India — Africa — Explore Worldwide 2008/09 online holiday brochure

INDIAN SUBCONTINENT INDIA Bengal Tiger/Chris Milne INDIA NEW! Kolkata to Amritsar 16 DAYS HOTELS/TRAIN HOOGHLY TO THE HIMALAYA Ref RBA JFMAMJJASOND JFMA Travelling on a network that carries a staggering 10 million people every day, this incredible rail journey travels from vibrant Kolkata on the Bay of Bengal to the heights of the Himalaya and then on to the Pakistan border. We encounter pilgrims on their spiritual journeys to some of the holiest of places in India, whilst passing through the wonderfully contrasting scenery of northern India. Kolkata to Varanasi More familiarly known as Calcutta, India's intellectual capital boasts a lively cultural scene and is rich in colonial architecture. As well as visiting historical sites we take time to wander in the flower market and enjoy fine views of the Ganges, known locally as the Hooghly River. We join the flow of Buddhist pilgrims travelling to Bodh Gaya, where the Buddha attained enlightenment. Continuing along the pilgrims' trail, our journey takes us to Varanasi and the awe-inspiring sight of Hindu devotees purifying themselves in the sacred waters of the Ganges. Taj Mahal & Toy Trains In Agra we spend time at the magnificent Taj Mahal and explore the preserved 'ghost city' of Fatehpur Sikri. From the thriving metropolis of Delhi we journey up into the mighty Himalaya, aboard a relic of the Raj, the narrow gauge 'Toy' train to the hill station of Shimla. Here, at the former British summer capital, we take in the fresh air and magnificent views. There are opportunities for walks in the area or to wander in the warrenlike bazaar. Golden Temple & Wagah Descending from the mountains we travel to the Punjab and the city of Amritsar, which owes its existence to the renowned Golden temple the holiest of Sikh shrines. To spend time in its marbled courtyards and shrines is Golden temple, Amritsar/Greg Thurston Tiger, Tiger........ 7 DAYS HOTELS TIGER TRACKING! Ref ATT JFMAMJJASOND JFMA Tiger, Tiger........ Ref ATT DELHI City tour Old Delhi rickshaw ride INDIA Ya m una protection of the Project Tiger scheme. It is one of the best places in the world to photograph tigers as sightings are reported almost daily even during daylight hours to maximise our chance we include 4 visits to the National Park. Tigers aside, the park contains the last remnants of Central Indias native forest which provides a habitat for sambar deer, leopard, crocodile, sloth bear and over 300 species of birds. We also include a visit to the abandoned but still awesome Ranthambore Fort, located within the park high above Jogi Mahal. Exploring Delhi Returning to Delhi we explore both parts of the city. In New Delhi we find tree-lined boulevards, spacious parks and fountains, then head into Old Delhi to discover the chaotic huddle of streets on foot and by cycle rickshaw. Here we experience Jami Masjid, Indias most beautiful mosque and the bustling Chandni Chawk. a unique experience. From here it's just a short distance to the Pakistan border at Wagah where we watch the colourful (and noisy!) changing of the guard. FACTFILE Itinerary Day 1 Fly London/Kolkata (Calcutta). 2 Arrive Kolkata. 3 Sight-seeing tour to include colonial architecture, flower market and temples. 4 Train to Gaya; drive Bodhgaya. 5 Visit Mahabodi Temple; PM train to Varanasi. 6 Visit Sarnath; sunset boat trip on Ganges. 7 Optional sunrise boat trip; overnight train to Agra. 8 In Agra; visit Fort. 9 In Agra; visit Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri. 10 Train to Delhi; tour of New Delhi. 11 Old Delhi by metro and rickshaw; PM free. 12 Train to Kalka; toy train to Shimla. 13 In Shimla; orientation walk. 14 Bus to Ambala; train to Amritsar. 15 Visit Golden temple; trip to Pakistan border. 16 Fly London. Accommodation & Meals: 13nts hotel, 1nt overnight train; 13 breakfasts & 1 dinner included. See insert p2. Mode of Travel: Train/Bus/Chartered boat/Rickshaw/On foot. Comment: An all-encompassing trip visiting many of the highlights of Northern India. Tour Staff & Support: Explore Tour Leader, driver(s) and some local guides. Group Size: Approx. 12 to 16. Ch am ba l Banas SAWAI MADHOPUR Ranthambore NP Tiger Safari Game drives Visit Fort 0 km 100 One of lifes most rewarding experiences is to see the magnificent Bengal Tiger in the wild. Our 7 day trip combines Ranthambore National Park with time in Delhi. To make the best use of our time on this short break, we use the efficient railway service from Delhi to Ranthambore. Tiger Tracking in Ranthambore After a leisurely first afternoon in Delhi we board the Golden Temple Mail the following morning. The train whisks us through the countryside to our base on the outskirts of Ranthambore National Park, and we set off in the afternoon on our first safari. Ranthambore National Park is one of the finest tiger reserves in India and has long been under the FACTFILE The sacred waters of the Ganges, Varanasi/Margaret-Ann Hugo Itinerary Day 1 Fly London/Delhi. 2 Arrive Delhi; free PM. 3 Train Sawai Madhopur, entry point for Ranthambore National Park; PM game drive. 4 AM game drive; PM visit Ranthambore fort and game drive. 5 AM free to relax; PM game drive. 6 Train Delhi; PM tour of New and Old Delhi. 7 Fly London. Accommodation & Meals: 5nts hotel; 5 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 3 dinners included. See insert p2. Mode of Travel: Bus/Train/Cantor/ Cycle rickshaw. Comment: This two centre tour allows the traveller to experience the world-class splendours of Ranthambore in less than a week. In the park we travel by cantor, an open sided truck specially adapted for game viewing. Tour Staff & Support: Explore Tour Leader/ Naturalist guide plus driver(s). Group Size: Approx. 12 to 16. PA K I S T A N Wagah Border AMRITSAR Golden Temple SHIMLA 2130m Old colonial hill station Toy Train Kalka Ambala City tour Taj Mahal Red Fort Kolkata to Amritsar Ref RBA H CHINA I M A L A Y A B H U TA N N E PA L DELHI AGRA Fatehpur Sikri Sarnath Buddhist Shrines G an g es BANGL ADESH Colonial architecture Hooghly Fiver Ya m u n GAYA a VARANASI Boat trip Bodhgaya Birth place of Buddhism km I N D I A 500 KOLKATA Monkeys at Ranthambore/Laura Bogard 0 Bay of Bengal 150 For information, inspiration and latest tour availability visit www.explore.co.uk

Africa contd… India