Katherine from USA

I am a middle aged female college professor, and was traveling with a former student (woman) who was assisting me on a grant project. As two women traveling alone who wanted to experience a Theyyam, this was the perfect solution. It was my second Theyyam, my partner's first. At first our guide wanted to take us to a big "parade" (sounded like more of a tourist version of Theyyam)- but I told him we wanted something simple and authentic, and he definitely delivered. There were some issues with things that were supposedly included in the price, etc. Be clear about what is included. The description said he'd pick us up at the train (which he did)and also drop us back at the train (which he tried to say would be extra- I told him it was supposed to be included.) He handed a book to my colleague (wrapped) and encouraged her to look at it. Then told us it was 1900 R (but when we told him the next day we did not want to buy it, he was cool with that). I had big debates with him about seat belts in the car for us. INSIST on them. (If you've ever been in a car in India, you understand why). And he had arranged a return train ticket for us, and when it came time for me to pay him for it, he overcharged me by 400R. This is a small amount, and it was also as much my fault (I didn't have the receipt handy, and it was only when I checked later that I realized the ticket he said was 1500 R was actually 1100 R) but I would just advise anyone using this service to watch the little details. Still, this was a great experience, the guide was a very nice young man, and as two women traveling alone we felt safe (once we had seat belts) and well looked after. I highly recommend this service. Visited February 2015