To begin this Adventurous Trip I would like to thank many users who did advice not to board through Manish and Rajesh Travels. One my Friend suggested to go by one day package tour but he was not remembering either it was Rajesh or Manish.........Bloddy .....15 min short term memory loss fellow......However it was our first trip as a Family so I booked via Manish Travels due to mixed reviews online...This is my true experience and not copy paste from other websites....
We have decided to have a blessings from God Balaji and we have started looking for one day package to avoid hassle free experience and both time and money saving options...I found Manish Travel Volvo package of 1500 INR Per person....so went ahead and booked online (later come to know this bus does not have drop off to my pickup point, but as I got front seats I was OK)....Tour Package listed as below..which is still reflecting on Manish online booking website...
*Route Description for Service 104 Volvo Sheghra Darshanam
Day 1: Departure from Bangalore. Night Snacks with Mineral Water
Day 2: Arrival at Tirupathi check in Hotel Room for fresh up Complimentary Breakfast
Inclusive of Rs.300 Sheeghra Darshan. Unlimited Lunch. Arrival to Bangalore by night*
Booking was easy and contact location person and agent was co-operative.....Our Pickup was 9.15PM from Silkboard.....and Manish peoples asking to be there before 30 mins of schedule pickup.....It was raining and we can not stand on road and pickup point was at such a sit place....I would suggest to cancel this pickup point and move it to Madiwala pickup...else if you are young married couple then dont choose this pickup point.....peoples walking in front of you on road make you feel bad...its horrible...cant take it....we called and informed that we are moving to Madiwala pickup .........We was picked up from Madiwala @ 9.45PM by pickup Volvo bus and dropped and Marahtalli Bridge at 11.00PM ....again wait for our Bus which we booked..... Finally we boarded at 11.30PM bus and journey started...So far so good as we was enjoying the Bangalore weather and did not felt bored so far........
1) I got first surprise that there was no Snacks (as per details above but only the water bottle....Thanks to my wife’s sense of humor who advised me to have food before leaving for trip...else we would have been starving the whole night....
2) Bus stopped at AP boarder and there is hotel named....."Hotel Sri Lakshmi Sagar" - Not only Manish Travel but all tour operators should think twice to stop the bus at this hotel.... pathetic Hotel...Pathetic staff......and I still remember the Guy with lady who are charging 3 INR for pissing in worst toilets in the world.....They don’t have even manners to talk to ladies.....We have witnessed a live south fight between a shop owner outside the hotel and the Hotel staff.....
Finally we reached Manish Travel’s Hotel which provided room for fresh up Complimentary Breakfast around 4.00AM.
They asked to get ready in 30 mins and mentioned there is huge crowed in Temple to avoid dealy....Fine.....we tried our best....
1) They should stop knowing the doors at 25th Mins....
2) If you wont open they keep knocking.....and if you open it then they look inside the room....i don’t know for what.....instead of talking to person who opened the room door......So pity.......there could be ladies or family with you then be careful.
- I understand the rush problem but 30 mins is very minimal if someone who is travelling with family.
We had a breakfast at 05:00 AM which was OK OK (So Early never had BF before 8.00AM). After B/F we left for Tirupati Bus stand to take the bus for Thirumala (Govt Bus allowed only), I did not understand who made this rule.....worst quality bussed and that to 1947 war busses.....if something goes wrong on the hill drive then only God Balaji will save you........
Again we are seating in Volvo for 30 mins as Guide went to get the bus.......I think Manish Travels can make this arrangement in advance to avoid unnecessary delays.... then refunded INR 300 INR to get ticket as he mentioned that pre-booking is not possible.....If you are operating Tour then tie up with Devastanam and do this arrangement or else stop arranging tours.....did not understood....anyways and we reached by 7:30PM at Tirumala.
Then Guide took to some pre-tied shops to drop off mobiles and small bags....this guy was so rude who was holding the change in hand but don’t want to give if some one don’t have change....rude behavior....
Again Guide started some stupid talk and told he can arrange 10 Prasad Laddoos for 500 INR.....Surprise.....I was not in need as you get 2 Laddoos per 300 INR ticket....
By the Time we stand in Q for 300 INR darshan reached the Entrance for 300Rs Pass it was 12.30PM and we finished the Darshana by 3.30PM. It took around Eight Hours for us since the Rush was Very Huge, and some peoples are breaking the Q and making others fool...One Panjabi Family and Tamil Family created little ruksuk with others and unnecessary ....... hassal and entertainment for others.....Its very Badly managed by Tirupati Devasthanam.....this crowd can be avaided by simple Q and the way is being handeled at other temples like Shidi Sai temple......
Other thing I have noted that crowed is not sensible to ladies.....It was horrible....We witnessed the girls trapped in couple of Mens when went to take served food while seating in Hall.......I went and helped her to get away from them....Its not proud feeling but which make you think that how we should behave at least in Temple.....Do we behave same way at Home with our moms and sisters?
Un-answerable question......
back to Track.....after finishing Darshana we took laddoos and came to designated spot to collect mobile and back to Tirupati around 5.00PM....with un-necessary talk from Guide....Poor fellow...we can not avoid him........
Then Volvo took us to same hotel and asked to get freshen up for Lunch?......Seriously Lunch @ 5.00PM.....We are starving...no options.....had food ...was good......after alll...after so much starving....anything you get to eat will feel good only........some one mentioned earlier in other review about limited quantity.....I understand but my package mentioned....Unlimited........
Here we got surprised that the Guy providing denied unlimited but shown as he is doing favor to everyone by providing the food......It ’s OK......I cant stand any more as our legs started paining lost after all its 8 hour Q for darshana......
Back to bus.....and slept....thinking that when we will reach home....
On the way same Hotel.....Same experience while traveling back....fights are already happening, , , I avoided taking photos as this will bring unnecessary trouble.....
Reached Bangalore (KR Puram around 10.30PM and request driver to take bus to atleast Marathalli as many passengers requested as most of them are with family....and it was late....
He spoke with Head office over mobile and agreed....felt good......
We got down at Marathalli and took BMTC Vayu Vajra....Airport bus to Silkboard.....
reached home around 12.15 AM.....
I request everyone who reading this review please think twice before choosing Manish or any other private operating. I dont have Govt tour experience as of now.....better travel by your own mode. It is true that you will be spending little more than these private travels but believe me you will get all the facility as mentioned, not like Manish Travels who different on paper and reality.