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April to September Specials
Everyone wants to visit India between October and March! As the guidebooks will tell you this is the best time weather wise. While this is generally true, India is a big country and has varied climatic regions, so travelling in the off peak period can offer comfortable travel, memorable experiences and great prices. Airfares on an average are AUD 500 less during these times not to mention savings on accommodation.
In this section we delve into those itineraries that are still great to do in the "Hot"- April-May or the "Wet"- June-September.
Destinations include those around the Himalayas in the North - Himachal, Ladakh, Kumaon, Bhutan and Dargeeling - and the Nilgiris - Ooty & Coonoor- in the south. If you are willing to brave the heat for a day - in the comfort of an airconditioned car that is - Agra in the North and Mysore in the South are easy add ons.
April & May are also the best time for wildlife viewing as the animals come out of impassable bush in search of water.
August & September are good months to take in Kerala as they slot in between the states 2 rainy seasons. While there will be some rain around it is still pleasant and manageable. The rains also tend to cool down temperatures around Delhi, Agra and Rajasthan where the rain is not the deluge experienced in the south.
The Monsoons (wet) are a great time to visit if you are looking for a spa, wellness and relaxation holiday. This is the traditional time not only for rejuvenation of the land but of the body and soul.
So if you are willing to be a little more adventurous there are some fantastic experiences to be had at great prices. Pricing for these holidays is generally for 5 star/best available accommodation, however 3, 4 and 5 star deluxe pricing has been provided as well where applicable.
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The Nilgiri Hills & Tea Gardens - 7 days/6 nights from AUD 1285 pp twinshare
Silhouetted against the sky the blue mountains, or the Nilgiris, are an evocative sight. Their rolling slopes seem to dance to the rustle of eucalyptus trees that call out from valley to valley in joyous abandon. The towns were established by the British as summer getaways from the stifling heat of the lowlands and remain, suspended in time, reminders of a different era. As many as 18 tribal people make their homes in these mountains, including the distinctive pastoral community of Toda, from whom the British purchased what is Ooty today.
The Nilgiris form the junction of the Eastern and Western Ghats: To the west prowl the dense tropical forests of Kerala, enclosing the man protected plantations spices, tea and rubber. To the east the landscape is dryer, harsher, the soil volcanic much as it is the greater part of the Deccan Plateau. This itinerary takes you from Bangalor, capital of the state of Tamil NKarnataka, a bustling metropolis and IT hub of South Asia, to Ootacamund, popularly known as Ooty the ‘Queen of Hill Stations' in South India. A short distance away, surrounded by tea and coffee plantations is Coonoor, another outstandingly scenic town.
The tour has an overall relaxed pace. Hotels used are comfortable mix of modern and heritage, while the journey up the blue mountains on a century-old train is a treat in itself.
Bangalore/Mysore(2)-Ooty(2)-Coonoor(2)-Bangalore
May-Sep 09/Oct 09-Apr 10
Superior: AUD 1120/ AUD tba
Deluxe: AUD 1265/ AUD tba
Luxury: AUD 1495/ AUD tba
click here for detailed itinerary - The Nilgiri Hills & Tea Gardens
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The Essential East - 11 days/10 nights from AUD 2695 pp twinshare
Ranging from the shores of the Bay of Bengal to the peak of the Kanchanjanga, the third-highest peak in the world and the highest in India, the region offers a spectacular variation in landscapes. This itinerary takes you to Bengal and Sikkim.
Darjeeling is one of the most beautiful hill stations in the East and one that allows you glimpses of the majestic peaks of Mount Everest and Mount Kanchanjanga on a clear day. The Indian Mountaineering Institute is worth a visit to see exhibits of famous expeditions, particularly the first successful attempt by Tenzing and Hillary. Also worthy of a visit is the Lebong Race Course that has the distinction of being the highest and smallest racecourse in the world. Especially visit the Tibetan Monastery at Ghoom where an enormous gilded statue of Buddha is enshrined. This monastery also contains several valuable Tibetan manuscripts. Going on to Sikkim, the capital Gangtok is like a fairy-tale place, where pretty houses perch precariously on steep mountain slopes above incredible scenic panoramas. Built in the pagoda style, they have painted turquoise roofs, gleaming above busy bazaars that are filled with elegantly costumed, smiling people. The magic of the scene is very real. Tiny Sikkim has 194 monasteries or gompas of which the 50-year-old Rumtek Monastery is the most famous – an excellent replica of the original in Tibet. Devoted lamas robbed in crimson chant ancient mantras to the rhythm of drums and trumpets while soft light flickers from decorative lamps and, if you sneak a look over your shoulder, you might catch sight of the universe smiling in response.
Kolkata/Calcutta(2) - Darjeeling(3) - Pelling(1) - Gangtok(2) - Kalimpong(1) - Kolkata(1)
Apr-Sep 09/Oct09-Mar10
Superior: AUD 2695/ AUD poa
Deluxe: AUD 2795/ AUD poa
Luxury: AUD 3080/ AUD poa
click here for detailed itinerary - The Essential East (India)
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Classic Kerala - 8 days/7 nights
August &September are months between Kerala's two monsoons, and hence good choice for visiting "Gods own country" outside of the peak tourist season - November to March.
