Bales expands Indian experiences for 2009

Bales Worldwide is launching its new ‘India and the Subcontinent’ programme for 2009/10 with particular focus on experiences that are ‘off the beaten track’ with opportunities to really get under the skin of this fascinating area. New options include tailor made itineraries to the little visited Orissa region, a cruise adventure in the Sunderbans National Park and a new eco friendly resort in Northern Kerala.

A wide range of countries, cities and experiences are offered within this vast subcontinent, from the mighty Himalayas to the gem that is Sri Lanka, Maharajahs palaces to luxury safaris, and bustling cities to rural retreats. Countries covered by the brochure include India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan and the Maldives. There are a total of 37 group and independent travel itinerary suggestions within the new programme. Prices start from £1,670 per person for the 12 day ‘Taste of Kerala’ journey, taking in the best of this enchanting region and including a backwater cruise aboard the RV Katherine houseboat.

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

CRUISE THE SUNDERBANS

The mangrove landscape of the Sunderbans National Park is one of the most unique settings on earth. This natural and cultural gem is only accessible by water and what better way to experience it than by opting for Bales’ ‘Cruising the Sunderbans’ itinerary. This new nine day trip (from £2,245 per person) takes you from the fascinating streets of Kolkata (Calcutta) to the watery forests of this unusual land. Spend three nights in the former capital of the British Raj, experiencing the best of this bustling city.

Visit the Victoria Memorial, sip drinks at the Bengal Club, take a heritage walk of Dalhousie Square and explore hidden Kolkata. On day four you will board the MV Paramhamsa for your cruise of the Sunderbans. This 55 metre boat has air conditioned cabins, a bar and restaurant, and even a gym, sauna and massage rooms. Its open sun terrace offers the perfect location for relaxing and nature watching. Visit local villages, keep an eye out for estuarine crocodiles and marvel at this fertile jungle landscape.

ECO HEAVEN IN KERALA

Bales Worldwide is one of the first operators to offer the new Neeleshwar Hermitage hotel in Kerala as part of its tailor made options - prices start from £1,155 per person for seven nights, including flights. This stylish 5 star hotel and spa is set on twelve acres of lush grounds beside the Arabian sea, near Mangalore. With just sixteen rooms in cottages scattered around the beautiful gardens, it offers a peaceful retreat from the modern world.

Located on the Malabar coast, the resort has created an environment where you can regain your balance - relax at the ayurvedic Priya Spa, try a spot of yoga or take a bike ride around the nearby paddy fields and temples. The hotel has also implemented a number of eco initiatives, including recycling natural waste to provide bio-energy, water harvesting, solar panels, organic gardens, minimal plastic and landscaping to attract birds.

TAILOR MADE ORISSA

New for 2009/10, Bales is offering tailor made itineraries to the lesser known area of Orissa in Northern India - perfect for Indophiles looking for somewhere new to head in this incredible country. Sandwiched between the Eastern Ghats and the Bay of Bengal, Orissa is home to some amazing cultural highlights, including the magnificent Sun Temple at Konark, and the largest collection of ethnic tribal groups in India. Stay in the region’s capital, Bhubaneshwar, which is awash with Hindu temples, relax on the beach at Puri, and spend a day visiting the tribal villages of the interior for a unique insight into local culture and tradition.

NEW LODGES FOR LUXURY INDIAN SAFARIS

In 2009/10, Bales’ 12 day ‘Luxury Indian Safari’ itinerary (from £3,545 per person) will include stays in two brand new luxury lodges set to open in October 2008. The lodges, run by Taj Safaris, are Pashan Garh and the Banjaar Tola – the former comprises 12 decadent cottages in the heart of the Panna National Park, while the latter is an encampment of luxury en suite tents on the banks of the Banjaar River in Kanha National Park. These both offer sumptuous accommodation from which to enjoy your ‘Jungle Book’ experience. Spend your day spotting leopards, bison, an array or birdlife and hopefully the majestic tiger, before retreating to your luxury lodges for an evening of fine food and relaxation.

NEW FREQUENT DEPARTURE – INDIA WITH A DIFFERENCE

Bales has launched a new frequent departure itinerary - ‘India with a Difference’. This trip combines the classic Golden Triangle sights with more unusual activities. The 10 day holiday (priced from £1,870 per person) takes in Delhi, Agra, the Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri, Jaipur and Samode. Your journey will be by foot, jeep, rickshaw and even elephant, as you voyage deep into India’s Golden Triangle and see sights often ignored by other UK operators.

Take a walking tour through Delhi’s colourful Chandni Chowk bazaar, visit Dera Amer elephant camp near Jaipur for a ride through the surrounding forests, and travel by jeep between the Amber Fort and the Samode Palace to fully experience the beauty of rural Rajasthan. The itinerary includes stays in majestic heritage hotels.

THE GOLDEN CHARIOT – TRAIN JOURNEY THROUGH SOUTHERN INDIA

Looking for a new and unique rail adventure? Then board the decadent Golden Chariot which started operation in May 2008, for a breathtaking journey through Southern India. This luxury train is the latest to launch on the sub continent and joins other great Indian rail experiences, such as the ‘Palace on Wheels’ in Rajasthan, and the ‘Deccan Odyssey’ in Maharashtra. The train, named after a famous stone chariot at the World Heritage Site of Hampi, starts and finishes its journey in Bangalore, and takes in a wealth of cultural and historical sites.

From resplendent palaces and ancient temples, to wonderful wildlife and golden beaches – this is a journey through the very best that the Karnataka region has to offer. Prices start from £2,560 per person based on two sharing, including 7 nights on the Golden Chariot and 1 night at the Taj West End.

NEW LUXURY HOTEL ADDED TO BHUTAN ITINERARY

Set amid the stunning panoramas of Bhutan’s Dragon Kingdom, the Amankora Bumthang is the newest hotel in Amankora which opened last year, and is now available as part of Bales’ ‘Bhutan – the Amankora’ itinerary. This idyllic property is set amidst a landscape of orchards in the Choskhor Valley, with wonderful views of palaces and monasteries. Each of the 16 suites is stylishly decorated, and comes with its own wood-burning bukhari.

The hotel is beautifully appointed, offers exceptional comfort and is the perfect place from which to explore this remote Shangri-la. This 14 day Bhutan itinerary costs from £5,425 per person and takes in Kathmandu, the Thimpu Valley, the Gangtey monastery, the Bumthang Valley, the picturesque village of Wangdue and the famous ‘Tigers Nest’ monastery at Paro.