Hot Deals

Alpine beauty

Explore the enchanting Chamonix Valley, a majestic world of high mountains with breathtaking view of the Mont Blanc range and alpine beauty of France with the Chomonix Summer package of Cox & Kings. Apart from the picturesque hamlets along Alpine Lakes, the cable car ride to Aiguille du Midi (3,842 metres) is the highest in the region. Priced at Euro 166 per person on twin sharing basis, the package includes three night's accommodation at Alpin Hotel; daily continental breakfast; excursion to Chamonix - Mont Blanc, which includes a cable car ride to Aiguille du Midi and Red Cog railway to Montenvers (all transfers on your own). The package is valid from April 1-June 30, 2006.

For more details contact:
Toll Free No: 1800 22 1235,
Website: www.coxandkings.com
SMS: CNK to 8558

Bewitching Bhutan

The five-day package tour from The Wanderers covers Paro and Thimphu. The itinerary includes visits to ancient Dzongs, the breathtaking Dochula Pass, views of the snow-capped Mount Jhomolhari and sights and sounds of Thimphu. Priced at Rs. 10,100 per person, the package includes, accommodation on twin sharing basis, airport transfers, daily breakfasts, sightseeing as per itinerary and entrance fees. It excludes airfares, meals not specified, personal costs like laundry, telephone calls, etc, and insurance. Personal costs like pickup and drop to Phuentsholing (in case travelling by road) and local guides and escorts can be arranged at extra cost.

For more details contact:
Tel: (022) 55023377/55021870/71/72
Email: thewanderers@vsnl.com
Website: www.indianwanderers.com

Estuary Island Resort Poovar

An islet to yourself amidst the backwaters of Kerala against a backdrop of hills and the blue sea beyond is what Estuary Island Resort Poovar is all about. Travel Corporation of India (TCI) has a 2n/3d package to this back-to-nature retreat offering a range of ayurvedic treatments priced at Rs 13,500 per couple. The package includes transfers by boat from Poovar jetty, welcome drink, all meals, complimentary drop by boat to opposite beach.

For more details contact:
Tel: (022) 22021881 / 55401000
Toll Free No: 1800 22 8687
Website: www.tcindia.com

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, 2006

Embark on the ultimate Himalayan journey with The Wanderers Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2006. It is a once in a life time journey through the remote yet spectacular Tibetan Plateau to Kailash - the abode of Lord Shiva. The Wanderers have designed a special 16-day overland package for the Kailash Yatra 2006.

For more details contact:
Tel: (022) 55023377/5502 1870/71/72
Email: thewanderers@vsnl.com
Website: www.indianwanderers.com/kailashfix.htm

Off the beaten track Europe

Travel Corporation (India) Pvt. Ltd. has designed packages to showcase the undiscovered and interesting off the beaten track destinations in Europe. Explore Sicily, the culturally rich region steeped in history, which offers great dining and excellent shopping with a three-day package in Palermo priced from Euro 99. Extend your holiday from Sicily to visit magical Malta. The Maltese Islands are one of the most romantic destinations in the heart of the Mediterranean and the six-day package is priced from Euro 341 onwards. Other destinations include Canary Islands and Ibiza in Spain. One can also take a cruise to the Greek Islands and Turkey.

For more details contact:
Tel: (022) 22021881 / 55401000
Toll Free No: 1800 22 8687
Website: www.tcindia.com

Jungle Experience

Bush Betta, an exotic wildlife resort of Country Club of India Limited, nestling in the Mangala Valley on the outskirts of Bandipur Tiger Reserve in Karnataka is an excellent destination for an adventure holiday. The resort, situated four kms off the Bangalore-Ooty Highway, with luxurious suites and tents, is a perfect base to explore the wildlife of Bandipur Tiger Reserve and game parks of Madhumalai, Nagarhole and BR Hills. The tariff of the suites and tents is priced at Rs 2,500 per person, per day and includes accommodation, all meals, trekking, use of swimming pool and safari in the sanctuary.

For more details contact:
Tel: (080) 229 236035
Mr Prashant: 9343701843 (Bush Betta)
Mr Wadi: 9820427441 or 9820522076 (Mumbai)
Mr Suba Reddy: 9880395880 (Bangalore)
Website: www.countryclubindia.net

Romantic Rendezvous

Tourism New Zealand along with Quantum Travels has announced a special 14n/15d package for honeymooning couples. Priced at just Rs 1,38,000 per person, the package is part of an exclusive offering for Indian tourists and includes airfare, accommodation, breakfast and sightseeing.

