THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT

THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT78

INDIA

NEPAL

BHUTAN

SRILANKA

THEMALDIVES

TIBET

PAKISTAN

Colombo

Delhi

KathmanduThimphu

Kandy

Galle

Jaipur

Jodhpur RanthambhoreVaranasi

Kolkata

Agra

Udaipur

Mumbai

Trivandrum

Kochi

Goa

80 INDIA 80 Golden Triangle 81 Luxury Palaces of India 82 Colours of India 83 Gourmet South India 84 Aromatic Kerala

85 NEPAL 85 Highlights of Nepal

86 SRI LANKA 86 The Cultural Triangle 87 Complete Sri Lanka

88 THE MALDIVES 88 Coco Bodu Hithi 89 Soneva Jani

90 BHUTAN 90 Bhutan’s Rice Bowl Valleys

THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT 79

OUR FAVOURITE PLACES TO STAY

AMANKORAThimphu, BhutanA simple, elegant retreat completely in tune with nature. Guest suites offer views across a beautiful stream or the surrounding pine forest.

SAMODE PALACEJaipur, IndiaTimeless, beautiful and historical, the Samode Palace in Jaipur is an intoxicating mix of traditional courtesy and sophisticated style.

COCO BODU HITHIThe MaldivesA tropical hideaway offering villas and residences, spread across the island with views out over crystal clear waters.

OBEROI RAJVILASJaipur, IndiaA royal residence set in 32 acres of landscaped gardens. Built around an 18th century Shiva temple, this royal resort is a haven of mystical peace and natural serenity.

UMAID BHAWANJodhpur, IndiaThe last great palace of India and one of the largest private residences in the world – Umaid Bhawan is set amidst 26 acres of lush gardens.

TAJ LAKE PALACEUdaipur, IndiaMade from luminous marble and seemingly floating in Lake Pichola, the Taj Lake Palace is enchanting in every way.

THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT80

INDIA

GOLDEN TRIANGLE | 6 DAYSDive into the chaotic delights of Old Delhi, take time to watch the Taj Mahal shimmer in the changing light and marvel at the spectacular facade of the Palace of Winds in Jaipur.

DAY 1 DELHIYou will be met and transferred to your hotel.

DAY 2 DELHIEnjoy a full-day tour of Old and New Delhi, enjoy a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk spice markets, visit Jama Masjid, Humayan’s Tomb, Raj Ghat, India Gate, and Parliament house, and witness Sikh rituals at Bangla Sahib Gurudwara.

DAY 3 DELHI > AGRADrive to Agra and later this afternoon visit magnificent Agra Fort. End the day with sunset views of the iconic Taj Mahal from the Moonlit Garden of Mehtab Bagh.

DAY 4 AGRA > JAIPURStart with a tour of the Taj Mahal as the sun rises. Visit a classic local bazaar and white marble factory to see how the Taj Mahal and Mughal architecture works were inlayed. Drive to Jaipur, visiting the stepwells of Abhaneri Village en-route.

DAY 5 JAIPURTake a jeep up to Amber Fort. View the mirror palace Sheesh Mahal and Royal Courtyards inside. Visit the Maharaja’s City Palace and Museum as well as Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory. Enjoy a cooking class for lunch. This afternoon,

INCLUDES: Tailor-made journey with English speaking local guides, 5 nights accommodation, transfers by air-conditioned car, sightseeing and entrance fees, local taxes, 5 breakfasts, and 1 lunch.DEPARTS: Daily.NOTE: Character and heritage hotels utilised where possible. Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays. Red Fort and Lotus Temple are closed on Mondays. Surcharges apply over Christmas and New Year and other holidays.

visit an elephant care farm or the local bazaar. Enjoy a photo stop outside the Palace of Winds before enjoying the colour and chaos of a Bollywood film at a local cinema this evening.

DAY 6 JAIPUR > DELHITransfer to Delhi.

