India - India & the Subcontinent - Voyages Jules Verne World of Wonders - January 2012

P s re ri a d c v u e e c s u e P d to �1 s sh ow INDIA sIkkIM 11 nights from �1595 Flight - 1 night Kolkata - 2 nights Darjeeling - 2 nights Pelling - 2 nights Gangtok - 2 nights Kolkata - 1 night Flight - 1 night key vjv features dArJeelinG 00 pr ic e ne w n in re d hIll sTaTIons of The hIMalayas Colonial Calcutta, the tea plantations of Darjeeling and Sikkim escribed as `The Flame of the East', Calcutta was ItInerary the centre of British India for 100 years until the Day 1 Fly overnight from London Heathrow or London capital moved to Delhi. Now renamed Kolkata, it is Gatwick via Dubai to Kolkata (formerly Calcutta). undergoing a renaissance. The grand buildings that bear Day 2 Transfer to the 4-star Hindustan International for testament to its colonial heritage are being restored to a two-night stay. Sightseeing includes Victoria Memorial, their former glory and sit in a fascinating juxtaposition Dalhousie Square, St. John's Church, Howrah Bridge and with Indian culture at its most intoxicating. The Victoria a panoramic drive around colonial Calcutta. Memorial has been described as the British Taj, Eden Day 3 Visit the flower market, Belur Math and Gardens as the Lord's of Asia, but to witness the bathing Dakshinashwar Temple. Continue to the Jain temple, the ceremonies on the ghats below the Howrah Bridge is Kalighat Temple, the book market and take a tram ride. a uniquely Indian experience. When the heat becomes Day 4 Morning flight to Bagdogra and a steep uphill drive unsupportable, the inhabitants of this metropolis cross the to Darjeeling (3 hrs / 2,100m). Two nights at Hotel Cedar Bengali plains to Hill Cart Road which shares its winding Inn. Transportation from Bagdogra is by 4-wheel drive. route with the Darjeeling Himalayan Day 5 Early morning visit to Tiger Hill for sunrise over Railway. A 2-metre gauge the Himalayas and Ghoom Monastery before returning mt. kanchenjunga allows this train to pass to the hotel for breakfast. Travel by `toy train' to Gangtok through busy hamlets pelling � � B H U T A N the highest railway station in India. One of only and mountainous darjeeling � three railways in the world to be granted World terrain before bagdogra � Heritage status, the locomotives were made in reaching Manchester. Afternoon tour of the Himalayan Darjeeling, Mountaineering Institute, the zoo and snow perched on a leopard breeding centre (when available). INDIA 2,100-metre Day 6 Leave Bengal for Sikkim, one of India's ridge in the smallest states. En route visit a tea garden. Two foothills of the nights at Norbu Ghang Resort at Pelling (4 hrs / � kolkata (Calcutta) Himalayas. Here 2,100m), in rooms with mountain views. is a taste of Victorian Day 7 Visit Khecheopalri Lake, the Pemeyangste England with the famous Monastery and the ruins of Rabdentse. Windamere Hotel, the Mall, Day 8 Travel eastwards to Gangtok (5 hrs), the modernthe church spires of St. Johns and St. Andrews and the day capital of Sikkim for two nights Planters Club, one time social centre for those who at the family-run Rhenock Villas, assisted in the production of Darjeeling, the Champagne located in an elevated position of the Teas. Mallory stayed here before his fateful ascent overlooking Gangtok. Visit Rumtek of Everest in 1924, leaving in tweeds, home knits and Monastery. carrying little else but the spirit of the empire. Though Day 9 Enjoy spectacular scenery on Everest is visible on a fine day, the skyline is dominated this short drive to Tsomgo Lake at an by the spellbinding Kanchenjunga, marginally smaller than altitude of 3,300 metres and not far Everest but the highest mountain in India. This is the land from the India-China border. of the yak, the red panda and the mythical snow leopard, Day 10 Drive from Gangtok to revered by the Tibetan Buddhists who inhabit Sikkim and Bagdogra (4 hrs) for an afternoon the monasteries of the Red and Black Hat sect. Bordering flight to Kolkata and a final night at Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan, the Himalayan Kingdom has the Hindustan International. pristine lakes, luxuriant forests, thunderous rivers, gentle Day 11 Transfer to the airport for streams and a vast array of orchids all set against the the return flight to London via Dubai. spectacular snow-capped peaks of the world's highest Day 12 Morning arrival into mountains. Heathrow or Gatwick. � VJV Sightseeing Programme � Reduced Prices (selected dates) � Upgraded Flight Option � Regional Flight � Walking Content: 2 (see page 145) � Group Size: 4 � 25 per person in a twin room emirates from Heathrow or Gatwick 2012 � Mondays Jan 23 ......�1675 Oct 15 .......�1649 Feb 20 ......�1735 Nov 5 ........�1595 Mar 19 .....�1735 D 2013 � Mondays Jan 21 ......�1599 Mar 11 ......�1699 Feb 18 ......�1649 Apr 8.........�1599 Supplements per person Single supplement .....................�350 Emirates from Manchester ..........�30 Emirates Business Class .........�1575 PRIVatE JOURnEy this tour may be taken as a Private Journey (see page 144) based on 2 persons on the above dates. add �150 per person Price includes Air travel, UK departure taxes, transfers, 9 nights' accommodation in 3 or 4-star hotels, breakfast daily, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. Not included Travel insurance, visa procurement fee, optional excursions, overseas airport taxes, tipping (see page 145), any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication. Independent Arrival (see page 144) Note Price reduction .............. deduct �450 For notes on altitude see page 145. 0845 166 7008 www.vjv.com 99

India & the Subcontinent contd… India