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:

info@in.diethelmtravel.com 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