( including the endemic lion- tailed macaque), sloth bear, leopard, dhole, common and clawless otter and even tiger. One of the most popular activities here is to take a boat ride on Lake Periyar to view herds of wild elephants frolicking in the water. Spice Village MID It's designed as a native tribal village, inspired by the tribesmen of Periyar. The rooms are spacious and furnished with simple terracotta tiled fl oors, wooden beds and chairs and whitewashed walls. At the centre of the village is a swimming pool. The highlight, though, is the garden itself, bursting with a rich array of spice trees. Nagarhole National Park Nagarhole is a mixture of rich green tropical and deciduous forests with rolling hills criss- crossed by streams, swamps, rivers and waterfalls. Nagarhole, a former Maharajas hunting area, is dedicated to saving the wildlife and is considered one of the best places in India to observe elephants in the wild. About a thousand elephants are thought to populate the park, and in the hot summer months they congregate in large herds along the banks of the River Kabini. Kabini River Lodge MID This is a typical Indian safari lodge. The lodge was formerly the hunting lodge of the Maharaja of Mysore, and this is refl ected in the colonial style architecture which offers 16 rooms spread throughout beautiful grounds which run alongside the Kabini River. Indira Gandhi National Park Indira Gandhi National Park is situated in the Annamalai Hills of the Western Ghats, and is considered to be one of the most beautiful nature preserves in Tamil Nadu. The park rises steeply through deciduous jungle and bamboo thickets and sightings of gaur, elephant and leopard are not uncommon during the early or late hours of the day. Banyan Tree Resort MID This is a family run farm offering friendly, comfortable home- stay accommodation adjacent to the Indira Gandhi National Park. There are three comfortable rooms for guests in the well appointed plantation bungalow, and a large verandah gives views across the plantations of coconuts, ground nuts, sugar cane, fruit trees, cocoa, coffee and vanilla. Staying in a traditional house is a lovely experience. You can meet the local people and learn a lot about the environment you're travelling through. ASIA | INDIA 105 SUGGESTED ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Bangalore ( via Dubai) Day 2 Mysore, 2- nights, Lalitha Mahal Palace. City tour ( B) Day 4 Nagarhole, 3- nights, Kabini River Lodge. Elephant rides ( BLD) Day 7 Ooty, 2- nights, Taj Savoy Hotel ( BD) Day 9 Indira Gandi National Park, 3- nights, Banyan Tree. Here you enjoy birdwatching ( BLD) Day 12 Eravikulam National Park, 2- nights, The Windermere Hotel. See the nilgri tahr ( B) Day 14 Backwaters of Kerala, 1- night, houseboat. Relaxing backwaters cruise ( BLD) Day 15 Cochin, 1- night, Taj Malabar Hotel. City tour and dance show ( B) Day 16 Return to the UK ( arrive same day) ( B) HIGHLIGHTS OF SOUTHERN INDIA This itinerary takes in the best wildlife areas of southern India. Travelling at a relaxed pace, you'll journey along the backwaters, seeing prolifi c birdlife, into forests to spot elephants and many other beautiful natural habitats, where water buffalo, tiger and the four- horned antelope, amongst others, can be found. Come and discover the undiscovered! TAILOR- MADE Or visit us on the web www. wildlifeworldwide. com Departure dates Daily, November to May Cost per person From £ 2199 ( Nov, Jan - May), £ 2399 ( Dec) Tour extension We can offer you an itinerary in upgraded hotels from £ 2449 - please ask us for details. What's included Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, thirteen nights hotel accommodation and one night houseboat, guided activities

Nepal 106 Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal. Although the wildlife enthusiast may only stop here en- route to national parks and rural areas, the Kathmandu valley has some wonderful, colourful sights for visitors. Kathmandu centre is an eclectic mix of palaces, courtyards and temples and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Just outside the city is the hilltop Buddhist temple complex of Swayambunath, which offers fabulous views of the surrounding snow- covered mountains. The forested slopes of Phulchowki also present good birdwatching and photographic opportunities. You will be rewarded by spending one or two days here. Dwarika's Hotel HIGH Kathmandu's premier property. It's a unique hotel, traditional in design, and consisting of 74 rooms and suites located around courtyards, gardens, a temple and a swimming pool. The hotel incorporates antique Newari wood carvings and traditional Nepalese arts and crafts, and is located not far from the holy temple of Pashupatinath in a quiet suburb of Kathmandu. Hotel Yak & Yeti HIGH One of Kathmandu's top hotels. It benefi ts from being centrally located in Durbar Marg, near to ancient temples, shops and restaurants. The hotel contains 270 comfortable rooms, restaurants, tennis courts, pool, sauna, Jacuzzi and gym. Shivapuri Heights MID A charming house, run by one of our long- standing local partners, with stunning views into the Kathmandu valley from its position high up in the Shivapuri Reserve. There are just three bedrooms, plus a living room, library and your own private chef to prepare meals. It's the perfect retreat for those wanting a secluded rural getaway, while experiencing a typical Nepalese friendly welcome. Sitting at the heart of the Himalaya, Nepal is one of the most spectacular countries on earth. What makes this mystical mountain kingdom so special? The warm and friendly people, rich blend of Buddhist and Hindu cultures, an exceptional variety of both birds and mammals and a remarkable diversity of habitats. Over 850 species of birds are found in Nepal, and amongst its larger mammals are tiger, leopard, greater one- horned rhinoceros, elephant, water buffalo, gaur, three species of bear, deer, antelope, and in the mountains a population of wild sheep and goats. Kathmandu Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982