Holiday in India, Himalayan foothills
| country: | India |
| location: | Indian Himalayas, Golden Triangle in India |
| departures: | 2009: 26 Dec 2010: 6 Feb, 27 Mar, 3 Apr, 10 Apr, 16 Oct, 23 Oct, 6 Nov, 26 Dec 2011: 5 Feb, 2 Apr, 9 Apr, 22 Oct, 5 Nov, 19 Nov, 24 Dec |
| price: | From £1299 - £1619 (14 days) including flights from the UK. From £849 - £929 excluding flights. |
| late availability: | Late availability on 26th December departures |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
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the amazing things you'll be doing
Journey from the plains to the hills on this amazing Himalayan holiday.
Moghul Cities & Taj Mahal
You’ll begin by exploring the vestiges of the former Moghul Empire in Old Delhi. Next, discover the Palace of the Winds, the ‘pink city’ of Jaipur and the mysterious, deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri. The anticipation builds as you journey to the Taj Mahal in Agra – arguably the most perfectly proportioned building in the world.
Hill Stations & Holy River
You will then head into the Himalayan foothills, where the old hill station of Naini Tal still retains a colonial atmosphere from the days of the Raj. Next, relax beside the rushing waters of a Himalayan river before exploring Corbett National Park in search of tiger! Your journey winds down by the Ganges at Rishikesh – renowned for its yoga and white water rafting (both optional), with a night spent camping on a river beach.
Corbett National Park
Corbett National Park was the first to be established in India and remains one of the finest. You stay in a comfortable lodge and travel by jeep seeking out the area’s prolific wildlife. You’ll see many bird species, chital, hog deer, monkeys and with a little luck spot leopards, wild elephants and tigers!
Moghul Cities & Taj Mahal
You’ll begin by exploring the vestiges of the former Moghul Empire in Old Delhi. Next, discover the Palace of the Winds, the ‘pink city’ of Jaipur and the mysterious, deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri. The anticipation builds as you journey to the Taj Mahal in Agra – arguably the most perfectly proportioned building in the world.
Hill Stations & Holy River
You will then head into the Himalayan foothills, where the old hill station of Naini Tal still retains a colonial atmosphere from the days of the Raj. Next, relax beside the rushing waters of a Himalayan river before exploring Corbett National Park in search of tiger! Your journey winds down by the Ganges at Rishikesh – renowned for its yoga and white water rafting (both optional), with a night spent camping on a river beach.
Corbett National Park
Corbett National Park was the first to be established in India and remains one of the finest. You stay in a comfortable lodge and travel by jeep seeking out the area’s prolific wildlife. You’ll see many bird species, chital, hog deer, monkeys and with a little luck spot leopards, wild elephants and tigers!
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Depart London Depart on overnight flight to Delhi, arriving early hours of tomorrow morning. |
| Day 2: | Delhi On arrival you transfer to your hotel to rest after your flight. This afternoon you are introduced to India with a half-day tour of Old and New Delhi. The present metropolis of Delhi is at least the eighth city to have been founded on this site; its predecessors have been largely razed to the ground. Old Delhi is bustling and vibrant, a network of narrow streets and alleys teeming with people. Mosques and temples are squeezed into unlikely places between shops and market stalls. You’ll visit the Jami Masjid, Delhi’s largest mosque, which is not only a place of religious worship, but also a lively meeting place for the city’s Muslims. A fascinating contrast awaits as you head into New Delhi. Its wide boulevards and imposing buildings conjure up images of the British Empire at its zenith. Hotel – 1 night (B) |
| Day 3: | The Pink City Of Jaipur You take the train south-west to the famous Pink City of Jaipur. Travelling on an Indian train is an experience in itself; it’s almost like a town on wheels and has a complete cross-section of life aboard. Jaipur, like Delhi, has both old and new cities, and during your stay you concentrate on the old. The streets are busy with camels and bullock-carts, and above it all monkeys make their home in the city walls. You head to the City Palace and the famous Palace of the Winds where royal maidens once watched the streets below; they were able to watch the street scene without being seen due to the fabulous jali (lattice screens) which hid them from prying male eyes. Today fortune-tellers ply their trade below the same hideaway. Close by is the 18th century Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory built by the city’s founder Jai Singh who, having a passion for the science, built five such wonders in major cities all over the north. The rest of the day is left free for you to explore other sights at your own pace. Hotel – 2 nights (B) |
| Day 4: | Jaipur Perched on a hill some 11km from Jaipur, and nestling among the Aravalli Hills, is the historic fort-palace of Amber. You reach the palace along a twisting road that passes Maota Lake before turning uphill, past the elephant stables, to Jai Pol or ‘Victory Gate’. This is the ancient capital of the Kachhawaha Rajputs who gave their loyalty to Moghul overlords. From the spoils of war they gradually built a fabulous complex of royal rooms which remain lavishly decorated with murals, jali-work and scalloped niches that once held candles to reflect the soft light from tiny mirrors, embedded in eggshell plaster. You can thoroughly explore the site and village, perhaps taking an elephant ride (optional), before returning to Jaipur. (B) |
