Bales enters 45th year in India with biggest programme yet

Bales Worldwide is entering its 45th year organising holidays to India in 2008 with its biggest programme yet. The launch of its new India and the Subcontinent programme 2008/9 encompasses tailor made and escorted journey holiday options to India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

Bales was one of the first British tour operators to take holidaymakers to India in 1963. Prices for escorted journeys start from £1060 for the nine day Magic of India trip.

The 2008/9 programme sees a far greater emphasis on tailor-made travel choices. “More and more of our clients wish to travel on individually designed itineraries and we have responded to this by detailing an even wider selection of experiences and ideas outside our group holiday itineraries,” commented Iain Fenton, sales and marketing director for Bales Worldwide.

The full programme is available as a printed brochure, as well as to read online via Balesworldwide.com.

“Tailor made travel is over 40% of our overall business and our programmes need to reflect this shift,” continued Fenton.

LUXURY EMPHASIS
There are a number of new journeys focusing solely on the luxury end, including a quartet of Oberoi vilas, the new Taj Wilderness Lodges and the spiritual retreats of Amankora in Bhutan.

The exciting partnership between Taj Hotels and CC Africa has brought a new standard of accommodation to India’s tiger reserves with the new Taj Wilderness experiences. A new 12 day Luxury Indian Safari means that Bales will be one of the first operators to feature this entire portfolio in 2008, priced from £5,525 per person. All accommodation will be at the new Taj Wilderness properties including Mahua Kothi (Bandhavgarh) and Baghvan (Pench), as well as the two new camps in Kanha and Panna which open later this year.

The 10 day India in Luxury holiday focuses on Oberoi Hotels’ award winning properties and takes in Delhi, Agra (staying at the Oberoi Amarvilas), Jaipur (staying at the Rajvilas), Udaipur (staying at Oberoi Udaivilas) and is priced from £2430 per person. A two night extension to Ranthambhor National Park staying at the Oberoi Vanyavilas can be arranged for a further £795 per person.

KERALA HOUSE BOAT CHARTERS
Bales will also feature the new RV Katherine Backwater Cruise in Kerala. This vessel offers accommodation and service which far exceeds the traditional houseboat cruises in Southern India and means that guests can take a three day or longer cruise to fully appreciate the tranquil grandeur of the area. There are three double cabins onboard and the RV Katherine can be taken as a private charter for between two and six guests.

HIMALAYAN JOURNEY
Of the nineteen inspirational journeys offered in 2008/9, other new itineraries include the ‘Himalayan Journey’ which combines Nepal and North East India – Darjeeling and Sikkim. This fourteen day holiday is priced from £2095 per person and is a remarkable journey set before the majesty of the Himalayas covering colonial heritage, cities, temples and hill stations.

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
For second and third time visitors to India, Bales has increased its choice of more ‘off the beaten track’ options such as a new 14 days holiday to the Western state of Gujarat. Priced from £2225 per person this trip takes in Palitana, Sassan Gir Wildlife Sanctuary, Gondai and Mandvi Beach during which visitors will experience the spiritual importance of the state as a centre for Jains.

Bales has also trebled its portfolio of hotels in the Maldives, a popular area to combine with Nepal, Sri Lanka or India for a beach holiday. Properties include the Taj Exotica, Soneva Gili, Anantara Resort and Angsana Velavaru.

For a copy of the new brochure or for reservations look online at Balesworldwide.com.