Joy In the Rains

Monsoons In Maharashtra

A Rain Rendezvous In Kolad, Khandala, Harnai and Lavasa

Discover Konkans scenic coastal beaches unique culture and cuisine that is specially lovely in the rains. Monsoon is when the locals love to visit the Sahyadris, when rain brings new life to the region and the water laden clouds hungs so low that you can walk in the clouds. With hundreds of waterfalls mushrooming all over the state, you are transported to a surreal, dreamy world of misty mornings, pleasant afternoons and chilly evenings.

Wake up to the sunrise on a mountain or sea fort and sunsets on a remote beach. Explore the myriad Konkan, its forests, forts and beaches. Go hiking, walking, rafting, segway riding, nature trailing, camping, driving or just watch the rain from your patio.

Experience the best of multiple landscapes in the same trip - Enjoy River, Ocean, Mountains and the Wilderness in the same trip with many ‘unique experiences’ for everybody in the family that makes for a forever memorable experience in Maharashtra Unlimited.

1. Konkan - In the Middle of the River Kundalika in Kolad at Rivertrail Eco
2. Konkan - On the Harnai Beach at Lotus Beach Resort
3. Western Ghats - Overlooking the Valley at The Duke's Retreat in Khandala and Ekaant Resort in Lavasa 

For bookings write to us on adler-tours@hotmail.com or adlertourssafaris6@gmail.com 

Some MAGICAL KENYAN Delights !!!

One Very Royal Kenya

Kenya is proud to be part of the British monarchy's history, with Queen Elizabeth learning of her succession to the throne whilst in Aberdare National Park in 1952 and Prince William proposing to Kate on the foothills of Mount Kenya whilst on holiday in 2010.

With opulent accommodation options and Kenya's longstanding history with the royal family, the country looks forward to one day welcoming the future King George to the destination that is so special to his parents with its stunning landscapes, fascinating culture and spectacular wildlife.

The Princess who arrived in Kenya, and left as a Queen

Kenya is proud of its longstanding relationship with the royal family and the country became part of history when in February 1952 a 25-year old Princess Elizabeth was in Kenya when she received news of her father's death and learnt of her succession to the throne. The young Princess was staying at Treetops Lodge in the Aberdare National Park when she learnt that she was to become Queen. This was just the beginning of a very special royal connection between Kenya and the royal family.

The Aberdares is the third highest range of mountains in Kenya, well known for its thick forests and spectacular waterfalls. The forest is rich in game and large herds of buffalo. Rare species include giant forest hog, Bongo antelope and Colobus monkeys. Night time here is truly spectacular with elephant herds surrounding the waterholes, drinking and then fading away back into the forest.

The Prince who proposed the future Duchess of Cambridge

In October 2010, at a beautiful lake-side spot in the Lewa Conservancy on the slopes of Mount Kenya Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton, continuing the royal connection with Kenya. The bride and groom also included a 'Save the Black Rhino in Kenya' project among the charities on their wedding gift list. In celebration of the royal engagement, the Kenya Tourism Board handed out 13,000 hand-picked roses from Flamingo Farm in Lake Naivasha to London commuters.

Mount Kenya is Africa's second highest peak standing at 5,199 metres. The forests around the base of Mount Kenya are rich in game, particularly buffalo and elephants. The area is also known for sightings of black panthers. It is possible to climb slopes of Mount Kenya with some assistance and a trek to the summit can take between 3 and 5 days. Home to the world famous Safaricom Marathon, the Lewa conservancy, north-west of Mount Kenya is the perfect location to spot black rhino with outstanding game viewing.

Lake Naivasha is a beautiful freshwater lake, fringed by thick papyrus, only a short drive from Nairobi. Parts of the shore-line have recorded more than 400 bird species and the Acacia forest teems with birdlife. Lake Naivasha is also famed for its hippo population. The lake and its surrounds are rich in natural bounty, and the fertile soils and water supply have made this one of Kenya's prime agricultural regions.

Space out in Namibia

From the towering dunes of the Namibia Desert, which stretches for 1500 km along the Atlantic Coast, to the endless white plans of Etosha, Namibia’s vast open spaces lie at the heart of an amazing travel experience.

FOUR TIMES THE size of Great Britain and with a population of just over two million, Namibia is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world. And while assuring visitors plenty of elbow room, the country’s vast open spaces lie at the heart of an amazing travel experience that is unlike any other.

From the towering dunes of the Namib Desert which stretches for 1500 km along the Atlantic Coast, to the endless white plains of Etosha, one of Africa’s largest wildlife sanctuaries, Namibia unfolds a kaleidoscope of magical landscapes, unchanged with the passage of time. In the south, the Fish River Canyon is perhaps the continent’s most awe-inspiring sight, while the rough seascape of the Skeleton Coast, littered with shipwrecks and bleached whale bones presents one of the most surreal experiences on the planet.

