nepalescapade

Kerala Tours – Kerala & South India Experience

nepalescapade — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 05:06:02 +0000

Time to Visit Kerala

Kerala, blessed with great natural beauty and diverse ecology, has been bestowed with honors like one of the “ten paradises of the world” and “50 places of a lifetime” by the National Geographic Traveler Magazine. Whether it’s the serene backwaters or the splendid hill stations, the stunning beaches or the rich cultural aspects, there is so much to explore in Kerala. Due to its close proximity to the sea, the climate of Kerala is neither too hot nor too cold. This has made Kerala an all-season destination.

Climate – The Coolest Stuff of Kerala

ThelandofKeralaputrasor Keram (coconut trees) is as different from the rest ofIndia. It is this favourable geography which makes Kerala matchless. The summers are not potent enough to precipitate frustration among the masses. Then there is winter, which calls for hundreds of migratory guests from as far asSiberiato roost in its green forests. In short, it is the climate that along with its attractions, have lured its guests from time immemorial and is still doing so with satisfactory results.

Landscape – Go Green With Kerala

Nowhere in India you might find a place which is so much much influenced with its topography, a land whose fortune is decided by the lush green hillls that border its periphery and by the rhapsodic streams that play on the bossom of God’s own country.The landscape of Kerala comprises the mountains that are fractured by the 15 km wide Palghat Gap, which run like a lifeline on the palm of Kerala. You can spend your holidays by scaling the highest peak Annamalai (2775 m), located in Devikulam district. Beside there are several other mist-clad hill stations and places of pilgrimage deep inside the wilderness that make for a perfect tourist vacation.

The Roaring Beaches

Kerala is emphatically crowded with palm trees, which swing to the sweep the sea aroma even before it reaches the lungs of the inhabitants. A sliver of sparkling white sand dips into the clear, sapphire sea, where schools of fish breathe through the floating plankton, otters chase their hunt, and dolphins jump again to disappear into the heart of the abyss. Serene, secluded and spellbinding, some of them are among the best in the world.

On A High Above The Hills

Kerala houses a number of stress-relieving hill stations. Ranging from the cool plantations of tea and spices to the dense wilderness, they afford a choice of ambience to all its visitors! The mist-clad peaks of this unexplored, and hence incredibly beautiful state, provide an ideal environment for the cultivation of cardamom, cinnamon, tea, coffee, rubber and pepper. Among the highlands, Munnar definitely stands apart. With its sprawling tea plantations, scenic towns, solitary lanes and various holiday pleasures, Munnar is a favoured tourist destination on the hill tops.

Holiday In Green

So here is Kerala, truly God’s own country. The whole landscape invites you, some have words, some with gestures. Hear the calls of the roaring waves. See the coconut trees swaying their palms as a gesture of welcome. Feel the shimmering backwaters retracing their way back before blending with the sea. All are waiting. So plan your next holidays in Kerala, pack your bags and get going to enjoy a wonderful vacation. The general information on the coastallandofKeralacan be gathered on your Kerala tours.

11D/10N Kerala/South India Experience

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

KERALA BACK WATERS – Kumarakom,VembanadLake, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary,PunnamakaLake, Shree Bhagavathy Kshetram temple, Chambakulam (oldest Angadi market), St. Mary Florence Church,PambaRiver

KOCHI - Kochi Harbour, Mattancherry Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Jew Town, Fort Kochi Area-St Francis Church

Kumbalangi Village – the first eco-tourism viallage inIndia.

Thekkady/Periyar- Thekkady offers a perfect romantic escapade into the soothing laps of Mother Nature

Kovalam – The paradise ofSouth India.

Hotels: 4 star Deluxe Double/Twin Sharing.

Meals: Meals according to itinerary

Flight Details: Daily Flights

SIN – COK MI468 2045/2245

COK – SIN MI467 2345/0650+1

Day 01: Singapore – Kochi

Depart ChangiAirportfor Kochi – gateway toSouthern India. ArriveKochi, our representative will meet and transfer you to pre booked hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 02 Cochin (B)

After breakfast visit the sightseeing places ofCochin. Here you can see the St Francis Church, the oldest Church inIndia, 500 year old Portuguese Houses, and Cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, 16th century Synagogue,JewTownandMattancherryPalace, built by Portuguese. Evening go for shopping Over night at the resort.

Day 03 Cochin – Kumbalangi – Cochin (B)

After breakfast, drive to Kumbalangi, a village surrounded by backwaters. A ring of Chinese fishing nets literally encircle the island –village bearing witness to the rich aquatic life. An array of mangroves separate land from water providing a breeding ground for prawns, crabs, oysters and small fishes. The village is home to fishermen, farmers, labourers, toddy tappers and coir spinners all alike. Declared as the first model fisheries and tourismvillageofIndiawhich has its own tradition and culture. Overnight atCochin.

