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India has shared so much of its wonderful culture with the rest of the world, so a visit to this diverse country is a chance to experience where it all began. India has so much to offer: from the beautiful landscapes of the Himalayas, to the amazing temples and coastlines, rich culture, not to mention the food!
Although India might be famous for it's flavours, often the wildlife is forgotten about. India is home to the Asian elephant, Bengal tiger and the Indian rhinoceros. It is also a hot spot for smaller beasts such as the praying mantis.
India's music scene is beautifully crafted, and the range is quite incredible. The range of folk music spreads across the country and it is also the genre which Bangra music falls into. This is possibly the most famous music to come out of the country. Although regions have their own style of music, there are types that bring the country together as a whole. The national anthem of "Jana Gana Mana" translates as "Thou art the ruler of the minds of all people".
New Delhi, the capital is a lively place and hosts many festivals throughout the year, including the idiosyncratic International Mango Festival - where over 500 different types of mangoes are found. Mangoes are only the start of the wonderful taste India has to offer. The blend of herbs, spices and other vegetables can create the aromas known all over the world. Across the country there are different assortments that are associated with each region. In the north, milk is the main ingredient which creates the wonderful bread, and the samosa is popular here. Deep in the south is where rice dictates the main proportion of a meal. Into the east you will find the places where popular Indian desserts are from. Finally, in the west of the country, rice and coconuts are just two of the ingredients that make their dishes so distinct.
Foremost a visit to India is probably best remember by the welcome you are likely to receive this combined with the seemingly endless variety is what brings travellers returning time and time again.
Wrapped around the Himalayan mountain range is the remarkable country of Nepal. It is the birthplace of the Buddha and is a land of legend and beauty. Within its narrow confines Nepal contains an utterly spectacular variety of culture and landscapes. Nepal has a stunning natural beauty and a simple charm.
Situated on the banks of the Bagmati River, Kathmandu is the hub of life in Nepal. A small medieval city, it is easy to get around on bicycles which can be hired very cheaply by the day or week. Worth visiting are Durbar Square, the Temple of the Living Goddess, the Royal Palace, Pashupatinath (Hindu Temple), Bodnath (Buddhist Stupa) and Swayambunath (Monkey Temple) - and all set against the magnificent Himalayan backdrop.
While many urban restaurants in the country have tables and chairs for meals, there's a chance to eat the traditional Nepalese way. Sit or squat on the floor as food is served. Eating is always done with the right hand, which is washed before and after each meal, while the left hand can only be used for holding cups. Try a traditional millet beer with your meal. The Tongba drink is an icon for the local Limbus people, and from the storing of the millet to the drinking of the beer can take 6 months, but the wait is worth it. Nepal is full of culture and this continues into the music scene. With a country of over 50 ethnicity's there is a wide variety of choice. The amazing Dolhori style of music is a rhythmatic style of conversation and with quick thinking, the song can carry on.
With traditional culture and diverse landscapes, this country has something for everyone, and added to the friendly atmosphere, it makes Nepal a memorable place to visit.
Border Information: Welcome to Kathmandu. If Joining in Kathmandu, enter Nepal at Kathmandu Airport.
Wrapped around the Himalayan mountain range is the remarkable country of Nepal. It is the birthplace of the Buddha and is a land of legend and beauty. Within its narrow confines Nepal contains an utterly spectacular variety of culture and landscapes. Nepal has a stunning natural beauty and a simple charm.
There is an important group meeting at 18:00hrs. Your leader will leave a note at reception telling you where and when this important meeting will take place.
Hotel Tibet
Tel: 977 - 1 - 4429085 - 8
|Approximate Cost
Overnight in the Nepali capital of Kathmandu
|Included in Kitty
Situated on the banks of the Bagmati River, Kathmandu is the hub of life in Nepal. A small medieval city, it is easy to get around on bicycles which can be hired very cheaply by the day or week. Worth visiting are Durbar Square, the Temple of the Living Goddess, the Royal Palace, Pashupatinath (Hindu Temple), Bodnath (Buddhist Stupa) and Swayambunath (Monkey Temple) - and all set against the magnificent Himalayan backdrop. The wonderful Indra Jatra Festival takes part here and the colours and chariots travel through the city.
The giant of Mount Everest lies on the border with China and with a chance to visit the base camp, it will feel like you have started to conquer on of the most enthralling challenges in the world. As soon as you set sight on this country you'll see that it was made for trekking. The pulse raising activities range from mountain biking and white water rafting, to the jaw dropping effects of one of the country's many national parks.
While many urban restaurants in the country have tables and chairs for meals, there's a chance to eat the traditional Nepalese way. Sit or squat on the floor as food is served. Eating is always done with the right hand, which is washed before and after each meal, while the left hand can only be used for holding cups. Try a traditional millet beer with your meal. The Tongba drink is an icon for the local Limbus people, and from the storing of the millet to the drinking of the beer can take 6 months, but the wait is worth it. Nepal is full of culture and this continues into the music scene. With a country of over 50 ethnicity's there is a wide variety of choice. The amazing Dolhori style of music is a rhythmatic style of conversation and with quick thinking, the song can carry on.
With traditional culture and diverse landscapes, this country has something for everyone, and added to the friendly atmosphere, it makes Nepal a memorable place to visit.
Kathmandu is not only the capital of Nepal, it is pretty much the only city in the country. Situated on the shores of the Bagmati river, it's a lively, bustling place where ancient collides with modern to create an exhilarating melting pot of sights, sounds and smells. Todays modern jumble of concrete buildings and busy streets has built up around the medieval old town, where wandering through the winding alleyways is like taking a step back in time. The heart of the old city is the magnificent Durbar Square, where Nepalese Royalty used to be crowned, and today it's a good spot to sit and watch the world go by. The buildings here date from the 17th and 18th centuries, although many of the original structures were even older and many suffered from earthquake damage in the 1930's. Other sights worth visiting are the Temple of the Living Goddess, the Royal Palace, the Pashupatinath Hindu temple, Bodnath Buddhist stupa and Swayambunath (the Monkey Temple), all of which are set against the magnificent Himalayan backdrop. When all the sightseeing gets a bit to much, you can kick back and relax in the numerous cafes and bars around the tourist areas of Thamel and 'Freak Street'. If you can afford the time, it's also worth allowing yourself at least a couple of days to explore the surrounding area of the Kathmandu Valley.
Leaving Kathmandu after breakfast, we drive 200Kms through stunning scenery down to the Terai grasslands. Our destination is Chitwan National Park where we will stay for the next 2 nights, staying in a comfortable local guest lodge. Traffic coming out of Kathmandu can be notoriously bad, but we should arrive around mid afternoon.
If we arrive in good time we will make a visit to Bis Hajaar Tal, also known as 20,000 Lakes which is a wetland area near the Royal Chitwan National Park. Here we will get the opportunity to see peakcocks, wildboars, deer and there is also a slim chance of seeing tigers and rhinos. If we cannot visit 20,000 lakes today we will make our visit tomorrow.
On Day 3 we'll spend today exploring the national park from our lodge.
Second night in local guest lodge, with traditional Nepali dance demonstration in the evening.
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Atmospheric lodge stay in the heart of Chitwan National Park
|Included in Kitty
Elephant safari through the grasslands of Chitwan in search of Rhino & Tigers
Jeep ride to the stunning wetlands of 20,000 Lakes
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Chitwan National Park is situated in the central Nepali Terai, a huge nature reserve protecting hundreds of square kilometres of grassland and marshes. Home to over 700 species of animal in total, it's a fantastic place to see wildlife and you are nearly guaranteed to see the heavily armoured Asian Rhino, as well as sloth bears and even tigers if you're lucky. You can got on walking safaris, boat trips or travel by jeep in the park, but the best way to go on game walk here is undoubtedly on the back of an elephant. As well as wildlife spotting, it's also good to take a walk through some of the the small villages along the edge of the park, where the locals still livea very traditional lifestyle - and you can also visit the Elephant Breeding station nearby if you have the time.
Border Information: Exit Nepal at Belhiya, enter India at Sonauli.
This morning we have a fairly relaxed start to the day before packing up and driving to the border. We will cross the border to India and continue on a short drive to the town of Gorokphur.
Overnight in local hotel.
Today we enter India. India has shared so much of its wonderful culture with the rest of the world, so a visit to this diverse country is a chance to experience where it all began. India has so much to offer: from the beautiful landscapes of the Himalayas, to the amazing temples and coastlines, rich culture, not to mention the food!
Crossing the border into India, most of today will be spent travelling (approx. 260Kms)and we will arrive in the holy city of Varanasi in the evening. We will stay here for 2 nights, basing ourselves at a comfortable local hotel.
We get up very early for a boat trip down the Ganges. This is a magical time of day to see the Ghats and watch the morning rituals of the thousands of people who come here to purify themselves in the holy river. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the rest of the city. Second night in hotel.
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At dawn drift down the holy River Ganges in Varanasi
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Explore the stupas and temples of Varanasi
Set on the banks of the river Ganges, Hindu's consider Varanasi to be one of the holiest places in all of India. Pilgrims come here to wash away their sins in the holy river water and to cremate their loved ones who have passed away. Dawn is probably the best time of day to experience the morning ritual of the thousands of worshippers who come to the Ghats to purify themselves, floating down the river on a local boat. You will also be able to see the burning Ghats, where the bodies of the faithful are cremated and their ashes strewn out over the waters. To the Hindu people this is a very special, spritual place and Varanasi has a very evocative and sometimes almost otherwordly atmosphere, although being so close to the intimate rituals of life and death can sometimes leave you feeling a little overwhelmed. Nevertheless, it is a magical and captivating place, somewhere that you will never forget. The city is also famous for silk and you can visit a factory where brocades and sarees are made.
