India and beyond

Discover ‘India and Beyond’ with Voyages Jules Verne

New dedicated brochure tempts first-time visitors and return travellers alike

 For many, recent images of The Duke & Duchess of Cambridge set against glorious backdrops such as the Taj Mahal and Tiger’s Nest cannot have failed to stir an interest in the Indian Sub-Continent – whether you have yet to experience its myriad delights or are keen to visit again. Specialist tour operator, Voyages Jules Verne, now adds to this travel temptation with the publication of a new brochure, India and Beyond – a collection of cultural tours departing between now and December 2017.

Described by Mark Twain as “the one land that all men desire to see, and having seen it once, by even a glimpse, would not give that glimpse for the shows of all the rest of the world combined”, the Indian Sub-Continent remains as alluring today as ever it was. From the temples of Varanasi, the marble fortresses of Delhi and the wildlife-rich national parks of Ranthambore and Kaziranga to the tranquil backwaters of Kerala, the palm-fringed beaches of Sri Lanka and the Himalayan splendour of Bhutan and Nepal, this is a region that has to be seen to be believed. 

With over 35 years’ experience in offering escorted tours to India, both first-time travellers and repeat visitors can be assured of an exceptional holiday to India & Beyond with Voyages Jules Verne. The new brochure features all corners of the Sub-Continent – covered in 23 separate itineraries – as well as an array of optional India Extensions (from two to five nights’ duration) that enable clients to further extend and enhance their visit. Highlights of the new brochure include:

FOR THE FIRST-TIME VISITOR: 

India’s Golden Triangle: A nine-night tour staying in Delhi, Jaipur and Agra that encompasses all the major sights a first-time visitor would expect – including the Taj Mahal, the palace at Amber and Jaipur’s amazing astronomical Observatory – interwoven with experiences that transport its participants closer to the heart of the country. Enjoy lunch at the Patan Mahal Palace, a cooking demonstration and dinner with a local family, a rooftop dinner with dance and music, and much more.

Departing 23 July, 20 August, 24 September, 8 & 22 October, 5 & 19 November and 3 & 17 December 2016, and throughout 2017, the price is from £1,295 pp (no single supplement on selected departures, subject to availability) including flights (Heathrow), transfers, eight nights’ B&B, one lunch, four dinners, excursions, and the services of guides and local representatives. One overnight flight. 

FOR THE RETURNING VISITOR: 

Return to India: This 16-night itinerary takes return visitors from former Bombay (now Mumbai) through the central and northern provinces to colonial Lucknow and holy Varanasi on the Ganges via the wildlife of Bandhavgarh, the temples of Khajuraho and the forts of Orchha and Gwalior. Accommodation throughout this Indian odyssey is at heritage hotels and good four and five-star properties, blending off-the-beaten-track sightseeing with all-important comfort.

Departing 27 September, 4, 11 & 25 October and 1, 8 & 22 November 2016, and from January to April and October to December 2017, the price is from £2,095 pp (two sharing) including flights (Heathrow), transfers, 15 nights’ B&B, one lunch, seven dinners, excursions, and the services of guides and local representatives. One overnight flight. 

FOR WILDLIFE ENTHUSIASTS:

The Tale of the Tiger: Travelling from the Taj Mahal to Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan’s famous tiger reserve, this ten-night itinerary includes three game drives (two early morning and one afternoon) as well as a talk on tigers given by a locally-based naturalist. In addition to two nights at the four-star Ranthambore Regency Hotel, this holiday also features two-night stays in Delhi and Jaipur as well as one-night stays in Agra, Bharatphur and Damdama. 

Departing 9 & 23 October, 6, 13 & 20 November and 4 December 2016, and from January to May and September to December 2017, the price is from £1,445 pp* (no single supplement on selected departures, subject to availability) including flights (Heathrow), transfers, nine nights’ B&B, two lunches, five dinners, excursions and the services of guides and local representatives. One overnight flight. 

*Price includes an Early Booking Offer of £50, available for all bookings (by air) made four calendar months or more before departure. 

TO EXPERIENCE INDIA BY RAIL:

The Palace on Wheels: India is a country that lends itself wonderfully to rail travel. Sit back in comfort on board the ‘Palace on Wheels’ and savour the ambience and attentive service once enjoyed by India’s Maharajas, as well as the courtesies afforded to visiting VIPs at every station stop. This nine-night holiday starts with a guided tour of Delhi (and overnight stay at the five-star ITC Maurya Sheraton) before guests embark on an unforgettable seven-night train journey with en route sightseeing that includes Jaipur, Ranthambore National Park, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Agra. 