Stepwell, Abhaneri

Amber Fort, Jaipur

Taj Mahal, Agra

2018 Price (per person) Twin Single

4 St

ar 1 Jan – 15 Apr $1,981 $3,53916 Apr – 30 Sep $1,654 $2,927

5 St

ar 1 Jan – 15 Apr $5,458 $9,99516 Apr – 30 Sep $3,638 $6,450

THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT 81

INDIA

LUXURY PALACES OF INDIA | 9 DAYSEmbrace your inner royal and stay in some of India’s most beautiful and opulent palaces. Highlights include the Palace of Winds and Mehrangarh Fort, while you can add on the Taj Mahal for the total Rajasthani experience.

DAY 1 DELHIYou will be met and transferred to your hotel.

DAY 2 DELHI > SAMODEMorning visit to Old Delhi including the historic mosque of Jama Masjid and take a rickshaw into a bazaar. Visit the Sikh temple Sis Ganj Gurudwara and stop for photos at Red Fort. Drive to your palace hotel in the small village of Samode.

DAY 3 SAMODE > JAIPURMorning at leisure to explore the palace and village. Transfer to Jaipur to check into your next royal palace.

DAY 4 JAIPURTake a jeep up to Amber Fort. View the mirror palace Sheesh Mahal and the Royal Courtyards inside. Visit the Maharaja’s City Palace and Museum as well as Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory. Enjoy a cooking class for lunch. This afternoon, visit an elephant care farm or the local bazaar. Enjoy a photo stop outside the Palace of Winds.

DAY 5 JAIPUR > JODHPURDrive to the blue coloured city of Jodhpur and on to your next royal palace hotel. Afternoon at leisure.

DAY 6 JODHPURVisit the famed Mehrangarh Fort and the royal cenotaph that

INCLUDES: Tailor-made journey with English speaking local guides, 8 nights accommodation in palace hotels, transfers by air-conditioned car, entrance fees, local taxes, 8 breakfasts.DEPARTS: Daily.NOTE: Surcharges apply over Christmas, New Year, and other holidays. Some dates not available due to festivals or other activities. Add on Agra either before or after your tour if you wish to include the Taj Mahal (not included). Taj Mahal closed on Fridays. Enquire for single pricing.

Jaswant Thada built in 1899 as a memorial to Jodhpur’s Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Walk through the Old Town to the clock tower and Sadar Bazaar. This afternoon take a jeep to the local Bishnoi Village to interact with the tribespeople, experience their lifestyle and see their fine artwork and pottery.

DAY 7 JODHPUR > UDAIPURDrive to the royal lake city of Udaipur and check into your next palace. Afternoon at leisure.

DAY 8 UDAIPURVisit the Maharaja’s City Palace and Museum, explore the Hindu Jagdish Temple and Saheliyon Ki Bari – a small, quaint ornamental garden featuring beautiful fountains, lotus pools, and bird fountains. Later visit the local markets and join a boat ride on Lake Pichola; perhaps catch a glimpse of children diving into the lake as the sun sets behind Sajjan Garh Palace, high on a hilltop overlooking the city.

DAY 9 UDAIPURTransfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Jaipur

Samode

Jodhpur

Udaipur

Delhi

INDIA

Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur

2018 Price (per person) Twin

4 St

ar 1 Jan – 15 Apr $3,75416 Apr – 30 Sep $3,119

5 St

ar 1 Jan – 15 Apr $9,17916 Apr – 30 Sep $6,291

THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT82

COLOURS OF INDIA | 16 DAYSThere’s simply no word that convincingly captures the enigma that is India. Capture India’s finest colours, from traditional rickshaw rides through narrow bazaars, to desert safaris and camping, to thrilling wildlife and tiger encounters. It’s hardly surprising that India has been dubbed the world’s most multidimensional country!

DAY 1 DELHIYou will be met and transferred to your hotel. Afternoon tour visiting Raj Ghat, Jama Masjid and the Red Fort.

DAY 2 DELHI > AGRADrive to Agra and visit Agra Fort. Visit the Moonlit Garden of Mehtab Bagh and see sunset views of the Taj Mahal.