The itinerary includes two nights each in Auckland, Rotoura, Wellington, Christ Church, Queenstown (the capital for adventure sports) and one night stay at Kaikoura where one can watch whales from close quarters. Tour of world famous Waitomo Glowworm caves which also includes an underground boat ride and visit to Milford Sound, fjord along with other attractions is part of the package, valid till 31 May 2006. Bookings are open till 31 March 2006.

For more details contact:
Tel: (022) 26008667
Website: www.quantumtravels.com

Weekend Retreat

Escape the hustle and bustle of Mumbai, for a short back-to-nature break at Shetty Farms, a sprawling 280 acres property with wooded hills as a backdrop and a lake. Located in Jamrung village, 30 kms from Karjat and 130 kms from Mumbai, Shetty Farms is perched on a small hill overlooking the lake and has a basic set up of three rooms, a big dorm and a swimming pool. It is an ideal location for trekking as Peth Fort, an easy climb, is just six kms away. One can also do the relatively difficult trek to Bhimashankar. The tariff is Rs 550 per person, per day inclusive of all meals (non-veg) for the rooms.

For more details contact:
Tel: (022) 28652828
Mobile: 9820744449 (Shubha Shetty)

Himalayan Treks

Enjoy your summer vacation with family and friends in the Himalayas. Saahas.com, a Pune-based adventure and nature club has organised two 12-day Himalayan treks, one to Bandarpoonch and the other to Punwali Bugyals with departures in the second week of May 2006. Both treks are priced at Rs 13,995 (each, Mumbai to Mumbai) and the price includes III tier A/C rail travel, accommodation in Delhi, special bus to and from the Base Camp, sumptuous vegetarian food during the trek, all trekking gear like sacks, sleeping bags, etc.

For more information contact:
Tel: (020) 25673636/25673773
Mobile: 094220 00066 (Santosh)
Email: info@saahas.com
Website: www.saahas.com

Enchanting Valley

Baspa Valley in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh is a dream destination untouched by the ravages of mass tourism. Kinner Camps, a set up of 11 tents surrounded by a riot of flowers tucked away in a thickly wooded patch just below Mt Kinner Kailash, is a perfect getaway to explore the scenic valley.

Kinner Camps offers a range of activities like trekking, rock climbing, river crossing, camping, jeep safaris. It is open from May-end to September and offers luxury tents (with attached toilet/bath and hot water service) priced at Rs 1,000 per person (inclusive of all taxes and meals on MAP basis) and nature tents (with adjacent toilet and hot water) priced at Rs 750 per day (inclusive of all taxes and meals on MAP basis).

For more information contact Pradeep Negi:
Tel: 01786 244248 (Camp), 242775, 253360 (Res)
Telefax: 01786 242382
Email: kinnercamps@vsnl.net
Website: www.kinnercamps.com

Rejuvenating Holiday

Sahil Spa & Resorts, has launched its first health spa and resort in Lonavala near Mumbai. The fully equipped spa offers comprehensive ayurveda treatments to rejuvenate and heal the mind body and soul under the guidance of Dr Manish Patwardhan. The spa offers critical management by using applied ayurveda therapy for heat, kidney, cancer, spine, nerves, skin, arthiritis, respiratory and circulatory disorders. The resort, equipped with steam, sauna and jacuzzi, also has hydrotherapy.

For more information contact:
Tel: (02114)270060
Website: www.sahilresorts.com

Tiger Trail

Get a glimpse of wildlife with Tiger Trails at their estate in Tadoba Tiger Reserve. For the basic rate of Rs 2,500 per person per day, you get a/c transport from Nagpur airport/railway station, to camp and back, unlimited drives inside the park, accommodation and full meals (bed tea, breakfast, lunch, tea, dinner), night barbecue, camp fire, night machan sit-outs, etc.

Don't be surprised if you hear a tiger call or the frantic alarms of the Cheetal deer on sensing a leopard at the pond. Minimum guest charge is for four persons, and they accommodate a maximum of 12 persons.Recommended duration is three nights.

For more details contact:
Tel. No: (0712) 3125335
Mobile: 9822930703, 98422147518
Email: amrutd_ngp@sancharnet.in
Website: www.tigertrailsindia.com

Ladakh Odyssey

Saahas.com, a Pune-based adventure and nature club has organised a 10-day Ladakh Jeep Safari. A window to this remote and breathtakingly beautiful region, the safari starting from Srinagar will reach Leh, capital of Ladakh through Sonmargh, Dras and Kargil with a night halt in each and will cover the famous Lamayuru and Alchi monasteries en route.

