Wild Encounters: Same-Day Safari to Sariska & Jhalana from Delhi

Safaris were amazing just don't use this company

We have just returned from our trip. The driver you sent WAS NOT a guide. He could not even name the monuments or their purpose /function, he picked up another passenger (seemed to be a friend of his) which we shared a car with to jaipur making us very uncomfortable. The "tour of jaipur" was him driving past the mahal in the water and the fort and saying "take a picture" whilst car was moving. He seemed annoyed that we had so long between the safaris and googled a monument to take us to, dropped us outside and said "spend some time" (we had 4 hours to spare) we then had to pay to get in and had no idea what we were looking at!! Complete waste of our last day in India! We had to ask about food, ask about what was next he couldn't even name the monument he took us to. Then we arrived at the leapords 2 hours early (it wasn't even open) and he took us to a dusty area at the back with an abandoned locked temple telling us "spend some time" whilst he sat in the car. It was 40 degrees and we had no water, nothing. He was then annoyed when we got back in the car after 20 minutes. He kept disappearing, no communication at all as to what we were doing, where to go, nothing. He suddenly began interacting with us 5mins from hotel telling us he is only on minimum salary and relies on tips and has another hour to drive. We were not actually going to tip because we were not happy with the service however we felt pressured into giving something. He then said "only 500, it is usual to give 1000 after a full day" and requested more!! After expressing this to the company the driver lied and they believed him.

Response from the operator: Dear Customer, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. While we sincerely regret that you felt disappointed, we would like to respectfully clarify certain key points and provide an accurate account of the events. Driver vs. Guide Clarification It was clearly mentioned in your booking confirmation that a driver would be provided and not a guide, as your package included only transportation and safari services. However, to enhance your experience and make use of the spare time between safaris, we voluntarily arranged for a professional guide at our own cost, who joined you during the Jaipur sightseeing to provide explanations — a service not included in the original itinerary. Concerns Were Never Reported During the Tour At no point during the tour did you raise any concern or discomfort to us. If you had communicated your dissatisfaction in real-time, we would have immediately replaced the driver or taken corrective action. Only after the entire tour was completed and services were rendered did you raise complaints, alongside a request for a full refund, stating that you would write a negative review if the refund was not processed. It was completely unethical and unfair on the service providers' end, where you yourself know that the safaris offered were really good and you enjoyed. Just a reminder, safari arrangements were also made by us, including booking the right safari zone, choosing the right vehicle, arranging the boarding passes, and transportation to the boarding and deboarding points, etc. It takes lots of effort to arrange the safari, and it's disappointing to see that after taking all the services and we have videos where you seems to be enjoying the tour and communicating comfortably with the guide and later asking for an unfair financial benefit. Request for Refund and Pressure to Post a Review We find it disheartening that your review appears retaliatory. We have documented communication from you where you explicitly requested a full refund with the implication of leaving a negative review if it wasn’t granted. We strongly believe feedback should reflect the truth and not be used as leverage for financial compensation after services have been consumed. Below is your final part of your message, which you did not post in review- "I expect a full refund before I write this as a review." False Allegations about Companion in Car The person you mentioned as a “friend” was actually the professional guide we arranged as a goodwill gesture. We even have a video where you are engaging with the guide during sightseeing, which contradicts your claim of having no idea what you were visiting. Provision of Water and Meals Water was available in the car, and meal arrangements were made as per the itinerary. In fact, restaurant bills clearly show everything offered at your will and nothing was charged from you as it was included. Regarding the Leopard Safari We followed the correct timings and logistics for your scheduled Leopard Safari. While we did arrive slightly early due to unforeseen light traffic, we did our best to keep you engaged by suggesting nearby sights, given the rural setting. Again, these efforts were not mandatory but carried out to make your wait more comfortable. Driver Tip Discussion We do not condone any behavior that makes guests feel pressured regarding tipping. The driver, as per his account, merely explained standard tipping norms upon being asked. However, if his communication was perceived as inappropriate, we sincerely apologize and will address this internally. In Conclusion: Your tour was conducted as per the inclusions, and additional services were extended well beyond the scope of your original booking, purely as a gesture of hospitality. Unfortunately, your review does not reflect the actual services provided and seems to stem from dissatisfaction after we declined your refund request — not from the tour experience itself. We value honest feedback, as it helps us grow, but we also expect it to be fair and accurate. Nonetheless, we are always committed to improving and welcome constructive suggestions at any time. Warm regards, Padma Holidays Team

via Viator