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All About
India
October 2012
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All About
India
CONTENTS What’s new 4
I
ndia made the headlines in the UK last week over the lifting of the ban on what has been dubbed tiger tourism. In July, the Supreme Court banned tourism in core tiger parks as they believed this would help protect the tigers and boost their population. Tour operators. along with many conservationists, have welcomed the overturning of the ban, which they claim would leave the tigers at the mercy of poachers and illegal grazers as the tigers are deemed to be safer in reserves that are visited by larger numbers of tourists. Visiting the national parks of India to get up close to the tigers and a number of other endangered species is a popular add-on tour to many holidays to India. In this All About India supplement, we include a brief round-up of some of the operators’ wildlife tours (page 18) that will now be able to run following the lifting of the ban. This year’s supplement kicks off with a look at What’s new for 2013 (pages 4-6) from the operators, followed by Hotel hotline, which features the latest news on new hotels. The supplement is then divided into regional focus, beginning with a look at all the must-see tourist sites in Northern India (pages 9-11). While the Golden Triangle is the biggest pull, there is much more to see in the north outside of Agra, Delhi and Jaipur. Home to Kolkata and the birthplace of Buddhism, east India (pages 12 and 13) has more than its fair share of must-see heritage and cultural sites. If beaches and Bollywood float your boat, then a holiday to west India (pages 14 and 15) should be high on your agenda. But if a slice of the easy life is what you really need, then head south to the backwaters of Kerala, the Venice of the east. I hope this supplement helps to give you an insight in what India has to offer. It has so many different types of holidays, and while temples and monuments are a key part of its appeal, India’s culture and tradition are an important part of your clients’ India experience. So when you have a spare half-an-hour, make the most of this All About India supplement so you help your clients choose the right holiday for them. Happy reading. Angela Cronin Supplements editor
All About India
Hotel hotline 7
Northern highlights 9
East is east 12
Go west 14
Southern spirit 16
Wild times 18
Travel essentials 19
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Lower Ground Floor, University House, 11-13 Lower Grosvenor Place, London SW1W 0EX Tel: 020-7834 6661 Publisher: Jeanette Ratcliffe Written and researched by: Angela Cronin Email: angelacronin2003@yahoo.co.uk Design/Layout: Prashant A.P & Nicky Valsamakis Printed by: Wyndeham Grange Limited Cover Picture: iStock ISSN: 0956-2419
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What’s new W
hen it comes to selling a holiday to India, offering your client the tailor-made option is probably what will sell the deal. These days, most visitors, either first-time or repeat, are keen to put together their holidays to India under the guidance of a travel expert. So make sure you are ahead of the game with our What’s new section for 2013. Explore The adventure specialist has added a cycling tour of the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir close to the Himalayas. The 18-day Cycle Ladakh tour visits remote monasteries and experiences the Buddhist traditions of Ladakh. Starting with Leh as the base, the tour cycles to Hemis, Stok and Phyang monasteries before following quiet paths along the Indus River. Few tourists visit this region and exploring by bike allows customers to reach some of the smaller villages in the Indus Valley and gain an insight into how people live in a region that is totally cut off for more than half of the year. Prices lead in at £2,198 per person for this 18-day trip, which includes hotel and camping accommodation, most meals, bike hire, transport, support vehicle and the services of a tour leader, bike mechanic and driver.
Operators are expanding their programmes for 2013 with more tailor-made tours and flexible options
India's national parks – Pench, Bandhavgarh and Kanha – as part of the 12-day escorted small group tour Call of the Tiger. Explore India on luxury trains on the Maharajas' Express visiting Delhi, Agra, Ranthambore, Jaipur and Delhi, or by the Golden Chariot around the south of the country taking in Bangalore, Chennai, Pondicherry, Kanyakumari and Cochin. Resorts in Goa also feature alongside tree houses, houseboats and homestays on an 11-day private tour of Southern India – part of the operator’s Ananea sustainable tourism programme. Pampering holidays are also available in Kovalam, Goa and the Himalayas. Cox and Kings The tailor-made specialist has introduced standard and superior departures on selected group tours for 2013. The best-selling nine-day seven-night Indian Experience tour of
the Golden Triangle is now priced from £1,295 per person for the standard tour and £1,345 per person for the superior alternative. Both versions include stays in four-star hotels and visit Mehatab Bagh garden for a view of the Taj Mahal at sunset. The nine-day/seven-night Spice Lands of Kerala escorted tour visits the port city of Kochi and the backwaters, which can be explored by boat for a A cruise on a houseboat through the backwaters of Kerala is a great way to experience rural life first-hand
Kuoni Kuoni has a range of new tours to India in its 2013 Discover brochure, which offers customers the chance to tailor-make their own itineraries. Product that features in the programme include: the chance to combine a few days in Delhi with a stay in the southern coastal state of Kerala; or a chance to spot tigers in 4
All About India
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What’s new Bowled over Cricket tours specialist Barmy Travel has put together two packages to allow England fans the chance to enjoy the upcoming India tour. The first package offers fans the opportunity to see England take on India at the Eden Gardens in the sixnight tour. Prices for this first Test in Kolkata start at £1,395 per person with departures on 3 December. Packages for second and third Tests combine a few days in Goa in between. Prices are from £2,995 per person and include match tickets and flights from Heathrow to Mumbai on 21 November and return flights from Kolkota on 10 December. glimpse into rural village life. The 2013 tour will be priced from £1,495 per person for the standard tour and £1,595 per person for the superior alternative. Indus Tours The tailor-made holiday specialist has introduced a new day-trip itinerary in Kashmir. Based in the ancient city of Srinagar in the heart of the Kashmir Valley, this tour takes in all the area's key sights including the recently opened Lal Ded Memorial Museum and its collection of endemic cultural artefacts. The new day trip takes in the centuries-old Pandrethan Temple before heading out along the Jhelum River on a shikara (a traditional Kashmiri water taxi) past the magnificent architecture of the Bund and on under the Zero Bridge to arrive at the Lal Ded cultural centre. From the museum, the tour continues along the river to the wooden mosque of Shah Hamdan. A tour through the narrow laneways of the old city then follows. This Srinagar excursion can be bolted on to any holiday itinerary to this part of India. An example itinerary is the nine-day Kashmir: the Secret Garden tour, which combines houseboat accommodation in Srinagar with a visit to the Alpine meadows of Gulmarg. Prices start at £1,679 per person. Intrepid Travel The adventure specialist has added a new 15-day Delhi to Goa tour for 2013. The tour begins in Delhi, exploring Rajasthan’s iconic forts