Apart from five nights in Leh with sightseeing in and around including Khardungla Pass and Pangong Lake, the safari also includes one night in Nubra Valley. The price for the 10-day jeep safari with departure in last week of May is Rs 40,000 per person and includes air fare (Mumbai-Srinagar and Leh-Mumbai), accommodation, all meals, etc. Rail option is also available, along with an option to visit Amarnath Caves.

For more details contact:
Tel: (020) 25673636/25673773
Mobile: 094220 00066 (Santosh)
Email: info@saahas.com
Website: www.saahas.com

Call of the wild

Stalk Sher Khan in the jungles of Kanha (made famous by Rudyard Kipling in Jungle Book) on the 2n/3d and 3n/4d Wild Getaway package of Indian Adventures Wildlife Resorts. Priced at Rs 3,925 (2n/3d) and Rs 5,600 (three nights/four days) per person on twin sharing basis, the package at Wild Chalet Resort, valid till April 30, 2006, includes all meals, two park safaris, visit to tribal village, barbeque dinner, nature walk, etc. Air-conditioned rooms at supplement charge of Rs 400 per room per night.

For more details contact:
Tel: (022) 26408742/26428244/26433622
Fax: (022) 26458401
Email: iawr@vsnl.com
Website: www.indianadventures.com

Egyptian Splendour

Embark upon a journey of discovery with the seven days package tour of Lifestyle Holidays from Bulls & Bears. The Egypt tour priced at Rs 22,100 plus USD 390 per person on twin sharing basis includes return Economy Class airfare on Egypt Air, three nights in Cairo, three night Nile Cruise, city tour in Cairo with Pyramids, visit to Khan El Khalili market, Egyptian Museum in Cairo, Papyrus factory visit, daily breakfast, transfers, entrance fees and service of English speaking guide and driver. Cost excludes airport taxes and visa charges.

For more details contact:
Tel. No: (022) 56324656/22854030
Fax: (022) 22025548
Website: www.lifestyleholidaysindia.com

Buddhist Gujarat

Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Ltd. (TCGL) has introduced a Buddhist Circuit Tour of three nights/four days covering important Buddhist centres and monuments. The package tour priced at Rs 7,000 (Deluxe) and Rs. 3,300 (Economy) per person covers Buddhist Caves at Taleja; Ashoka Rock Edicts, Buddhist Caves and Upperkot Fort in Junaghad; Buddhist Caves at Siyot Village and Bhuj. The tour leaves every Thursday from Ahmedabad and includes transport, accommodation and guide charges. The Deluxe Tour offers air-conditioned transportation and accommodation.

For more information contact:
Tel: (022) 22024925
Fax: (022) 22883541
Email: mumbai@gujarattourism.com
Tel: (079) 26589683, 26589172, 26587217
Fax: 079, 26582183
Email: ahmedabad@gujarattourism.com

Special Offer

Gogoa.com has designed a special offer package for The Leela, Goa. The 3n/4d package is priced at Rs 13,499 for a couple. It includes stay in Pavilion Room, all meals, airport/Madgaon railway station transfers and taxes. The package (conditions apply) is valid from April 18 to September 29, 2006.

For more details contact:
Gogoa on Tel: 022 56006811/56764349
Email: gogoa@vsnl.net
Website: www.gogoa.com

Jungle Nook

Nestled at 800 mtrs. amidst a thick canopy of semi-evergreen mixed deciduous forest of Western Ghats, the resort offers an unforgettable luxuriously back to nature holiday. Chilling in the Infinity pool, perched on a ridge overlooking the valley is an out of the world experience.

The tariff (valid till April 2006) for one-night stay for two persons and one child below 12 years is Rs 6,500 (Jungle View Cottage) and Rs 8,000 (Valley View Cottage). This is inclusive of stay, welcome drink, meals and activities like trekking to waterfalls, bird-watching, village walk, folk dance, wildlife film shows, jeep safari, etc. The two-night package is priced at Rs 13,000 (Jungle View Cottage) and Rs 16,000 (Valley View Cottage) and includes complimentary transfers from Dabolim airport, Panjim, Tivim and Margaon railway stations and Belgaum.

For more details contact Deepali/Seema:
Mobile No: 09341112721
Tel. No: (0831) 5207954
Website: www.wildernest-goa.com