Help Tourism - Kolkata

Help Tourism guided for best tour plan

One of the pioneer in wildlife and cultural tourism. All the properties have very unique location. Very personalised and exclusive service provider.

When we entered the main gate of an accommodation property run by Help Tourism, we were left at awe by the majestic setting of the campsite as it lies in the middle of orange plantations and offers great panoramic views. A little further from the main gate, a signboard welcomes everybody to HELP TOURISM's ecotourism campsite. We expected the manager to be delightful and for the place to be in terms with responsible tourism. But it turned out to be a total nightmare. Firstly, they charged us a whopping Rs.5000/- per room per night. For the facilities available, the price was way too high. It was just a basic layout with nothing extraordinary except for the majestic setting of the place. It was a disappointment as ecotourism operators seldom charge so much. The property seemed to be run by 2 persons, none of them local. We failed to see any benefit the property was giving to the local communities. I mean, I expected something better from a company which calls itself as Help Tourism. Later next day, we brought some food and asked the caretaker to cook us a meal. We thought he would charge us some decent amount for his cooking services. The meal turned out to be simple local food with nothing fancy. But later on, when the bill came, apart from the cooking charges of the caretaker, they even charged us a whopping amount for the food cooked, which first of all was purchased by us. Upon refusing to pay for the food, which we had every right to, the management locked us in their compound and forced us in the rudest of all behaviors to pay the money for the vegetables, rice and meat - items which were all purchased by us. Locked away somewhere very remote in the Himalayas, we had no where to go and no one to call for help. We eventually paid them the money and saved ourselves from people who call themselves as "Help" Tourism. I would recommend this place if you have money to waste. For people who are searching for a true ecotourism experience, this place is an outright scam. They are greedy about money and I don't think they care about local communities or the environment. Stayed December 2012, travelled with family

Went with them for 4 days to the Sundabans and 10 days to the north-east. Was very satisfied from the service prior and during the trip. As they are loclas, they know the areas you are going to like their backyard. The several village project accommodations were all a very good experience. The guides and my driver were all excellent. Highly recommend Help Tourism l