INDIA 95 INDIA & HIMALAYAS Indian Trails Imaginative Facts Tour code: HAIT • Activities: Camel safari, optional jeep safari • Accommodation: 12 nights simple hotels, 2 nights heritage hotels, 1 night tented camp • Transport: Private coach, public bus, train • Fully Escorted: By Imaginative Traveller tour leader Days 1- 14, services of representatives day 15, services of local guides • Imaginative Traveller Suggests: Continue all the way to Nepal by adding our ' Road to Kathmandu' tour DAY 1: MUMBAI- Arrive in Mumbai. DAY 2: AHMEDABAD- Early morning express train to Ahmedabad. The afternoon is at leisure to explore this city. A major attraction is the ashram where Mahatma Gandhi lived for many years, which we may have the option of visiting. DAYS 3 & 4: UDAIPUR- Drive to the beautiful ' White City' of Udaipur, arguably the most stunning of Rajasthani cities, situated on Lake Pichola. The next day take a morning tour of the intricate palaces and temples. Afternoon at leisure to seek out a bargain in the markets or relax in a friendly café overlooking the lake. DAY 5: JODHPUR- Drive via the magnificent Jain temples at Ranakpur to the ' Blue City' of Jodhpur. DAYS 6 & 7: JODHPUR - JAISALMER-Morning visit to the Meherangarh Fort. In the afternoon we cross the desert to the ' Golden City' of Jaisalmer, looming magically out of the horizon. Within the fortress walls the cobbled streets are strewn with stunning palaces, beautiful mansions of rich merchants ( havelis), and Jain temples that were built between the 12th & 15th centuries. There is plenty of time to explore this amazing city with its mediaeval atmosphere. DAY 8: CAMEL SAFARI- We drive into a remote part of the Thar Desert to start our camel safari. We spend the night in a beautiful tented camp. DAY 9: CHANDELAO- Drive via the temple town of Osian to the small heritage hotel of Chandelao Garh. Here, with no other tourists around, you can interact with the community and learn about the art, culture and heritage. DAY 10: KHEJARLA- Morning optional jeep safari to villages near Chandelao where we will see local craftsmen at work. In the afternoon we continue to the Fort Khejarla, the stunning residence of the former ruling family who will be your hosts. DAY 11: PUSHKAR- Drive to Pushkar, a desert oasis on a holy lake. Afternoon at leisure to explore the lakeside or hike into the surrounding hills. DAYS 12 & 13: JAIPUR- A short drive to the ' Pink City' of Jaipur. In the afternoon we visit the magnificent Amber Fort. The next morning enjoy an orientation tour of Jaipur including the famous facade of ' Palace of Winds'. Free time to explore the bazaars. DAYS 14 & 15: AGRA- Drive to Agra via the deserted former Moghul capital of Fatehpur Sikri. The following day visit the Taj Mahal, reputedly the most beautiful building in the world. Evening express train to Delhi. DAY 16: DELHI- Tour ends. Note: An amended itinerary will operate for the Pushkar Fair departure. See dossier. An all- encompassing Indian experience in the heart of Rajasthan • Explore the enchanting cities of Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer • Take a camel safariinto the Thar Desert to an overnight tented camp • Visit the Pushkar oasis, historic Ahmedabad and the incomparable Taj Mahal • Visit the magnificent Amber, Kherjarla and Meherangarh Forts • Interact with the local community at rural Chandelao Imaginative Facts Tour code: HAIH • Activities: Walking • Accommodation: 5 nights simple hotels, 1 night heritage hotel • Transport: Train, private bus • Fully Escorted: By Imaginative Traveller tour leader days 1- 6, services of representative day 6, services of local guides • Imaginative Traveller Suggests: Add our ' Goa Beach Extension' DAY 1: DELHI- Arrival in Delhi. DAYS 2 & 3: JAIPUR- We take the early morning express train to Jaipur, the captivating Pink City. We visit the fabulous Amber Fort, a magnificent complex of palaces, halls, pavilions, gardens and temples built over a period of 125 years by successive rulers. On Jaipur's streets, camel carts, scooters, cycle rickshaws, modern cars and bullock carts all jostle for space - a total riot of colour. You may even see a load of computers carried by a camel cart! There are incredible palaces, fascinating observatories, parks and bazaars. Jaipur never fails to