Tiger tourism ban lifted An interim ban on tiger tourism in key tiger habitats stopping tourists from visiting national parks to see tigers in their natural habitat has been lifted. In July this year, the Supreme Court banned tourism in core tiger parks in a bid to offer higher protection and boost their population. However, the ban has now been overturned and new guidelines will now permit tourism in 20% of core areas. All About India
and palaces, including the Taj Mahal and the pink-hued city of Jaipur, before heading to a heritage homestay in the heart of rural India, travelling into the heart of Bollywood in Mumbai and ending with some relaxation on the beaches of Goa. Prices lead in at £1,075 excluding flights. Wendy Wu Tours The escorted tours specialist has introduced a your way travel planner for 2013, which allows customers to tailor-make their own packages from 19 short stays in India. Clients can pull together a selection of tours with flights and transfers by the Wendy Wu Tours’ team. For example, combining three tours such as the Delhi Short Stay, exploring Old and New Delhi in three days, the Corbett National Park trip, enabling travellers to search for wildlife throughout the foothills of the Himalayas, and Buddha’s Journey Tour, discovering some of India’s most important religious sites. Short-stay prices range from £230 per person to £890. The hill station of Dharamsala, home to the Dalai Lama
Travel Indochina The Asia specialist has reduced the cost of all of its Small Group Journeys to India for 2013, meaning departure dates are on average 6% cheaper than this year. Travel Indochina’s Small Group Journeys include a western tour leader and a local guide, small group size (maximum of 16 travellers), good standard of accommodation in its Classic range with the opportunity to upgrade to Deluxe accommodation on some of the operator’s journey. Tours for 2013 include the seven-day Taste of India tour, which takes in the Golden Triangle, finishing in the secluded Samode, and a 14-day Highlights of Rajasthan small group journey. Travel Indochina has also added more heritage hotels to its Small Group Journey itineraries. On the Go Tours On the Go Tours has added a number of new tours that tie in with major events on the Indian festival calendar to its India 2012/13 brochure. The 12-day Hola Sikh Festival and Golden Triangle tour takes in Sikhism's famous annual Hola Mohalla Festival, which Sikhs from all over the world attend every year. 5
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What’s new The beaches of Goa
A tour of the Golden Triangle taking in Delhi, Jaipur and the Taj Mahal in Agra is included at the end. Prices lead in at £1,149 per person departing on 26 March 2013. The eight-day Holi and the Elephant Parade combines a tour of the Golden Triangle with the festivities of Holi and the Elephant Festival of Jaipur, when decorated elephants from the Amber Fort parade through the showground and play the regal game of polo. Prices start at £599 per person for departures on 23 March 2013. Also new is the 10-day Best Exotic Marigold tour, which follows in the footsteps of the characters from hit movie The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. The tour takes visitors on a journey through the chaos of Delhi to the serenity of Udaipur, the architectural highlights of Jaipur to the Taj Mahal. A stay at the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is included. Prices start at £1,149 per person based on two travelling. Finally, On the Go Tours has added a number of dates on its eight-day Taj Express tour that now caters for families. Virgin Holidays The operator has added the 11-day Rajasthan Adventure to its Worldwide Journeys programme for 2012. The tour includes sightseeing and accommodation in Delhi, Taj Mahal, Bharatpur, Abhaneri, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Ranakpur and Udaipur. Prices start at £1,795 per person on a mixed-board basis and include flights and transfers. Jet Airways Indian airline Jet Airways has introduced its full-service Premiere (Business Class) product on all JetKonnect Next-Generation Boeing 737-700/800 flights across India. The Premiere cabin has a 44-inch seat pitch, multi-course menu options, extra legroom, dedicated check-in counters and 30kgs baggage allowance. The airline has also introduced a new Online Upgrade feature, which allows passengers to upgrade their booking to a higher cabin for a nominal fee. This facility is available on a first-come, first-served basis on select Jet Airways and JetKonnect flights. 6
All About India
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The Vivanta by Taj - Surya, Coimbatore opened at the beginning of this year
Hotel hotline From Delhi to Kerala, here’s the lowdown on the hotels opening this year and next
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he Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts has opened a new hotel in Chennai. The Leela Palace Chennai is the region’s first sea-facing modern palace hotel spanning six acres with views of the Bay of Bengal. The hotel, which is close to the capital’s business district, spans over 11 floors and has 326 rooms. The hotel has an ESPA spa, a fitness centre, a 25-metre swimming pool and palatial spaces for meetings, conferences and private celebrations. Every room is equipped with the 42-inch Sony LCD TVs, Bose sound systems, iPod docks and wifi. The Leela Palace Chennai is the eighth hotel in the group’s award winning portfolio. Room rates start at £95 per night. A new hotel is due to open later this All About India