Day 04 Cochin – Munnar (B)

This morning, we will depart for Munnar. Along the way, enjoy the scenic beauty, the marvelous waterfalls, high mountains with the low flying clouds passing by. On arrival at Munnar and check in at your resort. In the evening you can go for sight seeing of Munnar and witness tea gardens spread like a green carpet over hundreds of kilometers, lust green hills, a place so difficult to describe. Over night at Munar.

Day 05 Munnar (B)

Following break fast, we will proceed with sightseeing of Munnar. Visit – Mattupetty Lake & Dam, Echo Point,KundaleLake,BlossomGarden, Rajamalai, Eravikulam Wildlife sanctuary a toppeakofMunnarwhere you can see Neelgiril Thar (mountain goats), tea gardens and tea factory. Over night stay in Munar.

Day 06 Munnar – Thekkady (B)

Following breakfast, we will begin our journey to Thekkady. Drive through panoramic western ghat hills covered with spice plantations and occasional view of water falls and streams Visit the sight seeing points in and around Thekkady which includes boating through Periyar lake -South India’s most popular wild life sanctuary, its home to bison, wild elephant, boar, languor, the great Indian tiger and more. Then you can visit spice villages,Plantationtour and Elephant ride etc. Over night stay at Thekkady

Day 07 Thekkady – Kumarakom. (B)

After breakfast, transfer to Kumarakom. Visit Kumarakom Bird sanctuary which offers vast range of flora and fauna for one to explore The sanctuary which bears a complete natural look of a jungle is abode to some very special species such as blue-winged parakeet, woodpecker, Malabar grey hornbill, rose ringed parakeet, Rose-billed Roller,Ceylonfrog-moth, etc. In the evening enjoy the Sunset Cruise or enjoy the beauty of the backwater and the magnetic natural beauty just sitting on the picturesqueVembanadLakeOver night stay at Kumarakom.

Day 08 Kumarakom – Alleppey (B/L/D)

This morning after breakfast proceed to Alleppey/Kumarakom house boat. On arrival check into a traditional House Boat of Kerala Style. Cruise through the back waters is the fabulous way to explore the fascinating beauty of the backwaters. Get pleasure from fishing and cocking while cruising in the boat. Stay overnight in the air conditioned luxury House Boat.

Day 09 Alleppey – Kovalam (B)

After breakfast proceed to Kovalam. Visit Kovalam beach the most charming beaches of the world, coconut groves, natural harbors, lagoons and sheltered coves. All of it as peaceful as the rest of the land, washed by the pleasant tropical sun and as pristine as ever, at the time of sunset .Rest and relax at the beach, enjoy a sunbath, engage in some water sports – Kayaking. Over night stay at Kovalam

Day 10 Kovalam – Trivandrum – Kovalam (B)

Enjoy the hearty breakfast the hotel and relax for some time. Today we go for a full day sightseeing tour ofTrivandrumthe capital city ofKeralato pay visit to some of the exciting tourist attractions includingNapierMuseum,KuthiramalikaMuseumandSriPadmanabhaTemple. Rest of the after enjoy along the pristine beaches of Kovalam and surf the cool breeze as well as enjoy the bliss of the warm water of theArabian Sea. Overnight stay will be at hotel in Kovalam.

Day 11 : 31 Mar 2012 Kovalam – Cochin Departure (B)

Enjoy healthy breakfast at the hotel and enjoy rest of the time at leisure. Later we transfer you from Hotel toKochi- airport for your onward journey. In this way your memorable tour to Kerala ends.

Booking Enquiries/Reservation : See Wai 90217831 / sgholidays@hotmail.ca

Special Introductory Offer price of S$998 per person for 20 Mar – 30^th Mar 2012 departure. Sin-Kochi-Sin flight not included

Tour Price : S$1388 per person. Two to go. Available from 1^st April 2012 daily. Sin-Kochi-Sin flight not included.

11D/10N Kerala/South India Experience

http://www.flickr.com/photos/nepaladventure/sets/72157628861117351/

Nepal Tour – 8 Day Scenic Nepal

nepalescapade — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 03:03:56 +0000

The Sheer Magic of Nepal

Nestled between China to the north and India to the south, Nepal is a land of scenic splendor, diverse culture, rich heritage and home to some of the best hiking trails on earth. Draped along the spine of the Himalaya, Nepal boasts eight of the world’s 14 tallest mountains. From the low-lying plains of the Terai, the landscape soars to the peaks of the Himalaya, including the cloud-hugging Mt Everest. The magic of Nepal lingers in your dreams long after you leave it. It is not unusual that many travelers are drawn back to Nepal, armed the second time round with a greater appreciation of its natural and cultural complexity and a deep desire for to conquer another of its majestic Himalayas. Here in Nepal, enchantment is everywhere for anyone in the search of Shangri-la.