thrill. We visit all the main sites and have time at leisure. DAY 4: MADHOGARH- Drive to Fort Madhogarh, fabulously situated atop a lone hill in the plains. From the rampart walls we have breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The views of sunrise and sunset are especially unforgettable. We also have the opportunity to explore the nearby village to get an insight into rural India. DAYS 5 & 6: AGRA- Continue to Agra. Stop en route at Fatehpur Sikri to visit the remains of the abandoned former Moghul capital. In Agra we have time to enjoy the fantastic Taj Mahal, a sight which will leave you breathless no matter how many pictures of it you have seen before. This evening we take the express train to Delhi. DAY 7: DELHI- Tour ends. A shorter version of our ' Classic India' tour • Venture into Rajasthan, the quintessential, colourful Indian state • Visit the captivating ' Pink City' of Jaipur • Visit the incredible Amber Fort and the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri • Explore rural villagesnear Fort Madhogarh • Absorb the simple magnificence of the Taj Mahal Indian Highlights • Seasonal Supplement £ 45 * Pushkar Fair Supplement £ 45 Single Supplement £ 335 ( optional) Voluntary Carbon Offset £ 16.04 * Price includes tour price of £ 615and local payment of INR8,000All prices are subject to currency fluctuations £ 715pp Land Only *• Seasonal Supplement £ 45 Single Supplement £ 135 ( optional) Voluntary Carbon Offset £ 15.46 * Price includes tour price of £ 349and local payment of INR4,500All prices are subject to currency fluctuations £ 405pp Land Only * adventureradventurer Tour duration 16 daysTour duration 7 days Starts SunEnds Mon MumbaiDelhi 2009 04- Jan- 0919- Jan- 09 18- Jan- 0902- Feb- 09 01- Feb- 0916- Feb- 09 15- Feb- 0902- Mar- 09 01- Mar- 0916- Mar- 09 15- Mar- 0930- Mar- 09 29- Mar- 0913- Apr- 09 05- Jul- 0920- Jul- 09 19- Jul- 0903- Aug- 09 02- Aug- 0917- Aug- 09 16- Aug- 0931- Aug- 09 30- Aug- 0914- Sep- 09 13- Sep- 0928- Sep- 09 27- Sep- 0912- Oct- 09 11- Oct- 0926- Oct- 09 25- Oct- 0909- Nov- 09 * 08- Nov- 0923- Nov- 09 22- Nov- 0907- Dec- 09 06- Dec- 0921- Dec- 09 20- Dec- 0904- Jan- 10 • * Pushkar Fair departure Starts SunEnds Mon MumbaiDelhi 2010 03- Jan- 1018- Jan- 10 17- Jan- 1001- Feb- 10 31- Jan- 1015- Feb- 10 14- Feb- 1001- Mar- 10 28- Feb- 1015- Mar- 10 14- Mar- 1029- Mar- 10 28- Mar- 1012- Apr- 10 04- Jul- 1019- Jul- 10 18- Jul- 1002- Aug- 10 01- Aug- 1016- Aug- 10 15- Aug- 1030- Aug- 10 29- Aug- 1013- Sep- 10 12- Sep- 1027- Sep- 10 26- Sep- 1011- Oct- 10 10- Oct- 1025- Oct- 10 24- Oct- 1008- Nov- 10 07- Nov- 1022- Nov- 10 * 21- Nov- 1006- Dec- 10 05- Dec- 1020- Dec- 10 19- Dec- 1003- Jan- 11 • • X- Mas & New Year Supplement Starts MonEnds Sun DelhiDelhi 2009 12- Jan- 0918- Jan- 09 02- Feb- 0908- Feb- 09 23- Feb- 0901- Mar- 09 16- Mar- 0922- Mar- 09 06- Apr- 0912- Apr- 09 06- Jul- 0912- Jul- 09 27- Jul- 0902- Aug- 09 17- Aug- 0923- Aug- 09 07- Sep- 0913- Sep- 09 28- Sep- 0904- Oct- 09 19- Oct- 0925- Oct- 09 09- Nov- 0915- Nov- 09 30- Nov- 0906- Dec- 09 21- Dec- 0927- Dec- 09 • Starts MonEnds Sun DelhiDelhi 2010 11- Jan- 1017- Jan- 10 01- Feb- 1007- Feb- 10 22- Feb- 1028- Feb- 10 15- Mar- 1021- Mar- 10 05- Apr- 1011- Apr- 10 05- Jul- 1011- Jul- 10 26- Jul- 1001- Aug- 10 16- Aug- 1022- Aug- 10 06- Sep- 1012- Sep- 10 27- Sep- 1003- Oct- 10 18- Oct- 1024- Oct- 10 08- Nov- 1014- Nov- 10 29- Nov- 1005- Dec- 10 20- Dec- 1026- Dec- 10 • • X- Mas & New Year Supplement new tour for 2009 Save up to 15% on your tour - see page 243 Save up to 15% on your tour - see page 243

INDIA & HIMALAYASINDIA 96 " The meals that we ate at the local places were special. I also loved the train travel and opportunities to intermingle with the locals." Helen Goldfinch india & himalayas Classic India Imaginative Facts Tour code: HACI • Activities: Walking, boat trip on the Ganges • Accommodation: 8 nights simple hotels, 1 night heritage hotel, 2 nights overnight trains • Transport: Trains, private boat • Fully Escorted: By Imaginative Traveller tour leader ( except train journey Varanasi to Delhi), services of local guides & representatives • Imaginative Traveller Suggests: Add our ' Goa Beach Extension' DAY 1: DELHI- Arrival in Delhi. DAYS 2 & 3: JAIPUR- We take the early morning express train to Jaipur, the captivating ' Pink City'. Visit the fabulous Amber Fort. On Jaipur's streets, camel carts, scooters, cycle rickshaws, modern cars and bullock carts all jostle for space - a total riot of colour. You may even see a load of computers carried by a camel cart! DAY 4: MADHOGARH- Drive to Fort Madhogarh. From the rampart walls we have breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. We also have the opportunity to explore the nearby village to get an insight into rural India. DAYS 5 & 6: AGRA- Continue to Agra. Stop en route at Fatehpur Sikri to visit the remains of the abandoned former Moghul capital. In Agra we have time to enjoy the fantastic Taj Mahal, a sight which will leave you breathless. DAY 7: KHAJURAHO- Early morning express train to Jhansi. From here we continue to Khajuraho, a tiny village in the state of Madhya Pradesh. DAY 8: KHAJURAHO - ORCHHA-Khajuraho is known for its temples representing the finest art and architecture of mediaeval India. Every inch of the outside, and much of the inside, is covered by superb stone carvings. The sculptures are sublime and sensuous at the same time. They depict several themes of celestial nymphs, ascetics in penance, hunting and war scenes, group dances and royal processions. The most famous are the erotic sculptures. Nothing is left to the imagination, and you will be surprised, shocked, and impressed. We visit the Khajuraho temples in the morning and drive to Orchha in the afternoon. DAY 9: ORCHHA- During the 16th and 17th centuries this was the capital of the Bundela dynasty who built a fort palace on a small island on the Betwa River. At the end of the 18th century, Orchha was pillaged by the Mughal imperial army and the magnificent monuments have lain virtually deserted ever since. We explore Orchha before we take the overnight sleeper train to Varanasi. DAYS 10 & 11: VARANASI- Varanasi is the most important pilgrimage place for Hindus. All Hindus should come here at least once in their lifetime. The principal attraction of Varanasi is the long string of bathing ghats which line the west bank of the Ganges, from which pilgrims make their sin- cleansing dip in the holy river and on which bodies are cremated. Watching the religious rituals ( best at sunrise and sunset) and everyday life of this chaotic, crowded, but most fascinating of Indian cities, is a unique and profound experience. A boat ride on the Ganges at dawn, when it is full of pilgrims, is an amazing experience. In the evening board the sleeper train back to Delhi. DAY 12: DELHI- The tour ends. Timeless traditions and fantastic sites • Venture into Rajasthan and visit the captivating ' Pink City' of Jaipur • Explore the famous mediaeval architecture and erotic sculptures at Khajuraho • Experience the lively atmosphere of the holy city of Varanasi • Take a cruise on the Gangesand explore rural villages near Fort Madhogarh • Absorb the simple magnificence of the Taj Mahal India Nepal Shimla Chandigarh Amritsar Dharamsala Delhi Jaipur Pachewar Varanasi Jhansi Khajuraho Bhairawa Kathmandu Bikaner Pushkar Jodhpur Agra Classic India Delhi to Kathmandu Amritsar, Dharamsala & Rajasthan Jaisalmer Madhogarh Orchha • Seasonal Supplement £ 45 Single Supplement £ 195 ( optional) Voluntary Carbon Offset £ 15.46 * Price includes tour price of £ 575and local payment of INR7,000All prices are subject to currency fluctuations £ 660pp Land Only * adventurer Tour duration 12 days © Imaginative Traveller Starts MonEnds Fri DelhiDelhi 2009 12- Jan- 0923- Jan- 09 02- Feb- 0913- Feb- 09 23- Feb- 0906- Mar- 09 16- Mar- 0927- Mar- 09 06- Apr- 0917- Apr- 09 06- Jul- 0917- Jul- 09 27- Jul- 0907- Aug- 09 17- Aug- 0928- Aug- 09 07- Sep- 0918- Sep- 09 28- Sep- 0909- Oct- 09 19- Oct- 0930- Oct- 09 09- Nov- 0920- Nov- 09 30- Nov- 0911- Dec- 09 21- Dec- 0901- Jan- 10 • Starts MonEnds Fri DelhiDelhi 2010 11- Jan- 1022- Jan- 10 01- Feb- 1012- Feb- 10 22- Feb- 1005- Mar- 10 15- Mar- 1026- Mar- 10 05- Apr- 1016- Apr- 10 05- Jul- 1016- Jul- 10 26- Jul- 1006- Aug- 10 16- Aug- 1027- Aug- 10 06- Sep- 1017- Sep- 10 27- Sep- 1008- Oct- 10 18- Oct- 1029- Oct- 10 08- Nov- 1019- Nov- 10 29- Nov- 1010- Dec- 10 20- Dec- 1031- Dec- 10 • • X- Mas & New Year Supplement We can also offer Extra Accommodation, Adventure Travel Insurance& Flights Save up to 15% on your tour - see page 243