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

INDIA  NEPAL 97 INDIA & HIMALAYAS Delhi to Kathmandu Imaginative Facts Tour code: HADE • Activities: Walking, boat trip on the Ganges • Accommodation: 11 nights simple hotels, 1 night heritage hotel, 1 night sleeper train • Transport: Trains, private bus, public bus • Fully Escorted: By Imaginative Traveller tour leader, services of local guides • Imaginative Traveller Suggests: Add our ' Royal Chitwan National Park Extension' Days 1- 10: Follow ' Classic India' itinerary. DAY 11: VARANASI- Early morning Ganges boat trip. Rest of the day at leisure. DAY 12: BHAIRAWA- Travel to the border between Nepal and India. If time allows there may be the option to take an excursion to the nearby town of Lumbini where Siddhartha Gautama ( the Buddha) was born. DAY 13: KATHMANDU- Continue to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, an utterly fascinating city full of temples, markets, history, different cultures and life. A stepping stone to the mighty Himalayas. DAY 14: KATHMANDU- Tour ends. A great journey following our ' Classic India' tour to Nepal • Venture into Rajasthan and visit the captivating ' Pink City' of Jaipur • Explore the famous mediaeval architectureand erotic sculptures at Khajuraho • Experience the holy city of Varanasiand the magnificence of the Taj Mahal • Take a cruise on the Ganges and explore rural villagesnear Fort Madhogarh • End your trip in Kathmandu, one of the most exotic landmark citiesin the world Amritsar, Dharamsala & Rajasthan Imaginative Facts Tour code: HAAM • Activities: Optional hiking in Pushkar, Shimla and Dharamsala, camel safari • Accommodation: 16 nights simple hotels, 1 night heritage hotel, 1 night sleeper train, 1 night tented camp • Transport: Trains, private coach, public, bus, jeep • Fully Escorted: By Imaginative Traveller tour leader and services of local guides • Imaginative Traveller Suggests: Add our ' Varanasi Extension' DAY 1: DELHI- Arrive in Delhi. DAY 2: AGRA- Early morning express train to Agra. Guided tour of the Taj Mahal. DAYS 3 & 4: JAIPUR- Drive to the ' Pink City' of Jaipur via the deserted former Moghul capital of Fatehpur Sikri. Tour this beautiful pink sandstone city followed by a visit to the imposing Amber Fort. DAY 5: PACHEWAR- Afternoon drive to the small village of Pachewar where we stay in the lovely 300- year- old fort, with its massive ramparts and large gardens. DAY 6: PUSHKAR- A short drive to the laid back desert oasis of Pushkar. There is plenty of time to explore the lakeside with its many holy men, pilgrims and temples. DAY 7: JODHPUR- Continue to the ' Blue City' of Jodhpur. Afternoon visit to the impressive Meherangarh Fort. DAY 8: CAMEL SAFARI- We drive into a remote part of the Thar Desert for our camel safari. Overnight in a beautiful tented camp. DAYS 9 & 10: JAISALMER- 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. DAYS 11 & 12: BIKANER- Drive to Bikaner, a desert outpost that was a major trading centre on the old caravan route from Central Asia. The old city of Bikaner has a maze of narrow lanes and some beautifully carved havelis in red sandstone. On Day 12 visit the fabulous Junagadh Fort. Later board the sleeper train to Chandigarh. DAYS 13 & 14: SHIMLA- We travel by bus to Shimla, the most famous of the hill-stations. Free time to enjoy the