INDIA 2012
March
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MEET INDIA...... India offers an
extraordinary variety of cultures, beliefs, history, landscapes, vegetation and wildlife. With a population of over a billion, India, for first time visitors, can be a powerful assault on the senses.
WHAT’S ON OFFER? One of the oldest civilizations on earth dating
Exciting new options
back to 2500 BC, India’s
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historical wealth is immense
Handy tips & hints when planning your holiday to India
and virtually unrivalled. Visiting India is a very personal experience, leaving no traveller unchanged.
How to book
EXPERIENCE See first hand one of the World Heritage finest UNESCO sites
INDIA WITH THE TRAVEL EXPERTS Diethelm Travel India is your ideal choice when seeking advice or planning an unforgettable holiday to incredible India. Our March edition of ‘Experience’ is packed full of ideas and handy tips for maximising a dream holiday to India. India is possibly the most contrasting nation on earth,
Colour, chaos, and calm contemplation is our recipe for the
stretching 3214km north to south from the icy peaks of the
second experience on offer in the South of the country.
Himalayas to the warm waters of the Andaman Sea, and
Beginning in Mumbai we dive headlong into this pulsating city
2933km west to east from the parched deserts of Gujarat to lush
that never sleeps before slowing down the pace considerably in
densely forested hills of Arunachal Pradesh.
Kerala. From unique colonial home stay experiences in the spice
Visiting India is a very personal experience, leaving no
region of Tellicherry on the Arabian Coast and in the cool hills
traveller unchanged. It is an amazing and contradictory place
and cardamom plantations of Waynad, to gazing at the
intensely rich in colour and vitality; where time has stood still for
iridescent green paddy fields of the ‘Backwaters’ and dazzling
centuries in some regions and in others catapulted into the full
beaches at Mararikulam, this laid back corner of India has
force of the 21st century.
something for everyone.
We invite you to discover this magical country and to share our secrets for making a memorable holiday. You only have a week’s holiday and wish to see the whole of
It’s never been a better time to plan your amazing trip to India, so let the experts at Diethelm Travel India guide you to the perfect combination suited best to you.
India. From an endless array of mental pictures and wish lists conjured up from this vast and incredible country, how on earth do you narrow down the options? We have designed a tour that includes visits to a fabulous mix of Mughal and colonial architecture, an opulent city palace and desert fort , an insight into Hindu culture and bustling colourful markets, as well as great shopping and opportunities to get close to nature – and still return home feeling as if you have actually had a holiday!
Where to stay? Architecture and history are intrinsically linked in India. As a consequence, one of the major delights of any visit to this fabulous country is your accommodation. Be inspired by the options we can recommend along your fascinating adventure.
THE CLASSICS
7 days in India tour Starting in the teeming metropolis and capital, New Delhi, we get to know its’ fascinating history where seven cities have
897
** From $ per person sharing
existed since the 10th century. The city’s most inspirational monuments are Humayun’s Tomb, a pre-runner to the Taj Mahal, the iconic 12th century Qutub Minar and Lutyen’s architectural masterpieces including Rashtrapati Bhawan, now the President’s official residence. New Delhi is surprisingly green and there is no better way to enjoy and see the city than by walking through Lodhi Gardens before taking some retail therapy in Khan Market, a favourite haunt of the Delhi elite. Step back in time by taking a rickshaw through the narrow, bustling, souk like and medieval lanes of Chandi Chowk bazaar – don’t miss Kinari Bazaar glittering with gold and silver trimmings and tinsel garlands or the wedding sari bazaar hanging with magnificent red saris adorned with Chikan and Zari work. At Gurudwara Bangla Sahib Sikh Temple be amazed by the community kitchen and dining hall, where each day
HIGHLIGHTS • Discover the religion of the Sikhs at the golden domed Gurudwara Bangla Sahib Sikh Temple in New Delhi • Live like a true “Delhi Walla” walking through wonderful Lodhi Gardens with its eclectic mix of joggers and picnickers to shop in Khan Market’s Anokhi and Fab India stores for clothes and household textiles • In addition to the incomparable Taj Mahal, steal a few moments at the even more exquisite Itmad ud Daulah also known as “Baby Taj” • Relax on a rickshaw ride through Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary with painted storks nesting just metres away
100’s of thousands of meals get prepared free to the pilgrims; the temple has an immensely powerful, spiritual and peaceful atmosphere enhanced by the glistening marble floor, shimmering gold roof and the continuous sounds of chanting. Taking the train to Agra, we visit the sublime Taj Mahal, a building that is as close to perfection as is possible. Not forgetting the other Mughal architectural gems in Agra, we visit the imposing Red Fort, the delicate Itmad ud Daulah and outside of the city, Akbar’s deserted red sandstone city of Fatehpur Sikri. After all the monuments, take a change of scenery and enjoy a relaxing rickshaw ride through the wonderfully tranquil water world of Bharatpur bird sanctuary, whilst your guide points out the birds, pythons and small mammals. The climax of the week comes when we enter the state of Rajasthan and its capital Jaipur; a city full of contrasts teeming with turbaned elders and jean clad youngsters, camels and horses.