year in Madhya Pradesh. The Kathiwada Mansion, built in 1905 by the architects for the then Maharaja Rana Saheb Onkar Singhji, has recently been restored to its former glory. Nestled amid 120 acres of mango orchards, banana plantations, coconot groves and paddy fields, the 107-year-old colonial mansion will feature its original 1940s Art Deco furniture and the Kathiwada family’s private Modern and Contemporary Arts collection. The luxury Keralan retreat of Neeleshwar Hermitage has introduced a new houseboat. The Lotus has two bedrooms, each with a private sitting-out area. There is a bar and kitchen on board with chef and housekeeping staff. Ayurveda massage and yoga lessons are available. Vivanta by Taj Hotels and Resorts
has opened a new hotel in southwestern India. The Vivanta by Taj – Madikeri Coorg is the hotel group’s 25th property. Situated at an altitude of 3,800ft five miles from the hill station of Madikeri within 180 acres of subtropical rainforest, the hotel is set to be the ultimate retreat for nature lovers and sybarites. The hotel has 63 rooms and villas built to eco-conscious credentials in mind. The Luxury Bliss Villas have a built-in indoor pool and a retractable sun-roof. Premium Temptation villas have private swimming pools, while the Presidential Nirvana Suite offers three bedrooms, a swimming pool, private pavilion, its own courtyard and facilities for in-house dining. The hotel will have a Jiva Grande Spa, three restaurants and a cocktail bar. Prices start at £170 per room per night. 7
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Hotel hotline
Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts has a new hotel in Chennai
Vivanta by Taj has also opened a new hotel in Bekal in Kerala earlier this year. Spread across 25 acres the resort is set alongside the Kappil River, located in the Kasargod district of northern Kerala. Inspired by the Kettuvallam house boats that are unique to the region, Vivanta by Taj – Bekal reflects the local style. The rooms offer plunge pools, private courtyards, outdoor dining areas, rain showers and soak tubs. Dining spaces include Latitude the all-day restaurant and Ivory Bar. The hotel’s Jiva Spa will offer the full range of Jiva signature treatments, special Indian therapies and dedicated ayurvedic consultations. Prices start at £195 per night. Meanwhile, Vivanta by Taj is opening in the business hun of Gurgaon, Delhi in January 2013. This will be the first Taj hotel in Gurgaon Rajakkad Garden Hotel is the latest property to open in Tamil Nadu. Surrounded by forest and coffee estates in the rolling Palani Hills of central Tamil Nadu, the small garden hotel has eight rooms. Rajakkad was originally raised on the backwaters at Pallam, near Kottayam in Kerala. Once home to 80 descendents of the Travancore maharajas, an Englishman, Jeremy Fry, discovered it and rebuilt it in the forests and high ground of the Palani Hills.
The hotel has eight rooms. The ITC Grand Chola Hotel has opened in the heart of the southern indian city of Chennai. The hotel's design and architecture is steeped in the local culture, heritage, art and history of the Chola dynasty, which ruled Chennai, parts of southern India and southeast Asia from 300AD to 1250AD. The 600-room hotel boasts a spa, 10 restaurants and 100,000 square feet of banqueting and convention space. iPad 2s are available in every room, and the tablets have been designed to control air-con, lighting, room service, laundry booking, consolidate room bills, provide local area information, allow guests to watch movies, play music, and can even screen visitors and let them in.
Neeleshwar Hermitag’s new houseboat, the Lotus, will be based on the backwaters of Kerala close to the hotel
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The Palace of Winds, Jaipur
Northern highlights From the mountains of the Himalayas to the forts of Jaipur, northern India is guaranteed to leave an impression that lasts a lifetime
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ndia is many things to many people but ask your clients what are their first thoughts when you mention the country, and images of mystical forts, palaces, temples and the words “Golden Triangle” will probably spring to mind. Northern India is home to many of these sites that first-time visitors want to cross off their must-see list, including the three most visited cities in the north, the Golden Triangle destinations of Delhi, Agra (home to the Taj Mahal) and Jaipur. And of course, there are plenty of tours to choose from. While the Golden Triangle forms some of the north’s appeal, lovers of the great outdoors who relish a bit of adventure also find themselves drawn to this part of the country as the Himalayas dominate this region too. Adventure seekers are drawn to their majestic mountains, which offer epic hill-trekking trails as well as many places to explore, including Dharamsala, the home of the Dalai Lama, and Shimla, the summer time retreat of the British Raj. From the hills of the border states to the tourist trails of the Golden Triangle, here’s a brief guide to the main tourist destinations in northern India. Jammu and Kashmir Bordered by Pakistan, Afghanistan and China, the states of Jammu and Kashmir is the northern-most part of India, and All About India
while still relatively undiscovered by tourists, operators such as Indus Tours offer packages here. Its terrain – from snow-capped high mountain ranges to verdant valleys – lends itself to activity-based holidays, including skiing, mountain biking, trekking, white-water rafting, city walks, fishing, bird watching, golf and horse riding. However, for visitors who want to visit some historical sites, there’s plenty to choose from. Dating back to the 3rd century BC, the city of Srinagar was founded on the banks of the River Jhelum by Emperor Ashoka, in the heart of the Kashmir valley. Today, Srinagar is concentrated on the Dal Lake. It is full of medieval charm with a maze of roads, bazaars, mosques and shrines due to the fact it has been influenced by many empires including the Mughals, Afghans and Sikhs. They have left their mark in the architecture of this regional capital with beautifully preserved temples, bridges, wooden mosques and other interesting architecture from across the ages. Located at the foot hills of the Himalayas, Jammu is the winter capital of the state Jammu and Kashmir. Thought to have been founded in the 14th century BC, Jammu is also known for its ancient temples and palaces, included the Akhnoor Fort, the Bahu Fort (thought to be more than 3,000 years old) and the
