india with the travel experts
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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.TRANSCRIPT
March
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.
One of the oldest
civilizations on earth dating
back to 2500 BC, India’s
historical wealth is immense
and virtually unrivalled.
Visiting India is a very
personal experience, leaving no
traveller unchanged.
WHAT’S ON OFFER?
Exciting new options
Exclusive savings
Handy tips & hints when planning your holiday to India
How to book
Exclusive savings
INDI
A 20
12
EXPERIENCE
INDIA WITH THE TRAVEL EXPERTSDiethelm 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,
stretching 3214km north to south from the icy peaks of the
Himalayas to the warm waters of the Andaman Sea, and
2933km west to east from the parched deserts of Gujarat to lush
densely forested hills of Arunachal Pradesh.
Visiting India is a very personal experience, leaving no
traveller unchanged. It is an amazing and contradictory place
intensely rich in colour and vitality; where time has stood still for
centuries in some regions and in others catapulted into the full
force of the 21st century.
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
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!
Colour, chaos, and calm contemplation is our recipe for the
second experience on offer in the South of the country.
Beginning in Mumbai we dive headlong into this pulsating city
that never sleeps before slowing down the pace considerably in
Kerala. From unique colonial home stay experiences in the spice
region of Tellicherry on the Arabian Coast and in the cool hills
and cardamom plantations of Waynad, to gazing at the
iridescent green paddy fields of the ‘Backwaters’ and dazzling
beaches at Mararikulam, this laid back corner of India has
something for everyone.
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.
See first hand one of the World Heritage
finest UNESCO sites
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.
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
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
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.
THE CLASSICS
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
** From $ 897 per
person sharing
Colours & Contrasts of Incredible IndiaMumbai is ideally discovered on foot and our heritage trail
shows you all the iconic landmarks including the Gateway of India
and its neighbour, the magnificent Taj Mahal Hotel. In the late
afternoon enjoy a walking tour through Mumbai’s throbbing heart;
its vibrant bazaars such as Crawford market, the gold souk, flower
and spice markets and the Jain community district before ending
at Chowpatty Beach, for a plate of delicious bhelpuri (fried savory
snack), a much-loved specialty.
Leaving the Metro City, we fly down the coast to Calicut for an
invitation to stay at the private home of CP Moosa, a 19th century
mansion overlooking the Arabian Sea called Ayesha Manzil. A
couple of days are spent wandering around the fish, spice and
vegetable markets, learning how to cook your own delicious
Malabar “mopillah” lunch from the hostess, who is an excellent
cook, and watching the evening rituals including the famous
Theyyam dance at Parassinikiadavu temple. Driving inland, head
up to the hills to stay a couple of nights at the aptly named
Tranquil Resort; our stay here is all about nature and relaxation in
stunning scenery, as well as taking a safari searching for
elephants, bison, monkeys in the Muthanga National Park. Our
next stop is Fort Cochin with its winding, picturesque streets, old
churches and Portuguese, British and Dutch colonial houses,
which appear frozen in the 15th and 16th centuries and set against
a backdrop of the renowned cantilevered Chinese fishing nets
supposedly introduced by traders from the court of Kublai Khan. In
the afternoon, watch a Kathakali dance performance, one of the
most sacred and classical dances in Kerala. Our tip is to arrive
early and watch the artists putting on their unique make up.
Leaving this historical city, a short drive south brings us to the
“Backwaters”, a labyrinthine network of canals and lagoons, at
times only a few metres inland from the sea, and stretching for
miles. Here we board our private converted rice barge for 24 hours
leisurely travelling along these freshwater waterways winding our
way through vibrant paddy fields and small, water based villages.
A romantic dinner on board cooked by the staff is a selection of
tasty Keralan dishes, almost always including a wonderful fish
curry.
End the tour with 3 days at Marari Beach Resort with its lovely
cottage accommodation, spacious grounds and beachfront
location.
Experiences - 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
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
DISCOVER THE SOUTH
** From 3955 per
person sharing
INSIDERS VIEW
The arrivalAll visitors are required to have a valid
Indian Visa and to complete an arrival/
departure card, which is usually distributed
during the flight. The completed card
should be submitted with passport to the
immigration officials on arrival. The
departure portion will be torn off and
returned to the visitor - it should be retained
for presentation upon departure. Be patient
whilst going through the formalities at the
airports and bear with the slow pace.
The weatherBeing such a vast country, India has
enormous variations in climate and can be
visited throughout the year depending on
destination. Overall the climate has 3 major
seasons:
* The dry season is from early October
until end of March, which is the premium
time to travel. The months of December -
January can be surprisingly chilly in
Rajasthan and the central regions with
temperatures dropping to 3 degrees C at
night. Tamil Nadu on the south east coast
receives a different monsoon and most of
its rainfall during October – November.
* The hot season lasts from April to
June. During the hot season in the interior
and some parts of the Western deserts,
temperatures rise to 40-45 degree C. The
hill stations of the Himalayas and the
Western Ghats are particularly beautiful in
April – mid June and October - November.
What to packGenerally, we recommend bringing light
loose fitting cotton clothes for most of the
country and during the warmer months and
pale colours tend to be cooler. Additionally,
some form of layering will be required due
to the range of temperatures which almost
all areas of the country experience.
If visiting the National Parks please
bring green or beige coloured clothes as
much as possible and take account of the
fact that the wind chill factor during
November - February can reduce the
temperature to below freezing.
For the Himalayas it is imperative to
bring sufficient warm layers due to altitude
and the unpredictability of the weather.
Comfortable walking shoes are
required due to the uneven and stony
surfaces and since shoes and socks have
to be removed for all visits to pagodas and
temples, we recommend wearing sandals or
other slip-on shoes which are easy to put
on and take off. When visiting temples or
other religious monuments, visitors should
be modestly dressed; it is very important
that knees and shoulders are covered and
ladies should not wear shorts or vest type
shirts.
Should you have any additional
questions, we are happy to assist with
recommending appropriate clothing.
The currencyThe exchange rate at the banks and
hotels is pretty similar. As the majority of
local banks do not have an exchange
facility, it is more practical to use the hotels
for exchanging money.
Most of the larger hotels offer foreign
currency exchange; however if staying in
some of the very small heritage style hotels
or homestays, you will not be able to
change money. Always carry sufficient
Rupee cash when travelling to remote areas
where you are unable to change money or
use credit cards.
Travellers can import USD 10,000 or
equivalent in cash or travellers cheques
without declaring it to customs.
ATM machines are common in all the
major cities and cards must be compatible
with the following; Amex, Cirrus, Maestro,
MasterCard, Visa. As a charge card Amex is
not widely accepted but MasterCard and
Visa credit cards are. Only Amex or Thomas
Cook travellers' cheques are accepted.
Please remember to keep your money
exchange certificates as these will be
required for reconverting Rupees back into
your own currency. You are advised not to
change more than you consider necessary
towards the end of your holiday in case the
bank at the airport is closed, leaving you
with a stack of rupee notes. It is forbidden
to import or export Indian Rupees.
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,
Jaipur and Amritsar.
Departure tax is included in the cost of your
ticket.
HOW TO BOOK?Booking with Diethelm Travel India could not
be easier. Simply email us on:
[email protected] We will endeavour to reply to you within 24-
hours of receiving your enquiry.
OUR MAILING ADDRESS IS:AB-1, 2nd Floor, Safdarjung Enclave
New Delhi
110029
India
General enquiries: (+91-11) 4050 3355
General fax: (+91-11) 4050 0769
www.diethelmtravel.com
EXCLUSIVE OFFERBook 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