for a wonderful trip - we really had a
wonderful time. We especially enjoyed Varkala and Periyar.
The houseboat ride was fabulous, the cooking extraordinary
but the night was an ordeal as the AC was too loud. At
Periyar we saw a black leopard and a giant squirrel. The
Spice Village is special for its fragrant air, the many
activities and the extraordinary attention it bestows on its
guests. I almost telephoned you to ask if we could drop some
of the other destinations and stay there longer.
Here's hoping some day we can retrace our steps in Kerala.
Thanks again for all your hard work and attention to detail.
Family from Latvia
January 2008
We both absolutely love the whole holiday. Very well
arranged. All accommodation higher standards than we
expected except Green Villa.
Ann and Pauline
December 2007
Just to let you know that the trip went well. Thank you for
your organisation and advice. We will recommend to others.
Wherever we went, the staff were helpful and seem to have
pride in their work. In its own way, we found Surya Samudra
to be the most enjoyable hotel.
Mr and Mrs L
December 2007
You put together a very successful itinerary. Nothing went
wrong and we felt totally at ease. Lovely hotels, delicious
food, smiling people and all in all a hugely enjoyable two
weeks.
Simon and Angela
November 2007 |