Today we will spend most of the day travelling as we journey overland from Varanasi to Bandhavgarh National Park, 350Kms, famous for tiger. We stay here for 2 nights, camping at a forest lodge.
Trips travelling in India before 1st October, will not be able to visit Bandhavgarh NP due to the park being closed. Instead the itinerary will spend longer in Chitwan NP in Nepal and spend time at the Royal Beach Camp activity centre in the Himalayas. We will also visit the deserted palaces and temples Orchha.
The following day we spend today in Bandhavgarh going on a half day jeep safari in search of tigers and other wildlife. There will also be some time just to kick back and relax around the lodge campsite. Second night camping.
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2 nights in Bandhavgarh National Park in search of leopards and tigers, including a jeep safari
|Included in Kitty
Bandhavgarh National Park in India is probably best known for it's Tigers. The park is also home to leopards, jungle cats, hyena, porcupine and jackal amongst others, as well as over 250 different species of bird. Because the park is small, the population density is high, so your chance of seeing a Tiger here should be as good as anywhere, and you are pretty much guaranteed to see some of the other big cats, even if the big striped ones are being a little elusive. Safaris here can be by jeep or on elephants, and riding out into the park on an elephants back and seeing the sights from a different view is a really magical experience
We drive 210Kms from Bandhavgarh to Khajuraho. In the afternoon we have a guide visit of the erotic temples followed by a very short drive to our treehouse campsite.
There is the option to head into Panna National Park in search of wildlife on a jeep safari, or you might prefer to explore the local area or just relax on the banks of the river at our campsite.
Both nights at a camp site.
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Guided tour of the famous erotic temples at Khajuraho
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Jeep safari through Panna Game Reserve
2 nights at Khajuraho
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Khajuraho was once the capital of the Chandella Kings who built the magnificent Hindu and Jain temples here around 1000 AD. Considered to be "one of the seven wonders of India", the temples are in three geographic groups, western, eastern and southern. Because they were built in quite a remote and inaccessile location, the western group of temples have been almost perfectly preserved. Set in peaceful, well-kept gardens, the temples are magnificently decorated and covered in some very graphic carvings. Local guides will take you around the temple site, explaining about the history of the complex.
After breakfast we leave our campsite and head 400Kms towards Agra. Most of today will be spent travelling and we will arrive in the early evening. We stay in Agra for 2 nights, staying in a basic local hotel.
We spend the following day exploring Agra by Rickshaw, starting with sunrise at the Taj Mahal and a guided tour, followed by a visit to the Agra Fort. Second night in local hotel.
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See the stunning Taj Mahal and visit the Agra Fort at Agra.
|Included in Kitty
Agra is home to the Taj Mahal, arguably one of the most iconic buildings in the world. This Mughal emperor's mausoleum and monument to love was built in the 1600's and yet you can't imagine that it looked any more impressive then that it does today, a fairy-tale of intricately decorated white marble, cleverly positioned so that the sky forms a perfect backdrop from behind. But there is more to Agra than the Taj Mahal, and at the very least you should also try to visit the magnificent Red Fort and Itmad-ud-daulah tomb. The city is also a good place for shopping, particularly jewellery, textiles and other arts and crafts.
The Taj Mahal is a travel icon. Often described as one of the wonders of the world and familiar to us all, coming face to face with this magnificent building never disappoints. Built in the 1600's by Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum in memory of his second wife, Mumtaz who died during child-birth, it took over 20,000 people many years to complete. Craftsmen were brought in from all over India, Central Asia and even Europe to work on the marble inlay work and complex decoration. The building is often described as a "monument to love", because of the story of Shah Jahan's love for his wife, the woman who he said claimed his heart at first sight. To see the sunrise at the Taj Mahal is a magical experience, sitting quietly and watching as the iridescent white marble takes on a soft morning glow is a memory you will never forget.
We leave Agra for the pink city of Jaipur, 230Kms, stopping en route at Fatehpur Sikri.
Arriving in Jaipur in the early evening we check in to our comfortable local hotel where we will spend the next 2 nights.
Whilst in Jaipur you will have the option for an early morning or late afternoon hot air balloon ride over the Pink City of Jaipur. We will also have a full day exploring the sites of Jaipur on the truck with our local guide.
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Discover the hidden secrets of Fatehpur Sikri, Akbar's ancient capital
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2 night stay and guided tour of Jaipur, the beautiful Pink City
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Hot air ballon ride over the forts & palaces of Jaipur
The city of Jaipur is known as the "pink city", as all the buildings within the walls of the old town are painted a dusky rose pink. The story goes that Maharaja Jai Singh ordered that all the buildings should be painted in this colour to welcome Prince Albert and Queen Elizabeth II to the city in 1876, and the buildings have remained the same colour ever since. Jaipur is busy and bustling, with chaotic streets full of traffic, but it is also home to some incredible architecture and colourful history. The Palace of the Winds (Hawa Mahal) in the city centre is the most famous building, with storey after storey of intricately carved honeycomb windows - and the impressive City Palace should not be missed. Other sites of interest include the old Jantar Mantar Observatory and the Iswari Minar Swarga Sal minaret. It's also a great city for people watching, set out on foot and you will find yourself surrounded by tall, proud Rajasthanis. Many of the men sport magnificent handlebar moustaches and huge brightly coloured turbans whilst the women are equally colourful in their mirrored skirts and chunky jewellery.
We leave Jaipur after breakfast we travel 245Kms to arrive in Delhi in the afternoon. Whilst in Delhi we stay in a friendly local hotel.
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Experience the hustle and bustle of Delhi
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New Delhi is the India's intriguing capital and is the country's third largest city. Perhaps the best way to get your bearings is by starting with a city tour of Delhi's many historic sites and buildings. The Lok Sabha (parliament building), President's Palace, India Gate and the Rajpath are a good place to start, impressive reminders of the splendour of the old British Indian Empire. Other sites of interest include Qutab Minar, a soaring tower and fine example of Afghan architecture and Humayan's tomb, an example of Mogul building style and allegedly a forerunner of the Taj Mahal. If you have the time, you may also want to consider visiting the magnificent Red Fort and Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India.
Bustling and lively Delhi is also a great place to indulge in shopping and people watching. In the old town you'll find Chandni Chowk, a colourful shopping bazaar and fascinating market. The market is one of the most popular in India, taking it's name from the words meaning "moonlight square". Finally, if you're interested in learning more about India's history, The Gandhi Museum is an absolute must, dedicated to the life and work of Mahatma Ghandi.
Border Information: If joining the trip in Delhi you will enter India at Delhi Airport. Today is a free day until the group meeting at 18:00hrs. We stay overnight in a local hotel.
Florence Inn
Ajmal Khan Road
Near Karol Bagh Metro Station
Opposite Puja Park
Karol Bagh
New Delhi-110005
Please note: There is a sister hotel in Delhi called the Hotel Florence. This is a different hotel a few blocks away. Please make sure you go to the Florence Inn.
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Experience the hustle and bustle of Delhi
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After breakfast we leave Delhi for the journey 400Kms to Bikaner. The drive will take us most of the day, stopping en route for lunch. In Bikaner we will either stay in a local hotel, or at an eco-lodge a short distance outside the city.
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Overland into the Thar Desert via the colourful city of Bikaner
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Witness the holy rats in the Karni Mata rat temple near Bikaner
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Bikaner is a desert town in north west Rajastahn, protected from the encroaching sands by it's high city walls and gates. The atmospheric old town is built out of the same pinky-red sandstone as many of the buildings in nearby Jaipur. A royal city, Bikaner is home to Junagarh Fort and Lalgarh Palace, still home to the Bikaner royal family, although part of the palace is now also used as a hotel. Close to Bikaner you will find the bizarre temple of Karni Mata, where holy rats are worshipped. Thousands and thousands of holy rats (they look very much like unholy rats) known as kabas, scurry around the temple, over your feet, between your legs, up the walls and on the furniture. If you choose to visit it is important you observe the sacred rituals and eat some of the holy food offerings spat upon by the holy rats. This will bring you immense good luck (and probably a few interesting medical conditions).
Morning drive of 385Kms from Bikaner to the ancient Rajasthani city of Jaisalmer, arriving early afternoon stopping at the Karni Mata (Rat Temple) en-route. We base ourselves in Jaisalmer for the next 3 nights, staying in a comfortable local hotel.
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3 nights at Jaisalmer to explore the medieval streets, the fort and the desert
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The city of Jaisalmer is one of the old Rajasthan capitals and dates back to 1156 AD. The city is dominated by the old fort, built on a hill which gives it a commanding view over the Thar Desert, and has been the scene of many battles. Built of beautiful yellow sandstone, the fort's walls are a tawny beige colour during the day, fading to honey-gold as the sun sets. The moumental walls are ornately designed with imposing parapets and towers at every turn, covered in intricate stonework - and in the old town the havelis (houses of once important Jaisalmer families) look like small palaces with facades covered in fine carvings and highly decorated balconies.
This morning is free for you to explore more of Jaisalmer, before we head out on a camel safari into the Thar Desert in the late afternoon. Exploring the desert with local Rajasthani camel drivers is the most authentic way to experience the area. Tonight we camp out in the desert, sleeping under the stars.
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Trek into the Thar Desert on an overnight camel safari with Rajasthani camel drivers
|Included in Kitty
Returning from our camel safari in the morning, we have the rest of today to relax or explore more of Jaisalmer and the surrounding area. Overnight in comfortable hotel.
This morning we drive approx. 285Kms from Jaisalmer to another famous Rajasthani city, Jodphur. En route to Jodphur we will make our visit to the Sambhali Trust project where we will learn abou the efforts of the project and make a group donation from the kitty.
After our visit we will make our way to our local guest house in Jodphur where will spend the night.