Hi, I am See Wai, a free lance tour organizer and an avid traveler. I have been to Nepal and Sikkim on several occasions and discovered many cost saving methods to enjoy our holidays. My project is to put together a 10 day trip to Nepal using a local company in Nepal approved and accredited by Nepal Tourism Board. The target is to get 8 to 10 people to form the group to bring cost/price down. If you are interested in finding out more, please contact me at sikkim@hotmail.sg or + 65 9021 7831.

08 Days Nepal Scenic Tour

Day 01: Arrive – KATHMANDU (D)
Upon arrival meet and transfer to hotel. Briefing and welcome drink. Late afternoon begin tour with a visit to Swayambhunath Stupa, where you can see the whole Kathmandu valley with sunset view. The Stupa, listed as a World Heritage Site, is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal and its establishment is linked to the creation of the Kathmandu Valley out of a primordial lake. After that transfer to Thamel, a popular tourist district in Kathmandu Valley and a bustling bazaar which offers a glimpse of Nepal’s vibrant ethnic culture. Evening Dinner.

Day 02: KATHMANDU – NAGARKOT (B,L,D)
After breakfast drive to Nagarkot. The sunrise and sunset from this popular hill resort present you the breathtaking view of the Eastern Himalayan Range including Mt. Everest which can be seen on a clear day. It is a scenic drive with lots of lovely quaint little houses and paddy fields which takes about one and half hours. On the way visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a conglomeration of pagoda and shikhara – styled temples grouped around the ancient Fifty-Five-Window Palace The square is one of the most charming valley as it highlights the ancient of the kings perched on top of stone monoliths, the guardian deities looking out from their sanctuaries and the wood carvings all seem to form a well orchestrated symphony. Upon arrival, check in Resort and be served hot lunch. After lunch, enjoy a relaxing short nature walk and catch the gorgeous sunset. Evening dinner.

Day 03: NAGARKOT-KATHMANDU (B,L,D)
Awake in the morning to the cold but stunningly spectacular sunrise over Nagarkot Hill. The first ray of the sun firing the peak glimmering red, slowly lighting the Himalaya range. Mt Everest in the far east and Langtang and the Dhaulagiri peak in the west. After breakfast, drive back to Kathmandu. On the way, visit Patan Durbar Square which is one of the three major cities in Kathmandu Valley, famous for its Buddhist monuments and Hindu Temples. Watch the traditional artisans working with wood, stones and metals. After lunch free to explore Asan Tol, the colourful local market area and shopping. Evening Dinner.

Day 04: KATHMANDU – POKHARA (B,L,D)
After breakfast, transfer to Pokhara (200km). The Annapurna and the famous Machhapucchare (Commonly known as Fishtail Mountain) tower over the tropical setting of Pokhara. Drive takes about 5 hours. This scenic drive will offer great view of local villages, jungle and rivers. Upon reaching Pokhara, check-in hotel. Afternoon an hour leisure boating at scenic Lake Fewa and visit Barahi Temple in the middle of the lake. Late afternoon enjoy walk around Lakeside Bazaar for some delightful shopping bargains.

Day 05: POKHARA-SARANGKOT-POKHARA (B,L,D)
Early morning, drive up to Sarangkot (1200m) sunrise view point for 30 minutes. Expect a very spectacular view of sunrise over the whole Annapurna range including the Machhapucchare of height close to 7000m. After sunrise, drive back to Pokhara for breakfast. After breakfast, visit Tibetan Refugees’ Camp, Devi’s Fall and Mahadev Gupteswar Cave. Afternoon free at leisure around lakeside bazaar. Evening dinner.

Day 06: POKHARA-KATHMANDU (B,L,D) After breakfast, drive to Kathmandu (1300m) – drive takes about 6 hrs. Late afternoon, leisure walk in Thamel, a popular tourist district in Kathmandu Valley and a bustling bazaar which offers a glimpse of Nepal’s vibrant ethnic culture. Evening Dinner.

