[Resolved]  Cox And Kings — Cheating

Address:

Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh

Hi, This is Ashish from Hyderabad. I availed the tropical Andaman package, which costed about Rs.84, 000, during November 13 to November 18, 2013. I was recommended cox and kings by one of my friends due to which i contacted Aradhana (Banjara Hills branch) who redirected me to Mr.Manas Ranjan, as she deals only with international travel packages. I am extremely disappointed by the service provided as well as for cheating me by not sticking to your plan proposed in your travel vouchers. Our worst experiences started after I approached cox and kings office in banjara hills. 1. Dis-interest: I approached Mr.Manas from the cox and kings banjara hills branch to get an idea about various tourist spots and places in Andaman. I clearly mentioned to him that money is not a constraint and I would like the trip to be a memorable one. Though I did my research, I still expect you to guide me through the tourist spots in Andaman. This is when Mr.Manas suggested the tropical Andaman package to me (with no mention of visit to the Andaman tribes anywhere even after mentioning money is not a constraint). I made an initial payment of Rs.20, 200. 2. No Follow-up: After making the payment, there was no follow-up from Manas or any other representative from your team. I made calls every weekend (3 successive saturdays) and that was when I was informed that the vouchers would be given to me a week before travel. Now, do you expect me to run behind your team with my wedding date getting closer? 3. Cheating #1: In the initial package, there were no activities/ site-seeing post-afternoon on Day 2 of the travel. I asked for a visit to Marina Park, which is included in Day 2 of the attached service voucher, after taking so-called approvals from your head office. However, after the Jolly buoy ride which ended by noon, we weren't taken to the Marina Park and headed back to the city. Secondly, my wife and I were really shocked to find out that the glass bottom ride mentioned in your voucher lasted for 30 seconds!! 4. Cheating #2: I was informed by the local manager that in the tropical Andaman package, one day is dedicated for the city tour, and he himself is surprised as to why he was not informed of the same even after the payment. Though mentioned in the voucher, we didn't visit the Anthropological museum on Day 2. 5. Mr.Sachin Suryavanshi: We then called Sachin (2.30 PM) and informed him the situation. I asked him to arrange for a tour the next day, and cancel the trip to Havelock on Day 3, as it doesnt make any sense at all. Instead, I told him that I would travel to Havelock on Day 4 and spend one night over there than spend two. He said he would get back to me in 10 mins which he never did, and I called him again around 3.00 PM. I then made another call at around 3.35 PM when he yells "Aapko confirm hone ke baad call karoonga". Just imagine the situation with my wife and I waiting for a response on that island for 3 hours. It gets really dark at 5.00 PM in Andaman, almost resembles 9.00 PM in Hyderabad. He stopped picking my calls immediately after that; and he responds after 1 hour 45 mins saying that he went out for lunch (Great!). I get a call from Sachin saying he cannot reach the local (Andaman) cox and kings representative. I then make a call to the local representative who says that he has no issues at all with the change of plan but he needs a confirmation from Sachin. He also tells me that he never received a call from Sachin (are you kidding Sachin! after 2 hours!). I get a call from Sachin at 6.30 when he mentions that he cannot reschedule it. He mentioned that though the hotel reservations are made in both the islands, the main problem is with the Ferry tickets and hotel reservation is not a problem, and reschedule can be done with an additional charge of Rs.12, 000. So, i technically waste 80000 + roaming calls so far on this package, and more yet to come. I later find out that the tickets can be rescheduled (Makruz, the ferry) with a minimal charge of Rs.100 per head. (Wow! the figure is very close to Rs.12, 000). Not to mention the additional 1000 per head I paid for snorkeling! 6. Change of itinerary: As you can see, I am supposed to travel in the evening on Day 5 to port blair from Havelock. We planned the scuba diving activity accordingly. We were surprised to find out that the return ticket for the ferry was pre-booked for 10.30 AM in the morning without my prior consent. Whats the use of giving a service voucher if you cannot stick to it. I had to re-schedule the scuba diving appointment, luckily we found a slot to accommodate. 7. Breakfast: I am sure that the hotel in which you make reservation definitely knows the travel itinerary of the tourists. In that case, they should also be aware that the tourists leave by 7.30 for the daily activities. I still dont understand why the breakfast is not ready by 7.45 sharp in Hill Top international. I guess this is the case as it is complimentary. We had to get our own breakfast during the tour! (Good going!) I would be lodging a complaint in the consumer forum. However, i first wanted to let you know the issue. I made my last 2 holiday bookings in 2013 were through Makemytrip. Unfortunately, one of my friends suggested your package due to which i made this booking. I will never opt for or recommend cox and kings to any one of my friends/ relatives.