Tailor made Holidays to India and the Subcontinent: At Palaces and Tigers we open the doors to the magical world of the Indian subcontinent, for many centuries the destination of travellers, artists and writers. From majestic mountains to verdant coastal plains, bustling cities to remote tribal villages, the romance and mystique still remain. The personal touch Major Murray Jones I fell in love with this part of the world at a very young age, having spent the first three years of my life in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). In 1984 I returned to the area and was stationed in Nepal working with the Gurkhas. My many trips to Calcutta and Delhi during that time re-ignited my love for the region. I was fortunate enough to meet many maharajas and stay at their palaces several years before they were open to the public. I am proud to say that I was in fact the first guest to sign the visitors’ book at two such palaces! My experiences have filled me with love and respect for these countries and their people and it is my great pleasure and passion to be able to share this love with like-minded travellers. As a travel advisor, I represent * Wanderlust Travels in India * Saathi Travels in Nepal * Windhorse Travels in Bhutan * Hemtours in Sri Lanka Together we work to ensure that your every need is met. * We arrange accommodation to suit your budget and interests: from palaces and luxury hotels to modest homestays. * We provide local government-approved guides to look after you every step of the way, discussing your itinerary and arranging a timetable to suit your preferences. Allow us to be your guides and you can be sure that you will have the experience of a lifetime. Major Murray Jones Specialist Travel Advisor Palaces and Tigers To find out more, please call me on ++44 (0)1276 20248 or contact me. India - Land of mystery and magic A country as vast as India, covers a huge range of geographical features from the majestic High Himals in the northwest to the sun-drenched beaches of the southern tip. Whether you are a seasoned traveller or a first-time adventurer, you will be enchanted by the riches of this ancient land. No matter what your interests are, you will find something to charm and surprise you. Why not * indulge in water sports from snorkelling to white-water rafting * go to the source of the mighty River Ganges * take in the local wildlife from exotic birds to tigers and elephants * follow in your father’s footsteps from battle sites to hill stations * visit the Taj Mahal, temples, monasteries and Sai Baba’s ashram * stay in a maharaja’s palace and live like royalty * pamper yourself at an Ayurvedic health spa * sample the local culinary delights and we believe you won’t want to leave. Legends of the Yeti and Shangri-La The Kingdom of Bhutan The remote and unspoilt Kingdom of Bhutan lies hidden away to the east of Nepal in the foothills of the Himalayas and is the land of the legendary Yeti. It still maintains a rich, unique culture, and in order to preserve that culture, restricts the number of tourists allowed entry. In 2006, it was about 18,000. Bhutan Experience the majesty of the mountain scenery and the colours and sounds of Bhutan’s many festivals. * Fly in via Kathmandu from Delhi, or Bangkok/Calcutta. * Fly to Paro and drive in to the capital Thimphu. * Drive in through Phuntsholing, having visited Darjeeling and Sikkim. * Fly into Paro, and drive out through Phuntsholing to Darjeeling and Sikkim. Whatever your interests, we can design an itinerary to suit you and we will organise your visas through our appointed agent Windhorse Travels with offices in Bhutan and Kathmandu. Nepal - On top of the world a heaven for wildlife enthusiasts Nepal is a country of contrasts, stretching 800 km along the roof of the world, from the highest mountain peaks of Mount Everest and the Himalayas down to the rolling lowlands of the Terai. Wildlife enthusiasts can enjoy a safari through one of Nepal’s national parks: * Royal Chitwan National Park, home to over 400 species of bird. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Centre, the park also has one of the last populations of single-horned Asiatic rhinoceros and the fabled Royal Bengal tiger. * Royal Bardia National Park, home to one of the last known herds of wild elephants in south east Asia, also has the greatest number of deer species. nepal picture Sporting enthusiasts can find their thrills: * white water rafting * ballooning * hang-gliding * mountain biking Walkers can enjoy trekking whatever their physical fitness: * the mystical Kathmandu Valley is ideal for those who want a leisurely pace. * the Mount Annapurna region with rolling hills and charming villages offers breathtaking views * Lukla to Namche Bazaar and on to Everest Base Camp is an arduous trek for the physically fit Whatever your interests, we will arrange the perfect tour using Saathi Travels, an experienced operator in Kathmandu. To find out more, please call me on ++44 (0)1276 20248 or contact me. Sri Lanka - An island paradise Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, is a small island whose diversity is only matched by its natural beauty. From the plains of the north to rolling hills, emerald green paddy fields, deep valleys, high misty mountains and endless golden beaches. When you visit Sri Lanka you can spend the morning in the hills watching the tea-pluckers, the afternoon at an ancient Buddhist temple and the evening on a romantic beach. Sri Lanka also has a rich and diverse history with many fascinating places to explore....