Amar Mahal. Jammu’s location overlooking the Tawi river means it is popular with thrill seekers, who savour the opportunity to go mountaineering, trekking and rafting. Shimla The state capital of Himachal Pradesh and once the summer capital of the British Raj, Shimla is a hill station located in the shadow of the Himalayas and dense jungle, and is a destination of outstanding beauty. The British, who retreated here during the hot summer months after they acquired control of the hill station in 1819, have left their mark on the city with grand monuments and colonial architecture Victorian style. But its location in the foothills of the Himalayas mean its stunning views and colonial charm make it a popular destination with honeymooners, and thrill seekers alike as it is the starting point for the mountainous Himachal region. Located just outside Shimla is the luxurious resort of Wildflower Hall. Now owned by Oberoi Hotels and Resorts, it was once the residence of Lord Kitchener, Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces. Other hill stations worthy of a visit include Dalhousie and Dharamsala, the home of the Dalai Lama and India's largest Tibetan community. 9
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The iconic Taj Mahal
Sample product Head to the hills: Intrepid Travel offers a 13-day Mountains and Mystics tour that offers visitors the chance to experience rural life at a homestay, take a train journey through the Himalayan foothills, visit Dharamsala, the home to the Dalai Lama, and walk along mountain trails. Prices start at £655 excluding flights. TransIndus offers a 15-night tour through the valleys of Lahaul, Spiti and Kinnaur in India's far north, visiting hill towns of Dharamsala and Shimla on the way. Prices start at £2,895 per person, including 15 nights' accommodation, flights, all internal travel, and all scheduled sightseeing. The royal connection Bales Worldwide offers a 16-day Palaces of Rajasthan tour which visits Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Rohet, Deograh and Udaipur. Prices start at £2,165 per person and include flights, accommodation, sightseeing, an English-speaking guide and transfers. Explore’s 15-day Off Beat Rajasthan tour combines the villages and markets of India’s ‘Golden Triangle’ with the rich wildlife of the Chambal Sanctuary, Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary and Ranthambore National Park. Travelling to Chambal Sanctuary, guests will take a river safari in search of the gangetic dolphins, sarus cranes and soft shell turtles. In Ranthamborne National Park guests will go in search of tigers, sloth bears, deer and wild boar. The tour has a good mix of wildlife and local insight, and takes guests to traditional villages and an evening Hindu Aarti ceremony. Prices start at £1,710 per person and include flights, accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, transport and the services of a tour leader, driver and some local guides. 10
Delhi Usually visited as part of a Golden Triangle package to Agra and Jaipur, Delhi is the capital city of India, and has plenty to offer as a stand-alone destination. With many ancient temples, palaces, forts and archaelogical sites, the city is the perfect mix of old and new. Sites to see in Delhi include the number one tourist attraction, the Red Fort. Completed in 1648 by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, the fort today houses a bazaar, a number of palaces, gardens, halls and the Museum of the Independence Movement. Other sites include: Humayun's Tomb, the tomb of the second Mughal emperor, started in 1562; the Qutub complex, which houses structures dating from the Slave Dynasty (1206-1290), including the Qutub Minar, a 72.5-metre minaret, which when built between 1193 and 1368, was the tallest tower in the world; Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India; Rajpath, the main parade route that leads from Rashtrapati Bhavan (the President's residence) to India Gate, a memorial for the Indian soldiers who died in World War I. When you are done with sightseeing, indulge your inner shopaholic and head to the city’s bazaars or one of its many shopping malls. Agra Home to the Taj Mahal, one of the world’s most iconic sites, a first-timer’s visit to India wouldn’t be complete without a stopover in Agra. The Taj Mahal is an impressive mausoleum of white marble, built between 1631 and 1648 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. One of the new seven wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal is one of the most well preserved and breathtakingly beautiful tombs in the world. While the tomb is the site everyone wants to see, the grounds of the complex include several other buildings, reflecting pools and ornamental gardens. After you have seen enough of the Taj Mahal, then make tracks to the Agra Fort, just a mile from the Taj Mahal. The All About India
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The Amber Fort
16th-century Mughal monument is a fortress of red sandstone which encompasses the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. Inside the walls are a number of fairy-tale palaces, such as the Jahangir Palace and the Khas Mahal, built by Shah Jahan; audience halls and two mosques. Also, while in Agra, check out Itmad ud Daulah or the Baby Taj as it is sometimes known, and head out to Fatehpur Sikri to see this deserted fort city built by Akbar. Jaipur If ancient palaces and forts rock your world, then India’s desert capital of Jaipur in the state of Rajasthan is the place for you. Referred to as the Pink City because of the pink walls and buildings of the old city, it reignites the atmosphere of times gone by. The most popular Jaipur attractions are the ancient palaces and forts, which include: the City Palace, a huge complex of courtyards, gardens, and buildings which blend both Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The fascinating facade of the Palace of the Winds is probably Jaipur's most recognised building. Constructed in 1799, it has five floors that contain rows of small windows and screens. Wind used to flow through the openings, giving the palace its name. However, the wind has now gone from the Wind Palace. Located at the far eastern side of Jaipur, getting to the holy Hindi Galta Monkey Temple can feel like a bit of an epic adventure but it is well worth the effort. The temple forms part of a larger temple complex, which also has three sacred pools of water. One of the pools has been taken over by thousands of monkeys that congregate there to swim and bathe. Further out of the city is the magical Amber Fort, which overlooks the Matoa Lake. The original home of Rajput royalty, the fort contains some stunningly ornate and grand palaces, halls, gardens, and temples. Next on the must-see list is Nahargarh Fort, also known as the Tiger Fort, is perched high on the Aravali Hills overlooking Jaipur city. Built in 1734 to help defend the city, the fort is perfectly located to get some breathtaking views of the area – particularly at sunset. Finally, if you love a fact or two about cannons and military structures from the past, then the massive Jaigarh Fort is a must as it is home to one of the world's largest cannon on wheels. It is also one of the best-preserved military structures of medieval India. Climb the Diwa Burj watchtower to get an excellent view over the plains.
