I booked for transport for Ambala - Shimla - Manali - Kalka.
The driver (tempo traveler) reported on time. It was very hot. I asked the driver as per contract he was supposed to put on AC on land. He called someone and put on AC (Promptly switched off even before Kalka saying can not run AC on hills).
The driver was excellent and we reached Shimla as planned. I asked the driver to take rest and report at 09:00 hrs in the morning. I waited till 09:15 and then called his mobile. No reply. I called HIMACHALHOTELS. No reply. Called the tour operator as given in my mail. The guy was confused. Did not recognize initially. Then I told him story that the booking was from Himachalhotels.in.
Now he told he will see what happened. Ultimately one driver called up at 11:00 hrs. I asked to drive near the High court parking. He told it was not allowed. Even though I told him that another Tempo traveler is taking passengers at the parking he never relented. I walked down to the lower parking. The driver had another guy with him.
Obviously a different shabby vehicle than the day before with one seat less. One person more with one seat less. When I complained to the operator again, he could not help me. I was forced to agree as we would loose the whole day.
Now when I asked to go to Viceregal Lodge, the driver replied he doesn’t know the place. he said "This is the first time I’m hearing it in 20 years of driveing". I understood this man doesn’t want to go OR do not know Shimla. Anyway we reached the place after 1 hr scouting. When we started again I asked him to go to Army Museum. Again he told he doesn’t know. I asked the security at Viceregal to explain him the route. He told exactly how to reach the museum thru Shimla Railway station. But this guy did not want to go. He started asking passerby and ultimately delayed so that we could not go. I decided we are not going to take this driver to Manali.
I called the Sub contractor again. I told him even if I lose some money I’ll go in another vehicle but not this driver. He told he will arrange by morning to go to Manali.
Ultimately he arranged. The driver was knowledgeable, but he was controlling as he was suggesting the route to his advantage and the eateries and also the places were we shop, take skiing eqpt and everything. Still OK. On our way back to Kalka, we asked him to stop by a hotel before dropping at Kalka station. The guy directly took us to the station saying it was not on contract!!!! So we need to book as dinner before dropping!!!!
Booking at HIMACHALHOTELS.IN means u r going to end up meeting the third or fourth sub contractor and what ever requirement u had discussed with them before reserving is useless. And the service u get will be very poor and there will be no one to answer u at HIMACHALHOTELS.IN.