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
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 as 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
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Penny Parkes
December 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 as 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
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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