| Day 5: | Agra This morning you drive to Agra, stopping en route at the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri. The journey takes about seven hours (roadworks permitting). Built by Akbar the Great as his new capital, it was deserted after just 15 years, probably because the water supply was inadequate. It is a perfectly preserved example of Moghul architecture and provides a unique insight into the lifestyle of the Moghul people. Like Delhi, Agra stands on the bank of the River Yamuna and was once the capital of the Moghul Empire. Agra flourished under Akbar, and Shah Jahan added many of the buildings in and around Agra Fort including of course, the Taj Mahal - built as a mausoleum for Shah Jahan’s beloved wife, Mumtaz, after she died giving birth to their fourteenth child. Hotel – 1 night (B) |
| Day 6: | Agra - Train To Naini Tal This morning you visit the world-famous Taj Mahal. It is possible to rise early and watch the sunrise over this exquisite monument, but it is a beautiful building to admire at any time of day. This must surely be the world’s greatest monument to love. Architects from as far afield as Europe were commissioned to take part in its construction. Its staggering architecture of white marble inlaid with thousands of pieces of coloured and semi-precious stone makes the Taj Mahal one of the world’s most beautiful buildings. Sheltering the tombs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, many people believe the Taj to be the most perfectly proportioned building ever built. Construction of the nearby Agra Fort was started by Akbar in 1565 and was finally completed four generations later by Aurangzeb. Here you find a fusion of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles, which led to the emergence of a distinctive Indian style. In the afternoon you transfer to Delhi where a number of hotel rooms will be provided for you to freshen up. After dinner you will board an overnight train to Nainital and then transfer to Betelghat. Berth on overnight train (B) |
| Day 7-8: | Foothills Of The Himalaya Alighting from the train, you drive along twisting mountain roads and into the hills passing through forests and small villages. The road rises dramatically - gaining more than 1300m in just over 30km - finally emerging at the town of Naini Tal, nestling alongside its tal (lake), three hours later. You spend the rest of the morning in and around this pleasant hill station. Once the summer capital of British India’s United Provinces (now mostly Uttar Pradesh) it is just as popular today as it was then - a wonderful escape from the summer heat of the Indian plains. If time allows (the train can be delayed) you can make a leisurely climb up Naina (Cheena) Peak (8500ft/2610m) for stunning views of the Himalayas including Nanda Devi (25400ft/7816m), which was India’s highest peak until Kanchenjunga in the east was absorbed into the country. For the less energetic, time can be passed boating on the lake or strolling The Mall. Leaving Naini Tal you continue your journey through stunning mountain scenery to the sleepy village of Katami Gajar situated on the banks of the Kosi River, a journey of about two and a half hours. Your lodge sits on the steep mountainside, close to the jungles in which Jim Corbett found his calling. Though comfortable, the lodge is surrounded by nature and in many ways, is distant from modern technology. There are large mahseer fish in the river and in the surrounding forests it is said there are wild boar, leopard, Himalayan black bear, barking deer, sambar and even the tiger though one would be very lucky to have a sighting of any one of these elusive animals. Rather, this is a place to relax and enjoy the surroundings in what is a little-visited area of northern India. Lodge - 2 nights (Bx2 Lx1 Dx2) |
| Day 9-10: | Corbett National Park Before leaving this peaceful place there is the opportunity to walk in the surrounding area. You should be able to see a variety of birds - parakeet, bulbul, pheasant, chukor, hornbill and so on, and if exceptionally lucky may even see some of the wildlife as you walk. Later the two and a half hour drive continues along winding mountain roads before you gradually head down towards the Gangetic plain. Corbett was the first national park to be established in India and remains one of the finest. Originally called Hailey National Park, in 1936 it was renamed after Jim Corbett, a man who did much to conserve the wildlife of India. Set beneath the Himalayas, with the River Ramganga flowing through it, the park abounds in flora and fauna. Even if you do not spot a tiger, you may see wild elephant, sambar, chital, hog deer, barking deer and maybe even leopard. Jeeps are the mode of transport used this morning - an excellent way to see wildlife. Rising early you set off into the towering hardwood forest in search of wildlife. Your guides are experienced trackers - they easily spot animals amongst the tall elephant grass and birds hiding in the trees. Whatever the time of year come prepared for a chilly start to the morning - these are generally cold and misty! Daytime temperatures rise quickly and you rest when it is hottest. As the sun gets lower you enter the park again for another chance to spot tiger. Hotel / Lodge - 2 nights (Bx2 Lx2 Dx2) |
