India & Nepal

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Stretching from the high peaks of the Himalayas to the lush backwaters of Kerala, India & Nepal offer a feast for the senses. Colourful, exuberant and diverse, these 2 nations offer a wonderfully enticing mix of experiences and activities.

Essential Experiences:

• Search for tigers in India's national parks

• Cruise Kerala's tranquil backwaters

• Take relaxing walks amid the spectacular scenery of the Himalayas

Our selection of tours offers an opportunity to explore this beautiful region. Whether you are seeking an active or a relaxing holiday, our range of programmes has been carefully planned to offer an insight into the region, its exotic wildlife and historic cultures.

Capital	INDIA: New Delhi; NEPAL: Kathmandu
Languages	INDIA: There are 22 official languages. Hindi is the most widely spoken whilst English is the language of business and government; NEPAL: Nepali is the official language.
Currency	INDIA: Indian Rupee; NEPAL: Nepalese Rupee
Passport and visa	INDIA/NEPAL: Visa required
Events and festivals	Holi (India): 28 February-01 March 2010; Ramadan (parts of India): 11 August-09 September 2010; Diwali/Tihar (India/Nepal): 05 November 2010; Pushkar Camel Fair (Pushkar, India): 12-21 November 2010;
Flying time to destination	Delhi: 8:30 hours (direct); Mumbai: 9 hours (direct); Cochin: 13 hours (indirect); Chennai: 12:30 hours; Kathmandu: 13 hours (indirect). NB: All timings are approximate from London and for indirect flights include stopover time.
Climate/season	October to March generally offers cooler temperatures and less rain. Temperatures can start to build from about April culminating in the south-west monsoon which usually lasts from June until September. However, March through to October is generally the best time to visit the Himalayas. The summer period (March through to May) is also a good time for wildlife spotting as the increasing heat can mean animals are more visible as they search for water.
Best Travelling Period	Covering a vast area, the best time to visit can vary significantly. Overall, it is considered to be between October and March when the weather is a little cooler and there is less chance of rain.
Local dishes	Indian cuisine is a delight and varies significantly across the country. Expect spicier dishes and more rice used in the south, whilst northern cuisine is often served with breads and meat is more regularly eaten. Nepali cuisine is similar although genera