New historical tours to India

Indus Tours, specialist tour operator to India, have launched two new tours ‘Journeys to Treasure’ to celebrate this year’s 60th Anniversary of India’s Independence.

Covering important historical events, such as the early establishment of the British East India Company and the 1857 uprising which lead on to India’s Independence in 1947, the tours will highlight the fascinating legacy of India’s interwoven history with Britain whilst covering the key attractions in each area.

Yasin Zargar, Managing Director, Indus Tours commented: “Coinciding this year with the 150th anniversary of the 1857 uprising, the 60th Anniversary of India’s Independence attracts great interest from both Indian nationals and Britons – many of whom having families and friends that fought in the wars or carved out new lives for themselves in this exotic and exciting country.

“With these tours, we aim to give a real insight into the important history of this bygone era and rekindle a feeling for the unique Anglo-Indian culture that existed at this time making India ‘the brightest jewel in the Imperial crown’.

“In the footsteps of this legacy, we will explore strategic battle sites and the highlights of Indian architecture as well as enjoy the more leisurely pursuits of the British with visits to hill stations, India’s celebrated nature reserves to view the once hunted wildlife and the famous summer residences where one can still sit down to ‘Tiffin’.”

The tours will be led by Peter Liddle, Director of the Second World War Experience in Leeds, who is an historical author and lecturer on the two world wars as well as the founder of the Liddle Collection of First World War materials at the University of Leeds. Highly knowledgeable and passionate about history and travel, he has a committed interest in India’s culture, people, religions and architecture, the British in India, the Indian Army and India’s rich wildlife.

Designed to complement each other, ‘Journeys To Treasure’ cover two separate itineraries:

Tour A: Delhi – Imphal – Kohima – Kazirangha Wilderness Sanctuary – Guwahai- Darjeeling and Kolkatta.

14 – 18 November 2007
Commencing with the introduction to historic and modern India in the city of Delhi, the emphasise will be upon the siege and British capture of the city during the Indian Mutiny, known as the First War of Liberation. Visit the Second World War battlefield at Imphal and Kohima before travelling North of Kohima to Kazirangha Wilderness Sanctuary on the mighty Brahmaputra River for 3 nights safari. Finishing in Darjeeling, the famous hill station below The Himalayan peaks.

Tour B: Delhi – Gwalior – Lucknow – Jim Corbett’s National Park – Shimla and Amritsar

16 January - 2 February 2008
Commencing with the introduction to historic and modern India in the city of Delhi, the emphasise will be upon the siege and British capture of the city during the Indian Mutiny, known as the First War of Liberation. Travelling by train to arguably India’s most impressive fortress/palace in Gwalior, historic too for an Indian exploit during the Mutiny. The 1857 scene remains dominant in the next location, synonymous for prolonged privation and ultimate rescue, Lucknow. Famed for its wildlife and evolution from a hunter’s paradise to a conservator’s dream, then spend 3 nights in Corbett National Park before arriving in the well-known hill station retreat of Shimla. Finishing in Amritsar, a city of extraordinary architecture, religion, culture and history.

The tours cost £2450.00/person and £2380.00/person respectively and include return economy airfares from the UK, all departure taxes, services of Dr Peter Liddle (Trip Director) all transport, sightseeing and entry fees as per itinerary. Accommodation on a full board basis for Tour A excluding lunch in Delhi and Kolkatta. Tour B is on a B&B basis except for Corbett National Park, which is full board.

Find out more by visiting: industours.co.uk.

Indus Tours will also be available to discuss their specialist touring programmes at the ‘Who Do You Think You Are? LIVE’ show from 5-7 May 2007 at the National Hall, Olympia, London.