Mandi Travel Guide & Tips

ered all the places comfortably and safely. A big thanks also to Sandeep for perfectly managing everything — from Volvo bookings to hotel arrangements. Everything was well-coordinated, and we didn’t face any issues during the trip

us to visit places urgently. The itinerary was planned according to time, and he didn’t constantly nag us to return. Cons: 1. Grace Spa and Resort was good, but by seeing online, I had asked for the same 4-star resort, which was supposed to have Billiards, Spa, and indoor games. But they said the billiards table has broken, and the spa will start soon. They had only carrom for now. Worst: In other places, we had good interactions for activities, but in Solang Valley “Shop No 18”, we had the worst experience. where we paid for required Snow activities, and rented clothes, shoes, etc. The shopkeeper said the photographer's cost would be separate, which was normal. After crossing Atul Tunnel, we reached the activities spot, and the photographer who was linked to shop no 18 came and said per photo so and so, and I specifically asked if there was any minimum photo or if we could select whichever is good. He said minimum is 30 photos per 40rs for which we agreed later the activities started, we enjoying and finally, he said 178 is there out of which some will be continues like burst photos and same poses 5-7 for that he said buy all the photos and pay 6k. We were not ok, and after a lot of arguing, we started selecting photos as most of them were out of focus, a few were burst pics. Once selecting it came down to 52 photos and 10 Videos. Now he started raising his voice, saying 52 is too low, and for videos we should pay 500/video. So, for 10-15 sec videos only, it was going to 5k. We said it more than the activities themselves, for he arrogantly said I am not giving a single video for you and deleted the video in front of me, and went off. Later Driver talked to the shop owner for long hours and asked for 52 photos. But the owner is on another level, he is saying pay first, and later will think of sending photos. I was already scammed, so I said that once I received the photos either to my phone or the driver’s phone, I wouldn’t pay. As I will be with the driver for another 2 more days. Finally, around 8 pm, after wasting more than 4 hours, he finally sent. Worst experience that day. Did not get a single video and paid for 52 photos, whatever the cost, the shop owner said. Please avoid Shop No 18. Being a tourist, we should feel safe and trusted at places, but this kind of experience on my birthday remains a bad memory in my mind for a long time.

ney. I strongly recommend everyone to contact Turn on vacation to visit Shimla and Manali.