Kaziranga National Park

This remote park is situated in Assam in north east India. It lies on the banks of the Brahmaputra river and is mostly swampland and elephant grass. It is famous for the one-horned rhino (the state symbol) and estimates suggest there are around 1500 in the park. A truly magical sight is to observe a wild rhino from the back of an elephant on a misty winter morning. Elephant rides last about one hour. Deer, wild buffalo and a wide variety of birds can also be seen, however the tiger population in this park is particularly shy and difficult to spot. Jeep safaris allow visitors to travel deeper into the park but wildlife viewing is not as close as from elephant back.

The Park opens November - early April.

Glenburn Tea Estate

Glenburn is situated 1 hour 15 mins drive from Darjeeling and about a 3 hour drive from both the local airport and railway station. It is a working tea estate, with accommodation in two bungalows and stunning views of Kanchenjunga. The Burra Bungalow is the original bungalow, beautifully restored, with four spacious bedrooms all uniquely furnished. The new Water Lily Bungalow also has four rooms with lovely personal touches giving a delightful homely feel.

It is the perfect place to chill out, enjoy the wonderful hospitality, delicious food and spectacular views. Fishing, walking, bird watching and rafting are available as well as a tour of the tea estate to learn more about growing and production. For guests seeking relaxing activities, massage, beauty treatments and cooking are also available.

OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS:

Sunderbans National Park

South of Calcutta lie the Sunderbans a huge expanse of islets, marshland and mangrove swamps which are formed by silt swept down from the Himalayas. This is the world's largest delta formed by the confluence of three rivers, the Brahmaputra, Ganges and Meghana. The southern part has been turned into a nature reserve which protects its abundant wildlife including saltwater crocodiles, Gangetic dolphin , Ridley sea turtles and the largest single population of tigers in the world. The Sunderbans Wildlife Sanctuary is the world's largest estuarine sanctuary as well as being a World Heritage Site and a biosphere reserve.

All transport within the reserve is by boat and a Project Tiger guide will accompany you.

A special permit to visit the park is required before departure from Calcutta and can be collected at the West Bengal Tourist Office in BBD Bagh East. It is quite a long trip to get here but worth the effort if you are a wildlife enthusiast.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

These islands are situated in the Bay of Bengal, to the east of India and are in fact closer to Thailand and Mynamar (Burma.) There are nearly 184 islands, 65 islets and 189 rocks which are spread over 600km. The dense forests give the Andaman Islands their other name, the "Emerald Islands."

There are five main groups of islands separated by narrow straits but many of the islands are closed to foreign visitors. Little Andaman Island, Neil Island and Long Island welcome tourists but the main island to visit is Havelock Island and its capital, Port Blair, can be reached by air from either Calcutta or Chennai. On arrival, visitors are issued with a free entry permit which lasts for 30 days.

In the 19th century Andaman was used by the British as a penal colony and Indian freedom fighters were brought here as punishment. Nowadays the islands are a mixture of prisoner descendants, refugees from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Burma as well as indigenous tribes like the Onges, Sentinalese, Jarawas and Great Andamanese.

As well as being blessed with beautiful beaches, stunning scenery and great weather Andaman offers fantastic diving opportunities and we can organise trips for guests. The reefs and lagoons are home to abundant marine life like hammerhead sharks, turtles, manta rays, parrotfish, clownfish and soldier fish. There are hundreds of species of coral to explore too. Visibility is excellent from late November to mid April but outwith the season it may be difficult to organise some dives. The diving here is recommended for people with a good level of experience and not the novice diver. However snorkelling in the crystal clear water is fantastic, although an eye should be kept on currents which can be strong.

Accommodation on the islands is comfortable and basic, although there are a few hotels on Port Blair. A wide range of water sports is available, trekking in the forests and also island camping on Radhnagar beach on Havelock Island. It has been called a blueprint for paradise!

The climate is tropical and humid but cooled by gentle sea breezes maintaining temperatures between 23C to 30C. Best visited, late November to April. The monsoon should arrive mid May to mid September, although rains can continue through until October.

SPECIAL FEATURE: CITY WALKS

It is always slightly daunting to find yourself in a strange city, a strange environment and strange culture. However, having experienced the sterile nature of a large group packaged tour, Escape to India decided to offer something different and more personal.

We can arrange for a local Calcuttan to take you on a tour of his city. This is a fantastic way to learn about Calcutta first-hand , the first question being... Calcutta or Calcutta?!

www.calcuttawalks.com offer a variety of walks which include exploring Dalhousie Square and getting a flavour of colonial times or visiting Kumartulli, the artisans quarter who create beautiful idols from straw and clay. You have the opportunity to learn more about their craft and get an insight into their way of life.

Calcutta's extreme climate was often too much for the western constitution and many immigrants died, leaving Calcutta with the reputation as a "dead city." According to my friends at Calcutta Walks, every year after the monsoon there was a big feast for survivors! The "Graveyard Tour" wanders down Park Street, known as "Burial Ground Road." There is a Scottish Cemetery which is currently being cleared of dense undergrowth, with a view to restoring the site and commemorating the historical links between Scotland and India. This is entirely thanks to the drive and enthusiasm of the team from the Calcutta Scottish Heritage Trust.

The Bengali Cooking Lesson tour is very popular. Bengalis love their food and this tour offers the chance of meandering through the markets to source the ingredients, have an expert cook something delicious and then guests the opportunity to consume! A perfect tour I think.

The team also offers half and full day city tours covering colonial sites, the bazaars of Calcutta and an exploration of how the Goddess Kali impacts on the lives of the residents of this famous city which grew along the pilgrimage route between Kalighat Temple ( most sacred place of Kali worship) and Chitpur Chitteswari Temple(one of oldest temples).

If your feet get sore you can hop on an Enfield motorbike, bicycle, car or coach and take the easy option. Throughout the tours you will have enthusiastic, helpful local guys to answer all your questions and provide a local insight into their city.