KIPLING S INDIA YOUR TOUR DOSSIER TRIP OVERVIEW ITINERARY & DETAILS

Transcription

1 KIPLING S INDIA The evocative colours and sights of British India combined with the wildlife prowling its jungle undergrowth provided the inspiration for much of Rudyard Kipling s written work. Trace the footsteps of the Bard of the Empire as you visit his birthplace in Mumbai and his family residence in Shimla, go in search of your own Shere Khan on safari in Kanha National Park, and absorb the energy and vibrancy of India on a full-day city tour of Delhi s modern and historic landmarks. This document aims to give you all the information that you require for a smooth and comfortable trip to India. Please take the time to read this dossier to familiarise yourself with all the aspects of our tour. It includes important details such as flight details, visa requirements and travel insurance. Your included meal guide: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner DAY 1: UK to Mumbai Depart London on your overnight flight to Mumbai. DAY 2: Mumbai L/D On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. After lunch, enjoy an afternoon tour of Mumbai, Kipling s birthplace and home for six years. Visit the bungalow where the writer was born, then the towering archway of The Gateway of India. Drive past the Gothic façade of the Bombay High Court, the ornate clock tower of the city university, elegant Victoria Terminus, and colourful Crawford Market, where the fountain built by Kipling s father still stands. Follow the coastal road to Mani Bhavan, Mahatma Gandhi s Bombay residence, before returning to your hotel. DAY 3: Mumbai to Kanha National Park B/L/D After breakfast, depart Mumbai on your flight to Raipur, then drive through colourful rural landscapes to Kanha National Park for your two-night stay. DAY 4: Kanha National Park B/L/D Witness the animals that inspired Kipling s Jungle Book adventures on today s full-day jeep safari through the bamboo forests and rolling grasslands of Kanha National Park. Look out for sambar deer, the four-horned Chausingha antelope, panthers and the prowling tigers that inspired the fearsome character Shere Khan. DAY 5: Kanha National Park to Delhi B/L/D Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and morning before your afternoon flight from Raipur to Delhi. DAY 6: Delhi B/L/D Engage your senses as you take in Delhi s colourful streets, spice-scented alleyways and rumbling rickshaws on today s full-day city tour. Explore the sprawling courtyards of Jama Masjid mosque then take a rickshaw ride through the labyrinth of stalls in Chandni Chowk market. Drive past the imposing walls of the Red Fort, stopping at Raj Ghat to visit Mahatma Gandhi s cremation grounds. Cross over into the neatly planned streets of New Delhi, visiting the commercial hub of Connaught Place, as you make your way to the soaring tower of Qutab Minar and the memorial at India Gate. DAY 7: Delhi to Shimla B/L/D This morning, board your train to Chandigarh, where ll you transfer to the UNESCO-recognised Toy Train, a tiny locomotive that carries you to the city of Shimla in the Himalayan foothills for your three-night stay. DAY 8: Shimla B/L/D Today s tour begins with a visit to one of the Kipling family s residences. Experience Shimla s woods as they were in Kipling s time at Potters Hill Arboretum then walk around Shimla s centre, past the grand State Museum, the hilltop location of Christ Church, and the boulevards of the Mall. After lunch, cross the Combermere Bridge which appears in Kipling s book The Phantom Rickshaw before driving into the Jakhoo Hills. Take in the statue of the Hindu god Hanuman then enjoy free time to explore the Mall. DAY 9: Shimla B/L/D Enjoy a day at leisure to explore Shimla further. Alternatively, take an optional nature walk (at a fee) through the rural landscapes of the Himalayas. DAY 10: Shimla to Delhi B/L/D Drive to Kalka railway station then board your train to Delhi, arriving in time for tonight s farewell dinner. DAY 11: Delhi to the UK or extension B After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK, or continue on to your chosen extension. 1