Day 07: KATHMANDU (B,L,D)
After breakfast city tour – visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and if you are lucky, you will get a glimpse of the famous Kumari, the world’s only living Goddess. This complex of palaces, courtyards and temples like Hanumandhoka Palace, Kumari Ghar (Abode of the Living Goddess), Taleju temple, built between the 12th and 18th centuries, used to be the seat of the ancient Malla Kings of Kathmandu. Lunch in the city centre. After lunch visit Bouddhanath Stupa, one of the world’s largest Stupa built in the fifth century AD. It looms 36 meters high and presents one of the most fascinating specimens of Stupa design with hundreds of prayer wheels and 108 small images of Buddha all around. All the Buddhist throng to this Stupa to take part in the sacred rituals during the Buddhist festivals. Transfer back to hotel. Late afternoon free to explore market area and shopping. Evening enjoy a sumptuous traditional Nepalese Cuisine with Cultural Performance.

Day 08: KATHMANDU – DEPARTURE (B)
After breakfast, transfer to airport for fly out according to your flight schedule.

Tour Cost : Based On 4 Star Accomodation
2 pax – S$1400
4 pax – S$1390
5 to 9 pax – S$1380
10 to 14 pax S$1370
Single Supplement – S$400/pax

Hotels
Kathmandu – Royal Singi / Gangjung
Pohara – Bahari New Deluxe / Trek-O-Tel
Nagarkot – Hotel Country Villa
Chitwan National Park – Rhino Residency

Package Includes:
All the private transportation including airport transfer as per above itinerary
All the city tour with English speaking guide
All the accommodation on twin or triple sharing
All the meals as per above itinerary
1 night Nagarkot resort package
All the entrance fees for the places

Package Excludes:
Return Airfare SIN-Kathmandu_SIN
Nepal Visa Approximately USD$25 ( apply upon arrival)
Travel insurance
All alcoholic and other beverages
Personal clothing
Laundry
Telephone bills
All personal expenses
Liabilities of loss, theft and damages
Tips for driver and guide

Best Season to visit: March to mid June, September to December

Climatic factors are very important in deciding when to visit Nepal. October-November, the start of the dry season, is in many ways the best time of year: the weather is balmy, the air is clean, visibility is perfect, and the country is lush following the monsoon. February-April, the tail end of the dry season is the second-best period: visibility is not so good because of dust, but the weather is warm and many of Nepal’s wonderful wild flowers are in bloom. In December and January the climate and visibility are good but it can be chilly: trekkers need to be well prepared for snow.The monsoon from mid-June to September obscures the mountains in cloud and turns trails and roads to mud.

Flight Info
SilkAir
Singapore – Kathmandu MI 412 0910 1210
Kathmandu – Singapore MI 411 1305 2015
Thai Airways International
Singapore – Bangkok TG 402 0740 0900
Bangkok – Kathmandu TG 319 1015 1225
Kathmandu – Bangkok TG 320 1330 1815
Bangkok – Singapore TG 401 1940 2255

http://www.flickr.com/photos/nepaladventure/sets/72157626736035339/show/

8 Day Nepal With Whitewater Rafting & Paragliding.

nepalescapade — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 02:33:39 +0000

8 Day Nepal Adventure

The Sheer Magic Of Nepal

8 Day Nepal With Whitewater Rafting & Paragliding.

Day 01: Arrive – KATHMANDU (D)
Upon arrival meet and transfer to hotel. Briefing and welcome drink. Late afternoon walking tour around Thamel, a popular tourist district in Kathmandu Valley and a bustling bazaar which offers a glimpse of Nepal’s vibrant ethnic culture. Evening Dinner.

Day 02: KATHMANDU –RAFTING- CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK (B,L,D)
After breakfast enjoy a two hour scenic drive along Trisuli River to the Rafting starting point. Meet up with Rafting crew who will provide river safety briefing and demonstrate rafting equipment. Have fun whitewater rafting in the great outdoors for about three hours. At the end point, change into dry clothing and enjoy a specially packed picnic lunch. After that drive to Chitwan National Park, listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the first national park of Nepal established in 1973 to preserve a unique ecosystem significantly valuable to the whole world. The park covering a pristine area of 932 sq. km is situated in the subtropical inner Terai lowlands of southern central part of Nepal. Drive takes about 1 and half hours. Upon arrival meet and transfer to Jungle Lodge. Welcome drinks and briefing. Late afternoon short walk in the Tharu Village to take in the scenery of the rustic countryside. Evening dinner and Cultural Performance at the lodge.

Day 03: CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK (B,L,D)
After breakfast long boat Canoe in Rapati River where you can see the crocodile resting at the river bank. After that visit Elephant Breeding Center. After lunch, some rest time and enjoy the nature on an Elephant Back Ride. You may come across endangered species of mammals such as the one-horned Rhinoceros. Other wild animals found in the park are hog deer, barking deer, sloth bear, rhesus monkey etc. Evening dinner.