Jodhpur, situated on the edge of the Thar Desert is affectionately known as "the blue city" because of the many indigo coloured houses in the old town. These are best seen from the ramparts of the mighty Meherangarth Fortress, which looms above the bustling city. Built in the 1400's, Meherangarth is the largest fort in the whole of Rajasthan and has never been taken by force. The fort complex itself is huge, housing the Maharaja's palace a number of temples and extensive gardens.
Elsewhere in the city, Nai Sadak is the place to head for shopping, lined with shoe and sari shops, or check out Sardar Market, a riot of sights, sounds and smells that's a baffling assault on the senses. Close nearby are the historical sites of Jaswant Thada, built at the end of the 19th century and constructed entirely out of sheets of marble; and Mandore, the ancient capital of Marwar.
Today we will be in and around Jodphur. In the morning we visit the Meherangarh Fort & Palace, before splitting up into small groups of twos or threes for our community homestay. Overnight in local family homes.
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Explore the blue city of Jodhpur and the mighty Meherangarh fort
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Community homestay to experience true Indian hospitality
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Visit & donation to the Sambhali Trust, Jodphur
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Short morning drive of 215Kms from Jodphur to the holy town of Pushkar. Afternoon free to explore. Overnight in local hotel.
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Overnight in one of Indias oldest cities, Pushkar
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The small town of Pushkar is perhaps most famous for its huge camel fair held in October or November every year. It is also an important pilgrimage site for Hindu's as it's considered a very holy place, and there are a lot of temples here, including one of the few Brahman temples in all of India. Situated around a lake, most of the buildings are low and white-washed and the streets are small and narrow, giving the town a wonderfully mellow atmosphere. This is a great place to kick-back and take it easy for a while. Wander the streets, relax with a drink while you watch the sunset over the lake and indulge in a spot of souvenir shopping.
After breakfast we set off from Pushkar for a 300Kms drive to Udaipur, arriving mid-afternoon. We will have 2 nights here, giving us plenty of time to discover this amazing, romantic Rajasthani city. Overnight in comfortable hotel.
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2 nights to discover the stunning white city of Udaipur
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Udaipur is arguably the most romantic city in all of Rajasthan, an evocative and magical place on the shores of Lake Pichola. The city boats several royal palaces, the most spectacular of which is probably the floating Lake Palace, made famous in the Bond film "Octopussy". This palace is now home to a luxury hotel and it's sometimes possible to take a short boat trip out onto the lake to see it. Back in the city itself, the huge City Palace towers over the rest of the buildings here, not surprising seeing as this is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. Its many balconies, towers and cupolas offer fine views over the lake and city. Now a museum, the City Palace is home to the "Mor Chowk" with its beautiful mosaics of peacocks - a sacred bird not only to the people of Udaipur but also to all Rajasthanis.
Free day to explore the sites of Udaipur or relax on one of the many roof-top terraces. Second night in comfortable hotel.
Leaving Udaipur we have a local cook join us on board who will accompany us over the next few days whilst we are wild camping.
Today will mostly be spent travelling approx 220Kms on the backroads of rural Rajasthan. We are well off the tourist trail here and tonight we will wildcamp, perhaps on the edge of a local village.
Morning driving of 200Kms, continuing our route through rural villages and towns. Our destination is Mandu - an extensive and mainly deserted hill-top fort. In the afternoon we will have time to explore the palace and tomb. Tonight we will either stay in a local guesthouse, or camp.
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Visit to the deserted hilltop ghost city of Mandu
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Mandu was founded as a fortress and retreat in the 10th century by Raja Bhoj. It was conquered by the Muslim rulers of Delhi in 1304. After the victory of Mughals in the early 16th century on Delhi, Mandu came under the administration of Afghan Dilawar Khan, the Governor of Malwa. Hoshang Shah, son of Dilawar Khan, transferred his capital to Mandu. Until 1561, it remained under the Afghans when Akbar defeated Baz Bahadur, one of the Afghan chieftains ruling a part of central India. Baz Bahadur fled Mandu instead of facing the Mughal army. During the administration of Marathas, the capital of Malwa was shifted back to Dhar and Mandu became a ghost city for some time.
An extensive deserted hilltop fort on the edge of the Vindhya hill ranges, the town was once known as "the city of joy". Today the atmosphere is one of mystery and romance. The views from the fort are quite stunning, it's a great spot to take in the vast plains below - and if you find Echo Point, when you clap you'll be able to hear the sound you make echoing all the way down the valley. It's interesting to wander around and explore the old buildings, in particular the royal enclave, which includes some charming palaces built by the sultan for the ladies of his hareem. You can also see the Hindola Mahal, or "Swinging Palace", which takes it's name from it's sloping sided walls that look like a swing.
From Mandu we take and early morning drive of approx. 250Kms to Ajanta.
Over the next couple of days we will have a guided tour of both the Ajanta and Ellora Caves.
Both nights will be spent camping.
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Guided visit to the Buddhist, Hindu and Jain rock-cut temples and monasteries of Ellora
|Included in Kitty
Journey to the Buddhist and Hindu caves and temples of Ajanta and Ellora
|Included in Kitty
Guided visit to the buddhist rock caves and paintings of Ajanta
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Hidden in a rocky escarpment, the caves at Ajanta were discovered in 1819 by a British hunting party that stumbled upon them. Their isolation has contributed to the fine state of preservation we find them in today. In all there are twenty nine caves nestling in the curve of a stunning deep gorge, all dating from around 200 BC to 650 AD. The caves are beautifully decorated with paintings and sculptures telling the story of Buddha and illustrating tales from Buddhist fables and jatakas. The frescos are amazingly colourful and considered by many as amongst the finest examples of Buddhist art in India.
Ellora is known for it's remarkable sculptures. The 34 cave temples at Ellora are mainly Hindu and Jain. The Hindu caves are the most dramatic and the sheer size of the Kailasa Temple is overwhelming. It covers twice the area of the Parthenon in Athens and is 1 and a half times as high. It was carved out of solid rock from the top down, and it is estimated that it entailed removing 200,000 tonnes of rock.
Setting off early we say good bye to our local cook and we have approx. 400Kms Drive from Ajanta and Ellora to Mumbai arriving mid to late afternoon.
Tonight we stay in a comfortable hotel.
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Overnight in one of Indias' most cosmopolitan cities
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Mumbai is on the west coast of India and is probably the most cosmopolitan city in the country. It's also home to the largest film industry in the world, Bollywood. So if you've never seen an Indian movie before, this is the place for it. Full of high-drama, romance, suspense, music and dancing, Bollywood films are all-singing, all-dancing extravaganzas. It's pure, straightforward and unadulterated entertainment and escapism, so even if you can't understand the language, they still make an interesting spectacle. Combine India's version of LA with a hefty dose of traffic, busy streets, lively bazaars, briefcase clutching businessmen cutting international deals in soaring skyscrapers and some impressive colonial architecture, and there you have Mumbai. The city is a mad mixture of horrific poverty standing side-by-side with prolific consumerism; this is the financial capital of the sub-continent and it has the shopping centres, bars and restaurants to match - but more than half the inhabitants live in the slums.
Mumbai can be a bit of a shock to the sytem and an assault on the senses. But once you get your head around it, you'll begin to appreciate all the city has to offer. There's tons to do here, wander the streets and discover some of the beautiful old colonial architecture and Art Deco buildings, treat yourself to a meal in one of the country's best restaurants, and shop until you drop in the bazaars. In the evening, you can visit Chowpatty beach where colourful crowds of people mill about in the cooler evening air. Palmists, balloon sellers, magicians and acrobats all compete for your attention, vying to show you the magic of Mumbai.
Border Information: If joining the trip in Mumbai, you will enter India at Mumbai Airport.
Group meeting at 18.00hrs in Mumbai, otherwise today is free to explore the sights and sounds of Mumbai.
Overnight in a good quality hotel.
Hotel Supreme
4 Panday Road
Cuffe Parade, Colaba
Mumbai 4000
Tel: 0091 22 22155105
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Guided tour of the Dhavari Slum, Mumbai
Overnight in one of Indias' most cosmopolitan cities
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Our journey from Mumbai to Gao is by train along the coast. We will stay for two nights at the relaxed beaches of Vagator in the North. Most travellers are drawn to Vagator for the stunning sunsets, the laid back atmosphere and the proximinity of some other quieter beaches in the area such as Arambol and Anjuna.
We will stay in a comfortable hotel with good facilities close to the beach.
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4 nights to unwind on the stunning beaches of Goa
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Travel by train from Mumbai to beaches of Goa
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To many people, Goa is all about the beaches; and it's fair to say that the soft white sand and sparkling blue water of the Arabian Sea are definitely one of the main attractions here. But this is also an area rich in history and culture. The coastal state retains much of it's old Portuguese colonial architecture, traditions, religion, and lifestyle, particularly in the old capital of Old Goa, where there are several churches, a cathedral and lots of great local markets all well worth exploring. Relax under a palm trees on the beach, watch the dhows sailing out into the sunset and see the fishing boats landing their catch, or wander around the local spice plantations revelling in their heady scent, there's something here for all kinds of different travellers. The locals say that time moves more slowly in Goa, so if nothing else it's a brilliant stop for a few days, a great chance to enjoy a bit of tranquility in an often frenetic country. Goa is also home to some fantastic cuisine, including many fish-based curries, classic Goan pork vindaloo and Feni, a local spirit made from coconut and cashew nuts.
After a couple of nights on the northern beaches of Goa we head off in the truck to the southern beaches visiting the site of Old Goa en route.
We will stay for 2 nights in beautiful beach huts on the stunning beach of Agonda which is a perfect place to just sit back and watch the fishing boats landing their catch and sampling the delicious local cuisine or visit the nearby beach of Palolem with its many bars and restaurants.
