Welcome to our first Indian Panorama Newsletter!
Our aim is to keep you up to date with news and places of interest which we have discovered on our travels and other information to help you when the time comes to plan your next trip to India.
We have also begun creating a Photo Gallery, which we will be adding to regularly. Here you will find some special photos we have taken from our travels, beginning in North India, Dharamsala to Mandi.
Fully Escorted Small Group Trips & Fixed Departure Tours...
We have introduced some exciting Tour Options for those who would prefer to travel with a group rather than completely independently.
Small Group Trips
Our Small Group Trips focus on the finer details of India: ‘everyday’ experiences that are often overlooked; meeting people – our friends – in what can be an overwhelmingly vast crowd; getting away from the well worn path to get a glimpse of India in her unwatched state; and enjoying the hospitality of a family home or lovingly run guest house.
We offer three Small Group Trip itineraries (click the links to go to the detailed itinerary):
South India, a comprehensive trip from Goa all the way to Chennai;
Just Kerala, a shorter trip focused on our favourite homestays and small guest houses in Kerala
Central North, a trip that takes in some of the major sights there, but with a focus on unique accommodation and ‘everyday’ Indian experiences.
Benefits of Small Group Trips
- The groups are limited to a maximum of ten travellers. Because of the small group size, many of the rewarding aspects of independent travel are maintained.
- Our Western trip leaders utilise their travel experience and knowledge of India to provide insights into the culture that help interpret what you are seeing, ultimately deepening your experience and understanding of India.
- Unique accommodation - We use small guest houses, homestays, and heritage hotels as much as possible. Staying in lovingly family-run accommodation gives us the chance to get a sense of India and Indians that is not available if you stay in large Western-styled hotels.
- An all inclusive price, the only "extras" are your personal spending money.
Fixed Departure Tours
Our Fixed Departure Tours are perfect for first time India visitors, offering the comfort of air-conditioned, private mini-bus transport, with the best value three or four/five star accommodation, including heritage and conventional style hotels.
We have three Fixed Departure Tour itineraries (click the links to go to the detailed itinerary):
Benefits of Fixed Departure Tours
- For each itinerary there are both Superior (three star accommodation), and Luxury (four and five star available), giving you the option of a tour that suits your budget.
- Travelling in a group of 15 means that many of the expenses of travel are shared by all, allowing you to stay in fantastic hotels and enjoy first-rate transport without over-spending.
- A full time tour escort, backed by local office staff, along with local guides who provide expert knowledge specific to each location, make the tour flow seamlessly.
- A virtually all inclusive price, the only "extras" are lunches and your personal spending money.
Upcoming Fixed Departure Tours will commence in November and December 2008, while Small Group Trips will be in January and February 2009.
For more comprehensive information, prices and itineraries on these two Tour Options, please go to:-
Small Groups and Fixed Departures
Alternatively, if you have any queries at all about these tours - you are welcome to contact us,
or you may wish to fill in the user friendly form on our Enquiry Page.
Elephants of South India...
Travelling in India provides ample opportunity to experience first-hand encounters with the majestic Asian elephant.
We have introduced a new and exciting independent itinerary which not only takes in many of the best sights of South India, but has an emphasis on seeing, touching & interacting with these beautiful and mighty animals.
The first elephants you will see on your tour were carved into living rock more than 1000 years ago in Mahabalipuram. In many places a "temple elephant" will happily bless you upon entrance to the temple.
At Elephant Junction, Periyar - interaction with the elephants can get a little wet!
Join the Mahouts at Kodanad Elephant Camp...
Here the Mahouts will put their charges through some training exercises, before humans and elephants alike process down to the edge of the Periyar River for a long and languorous bath (for the elephants at least).
Humans require a fair amount of elbow grease to give the elephants their coconut-shell scrubbing they look forward to every day. Orphaned baby or juvenile elephants are rescued from the wild and are bought to Kodanad for training and domestication. This can be one of the most unforgettable experiences with Indian elephants!
This, like all our independent itineraries are completely flexible and can be customised to your requirements.
Click here for more details on the Indian Panorama itinerary
Some of Our Favourite Places...
Nahargarh Ranthambore, Rajasthan
This very special place to stay sits on the edge of Ranthambore National Park. A visit to Nahargarh will not only give you a chance to experience a tiger-spotting safari, but also take in the splendour of this majestic palace. Nahargarh is a replica of a traditional Rajput Palace and its heritage feel oozes with the grandeur of the royal lifestyle. The huge rooms offer luxury accommodation at affordable prices, and you'll feel like Maharajas and Maharinis!
Ranthambore National Park is famous for its tigers and is one of the best places in the country to see these majestic predators in the wild. The varied topography of the national park is also home to animals such as the jackal, caracal, mongoose, nilgai, sloth bear and leopard.
Cardamom House, Dindigul, Tamil Nadu
Cardamom House is located in a stunning location on the edge of Lake Kamarajar, nestled in the foothills of the Western Ghats mountain range.
An enchanting family homestay, Cardamom House is located in a remote part of Tamil Nadu, South India. It is also an eco-farm and bird-watching centre. Here you can experience true unspoiled rural and village life at your own pace.
This warm, welcoming piece of paradise has been created by retired British physician, Dr. Chris Lucas. Chris is very much a gentleman, an enthusiastic foodie and a great story-teller who enjoys meeting fellow travellers. The team at Cardamom House share in Chris's humour and enthusiasm and prepare the most fantastic meals, using organic produce from their farm and local ingredients. Chris and the team embrace in sharing with their visitors this welcome retreat from the bustle of India, and do so with the broadest of smiles.
Bird watchers will enjoy seeing many different species by the Lake or taking a day trip into the hills. An excursion to Athoor Village can be a highlight, or there are many walks near to Cardamom House. But the peaceful surroundings are very conducive to simply relaxing and reading.
You will also enjoy breakfast on the bougainvillea-clad verandahs, and dinner on the rooftop terrace under the stars.
The team at Cardamom House attempt to follow as far as is practical, strict Ecological Practices and use Renewable Energy Resources wherever it is possible. Solar Cells provides the current used to pump water.
Mundackal Plantation Homestay, Kerala
A tranquil country homestay surrounded by spice plantations, rubber tree groves and banana palms.
Jose and Daisy Mundackal welcome you into their home with warm and genuine hospitality.
Upon arrival, you will be offered a homemade passionfruit juice and later laden with scrumptious Keralan food to your heart's content. Daisy also offers cooking lessons!
Nearby, at Kodanad Elephant Training Krall, there is opportunity to observe (and join in if you wish), in the daily elephant bathing ritual. (see our "Elephants of South India" itinerary). Afterwards, there is the opportunity to take an elephant ride, and then perhaps relax with a ready-made picnic at a lakeside tree-house.
Jose will gladly take you for a tour around the plantation, where you will learn about the art of tapping rubber and the processes of preparing latex sheets for market. Jose will also show you the many different spices, coffee beans and fruits which are grown on the property.
Conveniently located near to Cochin Airport, it is a perfect two or three night stay at the start or the end of your trip.
Any of these destinations can be incorporated into your customised itineraries. Contact us for more information.
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