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Michael Radford
Melksham, England.
22 JAN TO 7 FEB,2015
I am a seasoned traveller. I have lived and worked in many countries and circumnavigated the world many times. I had never travelled to India previously. In March 2014 I prepared an itinerary for a trip to Northern India. It was to be predominantly by road with a few railway journeys. My research led me to believe that self drive was not a viable option. I contacted several websites that offered a car and driver service. Amongst those I contacted was Satish: rana1065@gmail.com Most were not interested in my itinerary and insisted on reduced travel and/or extended stays. Satish was the exception. I had a very swift response and a provisional quotation at a very reasonable price. It became apparent that Satish Rana owns East West Holidays. Most of my communications thereafter were with Satish. He made a few suggestions and in short order, To include 4 star hotel accommodation, a Toyota Innova car (a superbly spacious and comfortable vehicle) and driver on cal 24/7, all road tolls, taxes etc. To my astonishment he did not request payment. It was a gentlemen’s’ agreement. He made 3 train and 1 rail tour reservation for me. He secured forward facing window seats for each trip. He did not request payment until I arrived in India. I made a payment of 50% in November 2014, a further 25% on 22 January 2015 and the final 25% on 4 February 2015. I arrived at New Delhi Airport on 22 January 2015 where I was greeted by Satish and My Driver Madan. Satish presented me with a beautiful flower arrangement in honour of my birthday. En route to the hotel Madan took me to a contact where I obtained an Airtel Sim card for my mobile phone. Cheap to purchase and use. It was operational within hours. My first Indian hotel was the 4 star Connaught in New Delhi’s city centre. It is a grand old hotel remarkably quiet for its location and has impeccable service. At check in they realised it was my birthday and I was upgraded to a large suite. I left the hotel to obtain cash from an ATM. On my return I found a beautiful birthday cake atop my mini-bar. After my train travels, I arrived back in New Delhi and Satish had secured a room at the new 5 star Piccadilly hotel. I was upgraded to a club room. This was to be a trend...upgrades everywhere. All the hotels were 4 or 5 star. The only 2 disappointments were at properties that had received very good reviews in the past. My driver Madan spoke very good English. He had great knowledge of the roads (he never used a map.) He was available to me at all times. The vehicle was always immaculately clean. He was always waiting for me before the scheduled time. We forged a friendship. I have no hesitation at all in highly recommending and commending Satish Rana and Madan Lal. They provided excellent service and value for money. I doubt you could find better. I will certainly avail myself of their services.Beth cross, Georgia