DAY 3 AGRA > JAIPURStart with a sunrise over the Taj Mahal. Drive to Jaipur with a stop at the secret stepwell of Chand Baori at Abhaneri. Watch the sun set over the water palace of Jal Mahal.

DAY 4 JAIPUR > JAISALMERVisit the highlights of Jaipur, including the Amber Fort. Cooking class for lunch, then visit an elephant care farm or the local bazaar. Drive past the Palace of Winds before a Bollywood film. Overnight train to Jaisalmer.

DAY 5 JAISALMEREnjoy a city tour visiting the spectacular Jaisalmer Fort. Visit Patwon Ki Haveli, the mansion of brocade merchants.

DAYS 6 & 7 CAMEL SAFARIVisit Bada Bagh en-route to your camel safari. Enjoy 2 days of camel safaris with sightseeing in Kala and Manpia. Stay in a tented desert camp for 2 nights.

DAY 8 JAISALMER > ROHETDrive to Rohet via Moolsagar. Jeep safari to Bishnoi Village.

DAY 9 ROHET > KUMBHALGARHDrive to Kumbhalgarh and visit the fort. Accompanied by a trekking guide, hike to local villages.

INCLUDES: Tailor-made journey with English speaking local guides, 15 nights accommodation, transfers by air-conditioned car, sightseeing and entrance fees, first class train tickets, local taxes, 15 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 5 dinners.DEPARTS: Daily.NOTE: Ranthambore National Park is closed Jun–Sep. Character and heritage hotels utilised where possible. Enquire for single pricing.

DAY 10 KUMBHALGARH > KHEMPURTravel to Khempur, the site of the ‘Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’.

DAY 11 KHEMPUR > UDAIPURDrive to Udaipur and visit a bazaar to purchase ingredients for a cooking class and tasting with a local family.

DAY 12 UDAIPURVisit the City Palace, Jagdish Temple and a small, quaint ornamental garden. Finish with a local bazaar. A sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola is followed by a tuk tuk ride to experience Rajasthani folk dances and puppetry in an 18th century haveli.

DAY 13 UDAIPUR > BIJAPURTravel via the ruined Chittogarh Fort to Bijapur and this afternoon visit local villages by horse safari.

DAY 14 BIJAPUR > RANTHAMBOREDrive to Ranthambore with a stop at Haveli Braj Bhushanjee, a heritage hotel which offers picturesque views of Bundi Palace.

DAY 15 RANTHAMBOREMorning and afternoon jeep safaris inside the National Park. Hopefully catch a glimpse of tiger, striped hyena, jungle cat, bear, wild boar and more roaming around wild jungle scrub.

DAY 16 RANTHAMBORE > DELHITrain journey to Delhi then transfer to the airport.

Taj Mahal, Agra

2018 Price (per person) Twin Single

4 St

ar 1 Jan – 15 Apr $5,524 $9,22816 Apr – 30 Sep $5,028 $8,236

5 St

ar 1 Jan – 15 Apr $14,372 Request16 Apr – 30 Sep $10,320 Request

Jaipur

Delhi

Agra

RanthamboreKumbhalgarh

ChittorgarhBijapur

Udaipur Khempur

AbhaneriJaisalmer

CamelSafari

Rohet

INDIA

INDIA

THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT 83

GOURMET SOUTH INDIA | 13 DAYSLaunch into the sights, tastes, sounds, and smells of South India. Explore the colonial history of the region, visit tea plantations, sample local food, and take cooking classes to learn how to blend unique South Indian flavours for yourself.

DAY 1 BANGALOREYou will be met and transferred to your hotel.

DAY 2 BANGALOREYour walking tour will include the beautiful St Marks Cathedral, Queens Park, the Government Archaeological Museum, and the 300 acre Cubbon Park. This evening try an ethnic South Indian seafood dinner experience on a traditional banana leaf.