Kerala, a vibrant and beautiful land with mile upon mile of silver beaches, stretched taut and inviting over a lace edged coast; silent, sleepy backwaters fringed by trailing fingers of green; verdant hillsides with their bounty of spices; gracious homes gleaming with the warmth of polished wood.
The heart of the land is composed of intensely green paddy fields and a unique network of rivers and lagoons. Upland Kerala, relatively little visited, comprises hills thickly wooded with teak and rubber. It is here that Kerala's most precious spices are grown in carefully nurtured plantations - cardamom, pepper and nutmeg.
Sun kissed beaches; exotic hill stations, suspended in time amidst sprawling tea plantations; picture-book towns with winding lanes and an intriguing mix of cultures; wildlife reserves; trekking and cruising facilities; all combine to make this a most enjoyable itinerary.
Cochin(2)-Houseboat(1)-Kumarakom(2)-Periyar(2)-Cochin
May-Sep 09/Oct09-Apr10
Superior: AUD 1135 / AUD tba
Deluxe: AUD 1225 / AUD tba
Luxury: AUD 1595 / AUD tba
click here for detailed itinerary - Classic Kerala
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Kerala -The Malabar Coast - 7 days/6 nights
A short tour of God's own country – the backwaters, wildlife and lush countryside of Kerala. Kochi, where the tour begins, is a cluster of islands, one of the finest natural harbors in the world. It used to be the major center of trade with the British, Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese and Dutch.
Kumarakom slumbers on the banks of the famous Vembanad Lake with its numerous canals, streams and distributaries that weave an intricate and enchantingly beautiful web. Its undisturbed tranquility makes it a favourite with a vast number of migratory birds who are also attracted by the abundance of fish to be had.
Kochi(2)-Houseboat (2)-Kumarakom(2)-Kochi
May-Sep 09/Oct 09-Apr 10
Superior: AUD 1035 / AUD tba
Deluxe: AUD 1095 / AUD tba
Luxury: AUD 1275 / AUD tba
click here for detailed itinerary - Kerala, The Malabar Coast
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Lesser known gems of Kerala - 13 days/12 nights
Green, verdant Kerala, lush with paddy fields, coconut groves and spice plantations; mile upon miles of pristine beaches, the dazzling white of fine sand washed every now and then with frothy lace by the ocean: Step just a little bit away from the well-trodden path for an experience that will stay with you forever.
From cosmopolitan Mumbai, where fishing boats are pulled upon beaches overlooked by relics of the Raj, which are themselves dwarfed by towering, futuristic high-rises, travel to the sweeping tranquility of spice plantations – cardamom, nutmeg, pepper – a rich harvest of nature's bounty. Villages linked by a network of backwater, canals, and lagoons that weave in, out and around the groves of swaying coconut palms, traversed by boats of all shapes and sizes. Ancient churches dot the countryside as you glide softly by.
In the interior the Nilgiri loom, their dense wooded slopes hiding a teeming wealth of wildlife ranging from the tiger and elephant to the spectacular and endangered lion-tailed macaque. The Periyar Tiger Reserve is one of the many forests protected under Project Tiger as ranges of that magnificent best. Today its abundant grasslands support a thriving elephant population as well as the deer, antelope and lesser herbivores that the tiger stalks.
Mumbai(2)-Vythri(2)-Kochi(2)-Mankota(1)-Murinjapuza(2)-Marari Beach(3)
Price on application
click here for detailed itinerary - Lesser known gems of Kerala
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Spa & Wellness Holidays
A holistic approach to health has always been an integral part of Indian culture. After all, this is the place where natural therapy, ayurveda, yoga and meditation all started. The essence of these is a strong belief in the body's innate ability to resist ill health - be it physical, mental or emotional - through methods that allowed it to centre itself and by achieving perfect harmony with the elements.
Your selected resort offers programs that are garnered to soothe, heal and cleanse. It will offer the best spa and ayurveda programs in serene natural locations entirely conducive to total relaxation.
These holidays can be taken on their own or at the end of one of our other itineraries.
Devigarh Resort, Udaipur - 3 nights Delhi & 7 nights Udaipur. Includes Udaipur and Delhi sightseeing
Ananda in the Himalayas, Rishikesh - 3 nights Delhi + 7 nights Rishikesh. Includes Delhi sightseeing and river rafting.
Park Hyatt, Goa - 10 nights. 2 nights Mumbai + 8 nights Goa. Mumbai and Goa sightseeing included.
Oberoi Vanyavilas, Ranthambore - 10 nights. 3 nights Delhi + 7 nights Ranthambore. 5 jungle safaris + delhi sight seeing included.
Golden Palms Hotel & Spa, Bangalore - 9 nights. Mysore & Bangalore sight seeing included.
