Press

Discover the 'Real' India with TransIndus

From off the beaten track adventure in Ajanta-Ellora and Orissa to discovering the splendours of the south, TransIndus, The India Travel Company offers the opportunity to see and feel the 'real' India in its new India brochure for 2011/12.

Arguably the largest operator of tailor-made journeys to India, TransIndus introduces an even wider choice of bespoke holidays, private journeys and group tours to suit all tastes and budgets, and offers 10% off all tours within the brochure when booked by 30 June 2011. Among the new private journeys are a discovery of Rural Bengal, a journey into the clouds to Tawang, and explorations of India's near neighbours. Five new group tours are also introduced including those on the Gangetic Plain and in Royal Rajputana.

Commenting on the new brochure, Amrit Singh, managing director and co-founder of TransIndus, said, “We believe this is the most comprehensive India brochure in the market. Naturally, it features the most popular destinations and regions of India, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka, but it also ventures into places and regions that just don’t appear in other brochures.”

While the authentic adventures into the beautiful, remote and less-visited regions are perfect for the more intrepid or discerning second time visitor, first-timers are also well catered for with a range of tours visiting the Golden Triangle sights of the north, the popular backwaters of Kerala in the south and wildlife watching in the land of Rudyard Kipling. Though itineraries are flexible, TransIndus' guests can expect an enriching cultural experience infused with the true flavour of India, from visiting busy bazaars and local family homes to enjoy a traditional meal, to joining in local festivities and experiencing interesting modes of transport, from bullock carts to elephant rides and cycle rickshaws. Accommodation ranges from luxury grand palaces and former hunting lodges to authentic character properties and rice boats, while train journeys, cruises and spas and wellbeing also feature. 

Well-trained local professionals with first-hand destination knowledge are hand-picked to escort tours, while a selection of special departures will be led by guest lecturers, among them author and traveller Serena Fass, archaeologist Dr. George Michell, and expert on Indian history, art and wildlife, Lady Wade-Gery.

NEW TO THE PROGRAMME

GROUP DEPARTURES

The Gangetic Plain and Lucknow: this unique tour, built around the holy Ganges and its tributaries, takes guests into the cultural heartland of India. From peaceful Chambal, admire the fort at Gwalior, discover the mysterious ruins of little-visited Orchha, enjoy a safari at Panna, witness devotees performing a sacred ritual on the banks at Varanasi, and revel in the architectural and culinary delights of Lucknow. From £2,945 inc. 14 nights' B&B.

Rajasthan, Land of Kings: this exciting 17-day tour of vibrant Rajasthan offers an in-depth exploration of the desert state's main cultural sites as well as going off the beaten track. Highlights include the forts and palaces of Delhi, Jaisalmer, Udaipur, Jaipur and Agra, camping in the Thar Desert, a jeep safari through the Gajner wilderness, and an authentic village experience at Narlai. From £1,995 inc. 15 nights' B&B. Special departures during Diwali, Holi and the Pushkar Camel Fair.

Splendours of the South: discover ancient temples and architecture, delicious local cuisine, friendly people and some of India's finest beaches on this delightful journey through the tranquil south. Highlights en route include a ride on the Nilgiris toy train, an overnight cruise on the backwaters at Cochin and a boat ride on Lake Periyar to spot wild elephants. Stunning accommodation is provided throughout. From £2,295 inc.14 nights' B&B (full board on rice boat).

Royal Rajputana: showcasing the colour and grandeur of stately Rajasthan, this Royal tour is rich in cultural and historical attractions, from the great fortress cities of Jaisalmer, Nagaur and Jodhpur to the palaces of Jaipur and the romantic lakes of Udaipur. Sightseeing in Agra, a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, an elephant ride to Amber Fort, a jeep safari to the tribal villages of Rohet, a sunset camel ride, and two nights at the luxury Devigarh resort are just some of the highlights. From £2,845 inc. 14 nights' B&B.

PRIVATE JOURNEYS

Sangla Valley: for a few months every year, the valleys of Lahaul, Spiti and Kinnaur in India's far north emerge from thick snow to reveal a mesmerising scene of frozen glaciers, turbulent rivers and ancient monasteries perched at dizzying heights. This journey through barren deserts and dense forests also visits the peaceful hill town of Dharamsala, the Dalai Lama's home in exile, and Shimla. From £2,895 inc. 15 nights' accommodation (9 B&B, 6 FB).

Rural Bengal: uncover hidden Bengal on this exhilarating combination of gorgeous landscapes and cultural, historical and spiritual legacy. Beginning in Kolkata, head for the countryside at Bishnupur, famous for its terracotta temples, before travelling to the quiet town of Murshidabad to discover imposing palaces and mosques. Visit the medieval capitals of Gaur and Pandua before a relaxing finale in Darjeeling. From £2,685 inc. 13 nights' accommodation (11 B&B, 2 FB).

Assam, Nagaland and the One-horned Rhino: theforested hills of Nagaland are home to a diverse number of tribes, each with their own traditions, language and attire, and this tour visits the villages of Mopongchukit and Tuensang. The journey continues to Assam, best known for its eponymous tea, primeval forests and wildlife – Kaziranga is among the last stronghold of the one-horned rhinoceros – where guests enjoy safaris and learn about the cultural heritage of the region. From £3,095 inc. 14 nights' accommodation (3 B&B, 11 FB).

Arunachal & the Tawang Monastery: visit the timeless settlements and tribal villages of Arunachal before journeying into the mountains and over the Sela Pass – 14,000 feet above sea level – to arrive in Tawang, one of the most important Buddhist centres in the world, with a 500-year-old monastery. Here, guests can immerse themselves in prayer and meditation. From £2,945 inc. 13 nights' accommodation (4 B&B, 9 FB).

In Buddha's Footsteps: journeying in the footsteps of Buddha, this tour visits his birthplace at Lumbini, the site of his first sermon at Sarnath, his home in Sravasti, and where he obtained Nirvana at Kushinagar. From £2,595 inc. 13 nights' B&B.

Rural Nepal: explore Nepal's major sites including the Valley of Kathmandu, the national park of Chitwan, the tranquil valley of Pokhara, as well as the lesser-known sites of Lumbini and the charming villages of Tansen and Bandipur – all providing plenty of opportunities for walks in the hills and observing village life. From £1,998 inc. 14 nights' B&B.

Bhutan Highlights: discover the magic of Bhutan with its age-old traditions and unspoilt culture. Visit the sites of Paro and Thimphu, journey up to the Dochu-la Pass for views of Gangkar Puensum – Bhutan's highest peak - discover the fortified monastic Dzongs of Wangdue and Punakha and enjoy a stay in the beautiful valley of Gangtey, home to the Black Necked Crane and an excellent base for walking. From £2,645 inc. 9 nights' accommodation (2 B&B, 7 FB).

Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle: go beyond the beaches and explore Sri Lanka's cultural offerings: the breathtaking former capital of Anuradhapuram, the medieval capital of Polonnaruwa, and the last capital before the British took over in 1815, Kandy, home to the temple of the tooth. From £1,898 inc. 7 nights' B&B.

All prices are per person based on two sharing, including accommodation, international flights, all internal travel, and all scheduled sightseeing. Group tours additionally include the services of a tour guide.

For further information call 020 8566 3739