Dear TravellerThe Indian Subcontinent offers some of themost varied travel experiences possible. I have been lucky enough to explore most ofthis region and my recent travels have takenme to the Backwaters of Kerala as well asthe more off-the-beaten-track LakshadweepIslands. I would recommend theseexperiences to anyone. Our Indian Subcontinent specialists havebeen searching out exciting new places tostay, particularly those that will give you aninsight into local life. In rural Rajasthan,this is seen in the small forts and historicalproperties that have now opened their doorsto guests. In the South, homestays give you a chance to learn more about your hosts' way of life.Within mountainous Nepal and Bhutan,new routes are now available. We can showyou the east of Bhutan, a remote area wherefew travellers venture, or take you onwalking trails in Nepal.Travelling in the Indian Subcontinent isalso about relaxation. In Sri Lanka, therarely-visited east coast is now slowlyopening up for visitors and is a great place for a beach stay without the crowds.We have also hand-picked some excellentresorts in the Maldives, a destinationunrivalled when it comes to completeserenity. Both are excellent options followinga cultural tour of the Subcontinent.Our Indian Subcontinent specialists have a detailed, first-hand knowledge of theregion backed up by a genuine passion forthis part of the world. They look forward to discussing your travel plans with you,please do not hesitate to contact them.Craig BurkinshawManaging Director

ContentsIntroduction2-5Indiaintroduction6-7Rajasthan8-25RuralRajasthan14-15Forts& Palaces22-23Calcutta&theEast26-31IndianHimalaya32-41Trekking&villagewalks38Mumbai,Goa&CentralIndia42-49Trains&railjourneys48TamilNadu&Karnataka50-61Kerala62-75Homestays68-69WildlifeinIndia76-83SriLanka84-97TheMaldives98-103Nepal104-111Walking&trekkinginNepal108-109Bhutan112-119Tibet120-122Usefulinformation123Tailor-made journeysThe beauty of tailor-made travel is that every tripis unique. Whether you want to stay in simple orluxurious accommodation, have great guides onhand or explore under your own steam, travel forone week or five, we can create a trip to matchyour tastes and budget. We can also design tripsfor a special occasion, where added touches canchange an adventurous journey into a spectacularhoneymoon, anniversary or birthday celebration.Your trip can be tailored to suit your particularinterests, such as wildlife, photography or diving,and we have the specialist knowledge to match.Throughout the brochure you will find suggesteditineraries and some of our favourite places tostay. These are included purely to offer inspirationand give you a flavour of what is possible, as eachjourney is created individually to give you theopportunity to experience a destination in exactly the way you choose.Specialist knowledgeOur Indian Subcontinent specialists have alltravelled extensively throughout the region and inmany cases lived there, so you can rely on theirextensive first-hand knowledge. They regularlyreturn to see the accommodation, meet ourguides - many of whom are firm friends -experience all the excursions and activities, andkeep up-to-date with local developments. Theypride themselves on having an honest 'tell it howit is' approach to planning your trip and, as well astheir own extensive knowledge, are able to drawon the considerable collective experience of theircolleagues. We believe this approach is unique toAudley and the only way we can genuinely offeryou a tailor-made service.Financial securityAll travel arrangements in this brochure thatinclude a flight are ATOL protected by the CivilAviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 4817.Please see our booking conditions for moreinformation. If your arrangements do not includeany flights from the UK they are protected by aseparate financial scheme, for further detailsplease visit www.audleytravel.com/protectIntroducing AudleyAfter developing a real passion for travel in the early 1990s Craig Burkinshaw founded Audley, or Asian Journeys as we were then called. Craig wanted to make it possible forothers to share the same experiences and, from these small beginnings, the company was born.Audley offered a new type of travel - individual journeys, designed to match the traveller'sinterests, tastes and budget, created with an absolute commitment to quality, authenticity and a passion for travel. Today Audley is one of the UK's most highly regarded specialist touroperators, providing tailor-made trips throughout Asia, Africa, the Middle East, LatinAmerica, Australasia, Antarctica and the Arctic, Canada and Alaska.Planning your tripOnce you have some ideas for your trip, or if youjust want some general guidance, call one of ourIndian Subcontinent specialists on 01993 838 300.They can offer advice and discuss your plans withyou, before creating a detailed itinerary, which will be forwarded to you together with maps,accommodation information, colour photographsand a price. Your specialist can then continue torefine the plans until you are completely satisfied.They will be on hand from the start of theplanning process to your return home and arealways available to answer questions and offersound advice.