DAY 3 BANGALORE > MYSOREDrive to Mysore via the deserted town of Srirangapatnam located on an island in the holy Kaveri River. Visit Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hill, and the sacred Chamunderswari Temple. Enjoy a royal dinner in Lalitha Mahal Palace.

DAY 4 MYSORE > OOTYDrive to the hills of Ooty, a blend of ancient temples, natural flora, and charming British Raj era houses. Visit the Observatory and watch the sun set over Nilgiri Hills. Dinner at the Summer Palace of the Maharaja of Mysore, Fernhills Royal Palace.

DAY 5 OOTY > COONOORVisit the Botanical Garden and enjoy a boat ride on Pykara Lake. Visit Willy’s Coffee Pub to enjoy a coffee before joining the heritage steam train to Coonoor Hill Station.

DAY 6 COONOOR > KOCHIVisit Highfield Tea Estate before driving to Kochi (Cochin), one of the first European colonies in India. A Kathakali dance show and Keralan dinner will round off your day.

DAY 7 KOCHIBicycle ride (or walk) on a heritage tour of Fort Kochi. See the iconic chinese fishing nets, Santa Cruz Cathedral, Mattancherry Palace and the oldest existing Jewish Synagogue. In Jew Town visit the spice markets. Evening cooking class for dinner.

INCLUDES: Tailor-made journey, 12 nights accommodation in character hotels, transfers by air-conditioned car, English speaking local guides, entrance fees, local taxes, 12 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 8 dinners.DEPARTS: Daily.NOTE: We have carefully selected your food options throughout this itinerary to ensure the highest quality. Surcharges apply over peak periods. Enquire for single pricing.

DAY 8 KOCHI > MUNNARDrive to Munnar stopping at Mundackal Estate Farm for a South Indian cooking class with lunch. See the family’s estate, growing coconuts, cardamom, black pepper, and more.

DAY 9 MUNNAREnjoy the area of Munnar which was developed to cultivate spice and tea plants since the British Raj. Visit Eravikulam National Park for a glimpse of the rare Nilgiri Tahr. Enjoy a banana leaf dinner with the paper-thin dosa bread of the region.

DAY 10 MUNNAR > ALLEPPEYDrive to Alleppey and join your traditional kettuvallam houseboat. Set sail, relax and unwind as you cruise slowly through the narrow canals and backwaters. Join the chef on board in a cooking class with freshly caught fish.

DAY 11 ALLEPPEY > KOVALAMDisembark this morning and travel to Kovalam. Your afternoon is at leisure so you can relax at the beach.

DAY 12 KOVALAM > TRIVANDRUMVisit the 5,000 year old temple of Padmanabhaswamy, Napier Museum and Sri Chitra Art Gallery. Enjoy lunch at the 18th century Dutch Manor House Villa Maya.

DAY 13 TRIVANDRUMTransfer to the airport.

Spice Market

2018 Price (per person) Twin

4 St

ar 1 Jan – 15 Apr $4,38316 Apr – 30 Sep $4,151

4½ S

tar 1 Jan – 15 Apr $6,037

16 Apr – 30 Sep $5,127

Bangalore

Mysore

Coonoor

MunnarKochiAlleppey

TrivandrumKovalam

Srirangapatnam

Ooty

INDIA

INDIA

THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT84

INDIA

AROMATIC KERALA | 8 DAYSTravel through ‘God’s own country’ to soak up the flavour of quite a different India. Experience the Portuguese history of Kochi, the verdant hill stations of Munnar, and cruise the tranquil backwaters of Kerala.

DAY 1 KOCHIEnjoy a traditional welcome, then transfer to your hotel.

DAY 2 KOCHIBicycle ride (or walk) on a heritage tour of Fort Kochi. As you pass the beach, witness the iconic chinese fishing nets before visiting Santa Cruz Cathedral. Stop at Nimmy Paul’s residence for a South Indian cooking class. Drive to Mattancherry Palace and visit the oldest existing Jewish Synagogue. This evening, enjoy a Kathakali dance show.