North India Like Jaipur, Jodhpur is famous for its forts, palaces, havelis, museums, temples and colorful bazaars, but it also has a reputation for its culture, arts and crafts and colorful festivals. Firmly marked out on the tourist trail of Jodhpur is the 15th-century Mehrangarh Fort, which houses a number of beautiful palaces in its compound as well as a museum. The pink sandstone and marble Umaid Bhawan Palace is another important landmark of Jodhpur. Now a five-star hotel owned by Taj Hotels and Resorts, work started on the construction of the building back in 1929 as a famine relief scheme. A visit to Jodhpur isn’t complete without stopping off at Balsamand Lake and Palace, which was once a royal summer palace and is located four miles outside the city. Jaisalmer Known as the Golden City of India, Jaisalmer is also in Rajasthan, and like Jaipur and Jodhpur, it has its fair share of stunning forts, palaces, mansions and centuries old houses. However, what makes Jaisalmer stand out is its location in the Thar desert, which means as well as many impressive sandstone buildings to marvel at, there is also the option to go on a camel safari. The main attractions are the 12th-century Jaisalmer Fort, the Jaisalmer Havelis (mansions), which are famous for their artistic designs and decorations, Gadsisar Sagar Lake, and Tazia Tower.
Jodhpur Known as the Blue City, Jodhpur is the second largest city in Rajasthan and is also high on the list of most visitors must-see places.
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East is east The birthplace of Buddhism and the site of one of the world’s first universities, there’s much more to east India than Kolkata
Tawang Monastery in Arunachal Pradesh is the largest monastery in India
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he land of Blue Mountains, Green Valleys and Red River, east India has breathtaking scenery and a wealth of heritage – it was the centre for Buddhists, Hindus and Jains – to completely blow your mind. While the region is vast and the places to visit are many, knowing where the key tourism attractions are is key to helping your clients put together their holiday to the east. West Bengal India’s fourth most populous state, West Bengal is also home to one of India’s most well-known cities, Kolkata. The capital of the state today, it used to be the capital of the British East India Company and its long association with the British Raj is clearly evident in the Victorian architecture around the city. The Victoria Memorial is a grand building constructed in the memory of Queen Victoria and it houses a number of rare specimens of the historical preserves of the land. The photographs, paintings and many sculptures inside the building provide an insight into Indian history from the arrival of the British to the Independence era. Howrah Bridge is another Kolkata landmark that attracts a large number of visitors, along with the Dakshineshwar Temple and the temples of Kalighat and Belur. 12
Outside of Kolkata, other major attractions include the university town of Shantiniketan, made famous by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, who lived there. He became the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913. Shantiniketan is also famous for its fairs and festivals. If you really fancy retreating into the wilderness, head up into the hill stations of Kalimpong and Darjeeling, famous for its flavored tea, and a great place to go trekking. While not really known for its beaches, there are a number including Digha, Mandarmoni, Shankarpur and Tajpur, all of which are a water sports’ lovers’ paradise. The state also has rich forestlands, which are full of rare animals such as wild elephants, one-horn-rhinos and so on. West Bengal is also home to the Royal Bengal Tiger, which is found only in the large mangrove forest of Sunderbans in the southern Bengal. Other wild destinations in the state are the jungles of Dooars and Jaldapara.
the 5th century by the Gupta emperors. Thousands of teachers and students from all over the world visited this college until the end of the 12th century. Patna is the capital of Bihar and is located along the sacred Ganges river. Patna is also believed to be the world’s oldest capital city. The forest-clad hill town of Rajgir was the ancient capital of Magadha empire, and Lord Buddha often visited the monastery here to meditate and to preach. It was also the venue for the first Buddhist Council. The Victoria Memorial in Kolkata
Bihar Probably not on the radar of many visiting tourists, but it really should be for two simple reasons: Bodh Gaya in Bihar is believed to be the birthplace of Buddhism; and Nalanda is thought to be the site for one of the oldest universities of the world, founded in
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East India Assam A world leader in the production of tea, there is lots still to be discovered by tourists in the state of Assam. First on the list is the city of Guwahati, home to the Kamakhya temple, dedicated to the Mother Goddess, the Janardan temple and the temple of Navagraha dedicated to the nine planets. The ruins of Sibsagar, 300 miles from Guwahati, provide an insight into Assam’s past, while Kaziranga National Park is the natural habitat of the one-horned rhino. The tiger reserves of Manas National Park, 130 miles from Guwahati, is located on the gentle slopes of the Himalayas, and is also home to the rare golden langur, the hispid hare, the pigmy hog and the one-horned rhinoceros. Sikkim If your true desire is to get far away from the crowds and fill your lungs with fresh mountain air, then Sikkim is the place for you. Its position at the foot of Mount Kanchendzonga, the world’s third highest mountain, makes it a trekkers’ paradise and the rivers of the Teesta and Rangit make it a good place to go white-water rafting.The town of Pelling is a great place to visit for breathtaking views of the mountains.
