INDIA - AN ECO HOLIDAY TIGER WATCHING
Posted by Roy
The Bengal Tiger, a superb predator, invokes feelings of awe, admiration and often fear and is probably the best known animal in the world. Sadly, due to hunting in previous times and more recently by poaching, the tiger was facing extinction in India. Fortunately the enlightened Indian Government created natural and protected habitats where these magnificent beasts survive in comparative safety.
The rise in popularity of ecotourism has ensured that these large areas of land exist for visitors to see tigers in the wild. One of the best tiger reserves in India is at Kanha in Madhya in the very centre of the sub-continent. Situated on a plateau in the Maikai Range the park rises to a height of 915 metres. Below the tree covered slopes are rolling grasslands and bamboo, with a lake and numerous pools providing drinking holes for the abundance of wild animals.
If tigers prove difficult to see the park is also home to all the species found in Central India. Mammals include the Spotted and Swamp Deer, Asiatic Bison, Boar, Jackal, Leopard and the Dhole – the wild Indian Dog. For the keen bird watchers, there are Raptors (birds of prey) such as Vultures. Eagles and Buzzards which inhabit the area. Perhaps not quite as welcome are the Cobra, Krait and Pythons. Since walking is not permitted inside the park you will be safe.
Most people stay in a comfortable Lodge and visit the reserve in the early morning or late afternoon when the mammals are most active. Travel will be either in 4×4 vehicles or for the lucky ones, on the back of an elephant. Some of the places are inaccessible to a road vehicle. Riding in a Howdah on the back of an elephant must be something special to boast about when you return home. Whichever method of travel you chose you are sure to be able to see and photograph many of the beautiful animals in the reserve.
This is ecotourism at its finest and makes for an exciting family holiday. It is a rare opportunity to see magnificent tigers and other animals in their natural environment and also to visit the mystic sub-continent of India.
INDIA - LUXURY RAILWAY JOURNEYS
Posted by Roy
A holiday to the mysterious sub-continent of India is one that we feel should not be missed. However, the planning of such a holiday can be an awesome task given the vast area and distances involved.
So why not take one of the great journeys of the world. See India on a Luxury Railway Journey. We have chosen two of those on offer from Indian Railways the Deccan Odyssey and the Rajasthan Palace on Wheels. For rail buffs and for those seeking a different experience and an adventure it will enable you to sample the unique sights and sounds of India.
Both of these trains, like the Orient Express in Europe, provide immaculate service and luxury reminiscent of the golden age of rail travel. Smooth and air-conditioned, the trains visit up to 12 wonderful sites and historic cities.
The Deccan Odyssey which is a joint venture between Indian Railways and the Government of Marahashtra starts and terminates at the bustling commercial centre of Mumbai (Bombay) Leaving that city it travels overnight to one of the finest beaches on the western coast at Ganapatipute. Then on to Sindhudurg, the Fort of the Marahatas, which guards the port of Malvan. The train continues to Goa – one of India’s most popular beach resorts and on to Pune, the capital of the Marahatas, followed by the World Heritage Site caves at Aurangabad; before returning to Mumbai.
The train consists of 13 deluxe coaches with twin-bedded suites, en-suite bathrooms and personal servants. Special assistance is available for the disabled. Two restaurants and a bar serve food and drinks for the inner man. For the workaholic there is a Business and Conference Centre with library, telephone, and fax and internet connectivity. For the unforeseeable, a doctor is always available at the next stop.
The 14 re-conditioned coaches of the Rajasthan Palace on Wheels were originally built for rulers of the states of Rajputana and Gujurat, the Nzam of Hyderabad and the Viceroys of India. Travelers enjoy similar facilities to those on the Deccan Odyssey and travel in the height of luxury.
The first stop after leaving Delhi is the “Pink City” of Jaipur, built in 1727, after which comes Jaisalmer in the heart of the Thar Desert. Next morning the train is in Jodhpur, a city full of palaces and its solid rock Mehrangarth Fort. After Kolhapur is Aurangabad with its Ellora Caves which house 34 temples dedicated to the religions of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. The next stop is Ajanta and Nashik with dramatic views of the Waghora Valley. The valley houses caves older than Ellora, dating from the 7th Century. Final destination is Mumbai the commercial capital of India.
Journey’s end but no doubt this unique travel experience will live long in the memory and ensure a return visit to the fantastic sub-continent of India.We hope to bring you information on more of these luxury railway journeys. So, you can look forward to reading about train journeys to Peru, South Africa, Australia and Asia. For now we hope you enjoyed reading about a new and different type of holiday in India.
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