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Guided tour of the Old Potuguese Capital of Goa
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Old Goa is a historical city in North Goa district in the Indian state of Goa. The city was constructed by the Bijapur Sultanate in the 15th century, and served as capital of Portuguese India from the 16th century until its abandonment in the 18th century due to plague. The remains of the city are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The population was roughly 200,000 by 1543. Malaria and cholera epidemics ravaged the city in the 17th century and it was largely abandoned; only having a remaining population of 1,500 in 1775. It was then that the viceroy moved to Panjim. It continued to be the de jure capital of Goa until 1843, when the capital was then shifted to Panjim. The abandoned city came to be known as "Velha Goa" (in Portuguese, 'Old Goa'), to distinguish it from the new capital Nova Goa (Panjim). Velha Goa was incorporated into the Republic of India in 1961, together with the rest of Goa.
Old Goa contains churches affiliated to various congregations, including the Se Cathedral (the seat of the Archbishop of Goa), the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, the Church of S. Caetano, and notably, the Basilica of Bom Jesus which contains the relics of Saint Francis Xavier, which is celebrated every year on 3 December.
Leaving the beaches of Goa behind us we set off on a long drive day, approx. 400Km crossing into the state of Karnataka to the
Tonight we will stay in a local guesthouse.
The city of
Today we rise early and set off on our guided tour of Hampi.
Our second night is in the local guesthouse.
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Explore the lost Kingdom of Vijayanagar in the magnificent city of Hampi
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We set off from Hampi to start our journey to Mysore. We will try and cover approx. 200Km and aim to wild camp along the way.
From our wild camp we head to Mysore where we will stay for 2 nights in a comfortable hotel. You have a free day in Mysore, one of India's most attractive towns, to explore the city's beautiful gardens or visit one of the many palaces and the Shri Chamarajendra art gallery.
Tonight we will stay in a comfortable hotel
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2 nights in Mysore, the centre of sandalwood and incense production
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Explore the amazing Maharaja's Palace of Mysore
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Mysore is one of India's most attractive towns. Unlike some of India's biggest cities it feels quite manageable in size, and it's beautiful buildings are packed full of history, and the Maharajah's Palace, the Lalitha Mahal (Summer Palace) and Shri Chamarajendra art gallery are all definitely worth a visit. Historically the town was the capital of the mighty Maharaja kingdom of Mysore, ruled by the same family from 1399 until 1947. There was a brief period where the throne was usurped by one of the most colourful of Indian rulers, Hyder Ali and then by his famous son Tipu Sultan. Today the city is the state capital and one of the centres of the silk trade. It's well laid out with wide streets and many gardens, making it a pleasant place to wander around. It is also one of the major incense manufacturers in India - some call it "The Sandalwood City" and you will find yourself enveloped by the aromas of sandalwood, jasmine, rose and musk.
Today we travel 150kms up into the hills, heading for the hillstation of Wayanad, a small settlement surrounded by tea and coffee plantations. Whilst in Wayanad we stay as guests of local families at a local homestay.
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Relax at the community Homestay in the hills of Wayanad
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Trekking in the tea and coffee plantations of Wayanad
Overland through the Western Ghats
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The lush hill station district of Wayanad is nestled at the foot of the Western Ghats. Rolling green hillsides, surrounded by misty-clad peaks and dotted with luxurious tea, coffee and spice plantations, the small communities here are the perfect place for a spot of rest and relaxation - the area is famous with locals for it's spectacular natural beauty. Part of the region is designated as a Wildlife Sanctuary in order to protect the many animals that live here and it's possible to trek through the forest reserves. This is one of the few places in India where you're almost guaranteed to see wild elephants, and if you're lucky you may also be able to spot deer, bison and langur monkeys.
Leaving Wayanad after breakfast, today is a travel day, driving approximately 260kms to Cochin.
Overnight in a comfortable local hotel.
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2 nights to explore the sites of historic Fort Cochin
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Cochin in Kerala is a town split between the mainland and a group of islands just off the coast, so a boat-trip is the best way to tour the main sights, which include the oldest church in India and Vasco de Gama's final resting place. Opposite Fort Cochin you can watch fishermen working their cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, typical to this region. Interestingly the town is also home to a dying Jewish community that has roots going back as far as 1000 AD and there is a synagogue here that was built in the sixteenth century. This is also the home of Kathakali dancing, India's most spectacular dance drama. The hundreds of different arrangements are based on stories from the Ramayan and Mahabharata - the two epic stories of Indian mythology.
Today we take a city tour by boat around the coast and islands taking in various sites including the Jewish Quarter, St Francis Church & the Chinese fishing nets.
In the evening we will watch the famous Kathakali dancers, India's most spectacular dance drama.
Our second night is spent in a comfortable hotel.
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Evening visit to watch the classical Indian dance drama of Kathakali
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Leaving the bustle of Cochin behind today we embark on our overnight houseboat cruise on the tranquil Keralan back waters to Allepey.
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Travel overnight by local boat through the Backwaters and experience the villages of Kerala
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Allepey is the gateway to the Keralan backwaters. The network of waterways here extends over hundreds of miles, not surprising then that Allepey is sometimes described as "The Venice of the East".The backwaters are best explored by boat as life revolves around the water here, children often learn to swim before they can walk and they row boats before they ride a bike. Jump on board a typical Keralan houseboat and meander down the waterways, try your hand at fishing and just lay back and enjoy this unique landscape.
Leaving the backwaters behind us we head to the beach resort of Varkala (Approx. 120Kms). There is free time to simply relax or explore the surrounding area. Varkala is well known for it's beaches and there are also lots of great local restaurants where you can sample the justifiably famous Keralan cuisine.
During our time in Varkala we stay at a beach resort.
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3 nights to relax on the Indian Ocean beaches of Kerala
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Varkala sits on India's Keralan coast and is home to some of the whitest and most pristine beaches in the whole country. The sandy bay here is protected by soaring cliffs, the beach sits below the rock face, whilst the town itself sits prettily along the cliff edge above, a string of laid-back bars, restaurants, guesthouses and hotels. It's a great place to just kick back and relax, but if you want to get active, there are plenty of water sports on offer, including surfing, windsurfing and scuba-diving. Sitting on the sand and watching the sun dip below the horizon is the perfect way to end a day here.
We have a full day journey today to the ancient capital of Madurai (Approx. 400Kms) visiting Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin), the most southern point of India, en-route.
Tonight we stay in local hotel
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Overnight in the Holy City of Madurai
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Visit to the historical Hindu Meenakshi Amman Temple, dedicated to lord Shiva
Kanyakumari is a town in the state of Tamil Nadu in
Kanyakumari takes its name from the Kumari Amman or
Madurai is Tamil Nadu's second largest town and ancient capital. Madurai is recognised as the centres of Dravidian culture with its main attraction the famous Shree Meenaksh Temple in the heart of the old town. Its many gopurams are covered with profusions of multicoloured images of gods, goddesses, animals and mythical figures. The city is a huge non-stop bazaar full of shops, street markets, temples and small industries. It is one of southern India's liveliest cities, yet small enough not to be overwhelming. The views from one of the temple towers are breathtaking.
This morning we visit the Shree Menaksi Temple in Madurai before a short drive to Trichy (Approx. 140Kms). In the afternoon we make a visit to the famous Rock Fort and Sri Ranganathaswamy temple complex.
Tonight we stay in a comfortable local hotel.
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Visit the Rock Fort and temples of Trichy
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The town of Tiruchirappalli, more commonly known as Trichy, is famous for its Rock Fort. Its name means "city of the sacred rock" and if you climb the 434 steps to the temple of Ganesh at the top, you will be rewarded with magnificent views of the town and surrounding plains Even more spectacular is the temple complex of Ranganathaswamy, set on the island of Srivangam and covering some 2½ sq kms, making it the largest complex in India. It consists of 21 gopurams - huge ornately decorated and carved towers - and a number of shrines and temples. It is still very much in use and the gopuram at the entrance was only completed in 1980, though its base dates back several centuries.
Leaving in the morning we head to the French influenced Pondicherry (Approx. 230Kms). The afternoon is free for time to explore.
We will stay tonight in guest-house accommodation.
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Overnight in the former French colony of Pondicherry
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The united territories of Pondicherry are unmistakeably and charmingly French, complete with a Hotel de Ville, French consulate and police who wear red "kepis" hats and belts. Pondicherry is also the home of the famous Sri Aurobind Ashram and its offshoot Auroville. The Ashram, founded by Sri Aurobindo in 1926, is one of the most popular in India amongst Westerners, and also one of the most affluent. The town enjoys duty free status and is known for its leather goods and hand-made paper products. With its French influence, many of the shops have a distinctly European feel.
A short drive brings us to Mahabalipuram (Approx. 100Kms). Here we make a visit to the unusual shore temples and pagodas.
Tonight we stay in a comfortable local hotel
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Visit to the Shore Temples & Pagodas of Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram is the second capital and seaport of the Pallava Kings of Kanchipuram. It is famous for its shore temple and the 'Descent of Ganges', a relief carved on a vast rock surface. Mahabalipuram is a small, but very pleasant and easy-going village, consisting mainly of two main streets. It stands at the foot of a low lying, boulder-strewn hill where most of the temples and rock carvings are located. Stone carving is still very much a living craft in Mahabalipuram and a visit to the school of sculpture would be an interesting site to visit.
We make a short journey to Chennai, the fourth largest city in India (Approx. 55Kms) stopping at a snake & crocodile farm en-route. The afternoon is free.
Overnight in a hotel.
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Overnight stay in Chennai
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Chennai (previously known as Madras) was the site of the first major settlement of the East India Company in 1639, and is now the fourth largest city in India. The town grew up around the Fort St George and along Mount Road and some interesting historic buildings can be seen here. It's true that it is busy, noisy and often extremely hot, but in many ways it is a surprisingly efficient and orderly place by Indian standards. The Government Museum is worth a visit if you're interested in the history of the city, and for Motorcycle enthusiasts the Enfield Factory tour is a must - though it only runs on certain days of the week, so check days and times before you make the journey. You might prefer to just wander the streets and soak up the atmosphere, exploring the many temples and bustling local markets.