DAY 3 KOCHI > MUNNARDrive up into the hill station at Munnar. Afternoon short trek into the cardamom and tea plantations.

DAY 4 MUNNARVisit the tea plantation and a tea factory. Meet the local workers and learn the importance of the industry before a tea tasting. Later visit Eravikulam National Park to encounter the rare mountain goat.

DAY 5 MUNNAR > ALLEPPEYDrive to Alleppey and join your traditional kettuvallam houseboat. Set sail, relax and unwind as you cruise slowly through the narrow canals and backwaters. Waterside sights include paddy fields, villages, temples and churches. Overnight on board.

INCLUDES: Tailor-made journey, 7 nights accommodation, transfers by air-conditioned car, English speaking local guides, entrance fees, 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner.DEPARTS: Daily.NOTE: Accommodation is based on 4 Star or best available in the region. Surcharges apply over Christmas, New Year and other holidays. A 4 Star character hotel option is also available, enquire for pricing and more information.

DAY 6 ALLEPPEY > KOVALAMDisembark this morning and travel to Kovalam. The afternoon is free to relax at the beach.

DAY 7 KOVALAM > TRIVANDRUM

Visit the 5,000 year old temple of Padmanabhaswamy, Napier Museum and Sri Chitra Art Gallery. Try special local coffee in a heritage cafe.

DAY 8 TRIVANDRUMTransfer to the airport for your onward flight.

MunnarKochi

Alleppey

TrivandrumKovalam

ErivikulamNational Park

INDIA

Tea Plantation, Munnar

Chinese Fishing Nets, Kochi

2018 Price (per person) Twin Single

4 St

ar 1 Jan – 31 Mar $2,348 $4,4821 Apr – 30 Sep $2,117 $4,035

THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT 85

NEPAL

HIGHLIGHTS OF NEPAL | 9 DAYSBeyond the snow capped peaks of the Himalaya, temples, Sherpas and mountain treks, Nepal has a wealth of history, culture and wildlife unique to the region that is begging to be explored. Visit the heart of Kathmandu, Durbar Square, marvel in the sacred Buddhist shrine of Swayambhunath, search for tiger and rhino in Chitwan National Park and enjoy the panoramic beauty of Pokhara.

DAY 1 KATHMANDUYou will be met and transferred to your hotel.

DAY 2 KATHMANDUSee the Royal Palace, Hanuman Dhoka, the Great Bell and Drum and Kasthamandap, a wooden temple built from a single tree in Durbar Square. Continue to the most ancient of the Kathmandu Valleys holy shrines, Swayambhunath. In the afternoon see the fine display of Newari urban architecture in Patan with its temples dedicated to Shiva, Krishna, Ganesh and Vishnu.

DAY 3 KATHMANDU > NAGARKOTVisit the holy sites of Pashupainath Temple and Bouddhanath Stupa before soaking in the feeling of peace and harmony at Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Continue to Nagarkot for stunning views of the Himalayan peaks to watch the sunset.

DAY 4 NAGARKOT > CHITWANA long drive today to Chitwan. This unique ecosystem is a World Heritage Site and home to the endangered one-horned rhino, Royal Bengal tiger, crocodile, elephant, four-horned antelope and monitor lizard amongst others. Enjoy a cultural dance show this afternoon.

INCLUDES: Tailor made journey with English speaking local guides, 8 nights accommodation, transfers and transport, sightseeing and entrance fees, jungle activities and National Park entrance fee, 8 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners.DEPARTS: Daily.NOTE: Itinerary may be tailored. Please note some activities are weather dependent. Supplements apply over peak periods and National Holidays.

DAY 5 CHITWANJoin an early safari this morning and later you may choose to try a canoe ride on the river. This afternoon includes a jungle walk and visit to the elephant centre.

DAY 6 CHITWAN > POKHARADeparting Chitwan after breakfast, drive to Pokhara. This delightful city boasts several beautiful lakes and offers stunning panaromic views of Himalayan peaks. The afternoon is at leisure to explore.