Street life in Kolkata
Meanwhile, Vaishali was one of the earliest republics in the world, founded in 6th century BC. Lord Buddha preached his last sermon here. Odisha Located along the coastal stretch of the Bay of Bengal, Odisha is a culturally rich and stunningly beautiful state. Bhubaneswar is known as the Temple City because of the large number of ancient temples. It is also a pilgrimage destination for Buddhists and Hindus. Well worth a visit is the small town of Konark in the Puri district, which is known all over the world for its Sun Temple, dedicated to Surya, the Sun God. The beaches in Konark are also one of the best on the east coast. The seaside town of Puri is famous for the 12th-century Jagannath temple and its lively beach community, while Chilika Lake is India's largest lake and a bird sanctuary, and Simlipal Tiger Reserve is a must for wildlife lovers. Jharkhand If breathtaking scenery and a love of the great outdoors is what really gets your blood pumping, than Jharkhand is the place for you. Some 29% of the state is occupied by evergreen forests, and along with rolling hills, lakes, wildlife sancturies and waterfalls, it is a picture-perfect state. Attractions that appeal to tourists include Betla National Park and Palamu, which is populated by many animals including tigers, panthers, elephants and deers. Other prominent tourist attractions include the Sun Temple, Dassam falls, Hazaribagh, Hundru falls and Parasnath Temple.
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Arunachal Pradesh Discover your inner adventurer with a visit to Arunachal Pradesh. Located in the northeast, bordering Burma, Bhutan and China, Arunachal Pradesh’s unique selling point is its densely forested ridges, stunning mountains, colourful tribes and wildlife sanctuaries, which are home to elephant, tiger, gaur, barking deer, black bear and red panda.
Sample product For visitors that have done the Golden Triangle and are looking to head east, TransIndus recommends its Tea Gardens and Eastern Himalaya group tour. The itinerary visits Darjeeling, Kolkata and Sikkim with a chance to ride on the 'toy train' a World Heritage, narrow gauge railway in Darjeeling is a highlight. Other experiences include seeing the sunrise from Tiger Hill and savouring an authentic Bengali meal in a traditional 'thali'. Prices start at £2,495 per person, including 10 nights' accommodation, flights, all internal travel and all scheduled sightseeing. Travel the Unknown’s 13-day Nagaland and The Hornbill Festival tour takes guests on a drive through the plains of Assam on the lookout for unicorn rhino in Kaziranga National Park. It crosses the Brahmaputra river to Majuli, the world’s largest river island with its own unique culture before finally entering Nagaland. The chance to experience the Hornbill Festival also features where Naga culture is brought to life in song and dance. Prices start at £2,095 per person. 13
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The paradise-like feel of the beaches of Goa have put the region firmly on the touris t map
West India
Go west From the beaches of Goa to the madness of Mumbai, the west has it all going on
T
he package-holiday boom of the 1980s saw Britons heading in their thousands to the exotic shores of west India. Thirty years on, and while the demand for beach holidays still exists, Brits are looking to discover more about the culture and heritage of west India beyond the sun and the sea. Goa Goa is one of the main states in west India. Evidence of its history as a Portuguese colony way back in the 16th century is strong, but it is its miles and miles of golden beaches that have made it a massive success with sun-seeking travellers. In the 1960s, the hippy trail led beatniks from the west to the beaches of Goa where they pursued an alternative lifestyle. Twenty years on and the package holiday tourists arrived in their thousands. But Goa has managed to hold on to its new-age past, which is evident in the number of yoga retreats and high-class hotels offering health and wellbeing with holistic spa packages. As a two-week, fly-and-flop or bolted on to a sightseeing tour, Goa is guaranteed to impress. The main resorts are the Calangute, Colva and Anjuna, the original hippy-trail beach, but the resorts of Betul, Palolem and Bambolim are more laid-back. A visit to the capital Panaji is a must to see the Portuguese Baroque-style 14
buildings for some great holiday snaps, while a holiday in Goa isn’t complete without a visit to Old Goa. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, Old Goa’s hey-day was back in the 1500s when it had a population exceeding that of Lisbon and London. Maharashtra India’s most industrialised region is not a slogan the tourist board would want to use to promote this state. However, most tourists flock here to soak up the atmosphere of its capital Mumbai, which is the epicentre of Bollywood. There are too many sites to see in Mumbai to list here, but the main ones
include: the Gateway of India arch and the stunning Taj Mahal hotel located opposite; Haji Ali, which is both a mosque and tomb, built in 1431; and the heritage buildings, some of the best of which are the Gothic-looking Prince of Wales Museum in the Kala Ghoda art precinct, Victoria Terminus railway station, the Bombay High Court and the buildings of Horniman Circle in the Fort area. Mumbai is also great for shopping, from the more affordable purchases that can be made in the many bazaars that sell everything from jewellery to shoes, to the upmarket shopping arcades attached to the five-star hotels.
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West India While the 15th-century monuments influenced by Hindu and Islamic architectural styles in Gujarat’s capital Ahmedabad are an attraction in their own right, Sabarmati Ashram is really the biggest attraction as it is the Ashram of Mahatma Gandhi on the bank of the river Sabarmati, from where he started the famous 'Dandi March'. It now houses lots of memorabilia on Ghandi in a museum. Other jewels in the crown include the holy town of Dwarka, believed to be the place where Lord Krishna lived, and home to the impressive Dwarkadheesh temple. The best-known temple of Gujarat is Somnath Temple, one of the 12 Shiva Shrines. The temple was destroyed seven times by Muslim invaders but rebuilt each time. As well as all the tourist attactions, the state has 3,500 fairs and festivals every year, including the International Kite Festival in Ahmedabad. Sample product Indus Tours features a 16-day Royal Gujarat tour that visits Lothal with its Indus Valley civilisation discoveries, the Jain temple complex at Palitana, Little Rann of Kutch to see Wild Ass and Gir National Park – the home of the Asiatic Lion. The tour ends with a few days relaxing on the beach at Mandvi. Prices start at £2,198 And after a hard few days’ sightseeing, follow the locals down to the beaches of Juhu and Marine Drive. Outside of Mumbai is Sanjay Gandhi National Park, which includes more than 100 ancient hand-carved Buddhist caves, a tiger sanctuary, tiger and lion safaris. Then a one-hour ferry journey from Mumbai is Elephanta Island, home to seven ancient caves hand carved out of rock. The caves of Ajanta and Ellora, 250 miles from Mumbai are also popular with tourists. Both UNESCO World Heritage sites, mural paintings in Ajanta and the sculptures in Ellora date them back to the 2nd century. Gujarat Again a state that is not so well known for its tourism appeal, but those who doubt its tourist creds are foolishly mistaken. While it is also one of India’s most industrialised and wealthiest regions, it is also a dazzlingly diverse one with plenty of hidden tourist gems to be discovered.