many beautiful walks in the pine- clad hills that surround this picturesque town. DAYS 15 & 16: DHARAMSALA- We travel to the hill- station of Dharamsala in a spectacular mountain setting perched on the slopes of the Kangra Valley. Dharamsala is home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government in exile. Their settlement at Mcleod Ganj is a colourful example of Tibetan culture with many brightly coloured prayer flags and temples. DAY 17: DHARAMSALA- Optional walk through the mixed forest of oak, rhododendron and deodar trees to Triund, an alpine meadow situated atop a flat ridge with fine views of the Dhauladhars range and Kangra Valley. DAY 18: AMRITSAR- Travel to Amritsar, the sacred capital of Punjab. DAY 19: DELHI- Morning visit to the exquisite Golden Temple, one of the most impressive temples in India and the holiest site for Sikhs. Evening express train to Delhi. DAY 20: DELHI- Tour ends. Note: An amended itinerary will operate for the Pushkar Fair departure. See dossier for details. An amazing journey from desert cities to mountains • Visit the iconic Taj Mahalat Agra and Golden Temple at Amritsar • Travel to the Rajasthani desert cities of Jaipur and Jaisalmer • Ride camels in the Thar Desertand walk the hills of Himachal Pradesh • Explore the Pushkar oasis, the Bikaner trading post and hill station of Shimla • Savour Buddhist culture in the spectacular mountain setting of Dharamsala • Seasonal Supplement £ 45 Single Supplement £ 200 ( optional) Voluntary Carbon Offset £ 16.29 * Price includes tour price of £ 625and local payment of INR8,000All prices are subject to currency fluctuations £ 725pp Land Only ** Pushkar Fair Supplement £ 45 Single Supplement £ 350 ( optional) Voluntary Carbon Offset £ 15.46 * Price includes tour price of £ 720and local payment of INR10,000All prices are subject to currency fluctuations £ 845pp Land Only * adventureradventurer Tour duration 14 daysTour duration 20 days Starts MonEnds Sun DelhiKathmandu 2009 12- Jan- 0925- Jan- 09 02- Feb- 0915- Feb- 09 23- Feb- 0908- Mar- 09 16- Mar- 0929- Mar- 09 06- Apr- 0919- Apr- 09 06- Jul- 0919- Jul- 09 27- Jul- 0909- Aug- 09 17- Aug- 0930- Aug- 09 07- Sep- 0920- Sep- 09 28- Sep- 0911- Oct- 09 19- Oct- 0901- Nov- 09 09- Nov- 0922- Nov- 09 30- Nov- 0913- Dec- 09 21- Dec- 0903- Jan- 10 • Starts MonEnds Sun DelhiKathmandu 2010 11- Jan- 1024- Jan- 10 01- Feb- 1014- Feb- 10 22- Feb- 1007- Mar- 10 15- Mar- 1028- Mar- 10 05- Apr- 1018- Apr- 10 05- Jul- 1018- Jul- 10 26- Jul- 1008- Aug- 10 16- Aug- 1029- Aug- 10 06- Sep- 1019- Sep- 10 27- Sep- 1010- Oct- 10 18- Oct- 1031- Oct- 10 08- Nov- 1021- Nov- 10 29- Nov- 1012- Dec- 10 20- Dec- 1002- Jan- 11 • • X- Mas & New Year Supplement Starts SunEnds Fri DelhiDelhi 2009 15- Feb- 0906- Mar- 09 08- Mar- 0927- Mar- 09 29- Mar- 0917- Apr- 09 12- Jul- 0931- Jul- 09 02- Aug- 0921- Aug- 09 23- Aug- 0911- Sep- 09 13- Sep- 0902- Oct- 09 04- Oct- 0923- Oct- 09 25- Oct- 0913- Nov- 09 * 15- Nov- 0904- Dec- 09 Starts SunEnds Fri DelhiDelhi 2010 14- Feb- 1005- Mar- 10 07- Mar- 1026- Mar- 10 28- Mar- 1016- Apr- 10 11- Jul- 1030- Jul- 10 01- Aug- 1020- Aug- 10 22- Aug- 1010- Sep- 10 12- Sep- 1001- Oct- 10 03- Oct- 1022- Oct- 10 24- Oct- 1012- Nov- 10 14- Nov- 1003- Dec- 10 * * Pushkar Fair departure Save up to 15% on your tour - see page 243 Save up to 15% on your tour - see page 243