DAY 7 POKHARAVisit the World Peace Pagoda this morning with its expansive views over the Pokhara Valley. This afternoon is at leisure.

DAY 8 POKHARA > KATHMANDUEnjoy a leisurely breakfast before returning by road to Kathmandu. Check in on arrival for overnight.

DAY 9 KATHMANDUYou will be transferred to the airport.

Nagarkot

Pokhara

KathmanduChitwan

NEPAL

INDIA

TIBET

Bouddhanath Stupa, Kathmandu

2018 Price (per person) Twin Single

4 Star: 1 Mar – 30 Sep $1,525 $2,1305 Star: 1 Mar – 30 Sep $2,220 $3,225

THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT86

SRI LANKA

THE CULTURAL TRIANGLE | 7 DAYSFew islands in the world offer the diversity that exists in Sri Lanka, from ancient cities to rich religious festivals, colonial memories to rolling tea plantations. Sri Lanka intoxicates its visitors with a potpourri of cultures, religions, races, customs and sheer natural beauty.

DAY 1 COLOMBO > NEGOMBOYou will be met and transferred to your hotel.

DAY 2 NEGOMBO > ANURADHAPURATravel to Anuradhapura, the 5th century capital of the island’s Buddhist civilisation which flourished for around 1,300 years. Afternoon at leisure.

DAY 3 ANURADHAPURA > SIGIRIYAVisit Anuradhapura, a World Heritage Site. See Sri Maha Bodhi, the oldest documented tree on earth, the Brazen Palace, and the rock sculpture of Samadhi Buddha. Afterwards, drive to Sigiriya and climb the spectacular rock fortress,

DAY 4 SIGIRIYA > POLONNARUWA > MINNERIYA NATIONAL PARK > SIGIRIYAVisit the medieval city of Polonnaruwa including the Royal Palace complex and the remains of a former Temple of the Tooth. Enjoy a cooking demonstration and lunch in a converted farmhouse and this afternoon visit Minneriya National Park, home to sambar deer, leopard, and elephants.

DAY 5 SIGIRIYA > DAMBULLA > MATALE > KANDYVisit Dambulla Cave Temple, a complex of five caves, before driving to Kandy via the Matale spice garden. Later visit the Temple of the Tooth.

DAY 6 KANDY > COLOMBOTime at leisure this morning to explore independently before

INCLUDES: Tailor made journey with English speaking local driver guide, 6 nights accommodation, transfers by air-conditioned vehicle, sightseeing and entrance fees, 6 breakfasts and 1 lunch.DEPARTS: Daily.NOTE: Enquire for 5 Star and single pricing.

driving to Colombo. This afternoon, enjoy a walking tour of the city including Pettah, the local bazaar, Wolfendhal Church and Cinnamon Gardens.

DAY 7 COLOMBOYou will be transferred to the airport.

Kandy

Colombo

Negombo

Sigiriya

Matale

Polonnaruwa

MinneriyaNational Park

Anuradhapura

Dambulla

SRILANKA

Dambulla Cave Temple

2018 Price (per person) Twin

4 St

ar

11 Jan – 31 Mar $2,8241 – 30 Apr $2,7751 May – 14 Jul $2,72715 Jul – 31 Aug $2,8051 Sep – 31 Oct $2,6781 Nov – 22 Dec $2,775

Polonnaruwa

THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT 87

SRI LANKA

COMPLETE SRI LANKA | 14 DAYSExperience the cultures, landscapes, and essences that have shaped Sri Lanka’s stories. Explore the treasures of several World Heritage Sites, visit world-renowned tea plantations and fragrant spice gardens, enjoy delicious cuisine, and spot elephants, leopards, bears, crocodiles and more in Yala National Park.

DAY 1 COLOMBO > NEGOMBOYou will be met and transferred to your hotel.

DAY 2 NEGOMBO > SIGIRIYADrive northeast to Sigiriya. Your afternoon is at leisure with an option to visit the local village.

