Download - Audley Indian Subcontinent Introduction
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T H E I N D I A NS U B C O N T I N E N T
T A I L O R - M A D E J O U R N E Y S F O R T H E D I S C E R N I N G T R A V E L L E R
INDIA
SRI LANKA
MALDIVES
NEPAL
BHUTAN
PAKISTAN
DUBAI
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Audley Travel
Audley Travel was established by Craig
Burkinshaw with the simple philosophy of offering
clients the best possible travel experiences. Craig
recognised that the only way of achieving this was
to have specialists with detailed, in-depth
knowledge of the countries we visit backed by a
no-compromise attitude to quality and service.
Audley now offers a comprehensive range of
programmes throughout Asia, Africa, LatinAmerica and Australasia.
Careful Planning
Our Indian Subcontinent specialists have all
travelled extensively throughout the region and in
many cases have lived there, so you can rely on
their first-hand knowledge. They have boundless
enthusiasm for their chosen countries and take an
honest "tell it how it is" approach to planning an
itinerary, suggesting sights, selecting
accommodation and discussing the practicalities of
travel. We also insist that they regularly revisit the
region, meticulously inspect hotels and keep up to
date with all travel-related issues. We believe this
approach is unique to Audley and ultimately
ensures that you will have the best possible travel
experience.
A Journey to Suit You
You may wish to travel for all sorts of reasons,
whether to explore the culture and history of a
region, view wildlife, discover spectacular scenery
or simply to relax. For many Audley clients it is a
combination of all these, while others have more
specialised interests such as photography, rail
journeys or walking and trekking in magnificent
landscapes. Whatever your requirements we
can use our detailed knowledge to plan yourideal itinerary.
Tailor-made Travel
The joy of tailor-made travel is that your
complete holiday is designed around your own
requirements, so you are not tied to the set
itinerary of a group. This allows you to explore at
your own pace and select accommodation that
suits your needs, with our specialist knowledge at
your disposal to perfect your travel plans.
Throughout the brochure you will find suggested
itineraries designed by our specialists to suit theneeds of most travellers. Each one can be
adjusted to accommodate your specific tastes and
interests, or we can plan a completely new trip to
match your own requirements.
Dear TravellerThe Indian Subcontinent is often perceived
as a daunting place to travel, with long
journeys, primitive accommodation and a
strange culture. We know that the reality is
somewhat different.
A vast rail network and a myriad of flights
now connect the far flung corners of the
Indian Subcontinent from the Himalaya
to the languid backwaters of the tropical
south, allowing you to experience an
astonishing diversity of landscapes and
cultures. Im delighted at the
accommodation our specialists continue
to discover, from converted palaces to
spas, mountain lodges, jungle camps and
water villas.This range of options and the
tantalising possibility of living the lifeof a Maharaja, if only for a few days, is
unique to the region and I am looking
forward to experiencing it for myself as
soon as possible.
A frequent preconception of any journey to
the Indian Subcontinent is one of bearded
Sadhus, cows ambling nonchalantly
through bustling streets and exotic dishes
flavoured with mysterious spices, but the
fascinating cultures and cuisines need notbe intimidating. The warmth of your
welcome remains constant whether you
are visiting the deserts and backwaters
of India, the mountains, or the tropical
idylls of Sri Lanka and the Maldives,
while gastronomes will revel in the
countless dishes on offer.
Our Indian Subcontinent team have
heaps of enthusiasm for their areas of
speciality and have lived, worked, studied
and travelled extensively in the region.
Their knowledge will ensure that you get
a trip tailored to your requirements.
If you are travelling here for the first
time, or returning to explore further, I
hope that you find our brochure inspiring
and that our passion for the region and its
people shines through. We look forward to
helping you arrange your trip.
Craig Burkinshaw
Managing Director
Tilon-Ki-Pol and Gadi Sagar, Jaisalmer
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Contents
Introduction 2-5
India 6-61
Rajasthan and The North 8-21
Calcutta and The East 22-27
Foothills of The Himalaya 28-33
Mumbai, Goa
and The Deccan 34-39
Karnataka and Tamil Nadu 40-47
Kerala 48-57
Wildlife 58-61
Sri Lanka 62-75
Maldives 76-81
Nepal 82-85
Bhutan 86-91
Pakistan 92-93
Dubai 94-95
How to plan your journeywith Audley
We suggest that you read through the brochure
to obtain a feel for this region's unique travel
possibilities. Once you have an idea of the
type of trip you want to take, or want some
general guidance, call one of our specialists
on 01993 838 300. They will answer any
questions you have and discuss your travel plans
and ideas in detail, making suggestions where
appropriate. We will then send you a detailed
itinerary complete with maps, accommodation
information, colour photographs and a price.
