RICHMOND TRAVELS INC.
MAKING THE MOST OF INDIA
At the end of your trip, you may care to stay for a while, perhaps to relax
on a beach, explore an area close to your heart or simply broaden your horizons.
Equally you may choose to commence your visit to India with one of these
options. However, we envisage a much wider variety of applications for the
following suggestions and consider them not only as ideal short holidays in
themselves, but also - clustered together in varying combinations rather like
building blocks - as individualized holidays of whatever combination and length
you choose. The following outlines are modules we have devised to cater to a
wide range of tastes, using chauffeur-driven cars wherever land travel and
sightseeing is involved.
A - CORBETT COUNTRY Named after the legendary Jim Corbett 1875-1955
who shot his first big cat - a leopard - when he was only eight, but went on
to become an ardent conservationist, Corbett was India's first (and remains
one of its finest) national parks. 
Against a backdrop of Himalayan
peaks, this scenically attractive park of valleys, grassland and sal forests
has the river Ramganga (splendid mahseer fishing in season) running through
it, and offers rich and varied bird and wildlife viewing. Visitors' creature
comforts are not forgotten; the park lodges are more than comfortable. During
the monsoon season (June-mid Nov) the park is closed. Bird-watching - over 600
species including the crested serpent eagle and Great Pied Hornbill - is best
during Dec to Feb. The larger mammals - tiger, leopard and wild elephant - are
best seen in late spring and early summer as they forsake forest cover for the
river and water-holes. In midwinter the park can be very cold and early morning
game viewing even in midsummer can be chilly. Best approached from Delhi, the
park is also easily reached from Agra and Lucknow.
Day 1-5 After the
interesting 6-7 hr drive from Delhi, check into your hotel and relax. During the
following three days enjoy game viewing and jungle activities -jeep safaris and
expeditions on elephant back. On the fifth day return to Delhi by car.
The
condition of roads in India after the monsoons can be bad. Driving may take
longer.
B - BELOVED SHIMLA As the warm early spring gave way to the
prostrating heat of summer, the British Raj in their steamy capital Delhi
dreamed of the day when they, their wives and children, and all their files and
administration would form a huge baggage train that trekked up to the cool hills
of Shimla, nestling deep in forests of pine and cedar. The Raj has long gone but
their faded colonial buildings and tangible resort atmosphere still form part of
Shimla's attraction. At nearly 7000 ft and with panoramic views it is as popular
as ever. Each season brings its own beauty, even winter snows show the mountains
at their best (but warm clothing is a must). It is best approached by train and
road from Delhi.
Day
1 You board the early morning Himalayan Queen at Delhi arriving at Kalka
about midday, in time to catch the delightful narrow-gauge railcar up to Shimla
(about 4 hrs) or drive up (quicker but not so picturesque).
Days 2-3
At leisure in Shimla enjoying the leisurely walks, the views and the old
colonial buildings. The most outstanding is the old Viceregal Lodge (1888) on
Observatory Hill.
Day 4 Morning at leisure followed by the drive to
Kalka and your train connection to Delhi.
C - LOFTY LADAKH Encircled by snow-capped Himalayan peaks, protected
from the monsoon by the rain shadow that forms in the lee of the mountains to
the south, further north than Tibet and dotted with picturesque Buddhist
monasteries perched perilously upon steep escarpments and remote crags, the
high, and plateau of Ladakh is unlike anywhere else in the subcontinent. Its
austere, clear beauty will take your breath away, not least because it's some
9000 ft above sea level. Unfortunately it is not a trip we recommend for those
with respiratory or cardiac problems. Ladakh is at its best from late May to mid
October, but flights are subject to weather conditions. Despite this, if
far-flung eyries are your delight you cannot do better than visit Ladakh.
Day 1 Depart Delhi for
Leh and check into your hotel. The altitude will affect exertion for a day or
two, so take it easy.
Days 2-4 Leh is a fascinating market town. A
gentle stroll will reveal its bazaar and a host of artisan's workshops. You will
visit the Leh Palace which dominates the town and later some of the gompas or
monasteries for which the region is famous. Many lie within easy reach by car,
including Shey, once the residence of the kings of Leh, on the east bank of the
Indus Thikse, perched on a crag overlooking the flood plain; and Hemis, the
biggest and wealthiest in Ladakh, atop a green and pleasant hill with fine views
of the mountains.
Day 5 Return flight to Delhi.
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