Traveling with kimkim makes your holiday dreams come true
India
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Jun 10 - Jun 20, 2023
Ravi did an amazing job creating the ideal experience for our trip. We wanted: mountains, nature, tea, and history. And that is exactly what we got. Amritsar and staying at Ranjit’s Svaasa is a must do in order to learn and see the Golden Temple and Community Kitchen. I will also add visiting the India-Pakistan Border Ceremony as a truly unique experience. Next, McLeodganj is an oasis of peace and serenity. The mountains, monastic life, and connection to nature are unparalleled. Sonu, the local tour guide, gave an excellent tour and made our experience personal and connected. Stopping for a day in Palampur to visit Wah tea and stay at the Wah Lodge was well worth the time. The Lodge is gorgeous, the staff absolutely pleasant, and peaceful was the property. Afterwards we traveled to Shimla. This summer capital boasts of unique history as well as dramatic views. Stop at the Indian Coffee Cafe for a delightful cuppa and local experience. After a long train ride and then flight the next morning, we arrived in Darjeeling. The tea tour (Makaibari) and tasting (Mayukh) were exceptional. The local guide, Bipen, was attentive, kind, and well informed. Although our time of year to visit was rainy and foggy in Darjeeling, it was absolutely worth the trip to Northeast India. On our final day back in Dehli, we did a tour of Old Dehli. The Red Fort is a must see as well as walking the Chandni Chowk market. Yogi, our guide, did a great job adding personal touches such as stopping at the oldest Jalebi and Parantha stands for lunch.
Overall, our India experience was exactly what we wanted, and we have Ravi and kimkim to thank for it. We marveled at the past, present, and future of this remarkable country.
Hotel Reviews
Amazing hotel! Beautiful property, excellent view, attentive staff.
A must stay place for Amritsar! An oasis in a bustling city. Beautiful grounds, unique architecture, attentive staff, and delicious food.
The hotel was fine, but the wallpaper was coming off of the wall, and different metal pieces were starting to rust.
Activity Reviews
We loved getting to see Golden Temple and the Community Kitchen. We got an up close view of how the kitchen operates, which was really cool. We also added on the Indi-Pakistan Border Ceremony and while extremely hot outside, it was definitely worth seeing.
The guide, Sonu, explained clearly the meaning behind each part of the Kora Walk. He was cognizant of the pace and needs of the group. Seeing Dalai Lama’s Temple is a highlight.
One of our favorite activities. Not a strenuous hike at all, more like a beautiful nature walk. Sonu, the guide, pointed out plants and birds local to the area along the way. It only takes about 1.5 hours to complete. I wish it were longer!
Norbulingka is great to learn more about Tibetan History and Arts. Seeing up close how they paint, wood carve, and do appliqué was unique to see. I appreciated that they have created a space where people can watch and learn the arts.
We were given a tour by the owner of Wah. His history, personal experience, and investment were evident. We enjoyed getting to see the tea process in action. And the tea was delicious!
This was a great day learning about the history of the summer capital. We especially liked visiting India Institute for Advanced Studies (IIAS). Be sure to take the inside tour too!
It was unique to see and talk with the women harvesting leaves! The tour was great. We learned so much and what makes Darjeeling Tea so unique in comparison to other teas around the world.
We love Darjeeling! The zoo and mountaineering institute were well worth the stop. Groom Monastery is beautiful and Bipen, the local guide, gives an excellent description of Buddhism and its philosophy.
Although scorching hot, Old Dehli was worth seeing. We switched our tour to a half day, Old Dehli only, trip due to the heat, which was the right call. Red Fort and Chandni Chowk are highlights of the city.
Dear Dani,
Many Thanks for your appreciation and wonderful feedback.
I’m so glad to hear that we were able to make your experience with us a memorable one and that you enjoyed all of the amenities we offer. I will pass on your compliments about the Guide – he is very enthusiastic about what he does! We hope that in future visits you’ll have an opportunity to try more of what we offer. If there are any specific areas where we can improve upon during your next visit, please do let us know as feedback is always welcome here at Active India.
Thanks
Ravi