India! Tigers & Temples… March 2019 … · of the Pink City of Jaipur. Spend Three Overnights at...

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India is the world’s largest democracy and covers an area of 3,287,263 sq. km, stretching from the high Himalayas in the North, to the southern tropical rain forests and flanked by the Arabian Sea in West and The Indian Ocean in the East. In the shape of a triangle, India's topography is greatly varied in that there are deserts and rain forests, much of its land is comprised of fertile river plains and high plateaus. A vast subcontinent of over 1.2 billion people , and contains more different languages ,religions ,races and cultures than any other country in the world. India offers the traveler a multitude of unique experiences ensuring an unforgettable visit. From the vibrant and bustling markets and extravagant festivals to the serenity of a mountain retreat, India is a destination that will touch your soul. India! Tigers & Temples… March 2019

Transcript of India! Tigers & Temples… March 2019 … · of the Pink City of Jaipur. Spend Three Overnights at...

Page 1: India! Tigers & Temples… March 2019 … · of the Pink City of Jaipur. Spend Three Overnights at Trident, Jaipur. Accommodation is in a Superior Garden View Room with ensuite facilities.

India is the world’s largest democracy and covers an area of 3,287,263 sq. km, stretching from the high Himalayas in the North, to the southern tropical rain forests and flanked by the Arabian Sea in West and The

Indian Ocean in the East. In the shape of a triangle, India's topography is greatly varied in that there are deserts and rain forests, much of its land is comprised of fertile river plains and high plateaus. A vast

subcontinent of over 1.2 billion people , and contains more different languages ,religions ,races and cultures than any other country in the world. India offers the traveler a multitude of unique experiences ensuring an

unforgettable visit. From the vibrant and bustling markets and extravagant festivals to the serenity of a mountain retreat, India is a destination that will touch your soul.

India! Tigers & Temples… March 2019

Page 2: India! Tigers & Temples… March 2019 … · of the Pink City of Jaipur. Spend Three Overnights at Trident, Jaipur. Accommodation is in a Superior Garden View Room with ensuite facilities.

Y O U R I N D I A T R A V E L M A P

DETAILED ITINERARY

12/13 MARCH 2019 – Travel from North America to Hong Kong via Hong Kong or Europe. We will be happy to book flights for you! Optional stopover on the way is a great idea to get over some jet lag!

13 MARCH 2019 (WEDNESDAY) - DELHI Arrive Delhi - Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to the hotel. The narrow alleys of Old Delhi hold secrets of the Mughal rule and the wide avenues and imperial buildings of New Delhi are reminiscent of The British Raj. An ancient city which has risen from a combination of eight settlements and where every crumbling wall has a story to tell, Delhi has been considered forever the seat of power, from the past to the present. Taj Mahal Hotel: One of the most distinguished addresses in the national capital, The Taj Mahal Hotel is located in the exclusive residential area of Lutyens’ Delhi, close to the seat of government. Reflecting the heritage of Mughal Delhi, this hotel offers graceful architecture with modern facilities. The hotel is a city landmark, centrally located, in close proximity to key areas. It is a 40-minute drive from the airport and near the bustling city centre, Connaught Place. Rest of the day is at leisure. Buffett Dinner at the hotel Spend Two Overnights at Taj Mahal, Delhi. Accommodation is in a Deluxe Room with ensuite facilities. Your stay is on Half Board Basis (Breakfast and dinner)

13 & 14 March

15, 16 March

17, 18 & 19 March

20, 21 & 22 March

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Taj Mahal Hotel 14 MARCH 2019 (THURSDAY) - DELHI After breakfast is at the hotel we will be taken for a full day sightseeing tour of Old & New Delhi. Qutub Minar: - Qutub Minar - At 72.5 meters, this is the world's tallest brick minaret! Construction commenced in 1193 under the orders of India's first Muslim ruler Qutub-ud-din Aibak. The tower is notable for being one of the earliest and most prominent examples of Indo-Islamic architecture. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also drive past the following sites: India Gate: This 42m high stone arch of triumph stands at the eastern end of the Rajpath. It bears the names of 85,000 Indian Army soldiers who died in the campaigns of WW I the North West frontier operations of the same time and the 1919 Afghan fiasco. Rajpath: - The Kings Way is another focus of Lutyens New Delhi. It is immensely broad and is flanked On either side of ornamental ponds. The Republic Day parade is held here every 26th January, and millions of people gather to enjoy the spectacle. Rashtrapati Bhawan (President House): The official residence of the President of India stands at the opposite end of the Rajpath from India Gate. Completed in 1929, the palace like building is an interesting blend of Mughal and western architectural styles, the most obvious Indian feature being the huge copper dome. To the west of the building is a Mughal garden, which occupies 130 ha. This garden is only open to the public in February. Prior to independence this was the viceroy’s residence. Lunch will be at Local restaurant and is included.