Images Goa, Cosmos
News in brief Cosmos has launched its widest range of single and twincentre holidays in north and south Goa. The new programme includes a wide range of accommodation from good value, two-star beach hotels to luxury spa hotels. Tour and stay holidays also feature. Customers can choose from resorts in northern Goa with prices from £524 per person for seven nights at the Prazeres on the popular Candolim beach. For those looking for a more slower pace, Cosmos features a number of hotels in southern Goa, which is famed for its
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quiet fishing villages, sandy beaches, temples, waterfalls and paddy fields. Seven nights at the Haathi Mahal in Cavelossim costs from £660 per person. Cosmos also offers the twin-centre option of combining seeing more of the traditional India with a Goa beach stay. Options include the Golden Triangle tour and the Essences of Kerala tour. Weekly flights are available from both Manchester and Gatwick. Prices include return flights, transfers, accommodation and 20kgs baggage allowance. 15
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Intrepid Travel
Southern spirit Alleppy is described as the Venice of the east.
From its Venetianlike backwaters to its temples and wildlife sancturies, the south is worthy of its supreme reputation
W
hen a region is described as ‘God’s own country’, images of paradise where everyone is blissfully happy spring to mind. Well, the laid-back vibes of the backwaters and beaches of Kerala have helped this state claim this envious title – and have firmly placed southern India on the tourism map over recent years. Here’s a brief look at the key tourist attractions in this region Kerala Like its package-holiday trailblazer, Goa, Kerala too was a destination on the hippy trail of the ‘60s, in particular the beaches of Kovalam. Now, it has followed in the footsteps of its west coast counterpart and is welcoming package holidaymakers by the plane load – however it has still managed to cling on to its paradise found feel. This is somewhat helped by the growth in the holistic health market, with five-star resorts in Kovalam offering health and wellbeing treatment programmes to help people de-stress from the day-to-day pressures of modern living. Ayurveda treatments are big here.
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To get a bit more off-the-beaten track, head for Cherai Beach near Kochi city, Alapuzha Beach and Kollam Beach – good for beach sports and tournaments – Kozhikode Beach and Varkala Beach near Kollam. While the beaches are a big part of what Kerala has to offer visitors, the headline act has to be the rivers that make up the region’s backwaters. Nicknamed the Venice of the east, Alleppey is the gateway to the network of 45 rivers that make up the backwaters of Kerala, and the starting point for most houseboat trips. Very much like the Italian city, Alleppey is a melee of shady streets spread out around a grid of canals, and is a great place to spend a day soaking up the atmosphere before heading out on a houseboat to discover the 900 miles of backwaters. Once you have meandered along some of the many rivers of Kerala, then there’s still plenty to explore, including the beautiful hill stations in the Blue Mountains, the most popular of which is Munnar. Think waterfalls, rapids and rolling hills. A visit to a region of India isn’t complete without crossing a few temples off the list and squeezing in a All About India
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An overnight stay on a houseboat is an essential part of the Keralan experience
South India Sample product Adventure specialist Explore offers an 11-day Keralan Explorer tour that includes one night homestay, a day exploring the waterways in traditional wooden canoes, an opportunity to learn how to cook a traditional curry, a visit to the port city of Kochi, a search for wildlife in Periyar National Park and some downtime on the beaches of the Arabian Coast. Prices start at £1,347 per person and include flights, eight nights’ hotel, one night’s homestay and one night’s houseboat accommodation.
Cox & Kings
Intrepid Travel’s five-day South India Highlights tour takes in a cruise along the Kerala backwaters, a visit to the port city of Kochi and a homestay with a local family. Prices start at £395, excluding flights.
spot of shopping. Well the commercial capital of Kochi is a great place to bag a bargain, and as for temples, the palaces at Sree Padmanabhapuram just 20 miles from the capital Trivandrum are well worth a visit; they are the largest palaces ever constructed from wood and granite in India, don’t you know?
Taj Hotels and Resorts Kovalam
Tamil Nadu It’s all about temples and tigers in the state of Tamil Nadu, also known as the Land of Enduring Heritage, a worthy nickname. Rameswaram is on an island in the Gulf of Mannar, and one of the most significant pilgrimage centres in South India for both Shaivites and Vaishnavaites. Rameshwaram Temple is the major attraction here.