Kumarakom Lake Resort, Kerala - 10 nights. 3 nights Cochin + 7 nights Kumarakom.Backwaters cruise and Cochin sight seeing included.
prices on application
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Road to Ladakh - 13 days/12 nights
Driving to Ladakh it is good to keep in mind that you are on the highest motorable road in the world. One that affords some breathtaking views of the 'roof of the world'. Taking you through northeastern Himachal Pradesh and Lahaul valley is the Rotang Pass. As you get higher, the gentle greens of the verdant valley slowly give way to the harsh dry deserts of higher altitude and the stark, startling beauty of the painted mountains.
The inaccessibility of the higher reaches of this region is what makes it so attractive. Accommodation is comfortable but basic – we use tents in Jispa and Sarchu. There are few who venture here and though the number is increasing, the unparalleled beauty of these mountains remains unspoiled and the lifestyle of the people still untouched by the modern age.
Delhi(3)-Nalagarh(1)-Manali(2)-Jispa(1)-Sarchu(1)-Leh(3)-Delhi(1)
Price on application
click here for detailed itinerary - Road to Ladakh
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Ladakh - 10 days/9 nights
Ladakh, an extention of the Gobi desert and Tibetan plateau, comprises some of the world's highest and harshest terrain. Large stretches of stark high altitude deserts and ‘moonscapes' makes this a forbidding landscape to view even from within the safe embrace of an aircraft – but there is also a strange beauty, an attraction that is almost addictive. At an altitude of 14,000 feet, it is essential that you acclimatise yourself, if the rarified air is not to overwhelm you.
Driving out of the capital Leh, you are faced with the ever-changing palette of the mountains…unbelievable hues of purple and red that stands out in sharp contrast to snow capped peaks. Scrub and rough tenacious ground cover do little to clothe the starkness. The land seems empty, until a faint tinkle of bells heralds the arrival of pashm goats, whose coat veilds the famous pashmina, followed by the nomadic herdsmen with their yak and sheep. The predominantly Buddhist region has Gompas [monastries] that cling to mountaintops in what may seem the most precarious locations.
Prices include return domestic flights to Leh from Delhi.
Delhi(2)-Leh(3)-Uletopko(1)-Leh/Khardungla Pass(2)-Delhi(1)
Price on application
click here for detailed itinerary - Ladakh
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Heritage Himachal & the Golden Temple - 12 days/11 nights
Welcome to Himachal Pradesh, the ‘land of snow', whose proximity to the heavens also makes it referred to as the ‘land of the gods. This, as the Himalaya raises its mighty head to talk with the clouds, is easy to believe. The soft, natural beauty of the land is uplifting regardless of the face it reveals, the mood it is in.
This itinerary takes you to Shimla, the stately summer capital of the Raj, with its resplendent Viceregal lodge, the Christ Church and other Raj buildings. From there to Paragpur, the only listed ‘heritage' village in the country and the orchards and tea gardens of Taragarh framed against the mighty Dauladhar mountain range.
Nearby is the Andretta, a potter's village which was the home of the famous studio potter, Sir Shobha Singh. His son lives in Andretta today and the place has acquired a reputation as an artists' colony. Dharamshala is the current home to the Dalai Lama (his headquaters are in nearby McLeodganj) and has a sizable Tibetan community.
Coming down the hills you stop at Amritsar to visit the Sikh shrine of the Golden temple, which is the holiest of the Sikh shrines.
Delhi(2)-Shimla(2)-Taragarh(1)-Dharamshala(2)-Pragpur(1)-Amritsar(2)-Delhi(1)
May-Sep 09/Oct 09-Apr10
Superior: AUD 2438/AUD tba
Deluxe: AUD 2620/AUD tba
Luxury: AUD 3360/AUD tba
click here for detailed itinerary - Heritage Himachal & the Golden Temple
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The Hills of Kumaon - 13 days/12 nights from AUD 1960 pp twinshare
Kumaon was popular with the British sahibs and their families as a summer retreat from blistering heat that engulfed the plains. The gentle hills, lush valleys and mild weather reminded them of ‘home'. The sloping, slate-roofed stone cottages with ivy-covered walls at many a ‘hill station' step straight out of the English countryside. Ranikhet is still the head quarters of the Kumaon regiment of the old British Indian Army while names such as Binsar, Almora, Ramgarh, conjure up images of romantic, cloud-shrouded little towns.
But before going up into the hills, we traverse tiger country – the dense forests along the banks of the Ramganga River as it skirts the foothills of the mighty Himalayas that comprise the Corbett National Park. Established as a wildlife reserve in 1936, the park covers much of the terrain criss-crossed by Jim Corbet, after whom the park is named, as he tracked the “Man eaters of Kumaon”. At the little hamlet near Ramganga you can visit Corbett's home, which has now been converted into a museum..
Delhi(3)-Corbett(2)-Nanital(2)-Ranikhet(1)-Almora(2)-Ramgarh(1)-Delhi(1)
price on application
click here for detailed itinerary - The Hills of Kumaon
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