Qutub Minar Rashtrapati Bhawan

In the afternoon you will be taken for a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi. Chandni Chowk: Take a rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk which was once the grandest of markets in India. Even though today Chandni Chowk appears choked with congestion, it retains its historical character. Spice Market: Khari Baoli is a street in Old Delhi known for its wholesale grocery and Asia's largest wholesale spice market selling all kinds of spices, nuts, herbs and food products like rice and tea. The market is operating since the 17th century. End your tour of Old Delhi with the visit to the Jama Masjid. Jama Masjid: The Jama Masjid of Delhi is the principal mosque of Old Delhi in India. Commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, builder of the Taj Mahal, and completed in the year 1656 AD, it is the largest and best-known mosque in India. It lies at the origin of a very busy central street of Old Delhi, Chandni Chowk.

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Rickshaw Ride in Chandni Chowk Jama Masjid

Return to the hotel after the sightseeing. DAY 03 – 15 MARCH 2019 (FRIDAY) – DELHI/AGRA After breakfast at the hotel we will being our adventure as we drive to Agra [Approx 205 Kms, 5-6 Hrs Drive] enroute visiting SOS Village of Beer & Elephant rescue centre. Wildlife SOS is mainly known for our work of rescuing and rehabilitating ‘dancing bears’ or Sloth Bears, we also have active projects to help Leopards and Black Bears which are a caught or involved in human-wildlife conflict situations in several states. Captive Elephant welfare and rescuing performing elephants is something Wildlife SOS has been associated with for many years. We also work on various projects targeted at environment and biodiversity conservation. Lunch will be at a local restaurant. Further drive to Agra and on arrival, check-in at the hotel. Agra: The city of Agra flourished under the patronage of the emperors Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan and attracted artisans from Persia and central Asia. Agra is where Emperor Shah Jahan engraved his immortal love for his Empress in marble, the Taj Mahal. Agra is still famous for handicrafts products such as inlay work on marble, carpets, jewellery, zari and embroidery work. Upon arrival, check-in at hotel Courtyard by Marriott. Agra. Buffett Dinner at the hotel Spend Two Overnights at Courtyard by Marriott, Agra. Accommodation is in a Deluxe Room with ensuite facilities. Your stay is on Full Board Basis

Taj Mahal Wildlife SOS Bear & Elephant

Rescue Centre 16 MARCH 2019 (SATURDAY) – AGRA

A day you have been waiting for! We are up very early to visit the magnificent Taj Mahal. Taj Mahal - Said to be one of the most elegant and harmonious buildings in the world, Taj Mahal is the manifestation of the wealth and luxury of Mughal art as seen in its architecture, garden design, painting, and calligraphy. Breakfast is at the hotel At an appropriate time you will be taken for a sightseeing tour of Agra Fort & Itmad-ud-Dullah.