Border Information: Welcome to Chennai. If Joining in Chennai, enter India at Chennai Airport.
Free day to explore the sights, sounds and flavours of Chennai until the group meeting at our comfortable hotel at 18.00hrs. Staying overnight in hotel.
Hotel for the night: Hotel Pandian
Hotel Pandian
15 Kennel Lane
Chennai 600 008
Tel: +91 44 28191010
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Overnight stay in Chennai
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Today we head to the bustling town of Tirupati (Approx. 145Kms). In the afternoon we will visit the holy temple. Tonight we stay in a friendly local hotel
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Visit the Sri Venkatesvara Tirumalai Temple
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In the very south of Andhra Pradesh, is the small town of Tirupati. Thousands of pilgrims flock here everyday to visit the Temple of the Lord Venkateshwara which sits above the city on the holy mount of Tirumala. So revered is this place that foreigners are sometimes asked to denounce their own faith and swear allegiance to Venkateshwara before they are allowed to enter the inner sanctum of the temple.
Leaving Tirupati, we will spend the next couple of days overlanding through Andhra Pradesh, one of the least developed states in India.
This is real off the beaten track and we will aim to cover approx 450Km today. Tonight we will find a spot to wildcamp for the night.
Today we continue driving approximately 400kms through the back roads of Andra Pradesh. Our final destination tonight is the costal town on Visakhapatnam.
Tonight we will stay in a local hotel.
Today we begin our Odisha Tribal tour; we start in a small village called Goudaguda. Beautiful earthen pottery is skillfully produced in this area and you may even get the chance to try this for yourself. On day 2 we make out way to neighboring Mali and Kondhy village returning to Goudaguda for the night. We stay in a local guesthouse for the first 2 nights which have been styled on local tribal houses.
On day 3 we drive to the lively Chatikona Market, a weekly highlight for the Dongria Kondh tribe. We then roll along the hills to Muniguda, our destination for tonight. On arrival we will be welcomed by New Hope Charitable Trust (a local NGO helping to uplift the poor and disadvantaged). We will stay in basic rooms in the grounds of the charitable trust tonight. The following morning we will spend some time with New Hope before driving to a small village called Taptapani where we stay in a local hotel for the night.
Our final 2 nights in this region include an overnight stop in the coastal town of Gopalpur where we will check out the local fish market before taking the scenic back-roads to reach our quite camping spot at Chilika Lake where we can enjoy a bamboo pole boat cruise, a local BBQ and a spectacular sunrise.
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Guided tribal village and market tour through the remote hills of Odisha.
|Included in Kitty
The hinterlands of Odisha are intensely tribal areas, home to more than 60 different tribal communities, all with their own distinct indigenous culture and traditions. Perhaps one of the most fascinating tribes are the 'Bondas',fiercely independent primitive people of Tibeto-Burmese origin. The women of this tribe wear many silver necklaces from their shoulders up to their chin and prefer to take younger husbands, so that they will have someone to earn a livelihood for them in their old age. The Paraja tribe are also particularly interesting because of the numerous Gods and Goddesses they worship, who are all said to live in the hills and forests. They also love dance and music and celebrations are also accommopanied by a lot of singing and dancing. This is a remote region, difficult to visit as a single traveller and exactly the kind of place where overlanding comes into it's own. On our overland tours we spend 4 or 5 days exploring this area.
Today our tour of the tribal areas comes to an end and we drive on to the small town of Puri. Puri is one of the holiest pilgrimage places in India and it's other main attraction is it's long sandy beach.
We will have the opportunity to circumambulate the old pilgrim route by Cycle Rickshaw taking in ashrams, Hindu monasteries, palm leaf manuscript library and the awesome Jagannath temple.
We stay in Puri for 2 nights at a comfortable local hotel.
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2 nights to relax in the lovely coastal town of Puri
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Puri is one of the oldest cities in the eastern part of India and an important destination for pilgrims, as it is considered to be one of the four holiest towns in the whole country. The huge Jagannath Temple is where the faithful head to worship, an enormous complex which is home to more than 5000 priests and helpers. Unfortunately unless you are Hindu you will not be able to enter the temple, but even from the outside, you can't help but be impressed by the sheer scale of the building. The town is also popular with local Indian holidaymakers because of it's long sandy beach and pleasant waterfront, which makes it a good spot to kick back and relax and re-charge your batteries.
Our second full day in Puri. Today begins with a cycle ride through rice paddie fields and rural hamlets meeting local craftsmen and women and watching them demonstrate their unique crafts before moving on this afternoon to the UNESCO World Heritage Konark Sun Temple where we will have a guided tour.
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Visit to the Konark Sun Temple
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We have a morning train to Kolkata (approximately 8 hrs), the largest city in India. We make our way to our comforable hotel where we will base ourselves for exploring this remarkable city.
VIP International Hotel,
51 Mirza Ghalib Street,
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Overnight in Kolkata, India's most enigmatic and bewildering city
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Experience a local train ride from Puri to Kolkata.
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Kolkata is India's second biggest city and is regarded by many as the intellectual and cultural capital. At first you are assaulted by the noise and chaos of this bustling metropolis, but take the time to explore and you'll discover some impressive colonial architecture, some of the best restaurants in India and a thriving arts scene. Bengali theatre, dance, poetry, art, music and film are all showcased here, and there's usually plenty to choose from on at the cities many venues. This was the capital of colonial British India, so it's interesting to visit the Victoria Memorial. A beautiful domed white marble edifice set in tranquil gardens, the monument was built to commerorate Queen Victoria's diamond jubilee. Kolkata is also home to the Sister's of Charity Motherhouse, the mission where Mother Teresa did much of her work. There is a small museum at the Motherhouse displaying Teresa's worn sandals and battered enamel dinner-bowl and upstairs 'Mother's room' is preserved just as it was for all the years that she slept here, a crown-of-thorns above her simple bed. Finally, if all the hustle and bustle is getting too much for you, take refuge in the beautiful botanic gardens along the banks of the Hooghly River.
Border Information: If finishing your trip in Kolkata, exit India at Kolkata Airport.
If you are continuing onto the next section today is free for you to explore Kolkata.
We intend following the planned route but exact night stops cannot be guaranteed. It sometimes happens that we decide to make a change to our basic planned itinerary. This may be for a variety of reasons - climatic, road or bureaucratic conditions may demand it. By their very nature overland itineraries need to be flexible and the regions that we are travelling through are often unpredictable. We run adventure journeys in off the beaten track areas, often in areas without western infrastructure. You should expect that some these areas do not adhere to western safety standards.
Bandhavgarh National Park Closure
Trips travelling in August, September and the first half of October will not be able to visit Bandhavgarh NP due to the park being closed. Instead the itinerary will spend longer in Chitwan NP in Nepal and spend time at the Royal Beach Camp activity centre in the Himalayas. We will also visit the deserted palaces and temples Orchha.
Physical preparation for Asia Itineraries
In Asia you will need to be healthy enough to cope with extremes of climates from the hot deserts through to the colds of the high mountains. Overland travelling can be demanding - long, rough travel days, dusty conditions can be challenging to some. You will need to be fit enough to help every day with the camp chores (cooking, washing up, general camp set up) as well as putting up and taking down your own tent. There are some long driving days and some early morning starts. The step up into the overland vehicle, while not overly high can become tiring and you need to judge yourself to be physically fit enough to haul yourself up and down the step at least 8-10 times a day. By and large our Asia trips have a good range of hotel accommodation mixed up with camping so that life is not too rough.
Most countries we visit on our travels will require visas. Some are best obtained before you leave home and others can be obtained en-route. Whilst the ultimate responsibility for obtaining visas is yours, we will endeavour to assist you wherever possible.
The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. The information provided is given in good faith and we do try to keep the visa information as up to date as possible. Please be aware though that rules do change, often without prior warning, which is why it is important that you check for yourself.
For visas that are needed in advance, you can choose to submit the applications directly to the relevant embassy or consulate. However, our recommendation is that you use a visa agent to assist you with your applications. While this does increase the cost, it will make the process much easier for you. Dragoman have teamed up with 'The Visa Machine' to create a safe, secure, hassle-free way of obtaining visas and visa advice. Our unique link within their website is designed to make the visa process as straightforward as possible. Simply go to https://dragoman.thevisamachine.com and click on your region of travel followed by your trip route and 'The Visa Machine' will advise you about not only the required visas but also the dates by which you should apply. 'The Visa Machine' can then assist you in the actual visa application, thus taking all the worry and hassle out of the process. This should apply for ALL nationalities and countries of residence.
As you will need to submit your passport together with your applications, we recommend that you avoid making any travel plans in the weeks leading up to your departure. However if you do need to travel in this period please let us know as soon as possible so that we can help you work out the options for your visa application process.
All foreign nationals require a tourist visa to enter India. You CANNOT obtain a visa on arrival in India - visas MUST be obtained in advance.
Indian visas can be obtained either through Travcour UK or by going directly to http://in.vfsglobal.co.uk issued in the UK are valid for 6 months from the date of issue.
You must provide either a travel itinerary or flight tickets to obtain more than a single entry visa. Your photos MUST be 50mm x 50mm or your application will be rejected. The photos must be in colour and have a plain white background. Computer generated photos will be rejected. Please paste one photo to the front of your application and leave the other loose. You must sign under the photo on page one and the declaration on page two.
Unless visiting neighbouring countries (see paragraph below), tourists leaving India will receive a stamp in their passports indicating that they may not re-enter India for two months, regardless of their length of stay prior to departure. Tourists wishing to return to India before the two month period has passed will now have to visit the Indian High Commission or Consulate in the country to which they travelled and present their case for re-entry.