DAY 3 SIGIRIYA > POLONNARUWA > SIGIRIYAVisit the spectacular rock fortress of Sigiriya. Continue to a converted farmhouse for a cooking demonstration and lunch. This afternoon, visit the medieval city of Polonnaruwa.

DAY 4 SIGIRIYA > ANURADHAPURA > SIGIRIYAExplore the World Heritage Site of Anuradhapura, the centre of the island’s Buddhist civilisation. See Sri Maha Bodhi, the oldest documented tree on earth, under which Buddha attained enlightenment. Later, visit the ancient structure of Jethawanaramaya, thought to have housed over 10,000 monks.

DAY 5 SIGIRIYA > DAMBULLA > MATALE > KANDYVisit Dambulla rock cave temple, a complex of five caves, before travelling to Kandy via the Matale Spice Garden. This evening visit the Temple of the Tooth.

DAY 6 KANDYVisit the Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya this morning. Afternoon at leisure with your car and driver at your disposal.

DAY 7 KANDY > NUWARA ELIYADrive into the hill country to Nuwara Eliya this morning, stopping at the Rothschild Tea Factory en-route.

INCLUDES: Tailor made journey with English speaking local driver guide, 13 nights accommodation, transfers by air-conditioned vehicle, sightseeing and entrance fees, 13 breakfasts and 1 lunch.DEPARTS: Daily.NOTE: Enquire for 5 Star and single pricing.

DAY 8 NUWARA ELIYAExplore the countryside today and if you wish, visit another tea factory showcasing some of the world’s finest tea.

DAY 9 NUWARA ELIYA > ELLA > YALAThis morning, experience a majestic and scenic train ride to Ella. Your driver will meet you and transfer you to Yala.

DAY 10 YALAYala National Park is home to elephant, leopard, bear, crocodile, and wild boar. Grassland and shrub jungle surround salt and fresh water lagoons which are a haven for a large variety of birdlife. Enjoy two game viewing activities today.

DAY 11 YALA > GALLEDrive to Galle and enjoy a guided tour of the area.

DAY 12 GALLEEnjoy a day at leisure in Galle.

DAY 13 GALLE > COLOMBOAfter a late breakfast, transfer to Colombo. Take an afternoon walking tour of the city.

DAY 14 COLOMBOYou will be transferred to the airport.

Galle

Kandy

Nuwara EliyaColombo

Negombo

Sigiriya

Yala

Ella

Matale

Polonnaruwa

Anuradhapura

Dambulla

SRILANKA

Tea Plantation, Nuwara Eliya

2018 Price (per person) Twin

4 St

ar

11 Jan – 31 Mar $6,2151 – 30 Apr $5,9911 May – 14 Jul $5,88315 Jul – 31 Aug $6,1861 Sep – 31 Oct $5,8541 Nov – 22 Dec $5,932

THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT88

THE MALDIVES

COCO BODU HITHI | 6 DAYSTake a 40-minute luxury speed boat ride from the Airport where a tropical hideaway awaits. This 5 Star resort, situated on a private island in the North Malé Atoll, offers 100 villas with designer fixtures, luxury amenities and indulgent bathrooms. From the privacy of a natural island garden to incredible 360 degree ocean views overlooking azure waters, the perfect villa is waiting for you.

2018 Price (per person) Twin

ISLAND VILLA

5 St

ar

8 Jan – 11 Apr $4,85512 Apr – 31 May $4,1771 Jun – 31 Jul $3,6911 – 31 Aug $4,2451 – 30 Sep $3,6911 – 31 Oct $4,245

2018 Price (per person) Twin

WATER VILLA

5 St

ar

8 Jan – 11 Apr $5,94512 Apr – 31 May $4,8731 Jun – 31 Jul $4,2911 – 31 Aug $4,9321 – 30 Sep $4,2911 – 31 Oct $4,932

INCLUDES: 5 nights accommodation, return speedboat transfers from Malé and 5 breakfasts.DEPARTS: Daily.