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Agra Fort- The red sandstone Agra Fort was renovated and converted into a palace during Shah Jahan's time, and reworked extensively with marble and pietra dura inlay. Notable buildings in the fort include the Pearl Mosque, the Diwan-e-Am and Diwan-e-Khas (halls of public and private audience), Jehangir's Palace, Khaas Mahal, Sheesh Mahal (mirrored palace), and Musamman Burj. Itmaad – ud- Dullah :- Built by the Mughal Empress Nur Jahan for her parents, Itimad-ud-Daula and Asmat Begum, between 1622 and 1628, this small mausoleum is the first example of a Mughal tomb faced in white marble that employed such a wide use of stone inlay to decorate its exterior. Lunch & Dinner at the hotel 17 MARCH 2019 (SUNDAY) – AGRA / BHARATPUR Breakfast is at the hotel then we will be taken to the Bharatpur railway station visiting Fatehpur Sikri enroute. Fatehpur Sikri is a fine example of a Mughal walled city with defined private and public areas and imposing gateways. Its architecture, a blend of Hindu and Islamic styles, reflects Akbars secular vision as well as his style of governance. Post the sightseeing you will be taken for lunch at a hotel close to the railway station. No visit to India would be complete without experiencing a train ride! Train Name: Jan Shatabdi Express Departs Bharatpur: 1550 Hrs Arrives Sawai Madhopur: 1802 Hrs One of India’s most popular nature reserves, Ranthambore National Park is known for its small population of friendly tigers, who do not seem to shy away from the approach of humans. Tucked between the rugged Aravalli and Vindhya hills, the reserve also boasts a spectacular landscape filled with border-strewn highland plateaus, lakes and rivers. . A hunting ground for the local maharajas until 1970, the park has since become a refuge for hundreds of species of birds, mammals and reptiles. On Arrival, you will be met & greeted by the representatives also you will be assisted with the baggage. Later drive to the hotel The Oberoi Vanyavilas. Oberoi Vanyavilas: - Nestling in the natural beauty of the wilds, The Oberoi Vanyavilas is situated on the edge of the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve. The resort setting is picture-perfect with a dramatic watercourse and sun-kissed private decks. The luxury tents with finely embroidered canopies, luxurious bathrooms and private walled gardens are in perfect contrast to the ruggedness of the jungle. Dinner at the hotel Spend Three Overnights at The Oberoi Vanyavilas, Ranthambhore. Accommodation is in a Luxury Tent with ensuite facilities. Your stay is on Full Board Basis (All Meals included)

Oberoi Vanyavilas, Ranthambhore

DAY 06 & 07 – 18 & 19 MARCH 2019 (MONDAY & TUESDAY) - RANTHAMBORE

Experience Morning and Afternoon Game Safari

Explore the dense jungles of Ranthambore National Park on early morning and afternoon game drives in an open 4x4 safari vehicle. One of our specially trained naturalists will accompany you throughout, pointing out and explaining details about the fascinating animals and plants of the jungle. Your early morning drive enters the park as the dawn is breaking over the jungle. On an afternoon drive, watch out for the elusive leopard and listen to the calls of jackal getting ready for the hunt. Return to hotel for Breakfast Lunch & Dinner at the hotel

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Ranthambhore National Park

20 MARCH 2019 (WEDNESDAY) – RANTHAMBORE – JAIPUR Enjoy early morning game drive in the national park then after we will drive to the “Pink City” Jaipur [180 Kms, Approx 4-5 Hrs Drive] Jaipur: Founded in 1728 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, Jaipur is where modernity and tradition exist side by side. The walled city, vibrant with colours, houses the City Palace, an astronomical observatory and a bustling bazaar where artisans fashion puppets, silver jewellery, lac bangles and other handicrafts in their workshops. At a short distance is the Amber Fort Palace at Amber. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel. Buffett Lunch is at the hotel. Trident Jaipur: Breath-taking views of the serene Mansagar Lake and the striking Aravalli range welcome guests at the Trident Hotel, Jaipur. Situated en route to Jaipur’s famous Amber Fort, the hotel offers gracefully furnished rooms that are well-equipped. No element of Trident, Jaipur takes the guests away from the Splendor and history of Jaipur. The hotel’s 133 rooms and 2 suites are a viewing gallery for all grandeur of the Pink City of Jaipur. Spend Three Overnights at Trident, Jaipur. Accommodation is in a Superior Garden View Room with ensuite facilities. Your stay is on Full Board Basis

Trident Hotel Trident Hotel

21 MARCH 2019 (THURSDAY) – JAIPUR Breakfast is at the hotel Today is HOLI ~ Festival of Colours!! You will be picked up from your hotel and will be taken to Hotel Narain Niwas Palace wherein you will enjoy the festival!

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Festival of Holi

Lunch is included and will be provided at the hotel. After the festival we will return to the hotel Buffett Dinner at the hotel 22 MARCH 2019 (FRIDAY) – JAIPUR Breakfast is at the hotel. After breakfast we will have a visit to Amber Fort. Amber Fort: Amber Fort is located 11 km from Jaipur. It was the ancient citadel of the ruling Kachhawa clan of Amber, before the capital was shifted to present day Jaipur. Amber Fort is known for its unique artistic style, blending both Hindu and Muslim (Mughal) elements, and its ornate and breath-taking artistic mastery. Buffett Lunch is at the hotel followed by a half day sightseeing tour of Jaipur city City Palace: The City Palace, a wonderful combination of Mughal and Rajput forms of architecture, is now partly a museum housing miniature paintings, manuscripts, Mughal carpets, musical instruments, royal costumes and weapons, giving invaluable insight into Jaipur's royal past. Some of the instruments at the astronomical observatory are still used today to forecast the weather and the turns of nature. Hawa Mahal: The focal point of the city of Jaipur is the Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds, a five storey high Baroque- like structure built to enable the veiled ladies of the harem to observe the street scenes below and remain unnoticed 23 MARCH 2019 (SATURDAY) – JAIPUR / DELHI Breakfast is at the hotel and we have a sad farewell as we leave Jaipur and fly to Delhi. Fly by 6E 203 Departs Jaipur:- 1040 hrs Arrives Delhi:- 1150 hrs Arrive Delhi and upon arrival you will be met and transferred to International airport to baord your flight to onward destination or extend your time with a visit to Varanasi – the sacred Ganges and/or South India – Kochi and backwater houseboats.