Once you have read through the itinerary we will
answer any further questions and refine the tour
until you are totally satisfied. The booking process
starts when we receive your deposit and booking
form, at which point we can start to confirm your
travel arrangements. The same Audley specialist
will be handling your trip from start to finish:
please feel free to call them at any time.
Shepherds, Rajasthan
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Responsible Travel
We are passionate about the countries we
specialise in, and have always been firmly
committed to the principles of ethical travel and
sustainability. Our Responsible Travel policy has
been awarded Three Stars the maximum
possible by AITO, and we have drawn up a
Travellers Code which will help you to ensure
your trip does not threaten the sustainability of
the places you visit. Audley support the Friends of
Conservation carbon offsetting scheme. For
further details on how to offset the carbon
emissions from your flight, please visit our website
or talk to the country specialist arranging your trip.
Throughout the Subcontinent we use properties
(such as the Coconut Lagoon in Kerala) that
ensure they operate in a sustainable manner by
employing and training local staff, supporting local
growers and conserving the resident flora and
fauna. Should you wish to visit one of these
projects during your trip our specialists will
endeavour to help you do so.
In addition to the above, Audley support a
number of good causes through the Audley
Charity Portfolio please refer to
www.audleytravel.com/rt for more details.
Guides
Your guide can be the most important factor in
determining the success of your holiday and
Audley only use qualified guides to ensure that
your experience is exceptional. Our guides are
both enthusiastic and knowledgeable, and are fully
briefed on your itinerary. Chatting with your guide
is an excellent way to gain an insight into the
country youre visiting and your guide will speak
good English, although please remember that this
is not their first language.
Accommodation
Whether you wish to live like a Maharaja, escape
to an ocean hideaway or marvel at the wildlife
from a jungle camp, the Indian Subcontinent has an
astonishing diversity to satisfy all interests and
budgets. Throughout the region we use
accommodation ranging from simple clean
guesthouses and homestays to the quality hotels of
the Taj and Oberoi groups. We spend time
researching accommodation, and throughout the
brochure you will find examples of some of our
favourite hotels, usually chosen for their location
and character as well as their friendly staff and
standards of service. These are just a selection and
our country specialists will use their experience to
find a hotel to suit your requirements.
Cuisine
Food is a passion in the Indian Subcontinent, with
a diversity of cuisine to entice any visitor. The
spicy curries of northern India are renowned but
not all dishes are so fiery and as you travel you
will notice subtle changes. Gastronomes will revel
in the array of dishes on offer, ranging from the
succulent meat dishes to rich creamy vegetarian
alternatives and fresh seafood. We are often able
to make restaurant recommendations but your
guide is also an excellent source of local
knowledge on this most important of topics.
Prayer flags, Bhutan
Bengal tiger, India
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Transport
Most Audley clients prefer to have the
convenience of a driver and guide with them for
the duration of their trip as this makes exploration
easier. The majority of the vehicles are air-
conditioned and all are well maintained. Road
travel through the region is very much part of
the experience, but we will always endeavour
to let you know the road conditions and journey
duration in advance, and where distances are
great we often recommend that you use the
extensive rail and flight network.
Flights
The Indian Subcontinent is well served with
excellent direct flights operated by Virgin Airways,
British Airways and Jet Airways. The national
carrier Sri Lankan Airlines flies directly to
Colombo and also includes the Maldives as part
of its network. Emirates, a popular choice with
Audley clients, flies to the Indian Subcontinent
via Dubai, allowing you to combine a tour with
a stay in the Gulf. Competitively priced upgrades
are possible on all international flights for those
seeking a little more refinement and legroom.
Within the Subcontinent an extensive flight
network connects the majority of regions.
For your convenience a range of regional flights
from a number of domestic UK airports can be
booked via Audley and full details of this and
other flight information can be found in the
separate airline leaflet.
Terms & Conditions,and Travel Insurance
Your booking is subject to the Terms and
Conditions of Audley Travel, which are detailed ina separate leaflet. It is vital that you have adequate
travel insurance and we are able to offer a
number of policies either for the duration of your
trip or on an annual basis.
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Taj Mahal, Agra
Private terrace, Maldives
Tea pickers, Sri Lanka
Water seller, IndiaFruit vendor, India
Financial Security
You can book with us confident in the knowledge
that we are fully bonded with the Civil Aviation
Authority and hold an Air Tour Operators'
License (ATOL 4817). This fully covers all holidays
that involve air travel. If you are using Audley to
arrange the land only part of your trip then you
will be protected by our Travel Organiser's Failure
Cover insurance policy.
www.audleytravel.com
If you are looking for travel inspiration, Audleys
website is full of journey ideas, month-by-month
suggestions, destination guides, slideshows,
exclusive articles and special features,
responsible tourism details and a useful
travel information section.