The authorities in all Indian Immigration Check Posts have, however, been authorised to allow tourists to make two or three entries, based on production of an itinerary and documentation (ticket bookings) substantiating the need for tourism related travel to neighbouring countries.
You must have a passport valid for at least 6 months from date of travel and with at least two blank pages. Tourist visas cannot be extended in India.
Referees in India:-
Eugene Pram
Pram Tours
436 Barkat Nagar
Tonk Phatak
Tel: +91 (0)141 2594205
Accommodation in India:-
Hotel Supreme
4 Panday Road
Tel +91 22 2218 5608
If travelling to Sikkim your permits will be arranged in Darjeeling with your tour leader.
Please bring 10 photocopies of your passport and Indian Visa (on the same page). These will be used for hotel check-in. Please also bring 2 passport photos.
If you are travelling on the Chennai-Kolkata leg - please note that all permits for the Odisha region will be arranged on trip. In order for permits to be issued, each person will need to provide an additional 2 passport photos as well as a copy of your passport and Indian visa no later than 10 days before the trips starts.
If you are travelling to Bhutan - please send Dragoman a scan of your passport photo page when you book and a scan of your India visa as soon as you obtain it, as this is important for arranging the Bhutan group visa.
If you are travelling on the Mumbai-Chennai leg or the Kolkata-Kathmandu leg, please send Dragoman a scan of your passport photo page when you book, as this is important for arranging train tickets on these legs.
All foreign nationals (except Indians) require a visa to enter Nepal.
Visas are obtainable from embassies abroad, at land borders and on arrival at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan airport. If getting the visa at the airport be prepared for long queues. There have been instances when passengers were asked to show return flight tickets. You will also need to provide one passport photo and the following fees in US dollars cash only:
single entry visa valid for 15 days - US$25
single entry visa valid for 30 days - US$40
single entry visa valid for 90 days - US$100
Please note if you are staying in Nepal for less than 24 hours while in transit a transit visa can be issued on presentation of your international flight ticket, there is a nominal charge of US$5 and one photo is required.
Based on the range that previous travellers have spent on this trip, we recommend you allow between a minimum of US$15 and a maximum of US$30 per day for Central Asia, China and Burma and between a minimum of US$10 and a maximum of US$20 for India, Nepal and South East Asia.
This will cover individual expenses such as drinks, meals whilst out and also when staying in hotels, souvenirs, tips and personal permits.
Please note: For trips in Southern India that occur over Christmas and New Year please allow approximately $160USD extra on the kitty for seasonal increases in accommodation costs
It is not really worth trying to buy local currencies before you travel. Do also bear in mind that many countries have strict regulations about the amount of their own local currency you are allowed to import - if you are found with amounts in excess of the allowed amounts, it may well be confiscated!
For trips in Turkey, South East Asia, India and Nepal, a sensible mix of cash and ATM cards is best. However, most of our past passengers have said they wished they had been told to bring more cash. Apart from the convenience of being able to change money in many more places, you will sometimes get a much better exchange rate for cash.
For trips in Central Asia, China, Burma and Mongolia please refer to the money exchange notes.
You should take a mixture of denomination notes. Banks and moneychangers in most countries will now only accept bills with a metallic strip running top to bottom of the bill and which are dated from 2003 or later. You should not take worn or damaged notes, or any that have been written on. Cash machines are readily available in most areas but are not always reliable therefore we recommend that you do not rely on them as your only source of cash. Credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express are the most commonly accepted, but be prepared for very high commission charges. Please do not rely on cards for daily use, as they are not always accepted outside of larger towns and cities. Please bring a mixture of small and large denominations as in more remote areas it can be hard to change amounts over USD50.
At Dragoman we believe you should make the most of the places you visit, so if you would like to see more of your joining or finishing point cities, why not book additional accommodation to extend your stay. Dragoman can take away the hassle of time zones and language barriers by making the booking for you. This accommodation is only available at the joining or finishing city of your trip, immediately before or after the trip you are travelling on.
While Dragoman is happy to assist with booking your pre and post trip accommodation, it is important that you understand you may be able to book your own room at a cheaper rate directly through the hotel or on the internet. Our additional accommodation prices are based on the hotel's rate plus an administration fee. Please note our rates do not reflect last minute walk in rates or internet specials.
We can also book arrival airport transfers for you as long as we have your flight arrival details. These are normally payable in cash upon arrival, however we do have pre paid transfers in a few destinations.
Please contact our reservations team for details of the accommodation and transfers that we can offer as not all hotels offer this service.
Dragoman overland trips are designed for shared accommodation, whether camping or staying in hotels and therefore do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers will share with people of the same sex for the duration of the trip, in accommodation ranging from twin to multi-share. The type and variety of accommodation is determined by conditions on each of our routes. The campsites will range from rather basic to those with excellent facilities, including swimming pools, restaurants and bars. In some cases it may also be possible to upgrade locally to bungalows, lodges or even tree-houses. One of the highlights of overlanding is that in more remote areas we will wild camp. This allows us to get far away from the tourist crowds to some beautiful, secluded spots. On some of our trips we are able to stay in villages or local homestays, this allows us to get close to indigenous populations and ensures our money stays within local communities.
The maximum group size we take on our overland journeys ranges from 19 to 22 depending on the geographical location, however the average number of passengers is more likely to be around 16.
Please note that there is an overlap of 2 trips in Zanzibar. This means a group starting a trip in Nairobi for example will visit Zanzibar at the same time as groups starting their trips in Dar es Salaam. In practical terms this means there could be up to 44 group members in Zanzibar at the same time.
Our passengers come from around the world and are always an interesting mix of nationalities and ages. On average there is a pretty even split, males to females and between solo travellers, couples and small groups of friends. We believe that overlanding should be open to as many people as possible and so although we have a minimum age limit of 18, as long as you are fit, healthy and passionate about travel, we are happy to take you, whatever your age is. One of the beauties of group travel is the camaraderie and friendships that are formed along the way and as well as the variety of people that you will meet.
At any time before or after you book you can join our community - Dragoland. This is a great place to ask questions before you travel and catch up with your fellow travellers once your trip has finished. You can share photos, videos and stories You can also download a selection of free travel apps. See the home page to sign in, it's free and easy.
We also have a Facebook page where travellers regularly swap info with each other - you can join here
Our crew are passionate about travel and always up for adventure. It takes someone special to become a Dragoman leader. Our crew undergo the most intensive training program of all overland companies, spending 10 weeks learning the ropes at our base in Suffolk, UK and then up to six months on the road as a trainee. On all Dragoman overlanding trips two western crew who are responsible for the group and the overall organisation will accompany you. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad knowledge of the places visited and to offer suggestions of things to do and see. On trips South of Nairobi in East and Southern Africa we will also have an African camp master/cook who is in charge of running the camp and organising all of the meals. Their knowledge of the local produce makes shopping at the markets great fun and you will learn how to prepare and cook some unusual dishes. In the rest of Africa, South America and the majority of Central Asia and China we use local guides who may stay with us for just a few hours or will actually travel with us for some or all of the journey. In these cases they become a third crew member and are able to offer their local knowledge as well as a real insight into the lives of the local people.
Dragoman endeavours to provide the services of experienced crew however, due to the seasonality of travel, situations may arise where your crew is new to a particular region or training other crew.
Your tour leader has a duty of care to all of their passengers and therefore they have the authority to ask passengers to leave the trip if they require medical assistance, are behaving in an anti-social manner or refuse to comply with local laws and customs. In all matters relating to the trip, the leader's decision will be final and we appreciate your respect of this.
All Dragoman travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully in our trips. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please note that if, in the opinion of our leader, any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, Dragoman reserves the right to exclude them from all or part of the trip without a refund.
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information prior to travel, particularly if you have a pre-existing medical condition. We also advise you to declare any pre-existing medical conditions to your travel insurers upon purchase.
For trips that travel to areas of high altitude we also require all travellers to complete an altitude questionnaire. The ratings for each trip are a good indication of how challenging they are and in some cases customers should be prepared for some long driving days and possibly limited facilities. We are always happy to give extra advice if you have additional concerns.
Recommended vaccinations and other health protection vary according to regions and recent bulletins issued by health authorities. It is essential to get the latest advice on the region(s) you are planning to travel in. It is essential that you check with either your doctor or travel clinic in good time before you travel.
In the UK we have been working with Nomad travel for many years and their website has comprehensive, up to date vaccination and health information. Dragoman customers will receive a 10% discount off all vaccinations given at Nomad Travel clinics.
A good source of up to date information is the world Health Organisation - http://www.who.int/en/
Get expert advice before travelling about types of malaria pills and take them as instructed. Recommended types do change from time to time and from area to area. Consult your vaccination centre for the most up-to-date requirements
The mosquito usually bites between the hours of dusk and dawn and so covering up by wear long-legged and long-sleeved clothing, preferably light coloured and buttoned at the wrists can help. Do not sleep without closing windows, tent doors or, if sleeping out, use a mosquito net. Wear repellent applied directly to the skin or soaked into clothing.
Treating clothes and mosquito nets with a Permetherin solution provides significant protection. It should be available at most travel stores. Mosquito coils are useful on still nights, in hotel rooms but cannot be used inside the tents.
On an overland journey you are more than just a passenger - you're part of the crew. You are expected to pitch in to set up camp, shop for food, cook and generally help out. As part of your trip you will be assigned a truck job which could be collecting water and firewood, sweeping out the truck, loading the back locker, etc.