NOTE: Bonus deals, stay/pay offers and special inclusions apply on certain dates. Other villa categories are available. Surcharges and special conditions apply over peak periods.

THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT 89

THE MALDIVES

SONEVA JANI | 6 DAYSA spectacular castaway experience awaits guests at Soneva Jani, located in the Maldives’ Noonu Atoll, a 30-minute seaplane flight from Male. The property features a collection of island sanctuaries and overwater villas, set within a lagoon of crystal clear waters, fringed by pristine beaches and blanketed in lush tropical greenery. Explore the glimmering galaxies from the resort’s state-of-the-art observatory, far from the obscuring lights of civilization. Spend your time indulging in a range of activities including water sports, wellness therapies, scuba diving, dolphin cruises and bicycling along the island’s many trails.

INCLUDES: 5 nights accommodation in a one bedroom Water Retreat, return seaplane transfers from Malé and 5 breakfasts.DEPARTS: Daily.NOTE: Other room types including 2, 3 & 4 bedroom villas are available. Add a slide to your villa for a per night supplement. Enquire for pricing and more information.

HIGH SEASON 13 Jan – 9 Feb; 24 Feb – 23 Mar; 8 Apr – 11 MayStay 5/Pay 4 Special: 28 Jul – 31 Aug; 29 Sep – 20 Dec

PREMIUM HIGH SEASON 10 Feb – 23 Feb; 24 Mar – 7 Apr

SHOULDER SEASON 12 May – 27 Jul; 1 Sep – 28 Sep

2018 Price (per person) Twin

High Season $15,720High Season: Stay 5/Pay 4 Special $12,879Premium High Season $18,750Shoulder Season $8,182

THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT90

BHUTAN

BHUTAN’S RICE BOWL VALLEYS | 7 DAYSBhutan boasts a truly unique and carefully protected history, traditions and culture deeply rooted in Buddhist principles. Listen to the Buddhist monks chanting ancient prayers in a monastery or observe a farming family go about their daily chores in a bucolic homestead. Peace and serenity permeate the whole land, and some of it will surely rub off!

DAY 1 PARO > THIMPHUAfter your arrival into Paro, you will be met and transferred to Thimphu. Evening walk through Thimphu town which has a Swiss mountain village feel.

DAY 2 THIMPHUYour guide will introduce you to Bhutan’s capital city today. Visit the Memorial Chorten, Institute of Traditional Medicine, Zilukha Nunnery and the Textile Museum.

DAY 3 THIMPHU > PUNAKHAAn introduction to some of the stunning mountain passes today as you drive over Dochula Pass with glorious panoramas of the Himalayas to Punakha. Visit the dramatic Punakha Dzong located at the confluence of two rivers and reached by a small wooden bridge.

DAY 4 PUNAKHA > WANGDUE > THIMPHUTravel back via the market town of Wangdue visiting Wangdue Phodrang Dzong en route back to Thimphu. Your afternoon is free to explore.

DAY 5 THIMPHU > PARO VALLEYDrive to Paro this morning, then visit Semtokha Dzong, the 8th century Kichu Monastery, Ta-Dzong National Museum and Paro’s local market.

INCLUDES: Tailor-made journey, 6 nights accommodation in approved Department of Tourism hotels, transfers, sightseeing with English speaking local guides, entrance fees, 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 6 dinners.DEPARTS: Daily.NOTE: Surcharges may apply over national holidays. Bhutanese visa authorisation must be obtained through our local operator for an additional fee of US$40 per person.

DAY 6 PARO VALLEYClimb up to the iconic Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery today. This unique building clings to the mountainside and the steady uphill hike is well worth the effort. Later today visit a local farm.

DAY 7 PAROTransfer to the airport.

Thimphu

Punakha

BHUTAN

TIBET

INDIA

Paro

Punakha Temple

Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery

2018 Price (per person) Twin Single

3 Star from $2,630 $2,7304 Star from $3,230 $3,330