India 2020-22 Brochure

For more information or to book, call 020 8423 3000 or contact your travel agent. 6 Planning a trip to India needn't be a struggle, although it is hard to really appreciate the size of the country, and all the activities that can be enjoyed in a limited period of valuable holiday time. So, leave it to your friendly and knowledgeable experts at Somak Holidays to plan an itinerary for you that takes in all the highlights you want to experience; it is best not to cram too much in, but don't be surprised if it leaves you wanting to come back again for more! Culture vultures will swoop on the opportunity to take a rickshaw ride around the bustling lanes of Old Delhi, visit the majestic Taj Mahal in Agra, and the many other iconic sites featured in our "Golden Triangle" itineraries, but there is so much more that India has to offer. India is a haven for culinary experiences, and there is no better time to visit than during one of the many colourful religious festivals which take place throughout the year, perhaps incorporating a visit to the holy River Ganges. Other highlights might include an unforgettable train journey to the hill station of Shimla, perhaps coupled with a relaxing stay on a sandy Goan beach. Wildlife enthusiasts will love the experience of visiting one or more of the scenic national parks, such as Ranthambhore, where there is the chance to spot tigers and a whole host of other game animals and birds. The parks are famed for their mix of rugged hillsides, marshland, forests and grassy plains, boasting an abundance of pretty flora and fauna. Best time to travel India is ideal to visit all year-round, however, the weather does change according to the region, with May and June being the hotter months; the drier and cooler months run from October to March and would be the ideal time to visit northern India including the "Golden Triangle", but southern India, including Kerala and Goa, often fares even better during the early months of the year. Types of accommodation We offer a vast array of city centre hotels, rural guesthouses, private homestays, luxury trains and even a river cruise to tempt you with! From the utmost luxury to the more affordable, there is always something to suit everyone. Why India? Top experiences ✯ The "Golden Triangle", including the majestic Taj Mahal in Agra, the contrasts of visiting Old and New Delhi, as well as the amazing architecture of Jaipur (see pages 8 –13) ✯ Game Parks of India, with the opportunity to spot tigers and other game, birdlife, flora and fauna (see pages 14 – 19) ✯ Holy cities including Varanasi and Amritsar, especially at the time of religious festivals (see pages 22 – 23, 26, 44) ✯ Heritage River Cruise (see pages 29 – 31) ✯ Trains of India – Luxury and other rail routes (see page 45) ✯ Backwaters and Beaches in Kerala and Goa (see pages 32 – 33 and 48 – 49) ✯ Extensions to Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and beyond (see pages 52 – 64) A warm welcome