India… Tigers & Temples – Based on 2 people sharing: 4 guests - $10,475USD per person 6 guests - $9075USD per person 8 guests - $8450USD per person 10 guests - $7850USD per person

Single Supplement - $3275USD per person

Economy Air From $1300CDN depending on airlines and route. Payment options USD Bank Draft – amount above CDN Cheque – amount will be the closest CDN/USD exchange rate we receive through our bank Credit Card – amount will be the closest CDN/USD exchange rate we receive through our bank plus 3% credit card fee

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What is Included:

• Accommodation, meals, transfers, transport as mentioned in above itinerary. • Domestic airfare • Local English speaking guides and naturalists • Mineral water during sightseeing and overland trip • Gratuities for guides & porters • Check on luggage (fits perfectly in our vehicles!) • Tour leading services of Nature Encounters Tours & Travel owner/photographer Carol Petersen

Not Included:

• International Airfare / Airport taxes • Items of personal nature like laundry, phone calls etc • Any video camera fee to the monuments and places of visit • Travel medical and cancellation insurance.

Extend your time in India…

Varanasi – The Holi River Ganges 23 MARCH 2019 (SATURDAY) – JAIPUR/VARANASI On arrival, you will be met and greeted by representatives and will be transferred to the hotel. Check-in at the hotel The Taj Gateway Ganges, Varanasi. The hotel is set amidst 40 acres of lush green gardens, and is the veritable haven of peace and tranquillity in this crowded and ancient temple city. The hotel is 6 kms away from the city Centre or the commercial hub of Varanasi. Rest of the day is at leisure In the evening enjoy boat ride to witness the Aarti Ceremony.

Spend Two Overnights at The Gateway Hotel Ganges, Varanasi. Accommodation is in an Executive Room

with ensuite facilities. Your stay is on Full Board Basis

Boat Ride on the Holi Ganges 24 MARCH 2019 (SUNDAY) – VARANASI Early morning you will be taken for a boat ride on River Ganges to witness the local taking the bath in Holi Ganges and performing rituals followed by sightseeing tour of city.

Boat ride on the Ganges: The best time to visit is at dawn, when the river is bathed in a luminous yellow light as colourful throngs of pilgrims perform their morning devotions. A sunset boat ride on the river rewards with the magical sight of thousands of tiny candlelit lamps made of leaves and marigolds being set afloat as part of the ganga Aarti ceremony.

Visit to the Ghats: Varanasi's unique culture is associated to the river Ganges, where life and death intermingle. The living flock the Ghats, praying with the belief that bathing in the waters of the sacred river would result in the remission of their sins, while the ashes of the dead are scattered in the water to break the cycle of reincarnation. Return to hotel for breakfast

Later, you will be taken for an excursion to Sarnath. [Sarnath Museum will be closed on Friday]

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Visit to Sarnath: Sarnath, where Gautam Buddha is believed to have given his first sermon about the basic principles of Buddhism, is situated about 10 km from Varanasi. The site houses a number of Stupas, excavated ruins of monasteries and the Ashoka pillar with the four sided lion's head which is also the national emblem of India. The museum has a rich collection of sculptures comprising numerous Buddha and Bodhisattva images, considered amongst the finest specimens of Buddhist art.

