MTDC problems

Hi, my first post so I'll start off by saying what a great resource this site is (wondered why the Thorntree was a bit quieter than expected).

Has anyone had luck with booking accommodation online at http://www.maharashtratourism.gov.in ?
I've registered without problems, however my booking failed at the "Verified by Visa" stage. I've tried emailing their webmaster address but it bounces back, and I've tried completing a feedback form but I get a server error.

Does anyone have an alternative email address for them?

Their server is frequently down. Have you checked whether they accept non Indian credit cards? Suggest you call their Mumbai HQ at the number given for the Madam Cama Rd office.

Thanks for your reply snonymous, no I haven't checked whether they accept non-Indian credit cards, but surely in 2009 this wouldn't be the case for an organisation like this?

I think they're missing a trick if they can't communicate via email and expect everyone to phone them, I'm certainly not keen on phoning India from my UK mobile.

Oh well, if it's possible that it's an intermittant server error then I may try again a couple of times in the hope that I catch the server on a good day

You are quite right Jolsa, MTDC ought to get its act together if it wants to promote tourism in the state. Where were you thinking of going? There could be a good number of similarly priced hotels at those destinations because MTDC unlike other state owned hotels, is not particularly cheap. It must be admitted however that the govt [MTDC] usually has the best located properties!

It's for booking accomodation at Ganpatipule. From what I've read it has the best location on the beach, and it's important to book in advance.

Will persevere and keep this thread updated...

There was a huge foreign credit card scam on the airlines and many stopped accepting them..

You are certainly right about the location. I first visited Ganpatipule when the MTDC had just opened, it was the only hotel there at the time and they had run a special promotion to introduce GP as a tourist destination. It was pristine and marvellous, we were the only family and had the entire beach to ourselves. Nowadays, there are plenty of hotels and resorts at GP.

The MTDC is on top of the cliff overlooking the beach with the best view. They also have MTDC tents along the nearby backwaters.

About advance booking, depends on when you are going. School holidays start from the first week of April, before that there should be no problem.

Edward is right, there were problems and several indian sites like makemytrip etc stopped accepting non Indian cards. They ought to have resolved their problems now.

I hope you are able to get your bookings done.

Hey Josa - I hear that!! Rates for international calling on my personal mobile are through the roof. Do you use skype at all? I put a few bucks on my skype account and used that to make international calls from my computer. Just in idea

-C

Those mobile charges often suck yes; that's what you get for using them I suppose.

Where I live you can go to any of a gazillion of telecom shops for it, who will offer a very competitive rate (probably better than you'd get on your own landline). Calling to India from Europe (or at least from NL) really shouldn't be expensive, but again it's likely to be on a cellphone.

http://ganpatipule.net
http://www.cleartrip.com/hotels/india/ganpatipule/

Have a look at these links for alternate options if you cannot get through to MTDC.

Thanks everyone for your replies and tips. Just to update you all, I managed to get through to someone at MTDC via a deccan odyssey email address. I mentioned that I've had trouble booking online and that I'd read about other people having the same problem.

Dealing with a very helpful person called Bandekar, and they are in communication with the bank that MTDC use to try and resolve the online booking problem.

Doesn't sound like they don't accept non-Indian credit cards as they know I'm from the UK.

Anyway, hopefully things will get sorted - will post on here with any developments!

Cardamom - good tip regarding Skype, that hadn't occurred to me as I've never used it, but if things don't get sorted I'll certainly look into it, thanks.

snonymous - going in mid March so sounds like I'll miss the holidaying families. Thanks for the links - checking them out now.

tried booking mtdc lonar online this weekend...failed miserably...indian credit card...
Could it be because they have not implemented the new verified by visa/mastercard formalities or is it that it has never worked?

We drove 10 hours and took a chance

Any inputs would be helpful for future planning.

Indian Credir Cards do work on MTDC. Also, if you are in Mumbai there are several MTDC offices and authorized agents which would have done the booking for you anyway.