While camping on overland journeys, all meals are included in the kitty. This means that you will have to work together to cook for everyone in your group. You will be divided into smaller units of 3-4 people and take it in turns to cook for the whole group according to a rota system. When it is your turn to cook you will have to plan the meal, shop for the ingredients in local markets or supermarkets and then prepare the meal for the whole group. The secret to cooking for 20+ people in a basic camping kitchen is to keep it simple! (On trips south of Nairobi we have a cook on board the truck; however you will still be required to help prepare meals).
If you have any dietary requirements please tell us at the time of booking and also remind your crew at your welcome meeting. An example of a typical camp breakfast might be toast with spreads, fruit and cereal as well as tea and coffee. When time allows it will also be possible to serve something hot such as eggs or pancakes. Lunch is almost always a sandwich heaped high with healthy salad and assorted fillings, with fruit to follow. Dinner might be a BBQ, risotto or pasta dish and there is always the chance to try some local cooking. Generally our passengers find the more they put into a trip, the more they benefit from it.
Dragoman is committed to ensuring that we have a positive impact on local communities and that we implement policies to minimise any negative impact on the local environment. We are dedicated to making sure that we adopt a responsible attitude to the areas through which we travel and believe that our trips should benefit the local people and their environment. Dragoman recognises that we are guests of local communities and strive to make these communities our partners, so that they benefit directly from our visit. You can find full details of Dragoman's responsible tourism policy linked from the home page.
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our trips. Possessing or using drugs is not only against the law, but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for Dragoman customers. It is one of our core values to treat all people we encounter with respect which of course includes all the local people who make our destinations so special. The exploitation of prostitutes or children is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes or abuse children. Equally Dragoman will not tolerate any violence or threat of violence towards local people, other group members or any member of our staff.
We expect all our customers to obey all the laws of the countries through which we pass. This particularly applies to the smuggling of contraband and possession of narcotic drugs (as above), firearms, antiquities and ivory.
Any customer found contravening such laws or customs will be required to leave the trip immediately with no refund of the trip price.
One of the real advantages of overland travel is that the vehicle provides a very real level of security when travelling. There is no doubt that a properly equipped overland vehicle, with safes, fully lockable doors and windows is an obvious advantage when travelling in much of the world. We recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt whilst travelling for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items (although most of these can be locked in the safe whilst you are on the trip) and advise passengers to leave any valuable jewellery, watches etc at home. Generally speaking, you will not be travelling on local public transport and will have the added security of travelling in a group with experienced crew on hand to offer advice.
Please note: Any personal effects that are left on the truck, even if they are stored in the safe, are left at your own risk and Dragoman cannot be held responsible for any damage or theft that may occur.
The safety of our passengers, leaders and operators is a major priority of Dragoman. With this in mind we monitor world events very closely. By the very nature of the adventure travel that we take, there are risks and hazards that are inherent in our itineraries. Dragoman makes operational decisions based on informed advice from a number of sources:
The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice
Reports from other travel companies and local suppliers
Leaders reports from off the road
Local contacts we have built up over 31 years of experience
Dragoman has also teamed up with the UK Foreign and commonwealth office (FCO) in their 'Know before you go campaign' www.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo. This website offers straightforward travel advice, top tips, and up to date country information to help you plan a safe trip.
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. You should always make yourself aware of the travel advice before you book and again before you travel. Below are links to some of the websites
Britain. http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/travel-advice-by-country
Australia. http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/
New Zealand. http://www.safetravel.govt.nz/
United States. http://travel.state.gov/travel/travel_1744.html
Canada. http://www.voyage.gc.ca/countries_pays/menu-eng.asp
Dragoman has comprehensive passenger liability protection and tour operator insurance. These policies have total indemnities of £3,000,000 and £10,000,000 respectively. This is in addition to local vehicle insurance and your personal travel insurance.
We have a dedicated 24 hour telephone number which should only be used once you have left the UK and in the event of a real emergency. Should you need to call the number, we will do what we can to help but please bear in mind that real progress or action may not be possible until normal office hours.
If your flight is delayed or cancelled, please let us know and then make your way to the joining hotel as instructed in theses trip notes. If you cannot get through leave a message and a contact number as these will be regularly checked and the crew informed if necessary.
Emergency Number: +44 (0) 7985106564.
It is a condition of booking that you have comprehensive travel insurance. Without evidence of valid travel insurance you will not be allowed to start the trip.
Whatever policy you choose, you must ensure that it is designed for adventure/overland travel. As such it must cover you for adventure activities such as white water rafting, trekking, horse-riding and that the 24 Hour Emergency Assistance Company must be experienced in handling situations in developing countries – for example they have the ability to arrange repatriation from remote areas such as the Sahara or if you were trekking in the Andes. Please double check if you have annual travel and/or credit card policies to ensure they have the cover you require, as many of these policies are not able to cope with adventure travel to remote areas. We recommend that any policy has the following minimum levels of cover: Medical (incl. repatriation) £5,000,000 Personal Liability £5,000,000 Cancellation and Curtailment £5,000 Loss of Baggage, personal effects, money and other inclusions are down to personal choice.
While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or our local partner straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.
We recognise that there may be times when your group leader may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction. If this is the case please contact our customer relations department on email@example.com. You may also choose to provide details in your feedback questionnaire which we ask you to complete at the end of your trip but we do ask you to be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is complete.
Check that your passport will still be valid for 6 months after the end of the trip - this is important as some countries WILL refuse entry to anyone whose passport is due to expire. A temporary or "visitor's" passport is not valid on our trips. You will need to provide us with your passport details prior to departing for you trip. If you change your passport please remember to inform us.
Although you will not have to carry your main bag long distances you will need to help load and unload them onto the truck. For this reason we recommend that you use a backpack or soft bag rather than a heavy suitcase. During your trip your main luggage will be kept in the back locker so you will also need a small daypack. This can be used to carry your camera, water bottle and other personal effects for daily use.
The size of baggage that can be brought on this tour is limited by the locker space on the truck. Different trucks have different-sized lockers however to be safe we recommend that your bag be no larger than 66cm deep, 30cm wide, and 30cm high. The weight limit for luggage on all trucks is maximum 20kg. Backpacks should not have an external frame unless it can be easily removed and stored separately to avoid damaging other people's luggage.
Your clothes and equipment should be appropriate for the conditions you are travelling in. On overland trips Dragoman will provide all camping equipment apart from sleeping bags and ground mats (except on routes between Nairobi and Cape Town where ground mats are provided).
The clothes and equipment should be appropriate for the conditions you are travelling in, which will vary depending on which part of the world you're heading to. On overland trips Dragoman will provide all camping equipment apart from sleeping bags and ground mats*, so you'll need to bring those with you. Think about the climate and altitude of the areas you'll be travelling to, there's nothing worse than being cold at night so it's worth investing in a decent sleeping bag if it's likely to get cold. And remember even when it's warm during the day, it can often get cold at night, particularly in desert regions.
IMPORTANT: Ground mats are provided on all of our overland trips that run in South and East Africa, between Nairobi and Cape Town. This includes our Family trips between Nairobi and Cape Town.
For a general idea of what you need this list provides a guide:
For a comprehensive kit lists take a look at the Dragoman kit list that Nomad Travel have created. Dragoman customers will receive a 10% discount on all equipment purchased either online or in store. Click to see the kit lists www.nomadtravel.co.uk/kitlist/overlanders-kit-list
The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion end up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments.
Please avoid the purchase of bottled water by using the chemically sterilized water stored in the purpose built storage tank or in water jerry cans in your Overland vehicle. You are free to refill your bottle as many times a day as you like. You are helping the environment and your hip pocket!
All of our trucks have a fully stocked medical kit onboard for use in emergency situations only. Therefore in addition to this we recommend that you purchase your own personal medical kit. In the UK we have teamed up with Nomad Travel Stores and Clinics to produce the Dragoman Travel Medical Kit. It has been designed in conjunction with the truck kits and contains everything you would need for any minor accidents. For more details please visit their website:
Your vehicle will be equipped with a 12 volt socket so to charge your iPod, MP3 player, camera, laptop and mobile phone you will need a DC 12 volt adapter - the type that can be used from a cigarette lighter in your car. Please be aware that only one piece of equipment can be charged at a time and it will not be allowed if there is a risk of running the vehicle's batteries low. Batteries may also be recharged from hotel room wall sockets and the majority of the campsites we stay at have electricity points so please bring along your normal charging adapters as well. You will need to ensure that you have the correct country adaptor for your specific charger.
For mobile phones, please note that most countries in the Americas operate at 850MHz and 1900 MHz which is not the same frequencies used in Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia. Most modern tri-band and quad-band mobile phones will be able to operate on these frequencies but please check your mobile phone specifications before travelling to ensure that you'll be able to use your phone in the Americas.
In addition to the trip price on our overlanding trips you will also be required to pay a kitty specified for your trip. The kitty is payable in instalments at the start of each section of the trip for combination trips, and in full at the start of the trip for individual trips. Each customer joining a trip pays their kitty into a central fund. The fund is managed by the Dragoman crew & kitty accounts can be viewed by all throughout the trip.
The Kitty covers all things that the whole group does, such as:
The kitty system is very unique to overlanding and we believe it allows us to have flexibility & transparency on our trips. You can see exactly how your money is being spent and ensure that you are getting the best value by buying locally. It also helps to keep the costs competitive & save on administration costs so that we can pass the saving on to you. Dragoman makes NO PROFIT on kitties as they are the group's fund.
We constantly update the kitty prices on our website and the kitty advertised in the brochure is an estimate at the time of printing. Prices can go up or down with no notice and exchange rate fluctuations will affect costs. If there is money left in the kitty at the end of your trip then this is divided between the group and you receive a refund. Once you book your trip it is very important that you check our website on a regular basis and just before departure for any changes to the kitty amount.