| Day 11: | Rishikesh Today the long drive of around five hours skirts fields of sugar cane and cotton, with villages lining the roadside; real India at its best. At Haridwar, one of the seven holy towns of India you cross the Ganges, one of seven Indian rivers holy to Hinduism. Known as the ‘Gateway to the Gods’, Haridwar lies at the point where the Ganges passes through its last gorge before its journey across the plains. Many pilgrims come here to bathe in the water and you’ll have a chance to wander along the riverbank and maybe visit the main ghat, Hari ki Pairi, where Vishnu is believed to have left a footprint. You continue north following the Ganges, ending a few kilometres along the road at Rishikesh, famous as a centre for yoga. Also considered a sacred place, it is believed that meditation here leads to attainment of salvation. A visit to Triveni Ghat at sunset enables you to join the many local people sending offerings to the gods in the form of floating aarti lamps. Camp – 1 night (B) |
| Day 12: | Rishikesh; Train To Delhi You spend the day at leisure, either in or around Rishikesh. For the more adventurous there is the opportunity of an exciting white water rafting trip (optional). As it flows through the town, the Ganges is slow moving - very different from upstream, where it is well known for its strong currents and fierce behaviour. For those not rafting, a yoga session or a wander between the pilgrimage centres or ashrams to the north of the main town provides a relaxing day. The two sections of town are connected by suspension bridges; the pedestrian bridge at Lakshaman Jhula is said to be where Rama’s brother Lakshmana crossed the river on a jute rope. This area is very picturesque, buzzing with life, and provides a pleasant walk back towards the main town. After the activities of the day you drive the short distance to Haridwar and board the evening train back to Delhi. Dinner is included on the train, so it will be a tray of Indian food – try to buy some snacks before-hand if you don’t fancy this! Hotel - 1 night (BD) |
| Day 13: | Delhi Today you have a full day to further explore this fascinating city. Your Group Leader can provide you with a number of options to fill your time during your stay in Delhi, for example, a visit to the Qtab Minar complex in South Delhi. Dating from the start of Muslim rule in India, the Qtab Minar complex has the earliest surviving mosque in India and an iron pillar that never rusts! Another option would be to visit one of India’s most beautiful temples - the lotus-shaped Baha’i temple, set in a well-kept garden. After a busy day you’ll meet up in the evening for a ‘last supper’ together. You can recount your journey and swap stories about a great trip. Hotel - 1 night (B) |
| Day 14: | Depart Delhi The trip ends for Land Only clients. Clients on group flights to the UK transfer to airport and fly to London. (B) |
travellers' tales
The most memorable part of the trip - it's a cliché but, all the pictures in the world do not prepare you for actually being at the Taj Mahal. Most exciting part - rickshaw ride through Jaipur! and white water rafting on the Ganges
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small group adventure holiday
Typically you will be sharing your experiences with between 4-20 like minded travellers (depending on the trip, operator and how many others are booked on the trip) and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends its good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting new people as well as seeing new places. how this holiday makes a difference
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Our policy of staying in locally owned accommodation, having local guides and group leaders and using transport owned and operated by local people wherever possible is continued in India. Our small groups (maximum of 16 people) have a minimal impact on the fragile environment. All tour guides are responsible for ensuring that the guests understand the nature of the environment that they are in and minimise the impact that they may have.
Our Responsible Travel Code: Clients who travel with us will automatically receive a copy of our Responsible Travel leaflet. This contains details and advice on how you can make a positive difference when you travel. If you would like a copy in advance of travel please contact us. Charity Partnerships: We work in partnership with Plan International. Plan works with some of the world’s poorest communities where three out of four children die before the age of five. We also support Friends of Conservation – an international charity committed to working with local people to develop a balance between their needs and the wildlife with which they share the natural habitat and ecosystems. Carbon Balancing: Global warming is a real issue and is a direct result of your travel. We have teamed up with Climate Care to give you the opportunity to offset the carbon emissions from your flight. You’ll be asked upon booking if you want to donate – with set amounts from £5. As a company we offset the carbon emissions from all staff travel in full. Our Foundation: We’ve highlighted a few of the ways in which we offer our support, financially or otherwise, and now you can, too. We have set up our own foundation, which will administer funds donated by you. A small donation of £1 per person will be taken when booking a holiday and that money will be put to good use by one of our carefully selected projects. If you don’t want to make the donation, just tell us when you book. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |