Wi-Fi now free at Taj Hotels

We are pleased to report that at last the Taj group of hotels have listened to their customers and from 15 November 2014 the Wi-Fi will be free in all their hotels.  It has long been a frustration for our customers that most of the other accommodation used during their holiday (hotels, guesthouses and homestays) offer complimentary Wi-Fi but when they stay in a more expensive hotel such as a Taj they are charged.  We (and no doubt many other Tour Operators) have raised this issue with the management – so we are very pleased that our advice has been acted upon. 

Another Season of Top Scores

We are very pleased to report that yet again our customers are ‘more than satisfied’ with our service.  80% of last season’s customers supplied us with feedback and of these 95% gave us the top score (excellent).  The rest gave us the second score (good).  Not a single customer ranked us as ‘satisfactory or below’.  I don’t suppose there are many tour operators who can make such claims.  We are very grateful to our local agents, our drivers and all our suppliers who all help to make our customers holidays ‘excellent’.  Many thanks to them and all our customers who take the time to give us their feedback. 

Four Star and Heritage Hotels to retain their Licences

The High Court ruling has enabled more than just the five star hotels to serve alcohol.  This is a partial victory for common sense and from the visitors’ point of view it is not just the few who chose to stay in five star hotels that will be able to ‘drink’ with their meal. 

The Times of India newspaper dedicated a whole page to the news item.  I was interviewed about the effect this ban would have on tourists and many of my comments were included.  See the link below:

http://keralaconnections.co.uk/Alcohol_Report_in_Times_of_India_31-Oct-14.pdf

Sundays are now 'Dry Days' in Kerala

Further to my Blog below I have recently returned from Kerala where there was much discussion within the industry about the new alcohol licencing rules.  Heavy drinking amongst local men within some sections of Kerala society is creating serious problems within families (domestic violence and financial hardship).  A local politician wants to tackle this issue and it would, of course, be a popular move amongst female voters.  The new law was rushed in and already hundreds of bars in Kerala have been closed.  However, the politicians did not, apparently, consider the implications for tourism within the state.    

It is, of course, unfair to penalise tourists for a local issue – but the blanket approach does just that (hotel bars, even those that only serve residents, are not exempt from the ruling).  Bizarrely, the new rule only targets bars and not ‘Off Licences’ – so people will still be able to buy alcohol by the bottle!!

The travel industry recognises that this move will have a detrimental effect on their business and has taken the case to the High Court of India.  At the time of writing a decision is pending.  This means that the new rule did not come into force on 12 September as planned and although many bars have already been closed - most hotel bars remain open for the time being.  But from 1 October the other part of this new regulation – adding every Sunday to the list of ‘dry days’ - has been adopted.

For our customers and all visitors to Kerala the situation remains fluid and you will need to take local advice about the consumption of alcohol.

New Alcohol Regulations in Kerala

The regulations in Kerala about alcohol have been restrictive for many years as there is a history of alcoholism in some sections of the local population.  A full licence is very expensive and it would be hard for hotels to re-coup the cost in profits (particularly small hotels).  There are also restrictions regarding the position of the bar/restaurant and their proximity to temples, churches or schools which means that few hotels are able to obtain a full licence.  Many smaller hotels therefore apply for a Beer and Wine licence and most guesthouses do not apply at all. 

From 12 September 2014 the rules will become even more restricted.  Only 5 star hotels can have a full licence (there are only around 20 five star hotels in the whole of Kerala). This means that many of our customers favourite hotels (because they are not five star) will no longer be able to offer a full range of drinks.  In addition the Kerala government have added every Sunday to the existing 1^st of the month and all national and religious holidays as ‘dry days’ when no alcohol may be consumed. 

This restriction is a great pity for foreign tourists who like to enjoy an aperitif before dinner and a beer or wine with their meal.  As tourism is a major source of income for the state it does seem very short sighted.  We hope that common sense will resume and the rules will be changed so that hotels can provide the refreshments their residents require.  But, in the meantime, we hope you understand the difficult situation this restriction has placed on the hoteliers and not pressurise them into breaking the law. 

New State in Southern India

In November 2000 India created three new states – the first in 30 years.  Chhattisgarh, Uttaranchal and Jharkhand were created by reducing in size three huge Northern Indian states - Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar respectively.  Now Andhra Pradesh – the largest southern state has been split into two – creating the new state of Telangana.  AP’s state capital – Hyderabad – falls within Telangana and will act as capital for both states for the foreseeable future.  

India now has 29 states – some huge, some tiny.  Most were created after independence based on linguistic groupings.  With a population three times that of the United States many people feel that more are required to help spread the funding into the impoverished areas.  So Telangana will probably not be the newest state for long. 

Monty Don goes on holiday to South India

Monty Don re-visited India after his 'Round the World in 80 Gardens' visit seven years ago.  This time he was on holiday and we were pleased to see he selected South India.  He stayed in the Vivanta by Taj in Coorg, Neeleshwar Hermitage and The Lotus in North Kerala - all places we offer.  If you are interested to read the article which was published in the Daily Mail the link is below.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-2597161/Slowing-Kerala-time-Monty-Don-finds-inner-peace-Indian-yoga-break.html