Departing 26 September, 17 October & 7 November 2016, and from January to April and September to November 2017, the price is from £2,995 pp (two sharing) including flights (Heathrow), eight nights’ B&B, full board on the train, excursions, and the services of local guides and representatives. One overnight flight. 

TO EXPERIENCE INDIA FROM THE WATER:

The Holy Ganges: This 11-night itinerary combines a seven-night cruise to Varanasi – where the living seek purification and the dead salvation – on India’s sacred river, with luxurious stays at five-star hotels in Kolkata and Delhi. Cruising is the perfect way to enjoy the true magic of India: far away from the frenetic roads and bustling cities, life on board a well-appointed cruise vessel (such as the RV Rajmahal, featured on this cruise) offers a unique combination of scenic grandeur and tranquillity. 

Departing 17 & 31 August and 6, 14 & 20 September 2016, and in August & September 2017, the price is from £1,895 pp (no single supplement on selected departures, subject to availability) including flights (Heathrow), transfers, ten nights’ B&B, full board on the cruise, excursions and the services of local guides and representatives. One overnight flight. 

BEYOND INDIA – SUBLIME SRI LANKA: 

Grand Tour of Sri Lanka: Often referred to as the ‘Teardrop of India’, this beautiful island off the south-east coast of India boasts fascinating ancient sites, diverse flora and fauna, and stunning white-sand beaches in equal measure. Embrace its many facets on an 11-night holiday that ticks off must-see sights such as the 11^th century city of Polonnaruwa, the beautifully painted cave temple at Dambulla and the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, as well as the delightful hill station of Nuwara Eliya, Yala National Park and the seaside city of Galle.

Departing 3 August, 12 October, 9 November & 7 December 2016, and from January to May, in August and from October to December 2017, the price is from £1,745 pp (no single supplement on selected departures, subject to availability), including flights (Heathrow), transfers, ten nights’ B&B, two lunches, three dinners, excursions and the services of guides and local representatives. One overnight flight. 

BEYOND INDIA – HEADING TO THE HIMALAYAS: 

Discover Nepal: Experience the indomitable spirit, friendly welcome and legendary warmth of the Nepalese people on this 11-night tour that reveals the stupas of Boudhnath and Swayambhunath in Kathmandu, visits the National Park of Chitwan and enjoys panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks from Pokhara in the Annapurna area. Keen to get even closer to this spectacular mountain range? Take an optional flight over the Himalayas for a bird’s eye view of Mount Everest (extra cost, weather conditions permitting).

Departing 24 September, 8 & 22 October and 5 & 19 November 2016, and in February, March, October & November 2017, the price is from £1,995 pp (two sharing) including flights (Heathrow), transfers, ten nights’ B&B, four lunches, seven dinners, excursions, and the services of guides and local representatives. One overnight flight. 

Bhutan & the Himalayas: Follow in William and Kate’s footsteps with a visit to the charming Himalayan mountain kingdom of Bhutan, where happiness is prized above profit. As well as six nights in Bhutan (three in Thimphu, one in Punakha and two in Paro), this 12-night tour also features two nights in colonial Kolkata, a night in vibrant Delhi and two nights in Darjeeling, once a summer retreat for the elite of the British Raj. Travel on selected dates* and enjoy a 14-night version of this holiday, timed to coincide with one of Bhutan’s famous festivals. More information here.

Departing 19 July, 9 August, 6 September, 11 October & 9 November 2016, and in February & March and from September to November 2017, the price is from £2,695 pp (two sharing) including flights (Heathrow), transfers, 11 nights’ B&B, five lunches, eight dinners, excursions, and the services of local guides and representatives. One overnight flight. *Festival departures are on 6 October 2016 & 6 April and 27 September 2017, and cost from £3,395 pp (two sharing) including 13 nights’ B&B. 

Enthusiastic for India and keen to see more? Why not add on an optional India extension?

Whether to fit in a spot more sightseeing or to enjoy a relaxing few days by the beach, Voyages Jules Verne has an extension to suit. Choices include a two-night visit to Amritsar (from £295 pp), a four-night visit to Kashmir (from £795 pp) or a four-night beach break in Goa (from £495 pp), whilst animal lovers can opt for a five-night Indian Wildlife trip to Kanha & Bandhavgarh National Parks (from £875 pp) or a three-night visit to the ‘Land of Lions’ in Sasan Gir, the only remaining home of the Asiatic Lion (from £795 pp).

For more details on Voyages Jules Verne’s full range of India extensions, please click here and here. 

For more information or to order a copy of the new India & Beyond brochure, please contact Voyages Jules Verne on 020 3553 3722, view it online here or visit the new website at www.vjv.com.