Built from rose-coloured terra cotta, it has been given the name 'Pink City'. An early morning elephant ride brings us in stately splendour to the main entrance of Amber Fort; its majestic ramparts following the natural contours of the ridge and encompassing some hidden gems inside. Afterwards we discover the extravagant and exotic lifestyle of the Jaipur Maharaja’s displayed in the opulent City Palace, home to the City’s rulers for 200 years. Completing our exploration of this colourful city, we wander around the crowded textile bazaar testing our bargaining skills before trying to fathom out the giant sculptures of the Jantar Mantar or Observatory built three and a half centuries ago and used to determine the position of the stars and planets as well as the arrival of the monsoon rains to an uncanny accuracy. Our last leisurely morning allows time to relax at the hotel, swim or shop before driving to Delhi Airport.
Experiences
DISCOVER THE SOUTH
- Learn to cook the delicious
rich flavours of the Malabar “mopillah” cuisine from Faiza Moosa whilst staying in Ayisha Manzil, a colonial style mansion overlooking the Arabian Sea - Hang out in Fort Cochin with its now trendy and picturesque
** From
3955 per
person sharing
Colours & Contrasts of Incredible India Mumbai is ideally discovered on foot and our heritage trail
next stop is Fort Cochin with its winding, picturesque streets, old
shows you all the iconic landmarks including the Gateway of India
churches and Portuguese, British and Dutch colonial houses,
and its neighbour, the magnificent Taj Mahal Hotel. In the late
which appear frozen in the 15th and 16th centuries and set against
afternoon enjoy a walking tour through Mumbai’s throbbing heart;
a backdrop of the renowned cantilevered Chinese fishing nets
its vibrant bazaars such as Crawford market, the gold souk, flower
supposedly introduced by traders from the court of Kublai Khan. In
and spice markets and the Jain community district before ending
the afternoon, watch a Kathakali dance performance, one of the
at Chowpatty Beach, for a plate of delicious bhelpuri (fried savory
most sacred and classical dances in Kerala. Our tip is to arrive
snack), a much-loved specialty.
early and watch the artists putting on their unique make up.
Leaving the Metro City, we fly down the coast to Calicut for an
Leaving this historical city, a short drive south brings us to the
invitation to stay at the private home of CP Moosa, a 19th century
“Backwaters”, a labyrinthine network of canals and lagoons, at
mansion overlooking the Arabian Sea called Ayesha Manzil. A
times only a few metres inland from the sea, and stretching for
couple of days are spent wandering around the fish, spice and
miles. Here we board our private converted rice barge for 24 hours
vegetable markets, learning how to cook your own delicious
leisurely travelling along these freshwater waterways winding our
Malabar “mopillah” lunch from the hostess, who is an excellent
way through vibrant paddy fields and small, water based villages.
cook, and watching the evening rituals including the famous
A romantic dinner on board cooked by the staff is a selection of
Theyyam dance at Parassinikiadavu temple. Driving inland, head
tasty Keralan dishes, almost always including a wonderful fish
up to the hills to stay a couple of nights at the aptly named
curry.
Tranquil Resort; our stay here is all about nature and relaxation in
End the tour with 3 days at Marari Beach Resort with its lovely
stunning scenery, as well as taking a safari searching for
cottage accommodation, spacious grounds and beachfront
elephants, bison, monkeys in the Muthanga National Park. Our
location.
