Trip Report - 12/20 Departure Part 2
With a 12/20 departure, Christmas Eve fell during our stay at Dwarika’s in Khatmandu, and New Year’s Eve while at the Lalit in Khajuraho. Dwarika’s had a lovely performance but local youth of Christmas carols and standards, followed by a very classy dinner at a nicely decorated table Ordinarily that night of the tour was “on your own” but on account of Christmas, Tauck covered it. At the Lalit, they had a big outdoor buffet feast with music, celebratory masks and hats, etc… It was a bit cool out there, but lots of fires set up on the property for warmth. The buffet had every Indian dish you could imagine, and plenty of Western items as well. The Lalit was the one hotel that was a let down, and clearly chosen for location and convenience. We were there a whole 12 hours, including sleep (yes, not much sleep on this trip), so it was not a big issue. We were told that the Oberois was coming to town, and the new glossy brochure just arrived shows ’27 departures replacing the Lalit with the Oberois.
For the two 5 hour drives, each couple had its own SUV and driver, as did our solo traveler. It was stocked with snacks and drinks. Interesting looks when locals look up and see a convoy of white SUV’s, though for some it was familiar and brought waves of hello. The trailing Western toilet van was something else (for ladies only – the men were dispatched to the woods during rest stops). Our group experienced the new van, which had not only a nice Western toilet, but a waiting room with a bench for the ladies. The van had its own driver, plus an assistant to hand out sanitizer, etc…. It is clear Tauck is committed to this tour, and also serves its guests well.
The stop at the Dhulikel resort was a welcome respite and break mid trip, offering a nice opportunity to recharge batteries. There was so much to choose from, and it is worth considering skipping dinner the first evening to avail yourself of more of the facility. We did ayurvedic consultations which were approximately 1 hour sessions, and were impressed that it was followed up a few days later with an email summarizing the discussion, together with helpful materials. This was part of the base facility experience, and was not subject to an extra charge. Spa services were at additional cost, but reasonable compared to spas in resorts and on cruise ships. It was a pleasant change to not experience product sales during or after a treatment. If you can, ask your TD in advance for the list of activities - beyond spa treatments - so you can plan your day well in advance and take full advantage.
Heading out for the trip, I expected to have an experience that was different from my day to day, and one that gives you pause, appreciating what you have, and understanding what others don’t have. I did indeed. The differences were profound, but it was interesting that the lack of conveniences and materials things we take for granted was a way of life and they were engaged in communal ways. I found the Indian and Nepali people to be quite friendly and eager to assist, not only among hotel staff (who really aim to please) but even among the street folks you might engage with. I was also struck by the dichotomy of haves and have nots such as in Bombay, where a shanties/slum housing were be alongside a modern highrise tower. I encourage you to go to experience something very different, and to enhance your understanding of our world. You will also experience nature in two distinct safari settings, see some beautiful landscapes and temples and mosques, and enjoy Indian food beyond that served in American restaurants. This trip really does have it all.
Comments
Great report. Do the locals still use Bombay instead of Mumbai?
Wow; excellent Part 2 also! Thank you!
@British - Our local guide, who was excellent, indicated that both are fine to use, even though going in I had thought Mumbai, the official name now, was preferred. It may or may not be a preference of the guide herself, whose family and name traced to the Portuguese history predating British rule. Indeed while the British coined the name Bombay, it harkens we were told from Portuguese "Bom Bahia", meaning Good Bay. And note the airport code is BOM.
Thanks. We took the now changed tour that did not reach Mumbai..
Such a beautifully written narrative. Thank you for sharing.
Yes, and thoughtful paragraph line spaces, too!
Very nice report, thank you.