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Travel the Unknown’s culinary-themed 14-day Taste of South India tour gives visitors the chance to experience the flavours and exotic spices of South India on a journey from east to west. Along the way, expert chefs will have guests serving up spicy Chettinad seafood and vegetarian dishes enjoyed in Tamil Nadu, and dosas and idlis, South India’s signature food. The tour includes visits to spice and pepper plantations, ancient temples and forts, and cooking lessons on the banks of Kerala`s backwaters Prices lead in at £1,845 per person Also, Tiruchirappalli, located on the banks of River Kaveri, is a famous religious site for the Vaishvanites and is well worth the visit to see the remarkable and colourful Shirangam temple. Kanchipuram is another town full of Hindu temples, while Kumbakonam is well known for its impressive Chola temples dotted around town and Chidambaram’s great temple complex of Nataraja is a great shot for the photo album. Tamil Nadu also has a number of hill stations up in the Western Ghat ranges, the most popular of which is Udhagamandalam. Discovered by the British, in the early 19th century, its botanical gardens, St. Stephen’s Church and Government Museum are great places to visit. Udhagamandalam is a base for exploring some of Tamil Nadu’s national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, which play a vital role in offering some refuge for much of India’s wildlife including elephants, tigers and rare species of monkeys and gaurs. 17
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Wild times
Wild times Once you’ve done the temples, it’s time to check out the tigers
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ndia’s Supreme Court issued a ban on tiger tourism earlier this year in key national parks in an attempt to offer higher protection and boost the population of tigers. The ban was overturned earlier this month with new guidelines allowing tourism in 20% of specific areas “for regulated low-impact tourist visitation”. Operators have welcomed the lifting of the ban, including Ampersand Travel Founder and Managing Director James Jayasundera, who said: “We are all relieved that this temporary ban has been lifted and once again responsible tourism to the parks of India can continue. I am pleased to see that common sense has prevailed." Here is a brief round-up of what tours are on offer for the remainder of this year and next. Carrier The luxury specialist offers an 11-night Ultimate Tiger Trail, which features game drives at three national parks, combined with private sightseeing tours of both Mumbai and Delhi. The journey starts with tours of Mumbai before exploring the diverse national parks followed by the temples of Khajuraho and a guided tour of both Old and New Delhi. Hotels that are included in this itinerary include: the Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai; Baghvan, Nagpur; Banjaar Tola, Kanha National Park; Mahua Kothi, Bandhavgarh National Park; and the Imperial, Delhi. Prices lead in at £3,705 per person including flights, accommodation, private transfers, game drives and all meals as specified.
secrets. Finally, the tour heads to Gujarat’s Gir National Park, home to Asia’s only lions. Prices lead in at £2,195 per person Travel Indochina For a slightly different take on the wildlife, Travel Indochina’s 14-day Spice of the South takes in Nagarhole National Park in Karnataka in India’s south. Safaris here are both by boat along the park’s reservoir, and by jeep into the evergreen forests, and almost always offer close up sightings of herds of elephants amongst other wildlife such as crocodiles, wild dog, deer, bison and sometimes the big cats. Prices lead in at £2,065 per person, including 13 nights’ accommodation, road transport in air-conditioned vehicles, sightseeing and entrance fees, Western tour leader and local English-speaking guide throughout,
airport transfers, daily breakfast, seven lunches and two dinners. Wendy Wu Tours One of Wendy Wu Tours’ new 2013 offerings is the 13-day Wildlife In Focus private tour. This new itinerary journeys through some of India’s national parks including Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Keoladeo and Ranthambore, famous for its spectacular wildlife including the Bengal Tiger. The first tour departs on 10 January 2013 and is priced from £2,690 per person. Ampersand Travel The luxury specialist offers a seven-night tour that includes three nights at Bandhavgarh National Park and four nights at Kanha National Park with prices starts from £2,315 per person including flights, full board at national parks and game drives.
Travel the Unknown offers a 14-day Tigers and Lions of India which takes clients to Central India’s prime tiger territory of Bandhavgarh and Kanha National Parks and then on to Satpura, one of India’s best-kept wildlife 18
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Travel essentials
Get the lowdown The essential facts you need to know before you go Location: South Asia. Time: GMT + 5.5 hours. Capital: New Delhi. Language: the main language is Hindi which is spoken by 40% of the population but English is widely spoken. Vaccinations: none needed, but diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, polio and typhoid are recommended. Mosquito-borne diseases should be guarded against. Take care with food hygiene: only drink bottled/boiled water and wash your hands regularly. For more details, go to www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations. Visa: you must obtain a visa before travelling to India. For more details, go to www.in.vfsglobal.co.uk Passport: must be valid for a minimum of six months. Currency: Rupee. Travellers' cheques should be well-known brands as should credit cards. ATMs are found in many places. Getting there: there are direct flights
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from the UK with British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Air India, Jet Airways and Monarch. Indirect services are available with Oman Air, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Gulf Air, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, SAS and Swiss. Average flight time is eight hours to Mumbai and Delhi and just over 10 to Kolkata. When to go: mid-September to midApril is the ideal time to visit most parts of India. Religion: 82% Hindu; 12% Muslim, with Sikh, Christian, Jain, Parsi and Buddhist minorities. Social conventions: visitors are asked to remove footwear when entering places of religious worship. Most Indians also remove their footwear when entering their homes; visitors should follow suit. In Sikh temples, your head should be covered. In mosques, women should cover their head and arms and wear long skirts. Photography is prohibited inside many places of worship. Many Hindus are vegetarian and
many, especially women, do not drink alcohol. Geography: India shares borders to the northwest with Pakistan, to the north with China, Nepal and Bhutan, and to the east with Bangladesh and Burma. To the west is the Arabian Sea, to the east, the Bay of Bengal and to the south the Indian Ocean. Sri Lanka lies off the southeast coast, and the Maldives off the southwest coast. The far northeastern states and territories are all but separated from the rest of India by Bangladesh as it extends northwards from the Bay of Bengal towards Bhutan. The Himalayan mountain range to the north and the Indus River (west) and Ganges River (east) form a barrier between India and the rest of Asia. It is the seventh largest country in the world and the second most populous. Contact: India Tourism in the UK, 7 Cork Street, London W1S 3LH, UK Tel: (020) 7437 3677 www.incredibleindia.org
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India Tourism, 7 Cork Street, London W1S 3LH, United Kingdom Tel: +44 20 7437 3677 info@indiatouristofďŹ ce.org
Enjoy unspoilt nature
Find what you seek Spoil yourself
A beach in Andamans, far from the madding crowd. To know more, visit www.incredibleindia.org