HIGHLIGHTS
MUMBAI
SAFARI
WATERWAYS
RELAX
In Mumbai go on a heritage walking tour and get lost in the throbbing and colourful bazaars
Go on a jeep safari to spot elephant, leopard, bison and bear in the Muthanga Game Sanctuary
Sleep overnight on a converted rice barge in the “Backwaters” – highly romantic
Feel totally rejuvenated with an Ayurvedic massage at Marari beach Resort
INSIDERS VIEW
The arrival All visitors are required to have a valid
What to pack
The currency
Generally, we recommend bringing light
The exchange rate at the banks and
Indian Visa and to complete an arrival/
loose fitting cotton clothes for most of the
hotels is pretty similar. As the majority of
departure card, which is usually distributed
country and during the warmer months and
local banks do not have an exchange
during the flight. The completed card
pale colours tend to be cooler. Additionally,
facility, it is more practical to use the hotels
should be submitted with passport to the
some form of layering will be required due
for exchanging money.
immigration officials on arrival. The
to the range of temperatures which almost
departure portion will be torn off and
all areas of the country experience.
returned to the visitor - it should be retained
If visiting the National Parks please
Most of the larger hotels offer foreign currency exchange; however if staying in some of the very small heritage style hotels
for presentation upon departure. Be patient
bring green or beige coloured clothes as
or homestays, you will not be able to
whilst going through the formalities at the
much as possible and take account of the
change money. Always carry sufficient
airports and bear with the slow pace.
fact that the wind chill factor during
Rupee cash when travelling to remote areas
November - February can reduce the
where you are unable to change money or
temperature to below freezing.
use credit cards.
The weather Being such a vast country, India has
For the Himalayas it is imperative to
Travellers can import USD 10,000 or
bring sufficient warm layers due to altitude
equivalent in cash or travellers cheques
enormous variations in climate and can be
and the unpredictability of the weather.
without declaring it to customs.
visited throughout the year depending on
Comfortable walking shoes are
ATM machines are common in all the
destination. Overall the climate has 3 major
required due to the uneven and stony
major cities and cards must be compatible
seasons:
surfaces and since shoes and socks have
with the following; Amex, Cirrus, Maestro,
to be removed for all visits to pagodas and
MasterCard, Visa. As a charge card Amex is
* The dry season is from early October until end of March, which is the premium
temples, we recommend wearing sandals or not widely accepted but MasterCard and
time to travel. The months of December -
other slip-on shoes which are easy to put
Visa credit cards are. Only Amex or Thomas
January can be surprisingly chilly in
on and take off. When visiting temples or
Cook travellers' cheques are accepted.
Rajasthan and the central regions with
other religious monuments, visitors should
temperatures dropping to 3 degrees C at
be modestly dressed; it is very important
exchange certificates as these will be
night. Tamil Nadu on the south east coast
that knees and shoulders are covered and
required for reconverting Rupees back into
receives a different monsoon and most of
ladies should not wear shorts or vest type
your own currency. You are advised not to
its rainfall during October – November.
shirts.
change more than you consider necessary
* The hot season lasts from April to
Should you have any additional
Please remember to keep your money
towards the end of your holiday in case the
June. During the hot season in the interior
questions, we are happy to assist with
bank at the airport is closed, leaving you
and some parts of the Western deserts,
recommending appropriate clothing.
with a stack of rupee notes. It is forbidden
temperatures rise to 40-45 degree C. The
to import or export Indian Rupees.
hill stations of the Himalayas and the Western Ghats are particularly beautiful in April – mid June and October - November.
TRUST THE EXPERTS
HOW TO GET THERE? Most international flights arrive into Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata or Bangalore. There are also international airports in Hyderabad, Cochin, Trivandrum, Ahmadabad,
OUR MAILING ADDRESS IS:
Jaipur and Amritsar. Departure tax is included in the cost of your ticket.
AB-1, 2nd Floor, Safdarjung Enclave New Delhi
HOW TO BOOK?
110029 India
Booking with Diethelm Travel India could not be easier. Simply email us on:
info@in.diethelmtravel.com We will endeavour to reply to you within 24-
General enquiries:
(+91-11) 4050 3355
General fax:
(+91-11) 4050 0769
www.diethelmtravel.com
hours of receiving your enquiry.
EXCLUSIVE OFFER Book your next holiday to India with Diethelm Travel by 30 May 2012 & receive a massive 10% off the value of your booking * terms & conditions apply
* Offer cannot be combined with any other promotion. Not valid on accommodation only bookings and must be as part of a full itinerary with a minimum of 7 nights stay in India with all services booked through Diethelm Travel India ** 7 days India tour: Lead in price: USD 897 per person based on twin sharing (valid 16 Apr – 30 Sept 12) & 14 days Colours and Contrasts of Incredible India tour: Lead in price: USD 3955 per person* (valid until 30 April 12), excluding domestic airfare