2 KIPLING S INDIA TOUR DOSSIER ACCOMMODATION DETAILS & MAP Hotel information Mumbai (1 night): 4H Ramada Pawai Hotel Address: Saki Vihar Road, Near The Residence Hotel & Apartments, Powai, Mumbai, Maharashtra , India Contact number: Kanha (2 nights): 4H Chitwan Resort Kanha Address: Kanha National Park, Post Mukki, Tehsil Baihar District Balaghat, Samnapur, Madhya Pradesh, Kānha, , India Contact number: Delhi (3 nights): 5H Raddisson Blu Dwarka Address: Plot 4, Dwarka City Centre, Sector 13, Dwarka, New Delhi, Delhi , India Contact number: Shimla (3 nights) 4H Royal Tulip Hotel Address: National Highway 22, Kufri, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh Contact number: Number of nights Air Rail India Mumbai Shimla Delhi 2 Kanha National Park Kanha Accommodation During your tour you will be staying in a range of 4H and 5H accommodation, all of which feature an en suite bathroom. Sunspot Tours has visited and inspected all of the hotels to ensure that they meet the high standards of service which we require for our clients. If the hotels detailed are not available alternatives will be used of a similar standard. Please note: the hotels listed are provided for guidance only and final confirmation of your accommodation will be sent in a document, along with your final flight information, approximately 10 days before you travel. ON YOUR ARRIVAL Jayasree Travels and Tours F 341 Ground Floor Lado Sarai, New Delhi Contact number: Visas A visa is required for entry into India. British passport holders will need to obtain an e-tourist Visa (etv) for travel to India. We work closely with The Travel Visa Company who will be able to arrange your visa on your behalf. Please call them on and quote Sunspot Tours. The cost of the visa is approximately 114 per person. The Travel Visa Company can only apply for this 120 days before your proposed travel date and the visa takes around 10 working days to issue. It is only valid for a 60-day single entry stay from the date of arrival. When calling the Travel Visa Company, they will advise you of any changes to the fees or the procedure. They will also advise you of all information they will require in order to apply for the visa. Alternatively, you can visit The Indian Visa Application Centre in London: Goswell Road, London, EC1B 7DU. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months before you enter India. Visa requirements are subject to change and obtaining a visa is the responsibility of the traveller and not Sunspot Tours. We recommend you check with your destination s tourist board or embassy prior to departure for the most up-to-date guidelines regarding visas and passport validity. Health and Vaccinations It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include: org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic. Insurance We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we Meals Breakfast is always western style and served in the hotel each morning. Lunch and dinner where stated will be taken at local restaurants or at your hotel. A variety of restaurants are visited giving you the chance to experience a range of dishes. On your arrival in Mumbai you will be met by a representative from our local agent, Jayasree, holding a sign displaying: Sunspot Tours. The Sunspot Tours/Jayasree Travels representative will show you to your transfer vehicle. Your guide will be able to answer any queries. However, if you need to contact Jayasree during your stay the details are: WHAT YOU NEED FOR YOUR TOUR Emergency contact information Please find below the emergency contact details for Jayasree Travel and Tours Contact Telephone number Ms Jayasree Vikraman Ms Samitha Mr Sydney Gama Mr Harish Kumar Mrs Prashansa Alkesh have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras. To arrange your travel insurance with Holiday Extras, please call and quote WK830 for preferential rates. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24-hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Sunspot Tours will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking. Physical Accessibility This tour is accessible to most people with a good level of fitness and normal mobility. It involves climbing of steep stairs and getting on and off coaches and boats. This tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties. Please note that Shimla is not suitable for those with walking difficulties; due to the nature of its mountainous location, there are many steep steps, inclines and declines around the town. Group Size The minimum number of travellers in your group will be 10. If in the unlikely event there are less than 10 people booked on your tour date, we will endeavour to reduce any disruption to your holiday and try to operate your tour with lower passenger numbers. If we are not able to operate your departure date then you may be asked to change to a different date and a full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable. Tour Guides This is a fully escorted tour, meaning that you will be met on arrival by your national guide who will remain with you for the duration of your trip. You will also be joined by a local guide in each of the cities which you visit, ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge at all times. Currency Exchange The currency in India is the Rupee or Rs. The Rupee is a closed currency and officially you are not allowed to take any cash out of India. US Dollars and GBP are also widely accepted in India should you wish to keep an alternative currency on you. 2