At least half of your kitty should be paid in cash in the specified currency on the website (US Dollars or Euros in West Africa). The outstanding amount can be paid in local currency during your trip; your leader will give you the exchange rate. Most of our travellers choose to bring a cash passport with them for withdrawing local currency (you can visit www.cashpassport.com for further information on these). This is a very secure way of carrying your money whilst travelling. You treat them exactly like an ATM card and draw out local currency from an ATM to give to your leader within each country.
Travellers cheques have become increasingly difficult to change around the world with passengers and our leaders experiencing huge frustration and numerous hours spent trying to find a bank which will change travellers cheques. For this reason we no longer accept them on our trips.
Sometimes, civil or political unrest, or reasons beyond Dragoman's control (e.g. a natural disaster), can mean that an itinerary is disrupted and we have to make a contingency plan. This may involve hiring alternate transport or even the whole group flying over an area. Although Dragoman will help organise travel arrangements, in circumstances outside Dragoman's control you should be prepared to contribute towards the costs and therefore we ask you to bring along a 'Contingency Fund' of USD400. In almost all cases trips run smoothly and this fund is therefore never used. We also recommend that you take along an internationally recognised credit or charge card with a decent limit in case of emergencies, such as medical treatment en route, or even the need to be repatriated; though these occurrences are rare. Remember that travel insurance policies usually only refund you for expenses after you have already paid out.
Tipping is entirely voluntary. The Dragoman crew may be travelling with you for many weeks and usually they become good friends with most members of the group. It is sometimes easy to forget that they do work hard to ensure that you do have a great trip. If you feel you would like to tip them, they certainly would appreciate it. On a number of our trips, we also use a local guide as well as our own Dragoman crew. These guides live and travel with you through their home country and it is usual to tip them when they leave. We recommend USD10 to USD15 per person.


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Special Education Listserv
Subject: Scholarship Opportunity for Masters Degree in Special Education/Transition - New - Time Sensitive - DUE MARCH 1, 2011
Source: Barb Gilpin, Assistant Director, Effective Practices
Intended Audience: Secondary Educators, Special or Regular
Date: February 23, 2011
The following opportunity is provided through the KU iTran program. KU iTran supports online training programs through a U.S. Department of Education grant for special education and transition. Working with state department of education (SEA) partners (AZ, GA, ID, KS, MO, PA, VA), the KU iTran program will offer financial assistance to participants based on a selection criteria that takes into account state needs, teacher demographics, and student populations. This program will lead to a Masters Degree in Special Education and transition or an endorsement in transition. At this time, Missouri does not offer an endorsement in transition. Missouri applicants will be eligible for the Masters Degree only.
The e-program of study for the Masters degree includes five transition courses plus additional courses to meet graduate requirements. All coursework is fully online and offered through the University of Kansas, Department of Special Education. Students will apply to KU for the masters degree in special education.
Scholarship support will be available on a priority basis to participants in the program. Cost of tuition and fees is reimbursed to the student. Applicants must first apply to the KU iTran Program for determination of financial support before applying to KU. Applications for Fall 2011 must be submitted to KU iTran by March 1, 2011. Applicants will be notified by March 15 if they have received financial support. Students will then be supported through the KU graduate program application process and enrollment in classes for Fall 2011.
Regardless of whether you receive financial support, you may still apply to the KU TransCert Program or the KU Master degree. For eligibility requirements and application procedures go to: http://www.transitioncoalition.org/transition/, Graduate Programs.
For questions email: Dr. Mary Morningstar, firstname.lastname@example.com or Dr. Tracey Nix-Williams, email@example.com.

subset: commoncrawl


text: I got a reminder this week from my Farm Progress colleague Holly Spangler in Illinois that the school funding crisis is nationwide. This is a struggle that faces not just farm families but urban families as well. In Wichita, my family is faced with losing the school community of which we have been a part for six years. Our 219-student Open Magnet, Emerson, is on the USD 259 chopping block, apparently because the community of which we are made is diverse enough that no one school will be…Continue Reading


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Infrared Physics & Technology
An International Research Journal
The Journal covers the entire field of infrared physics and technology: theory, experiment, devices and instrumentation.
Its core topics can be summarized as the generation, propagation and detection, of infrared radiation; the associated optics, materials and devices; and its use in all fields of science, industry and medicine.
Infrared techniques occur in many different fields, notably spectroscopy and interferometry; material characterization and processing; atmospheric physics, astronomy and space research. Scientific aspects include lasers, quantum optics, quantum electronics and semiconductor physics. Some important applications are medical diagnostics and treatment, industrial inspection and environmental monitoring.
A fuller though not exhaustive list of topics would include:
• Astronomy, Astrophysics and Space Research
• Atmospheric transmission, turbulence and scattering.
• Environmental applications: pollution and monitoring.
• Detectors: quantum and thermal
• Industrial applications
• Infrared lasers including free electron lasers
• Material properties, processing and characterization.
• Medical applications
• Nondestructive testing, active and passive.
• Optical elements: lenses, polarizers, filters, mirrors, fibres, etc.
• Radiometry: techniques, calibration, standards and instrumentation.
• Remote sensing and range-finding
• Solid-state physics
• Thermal imaging: device design, testing and applications
• Synchroton radiation in the infrared
Note: When formatting references for your paper, this journal requires that the titles are included. Please also submit the names, addresses, and e-mail addresses of at least 3 potential referees. Note that the editor retains the sole right to decide whether or not the suggested reviewers are used. You are strongly encouraged to submit recommendations for appropriately senior and knowledgeable referees having no connection to your work and not located at your institution, as this may speed up the processing of your manuscript. Where the author works in a country with a small community of research workers in his or her field, it is highly desirable that at least two of the suggested referees are from another country.


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Spinnakers 808, 3 bedrooms, ocean views, near pool
808 Spinnakers Reach Dr, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
Contact Owner
|No rental rates available - please contact the owner
|Pets allowed:
Description of the Ponte Vedra Beach vacation condo rental
Start your day gazing out your bedroom window at the Atlantic Ocean sparkling in the sunshine. End your evening with a drink on the balcony, counting the stars above. And in between, search for shark's teeth on the coquina-shell beach, splash about in the pool, explore historic St. Augustine, or even take a day trip to the Orlando theme parks, which are just two hours away. You can do all this, and much more, during your stay at Spinnakers Reach 808. Located within the exclusive Sawgrass Beach and Country Club, a gated oceanfront community with a private beach, Spinnakers Reach 808 was recently renovated, and the condo is as luxurious as the club in which it's set. The spacious living room and dining area, the kitchen, the three bedrooms, and the three full bathrooms are all furnished to the highest standards. The master bedroom, for instance, has a king-size canopy bed, an HDTV, and an ocean-view balcony. The second bedroom is nearly as sumptuous, with a queen-size bed, its own HDTV, and a balcony overlooking one of the complex's two pools. Even the third bedroom has a balcony and a TV, as well as two single beds. And because each bedroom has its own bath, Spinnakers Reach 808 is well suited for several couples or families vacationing together. The Ponte Vedra area surrounding Spinnakers Reach has more than its share of restaurants, but should you want to eat in on occasion, the condo is fully equipped to satisfy your needs, whether it's for a simple cup of coffee in the morning or a full-out feast. The kitchen has every major appliance you could want—fridge with ice maker, oven, stove, microwave, dishwasher—as well as smaller essentials such as a coffee maker and a toaster. Cookware, tableware, utensils: They're all on hand too. And one of the balconies has a grill, so you can host a barbecue—perhaps cooking up something you reeled in while fishing at Guana River State Park, which is just a short walk away. This particular balcony also has a full-size table with seating for six, so you can dine alfresco. Though you can also choose from the even roomier indoor dining area. Heck, you can even eat in front of the HDTV in the living room—go ahead, you're on vacation! Among other amenities, Spinnakers Reach 808 has its own washer and dryer, so you can pack light and never have to waste precious time in a laundromat. You'll have two spaces in the parking garage, as well as additional guest spaces. The condo has high-speed wireless internet access throughout, and you can take advantage of the two gorgeous oceanfront swimming pools, then bask on a lounger to dry off in the sun, listening to the fresh ocean breeze gently rustle through the surrounding palm trees. What's more, because the owner is a member of Sawgrass Beach and Country Club, you can take temporary membership during your stay. A weekly social membership costs just $140; weekly membership plus access to the tennis courts is $160; and a weekly membership that includes access to the championship golf course as well as the tennis courts is $200. Monthly memberships are also available. Of course, you'll be spoilt for choice even without signing up for temporary club membership: relaxing on the beach, which is accessible via a private walkway; wind-surfing; hiking; biking; shopping galore… Spinnakers Reach is ideally situated so that you're just a short walk or an equally short drive to so many things to do and places to see. So why wait? Book your stay today, and experience all that Spinnakers Reach 808 has to offer.
Availability Calendar
Please inquire about the rates.
- 1 King Bed
- 1 Queen Bed
- 2 Twin Beds
- Air Conditioning
- Full Kitchen
- High Speed Internet
- Patio
- Deck
- CD Player
- DVD Player
- Oven
- TV (Cable/Satellite)
- Ceiling Fan
- Dishwasher
- Refrigerator (Full)
- Toaster
- Coffee Maker
- Microwave
- Stove
- Washer/Dryer
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Last updated: April 11, 2013
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Community Education /
Screening Programs
Enter a search term below to search for a class/program:
Or, select a topic from the left to display a listing of all upcoming classes/programs.
ONGOING - Moving Forward
Stroke survivors learn to prevent future strokes through risk detection and management.
Program is in the Rehabilitation Center at Community Hospital.
Held every other week, Monday-Friday; 3:15-4:15 p.m.
Call 219-852-6499 for dates and to register.
Location: Community Hospital, 901 MacArthur Blvd., Munster, Indiana
Time: 3:15 PM - 4:15 PM
Registration: Other - See event description.
Cost: FREE