India with the Travel Experts

INDIA 2012

March

Exclusive savings

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

Exclusive savings

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