Inspirational India - Tigers, trains, tea & Taj
India’s most famous luxury hotel group has been given a leading role in the latest brochure from Somak Holidays. The specialist tour operator has cast two of the famous Taj Hotels as the stars in its new publication. The Taj Garden Retreat at Thekaddy, Kerala and the Taj Green Cove Resort at Kovalam, also in Kerala, are the main features in the new 44-page brochure. "India – Tours, Beaches & Tailor-Made Holidays" also showcases ten themed, escorted tours of India, a variety of convenient and fun transport options and an expanded range of hand-picked accommodation.
Somak Holidays is launching a total of four new properties this year. Responding to a surge in interest in Kerala in the south east of the country, Somak offers two new hotels from the renowned Taj group.
The Taj Garden Retreat is a picturesque hillside retreat, nestled amongst plantations of coffee, cardamom and pepper plants, close to Periyar lake and Tiger Reserve. Taj’s Green Cove Resort is a new luxury resort on a golden strip of sand, which offers accommodation in floating cottages. Both hotels have health and Ayurvedic centres, ideal for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.
Further north on the coast in Goa, Somak respond to increased demand for value-for-money winter breaks and introduce two choices to their coastal hotels. Firstly the Nanu Resort is a peaceful and secluded resort located 100m from a tranquil beach on the south coast of Goa, near sandy Betalbatim Beach.
Secondly The Heritage Village Club, a beachfront resort situated on Arossim Beach, which offers guests a range of leisure activities and the option to stay on a great value all-inclusive basis.
In Search of the Tiger
Somak Holidays’ India brochure features ten classic tours including “The Golden Triangle” to see Agra, Jaipur and Delhi, and “In Search of the Tiger” from Delhi to Jaipur via Ranthambore, one of the finest tiger reserves in the country. Prices start from £1,082 per person for departures 15 April - 29 September 2008, includes accommodation, return flights and tour.
Longer options include "The Wild Side", a ten night itinerary which includes three nights at Bandhavgarh, where visitors search for tigers from an open-top jeep. Prices start from £1,867 for accommodation, return flights and tour.
Seeing India in Style
Train travel is one of the best ways to make the most of India’s captivating landscape, from the luxurious Deccan Odyssey and the high speed Shatabdi Express, which offer passengers first class hospitality, to the authentic experience of local trains, for more adventurous travellers.
Both the ‘Foothills of the Himalayas’ and ‘Darjeeling Discovery’ tours offer visitors the opportunity to board the scenic 'Toy Train'. The novel train is only two-foot wide and allows passengers to travel through the breathtaking landscapes of the majestic Himalayas to Kalka.
Dual in the Crown
The new Somak Holidays India brochure also now features twin centre holidays. Options include Dubai, which offers excellent shopping, desert safaris and good sporting facilities; Mauritius, boasting wonderful beaches, excellent cuisine and great golf; the Maldives, providing a more romantic and remote experience; and Sri Lanka offering an outstanding range of cultural and natural sites.
For reservations go to Somak.co.uk.
