Audley Indian Subcontinent Introduction

8/4/2019 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.

Documents

Audley Indian Subcontinent Introduction