3 KIPLING S INDIA TOUR DOSSIER Tipping Tipping is at your discretion; however, we would recommend approximately 40 per person for the duration of your tour. For accompanying guides, we suggest approximately 3 per person per day and for the driver we suggest approximately 1 per person per day. All tips will be collected by your guide at the beginning of your tour for your convenience. Tips are accepted in the local currency; however, it is asked that if you do not tip in the local currency that you only pay with notes, as coins cannot be exchanged. Personal Expenses You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any personal purchases, such as souvenirs, laundry and extra drinks and snacks. Approximately 500 per person will be sufficient for the duration of the tour. Credit Card Information As normal practice you will be asked for your credit card details on check-in at the hotel in order to cover any extras incurred during your stay. If you do not have a credit card you may be asked for a cash deposit. American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in hotels. Itinerary Changes The order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or for operational purposes. Your local guide will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed of them. Some road construction and/or weather conditions may lengthen the driving times. Our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed; however, order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions. WHAT TO PACK Insect repellent and sun cream Comfortable walking shoes Waterproof lightweight jacket Sunglasses and Hat Ruck sack Binoculars Camera and charger Loo paper for public WCs Long sleeve shirt and long trousers Swimwear Anti-bacterial hand sanitiser Personal toiletries and first aid kit containing travel pills, rehydration powder, plasters, stomach settlers, antiseptic creams, aspirin etc An electric plug converter - The voltage in India is 220 volts with plugs and sockets having either grounded 3 pin connections or ungrounded 2 pin connections. Should you plan to use your own hairdryer, travel iron, video camera, battery charger, electric shaver etc, it is advisable to bring a multi-adaptor. Your initial flight is to Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport with Jet Airways (9W), departing from London Heathrow Terminal 4. Your return flight is from Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport with Jet Airways (9W). IMPORTANT: Final flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure. Baggage Allowance Each passenger is entitled to 23kg of hold luggage. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check-in. Check-in should be at least 3 hours before departure. Checked baggage allowance may vary. Please refer to the bottom right of your E-ticket receipt for the correct baggage allowance. For example, if it shows 20k this means your allowance is 20kg; or 1PC means one piece not exceeding 23kg. For handling purposes the maximum weight of any single piece of baggage must not exceed 32kg. Weather can vary quite considerably throughout the year, so please familiarise yourself with the climate charts below. Hand luggage: One piece of hand luggage with maximum total dimensions not exceeding a total of 115cm in size and 7kg in weight. Please refer to the airline s website for further details and the most up-to-date information. Airport Extras If you wish to arrange Airport car parking or accommodation at preferential rates, we recommend you book this in advance with Holiday Extras on , quoting HX313. Average temperature: Mumbai Average temperature: Delhi Average temperature: Shimla 3

4 KERALA BEACH STAY If you have not yet booked this fabulous extension, there is still time to do so. Please contact your local agent Extend your trip in India with a 4 night stay on Kerala s beautiful coast. Famous for its extensive backwaters and stunning beaches, tropical Kerala is the perfect destination to relax, unwind and slip into the local rhythm of life. This document aims to give you all the information which you will require during your Beach Stay add-on in Kerala. Your included meal guide: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner DAY 11: Delhi to Beach Stay resort Transfer to your chosen resort. DAY 12, 13 & 14: Beach Stay resort Enjoy two full days at your leisure, the perfect opportunity to unwind on the beach, bathe in the pool and reflect on your tour memories. DAY 14: Beach Stay resort to the UK Depart after breakfast for your return flight to the UK. Hotel Information Kovalam or Poovar (4 nights) Your chosen hotel will have been confirmed at booking. Please talk to our reservations department should you need any further information. The hotels include the following: 3H Isola di Cocco Hotel, Full Board Address: PO Poovar, Trivandrum Contact number: H Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel & Spa, Half Board Address: GV Raja Road, Samudra Beach, Kovalam Contact number: H Vivanta by Taj, Bed & Breakfast Address: GV Raja Vattapara Road, Kovalam Contact number: Tour Guides Your beach stay extension is not escorted. You will be transfered to your hotel after the main tour and will receive transfers to the airport at the end of your stay. Average temperature: Kovalam Vivanta by Taj Please note: Final hotel and flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure. 4