Sarnath Aarti on the Ganges

Rest of the day is at leisure [No Transportation] 25 MARCH 2019 (MONDAY) – VARANASI / DELHI / FLY OUT Breakfast is at the hotel you will be transferred to airport to board your flight to Delhi

Varanasi – The Holi River Ganges – Based on 2 people sharing: 4 guests - $1595USD per person 6 guests - $1450USD per person

8 guests - $1395USD per person 10 guests - $1335USD per person Single Supplement - $400USD per person

What is Included:

• Accommodation, meals, transfers, transport as mentioned in above itinerary. • Domestic airfare • Local English speaking guides and naturalists • Mineral water during sightseeing and overland trip • Gratuities for guides & porters • Tour leading services of Nature Encounters Tours & Travel owner/photographer Carol Petersen

Not Included:

• International Airfare / Airport taxes • Items of personal nature like laundry, phone calls etc • Any video camera fee to the monuments and places of visit • Travel medical and cancellation insurance.

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South India – Kochi and a Backwaters Houseboat Cruise DAY 1 - KOCHI Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to the hotel “Brunton Boatyard”.

Cochin: Known as the Venice of the East, Kochi is a fascinating port town that tumbles from mainland Kerala over a maze of islands and peninsulas connected by a network of bridges and ferries. A colourful blend of influences, Cochin formed the heart of the Indian spice trade for centuries, absorbing and being shaped by the many nations that came together on its shores. From giant Chinese fishing nets to Dutch palaces and Portuguese churches, a 400-year-old synagogue and the white sails of Arabic dhows, Cochin offers a mesmerising blend of traditions, histories and architecture.

The Brunton Boatyard Hotel is an attempt to distil an aspect of the heritage. And to bring colonial Cochin alive for the contemporary traveller. For what is essentially a small and intimate city resort hotel, The Brunton Boatyard possess a remarkable sense of scale, evident the moment you turn into the tiled forecourt. Spend Three Overnights at Brunton Boatyard, Kochi. Accommodation is in a Standard Sea Facing Room with ensuite facilities. Your stay is on Full Board Basis

DAY 2 – KOCHI Breakfast is at the hotel. After breakfast you will be taken for a half day sightseeing tour of city which includes a visit to Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue and Chinese Fishing Nets.

Dutch Palace: The Dutch Palace was built by the Portuguese and presented to Veera Kerala Varma, Raja of Kochi, in 1555 AD. The Dutch carried out some extensions and renovations in the palace in 1663, and thereafter it was popularly called Dutch Palace. Note: Dutch Palace is Open from 10.00 to 17.30 hrs and closed for visitors on Fridays and all government holidays.

Chinese fishing nets: The Chinese fishing nets is a very interesting tourist attraction, their size and elegant construction is very photogenic and the slow rhythm of their operation is quite hypnotic. In addition, catches can be purchased individually.

Dutch Palace Chinese fishing nets

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DAY 3 - KOCHI Breakfast is at the hotel Rest of the day is at leisure to relax. [No Transportation] Optional tours that can be booked and paid locally

1. Muzirris 2. Visit to Kumbalangi Tourism Village 3. Harbour Cruise with compliments.

DAY 4 – KOCHI / ALLEPPEY Breakfast is at the hotel. At an appropriate time you will be driven to Alleppey [70 Kms, Approx 2 Hrs Drive to board the houseboat.

Alleppey: A cruise in the backwaters leaves one fully rejuvenated, and gives an insight into the native way of living. The boats cross shallow, palm fringed lakes studded with Chinese fishing nets and along narrow, shady canals where coir, copra and cashews are loaded into boats and in some places the women are neck deep in water with terracotta pots floating beside them, searching for fish with their toes. On arrival, check-in for your stay in houseboat. The backwaters have been marvelled at by visitors from Vasco da Gama onwards. Thick as a patchwork quilt around the port towns of Alleppey and Quilon, thinning out into liquid spears north towards Calicut, and with

the vast freshwater sea of the Vembanad as their centrepiece, the backwaters are an ecology like no other on earth. Some are no wider than an arm span, navigable only by canoe. Others are dual carriageways, deep and rippling, sometimes broadening out into vast misty lakes, sometimes curling into twisting worm turns, hemmed by paddy fields and fed by a thousand fat streams from the high ranges of the Spice Mountains to the east.

Spend Two Overnights at CGH Earth Houseboat, Alleppey. Accommodation is in Houseboat with ensuite facilities. Your stay is on Full Board Basis

*Note: On the Houseboat the air-conditioning is provided from 1900 hrs – 0600 hrs.