Day 04: CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK – POKHARA (B,L,D)
After breakfast transfer to Pokhara. The Annapurna and the famous Machhapucchare (Commonly known as Fishtail Mountain) tower over the tropical setting of Pokhara. Drive takes about four and half hours. Upon arrival check-in to hotel. Afternoon city tour to Tibetan Refugees’ Camp, Devi’s Fall and Mahadev Gupteswar Cave. Late afternoon an hour leisure boating at scenic Lake Fewa and visit Barahi Temple in the middle of the lake. Evening enjoy walk around Lakeside Bazaar for some delightful shopping bargains followed by dinner.

Day 05: POKHARA – SARANGKOT – POKHARA (B,L,D)
Early morning, drive up to Sarangkot (1200m) sunrise view point for 30 minutes. Expect a very spectacular view of sunrise over the whole Annapurna range including the Machhapucchare of height close to 7000m. After sunrise, drive back to Pokhara for breakfast. After breakfast, transfer to Paragliding take off point. This is one of the most memorable & life time experience where flying captain will take you on a one to one basis in this 40 min journey across the valleys. End of the flight landing Lakeside and drive back to hotel. Afternoon free time to enjoy walking around Lakeside and shopping. Evening dinner.

Day 06: POKHARA – KATHMANDU – NAGARKOT (B,L,D)
After breakfast, drive to Nagarkot via Kathmandu. sunrise and sunset from this popular hill resort present you the breathtaking view of the Eastern Himalayan Range including Mt. Everest which can be seen on a clear day. It is a scenic drive with lots of lovely quaint little houses and paddy fields which takes about one and half hours. Drive takes about 7 hours. Lunch will be on the way. Upon arrival, check in Resort. Enjoy a relaxing short nature walk and catch the gorgeous sunset. Evening dinner.

Day 07: NAGARKOT – KATHMANDU (B,L,D)
Awake in the morning to the cold but stunningly spectacular sunrise over Nagarkot Hill. The first ray of the sun firing the peak glimmering red, slowly lighting the Himalaya range. Mt Everest in the far east and Langtang and the Dhaulagiri peak in the west. After breakfast, drive back to Kathmandu. On the way, visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and if you are lucky, you will get a glimpse of the famous Kumari, the world’s only living Goddess. This complex of palaces, courtyards and temples like Hanumandhoka Palace, Kumari Ghar (Abode of the Living Goddess), Taleju temple, built between the 12th and 18th centuries, used to be the seat of the ancient Malla Kings of Kathmandu. Lunch in the city centre. After lunch visit Bouddhanath Stupa, one of the world’s largest Stupa built in the fifth century AD. It looms 36 meters high and presents one of the most fascinating specimens of stupa design with hundreds of prayer wheels and 108 small images of Buddha all around.Late afternoon free to explore Asan Tol, the colourful local market area and shopping. Evening enjoy a sumptuous traditional Nepalese Cuisine with Cultural Performance.

Day 08: KATHMANDU – DEPARTURE (B)
After breakfast transfer to Airport for fly out according to your flight schedule.

Tour Cost – Based on 4-star Accomodation
2 pax – S$1500/pax
4 pax – S$1490/pax
5 to 9 pax – S$1470/pax
10 to 14 pax – S$1450/pax
Single Supplement – S$500/pax

Hotels
Kathmandu – Royal Singi / Gangjung
Pohara – Bahari New Deluxe / Trek-O-Tel
Nagarkot – Hotel Country Villa
Chitwan National Park – Rhino Residency

Suggested / Proposed Tour Dates For 2011
You are at liberty to decide any dates that suits you. Minimum two to go.

Package Includes:
All the private transportation including airport transfer as per above itinerary
All the city tour withEnglish speaking guide
All the accommodation on twin or triple sharing
All the meals as per above itinerary
3 Days 2 night Chitwan National park package
1 night Nagarkot resort package
30 minutes Paragliding tandem flight
Whitewater Rafting with equipment and lunch
All the entrance fees for the places

Best Season to visit: March to mid June, September to December

Flight Info
SilkAir
Singapore – Kathmandu         MI 412      0910 1210
Kathmandu – Singapore         MI 411       1305 2015
Thai Airways International
Singapore – Bangkok               TG 402      0740 0900
Bangkok – Kathmandu            TG 319      1015 1225
Kathmandu – Bangkok           TG 320     1330 1815
Bangkok – Singapore              TG 401      1940 2255

http://www.flickr.com/photos/nepaladventure/sets/72157626736035339/show/