5 HIGHLIGHTS OF KERALA EXTENSION If you have not yet booked this fabulous extension, there is still time to do so. Please contact your local agent Your 4 night Highlights of Kerala tour offers the perfect opportunity to explore one of the most beautiful and distinctive states in India. This document aims to give you all the information which you will require during your add-on in Kerala. Your included meal guide: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner DAY 11: Delhi to Kochi (Cochin) B Depart Delhi in the morning for your flight to Kochi, in India s beautiful southern state of Kerala, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. DAY 12: Kochi to Alleppey B Transfer to Alleppey to board an authentic houseboat, journeying through the scenic backwaters. DAY 13: Alleppey to Thekkady B Disembarking your houseboat after breakfast, your tour continues with a drive through the spectacular countryside arriving at the Thekkady Hill Station, home to a stunning wildlife sanctuary. DAY 14: Thekkady to Kochi (Cochin) to the UK B After an early morning boat ride on Periyar Lake, proceed to Kochi for a city tour. DAY 15: Kochi to the UK B Depart after breakfast for your return flight to the UK. Currency The currency in Kerala is the Rupee or Rs. US Dollars and GBP are also widely accepted should you wish to keep an alternative currency on you. Tour guides This add-on to Kerala is fully escorted. Hotel Information Kumarakom (1 night): Houseboat. Thekkady (1 night): 4H Aranya Nivas - Kumily Thekkady Road, Thekkady, Kochi (1 night): 5H Hotel Casino - Willingdon Island, Kochi Alcoholic drinks Please note that Kerala has strict laws regarding the governance of the sale of alcohol in public places including hotels and restaurants. The sale and consumption of alcohol is therefore often restricted in hotels, varying from one establishment to another. You may however bring your own alcohol with you for private consumption in your room. Average temperature: Cochin 4H Aranya Nivas Please note: Final hotel and flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure. 5

6 GOA BEACH STAY EXTENSION If you have not yet booked this fabulous extension, there is still time to do so. Please contact your local agent Complete your trip to India with a 4 night, 5 day stay soaking up some sun in vibrant Goa. Famous for stunning beaches, a sprawling coastline and fantastic sunsets, this former Portuguese enclave offers up a special blend of whitewashed European churches, enticing food and colourful markets. A popular getaway since the sixties, Goa today is still the perfect destination for an exotic escape. This document aims to give you all the information which you will require during your add-on in Goa. Goa East meets west in Goa. More than 400 years as a Portuguese colony has given this western part of India a distinctly European flavour, with crumbling churches and a unique local cuisine. And the 66-mile stretch of coast, which looks out over the Arabian Sea, is home to some of the finest stretches of sand in the country. North Goa, on India s west coast, offers white-sand beaches and ancient temples hidden among jungle foliage. Hotel Your stay will take place at the 4H Pride Sun Village Resort & Spa on All-Inclusive. Located on a hillside overlooking the Arpora Salt Pans, this resort is in a beautiful and relaxing location and is just under a mile from the nearest beach. Elegantly decorated air-conditioned suites come complete with amenities including LCD TVs, FREE Wi-Fi high-speed Internet access, separate bedroom and living area, private balcony, refrigerator, telephone, iron and ironing board on request and a tea and coffee maker. All-Inclusive includes: breakfast, lunch and dinner, afternoon tea/coffee and light bites/snacks. Unlimited local beer, wine, spirits and soft drinks plus a welcome soft drink on arrival. (Time and measurement stipulations may apply). Hotel information: Arpora, North Goa, Goa Contact number: Any alternative hotels or board basis will have been confirmed at booking. Please speak to our reservations department if you are unsure. Personal Expenses You will need to take money with you to cover any meals and snacks that are not included, as well as personal purchases, such as souvenirs, laundry and drinks. Tour Guides Your stay in Goa is not escorted by a tour guide. All internal transfers are included. Average temperature: Goa Pride Sun Village Resort Please note: Final hotel and flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure. 6