DAY 5 – ALLEPPEY Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner on board Cruise on the Houseboat Overnight is at CGH Earth Houseboat on Full Board Basis. DAY 6 - ALLEPPEY / KOCHI / ONWARD DESTINATION Breakfast on board After breakfast you will be driven to Kochi airport to board your flight to onward destination

South India – Kochi and House Boat Cruise – Based on 2 people sharing: 4 guests - $3295USD per person 6 guests - $2995USD per person

8 guests - $2850USD per person 10 guests - $2750USD per person Single Supplement - $845USD per person

What is Included:

• Accommodation, meals, transfers, transport as mentioned in above itinerary. • Domestic airfare • Local English speaking guides and naturalists • Mineral water during sightseeing and overland trip • Gratuities for guides & porters • Tour leading services of Nature Encounters Tours & Travel owner/photographer Carol Petersen

Not Included:

• International Airfare / Airport taxes • Items of personal nature like laundry, phone calls etc • Any video camera fee to the monuments and places of visit • Travel medical and cancellation insurance.

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About Your Destination Specialist/Tour Leader - Carol Petersen Wildlife photographer, videographer and Nature Encounters Tours & Travel owner Carol Petersen, is an avid wildlife advocate! Carol has been traveling to Africa since 1990 and led over 80 safaris to South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, Namibia, Madagascar, Uganda, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Tanzania, Egypt, Galapagos, Ecuador and India. The quote "Once you’ve

been a part of Africa, it becomes a part of you” best describes Carol’s love for this special part of the world. Whether it be canoeing down the Zambezi River within a few feet of a 5-ton bull elephant, capturing some precious moments with a family of wild gorillas, watching a pair of blue-footed booby’s do their magical courting dance or following the alarm calls of Langur Monkey’s in hopes of finding the very endangered Bengal Tiger…. that is Carol's idea of spending quality time. In her dedication to preserving wild spaces, she encourages travellers to walk lightly and appreciate these special places challenges. Carol walks the talk by contributing to environmental groups such as The Friends of the Galapagos, Daphne Sheldrick’s Elephant Orphanage, The Cheetah Conservation Fund and Wildlife SOS in India. Other special projects include providing radio collars for lion conservation and purchasing school supplies, mattresses and supplies for the Kajiado Girls School - home to many rescued

young women in Kenya. Her keen interest in our environment, endangered species and the enhancement of the ecosystems of our planet is a never-ending endeavour. Carol is very proud to have been chosen for a "Woman of Vision" award for her conservation efforts – an honour bestowed to 12 women per year by a Calgary television station. Email: [email protected]

To Book Your Safari Seat Contact… Nature Encounters Tours & Travel Ltd.

Vancouver Area (604) 947 9005 Toll Free 1-866-949-3007 [email protected] www.natureencounterstours.com

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About Nature Encounters Tours & Travel Ltd.

Welcome to Nature Encounters Tours & Travel! We have travelled the globe in search of destinations that will put you in touch with our passion – nature! Our experience, and that of our guides, is matched by a personalized service that keeps our guests returning to travel with us year after year. From the moment you inquire about a location to the start of your small group departure – we are dedicated to ensuring your trip is memorable.

On safari, you can experience everything from watching a lioness care for her young in the hollow of an old tree to having a magnificent five-ton elephant display his enormous ears and mock charge your vehicle . . . or lay on a sandy beach that goes on for miles and miles while listening to the sound of the Indian Ocean. Your accommodation and meals, in either lodges or tented camps, range from truly comfortable to absolutely luxurious. Backpacking was never like this! Swimming pools, gardens and the fragrance of wild basil will surround you as your binoculars scout the magnificent scenery for cheetah, elephant, zebra, lilac breasted rollers, hyena, and tawny eagles to name a few. Your game activities can include driving in national parks watching for wildlife along the way, walking with an experienced guide looking for all the little things you may have missed by driving, and boating or canoeing – enjoying some of the most incredible rivers and lakes.

Ecotourism is an important part of the Nature Encounters Tours & Travel experience. Our guests are happy to contribute to a sustainable industry where the local people, as well as the wildlife, benefit from their visit. We support villages and schools such as the A.I.C. Girls’ School in Kajiado, Kenya and conservation groups that are near and dear to us - the Painted Dog Conservation Project, Tikki Hywood Trust, Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit, The Serengeti Lion Research Project, Wildlife SOS in India and Friends of the Galapagos to name a few. We do indeed walk the talk . . .

Our goal is to give our guests an experience they won’t ever forget – from dancing with the Maasai in East Africa to enjoying watching the antics of a pair of polar bears enjoy a tussle in the snow to photographing and observing the many species that live in our great world.

Join us for the vacation of a lifetime!