False or visit www. Balesworldwide. com27 India’s National Parks present a wide and varied choice of accommodation options, from simple rustic lodges to opulent luxury, and the suggestions on this page are just a few of our favourites. Please also refer to pages 32 to 34 for more ideas that can be incorporated into a Tailor Made holiday, or speak to one of our India experts who can create your perfect bespoke holiday. KIPLING CAMP, KANHA Established in 1982, on the edge of Kanha Tiger Reserve, Kipling Camp provides simple but tastefully decorated cottages offering attractive rooms with en suite facilities and verandas, all set amidst a natural environment often frequented by the resident wildlife. The focus of the camp is the central meeting area, the Shamiana, which provides the opportunity for indoor and outdoor dining, as well as an ideal place to sit and enjoy the surroundings. A stay at Kipling is further enhanced by resident naturalists who are on hand to accompany game drives. SINGINAWA LODGE, KANHA A unique eco- tourist initiative that works closely with the local community and has a strong focus on wildlife conservation and superb in- house knowledge on the park and its inhabitants. This fantastic resort is situated in the heart of India’s spectacular tiger country, offering 12 individual, air- conditioned en suite cottages, two of which offer barrier free access to the park. Set against the backdrop of the Maikal Ranges of the Central Indian Highlands, providing a serene oasis of calm, the lodge also boasts a swimming pool and reference library, in-house naturalists and a lovely dining area. BANDHAVGARH JUNGLE LODGE Based on the theme of an Indian village, this tasteful lodge offers 20 cottages and rooms, with a delightful mix of traditional décor and modern convenience, with en suite bathrooms. The semi- open dining area promotes a relaxed and informal ambience. Its eco- friendly attitude engenders a unique approach to conserving its natural surroundings, including the production and use of solar energy and organically grown produce. We also recommend its sister hotel, Kanha Jungle Lodge, which operates with similar environmental standards and principles. CAMP MEWAR, BANDHAVGARH Set amongst thick woodland on the edge of the park, Camp Mewar comprises 4 cottages, 5 tents and 3 thatched huts, each with en suite facilities. Scattered amongst the trees and surrounded by verandas, the tents and huts are delightfully appointed, with tented canopies and rattan ceilings, whilst the larger cottages, with roof terraces, overlook the park and exude a distinctly colonial feel. The central dining area provides a welcoming focal point and the camp also boasts its own resident naturalists and private game vehicles, affording a decidedly personal touch. SAWAI MADHOPUR, RANTHAMBHOR A former hunting lodge of the Maharajah of Jaipur, this charming colonial style retreat built in 1930 is set within 12 acres of lush gardens just a short drive from the National Park itself. A total of 36 spacious rooms and suites embody a distinctive air of rustic style and comfort, offering excellent facilities, traditional ambience and in some cases private terraces overlooking the gardens. Fine dining is available at the restaurant or outdoor terrace, both offering a superb range of Indian and International cuisine. Following your game drive, unwind with a traditional massage. LAXMI VILAS PALACE, BHARATPUR A converted 19th century royal residence, built for the younger brother of the ruling Maharajah Ram Singh, Laxmi Vilas Palace is a distinctly original hotel, presenting an attractive mix of Rajput and Moghul styles. Set amongst 50 acres of historic Bharatpur, it is ideally situated for the Keoladeo National Park and nearby Agra. Most of its 22 distinguished and traditionally appointed rooms open out onto the inner courtyard, garden and large swimming pool, to create a lovely ambience and a perfect base for exploring the park. Wildlife portfolio EBSpaNEW FOR 2009 RRHHUACMSF

False 28 Call our travel experts on 08456 345 114 TAILOR MADE OPTIONS India’s cultural heartland is a staggering mix of ancient monuments, exquisite temples and opulent forts and palaces. These expansive vistas encompass a dazzling array of some of her most impressive treasures, including the 17th century Gol Gumbaz, the vast mausoleum that dominates the town of Bijapur. Then there are the beautiful temple caves of Badami and Bhopal, the traditional home of the remarkable Begums, as well as the vast Buddhist sites spread throughout the Sanchi hills. The region can also boast the once great powerbase of the Vijayanagar kings at Hampi, where the haunting remains stand testimony to one of the greatest Hindu empires ever to grace the pages of Indian history. Suggested itinerary 16 days from £ 2675 ( per person twin share) Hyderabad ( 3 nights), Gulbarga ( 1 night), Bijapur ( 1 night), Badami ( 2 nights), Hospet ( 3 nights), Hampi, Chikmagalur ( 2 nights), Mysore ( 2 nights) and Bangalore ( 1 night) This itinerary is designed to give a flavour of this region and can be adapted to further suit your needs. HYDERABAD Founded in the latter years of the 16th century, Hyderabad grew rich from the fabled diamond mines of Golconda and was once the largest and richest region in India. Ruled by the Nizams for over 200 years, its old city is filled with grandiose palaces and colourful bazaars and, close to the magnificent Charminar landmark, stands the huge Mecca Majid Mosque. The 6th largest in the country, it is capable of holding up to 10,000 worshippers. BIJAIPUR AND BADAMI Bijapur is home to the Gol Gumbaz, the immense mausoleum of its 17th century ruler, whose massive dome is second only to that of St Peter’s in Rome. It can also boast the stunning Jama Masjid Mosque, the majestic Ibrahim Rauza and a colourful market. On the outskirts of Badami you can find the famous temples caves, a World Heritage Site with exquisitely decorated interiors covered with beautifully ornate reliefs and statues. BHOPAL AND SANCHI The hills around Sanchi are the location of one of the best- preserved and most extensive Buddhist sites anywhere in the country, covering over a millennium of religious development, a fact that has seen it invested with World Heritage status. Bhopal was once the capital of Madhya Pradesh and home to the remarkable Begums of Bhopal. Today it boasts the imposing Taj- ul- Masjid and the excellent cultural complex at the Bharat Bhavan. Central India HAMPI Discover the fabulous ‘ Lost Empire’ of the mighty Vijayanagar kings, which in the 16th century stretched from the Arabian Sea to the Bay of Bengal. At its centre was the showpiece city of Hampi, with its imposing and unique architecture. One of India’s principal treasures, this well- preserved capital has been recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Situated off the beaten track but with the effort well-rewarded, we recommend at least two days to visit the many temples, pavilions and palaces of the huge complex. Best combined with central India’s other temples, such as in our suggested itinerary left, Hampi can also be visited on the Golden Chariot train journey featured on page 44. Golconda Fort, Hyderabad EBSpaNEW FOR 2009 RRHHUACMSF