SOUTH INDIA
The
'backwaters' of Kerala are indubitably one of the most beautiful locations
for a rejuvenating holiday in the world. They comprise a myriad network of
waterways and lagoons, at times only a few yards inland from the sea. These
fresh water canals wind their way through tropical jungles of palm and
various fruit trees; vibrant green paddy fields; and small water based
settlements. All along the water's edge are churches, temples, villages, and
fishermen with their famous Chinese cantilevered fishing nets, hanging
eerily over the water.
Duration: 15 days
Best
time: October to April
Focus: monuments, local culture &
people; serene backwaters; wildlife & cycling
Special Feature:
backwater trek & cycling
Route: Chennai -
Mahabalipuram - Madurai - Thekkady - Cochin - Vembanadu Lake Jetty -
Alleppey - Kollam - Paravoor - Varkala - Trivandrum
THE ELEPHANT & EMPIRE
SOUTH
INDIA
A
classic combination of history, religion and wildlife: exploring colonial
hill stations and backwaters, walking and cycling, makes it a perfect
holiday.
Duration: 19 days
Best time:
October to April
Highlights: day walks & camping in
Western Ghats & Cardamom Hills; House Boat cruise through backwaters;
cycling through spice & tea plantations; temples, local inhabitants and
their cultures; jungle safaris in national parks; Kathakali dance &
Ayurveda
Physical Challenge: overall moderate; entails a few
long drives
Route: Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry
- Thanjavur - Madurai - Munnar - Thekkady - Alleppey - Cochin - Ooty -
Bandipur - Mysore - Hassan - Bangalore
THE BENGAL DISCOVERY
Journey through
the colonial heritage of emotional past
WEST BENGAL
This is a specially designed holiday that gives the inquisitive
traveller an opportunity to explore and discover the marvels of the
erstwhile capital of British India and its foreign settlements and the
territories around. Kolkata (Calcutta), the capital of West Bengal, is still
considered a cultural and intellectual heart of India. Wildlife trip to the
Sunderbans National Park & Tiger Reserve - a World Heritage Site - will
add further excitement to this journey. Finally up in the Lesser Ranges of
the Eastern Himalayas, the picturesque hill-stations of Darjeeling and
Kalimpong, their ambience reminiscent of the bygone British Raj, provide a
complete contrast to this holiday. Leisurely walks over peaceful hill paths
and fine views of the colossal Himalayan peaks; inviting tea gardens
stretching over fertile mountain slopes and charming flower nurseries abloom
with orchids; all these are a fitting finale to this wonderfully crafted
trip.
Duration: 16 days
Best time: mid
October to April
Highlights: explore old foreign territories;
boat cruise on Hooghly River; rickshaw ride through narrow lanes of the old
town; traditional cultural evening; jungle activities in national park;
temples; indigenous culture & every day life of local residents; nature
walk in hill-stations for scintillating views of the Greater Himalaya; tea
Gardens & orchid / flower nurseries
Physical challenge:
Overall moderate
Festival: Dusshera (worship of Goddess Kali
is celebrated with pomp and show during October)
Route:
Kolkata - Basanti - Sunderbans - Basanti - Kolkata - Vishnupur -
Shantiniketan University - Kolkata - Bagdogra - Darjeeling - Kalimpong -
Bagdogra - Kolkata