Scattered into the mix are charming German colonial towns which sit anachronistically at the edge of the desert; abandoned mining outposts half swallowed by sands; and nomadic settlements where tribes lead lives not very differently from their ancient ancestors whose rock engravings in the valleys of Twyfelfontein are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Despite the long distances, Namibia’s attractions are easily accessible thanks to its highly developed tourism infrastructure. World class tour operators offer a variety of well organized 4X4 road safaris, camping tours and treks to suit every taste and budget, with itineraries extending from 3 to 18 days. Accommodation options range from 5 star luxury resorts to eco - friendly campsites where the adventurous can sleep under starry African skies.

Namibia’s centrally located capital Windhoek is the ideal base for exploring the vastness of country. Though many of the city’s major landmarks such as Christuskirche and Tintenpalast (Parliament Building) hark back to Namibia’s days as a German colony when it was known as German Southwest Africa, Windhoek also boasts plenty of modern architecture and is known for its remarkable cleanliness. The Windhoek Country Club built in 1995 to host that year’s Miss Universe pageant offers superior lodgings and excellent service along with a casino and 18-hole golf course.

South to Sossusvlei

Driving south to Sossusvlei brings a taste of the dramatic landscapes that are the hallmark of the Namibian road trip. Just after the town of Reheboth, the gravel road decends into a starkly beautiful wilderness where grassy plains and low hills stretch out in every direction for as far as the eye can see. Passing by herds of mountain zebra, solitary Oryx and the occasional vehicle, the 375 km gravel route to Sossusvlei can be covered in 5 hours - with the immense dimensions of the remote landscape giving the journey a dreamlike feel.

The visually stunning Sossusvlei pan is the most visited part of the Namib Desert. Formed over millions of years when the course of the Taschaub River was smothered by shifting sands, the dried out pan is surrounded by the world’s tallest dunes which rise up to a staggering 450 metres above the ground. Sossusvlei is part of the Namib-Naukluft National Park and a couple of night’s stay in the area is recommended to better appreciate the grandeur of the world’s oldest desert.

Sossusvlei Lodge, billed as the ‘Gateway to the Namib’ is located not far from the park entrance and offers luxury accommodation that blends perfectly into its desert surrounds. Along with alfresco dining to views of springbok and ostrich drinking at the floodlit watering hole, it is a place to enjoy glorious sunsets and perfect solitude.

The best time to visit the Sossusvlei pan is at dawn when the dunes seem to glow and change colours through shades of deep orange and red as the sun begins its ascent. Those climbing to the top of Dune 45 are further rewarded with sweeping all round views of a sea of massive, crescent-shaped dunes that extend all the way to the horizon, It is a truly magnificent sight that evokes the sheer power of nature, amidst the deafening silence that pervades the scene.

Nearby, the white clay pan of Deadvlei presents a ghostly spectacle. Surrounded by major dunes, the basin resembles a lunar landscape in which the blackened skeletons of ancient camelthorn trees stand starkly against the white clay, their branches reaching out eerily to the sky. Another major attraction in the area is the narrow Sesirem Canyon whose Afrikaans name refers to the six Oryx skin belts that pioneers had to use to lower buckets to the pools below.

Though there are some good hiking trails in Sesirem as well as the adjoining Naukluft mountains, the country’s top hiking destination is the Fish River Canyon which lies much further to the south. The most popular camping and hiking trail here is a 4 day; 85 km expedition through the world’s second largest canyon that ends at the Ai-Ais hot springs. Shorter and less daunting hikes are also available, as are mule safaris in which all backpacks and equipment are transported by a team of mules.

Atlantic Coast

It’s another 350 km from Sossusvlei to the coastal resort of Swakopmund. After a brief stop at the town of Solitaire, which comprises mainly a petrol pump and a general store, the road heads north over the Naukluft Mountains, soon crossing the sign that marks the Tropic of Capricorn. At a secret desert location near here crews have been filming Mad Max: Road Fury, the latest edition of the Mad Max franchise.

Arriving at the Atlantic Ocean after days in the outback, Swakopmund paints a pretty picture. The town’s colonial origins are quite evident in the traditional German buildings dating from the early 1900s, with names such as Hohenzollern Haus and Altes Amtsgericht. On the palm-lined seaside promenade, along with the historic former lighthouse there are many cafes and art galleries, and restaurants serving the freshest seafood. Off season the town bears a near-deserted look, making it a great place to stay a few days to soak in the delightful ambience. Although Swakopmund is known for its old world charm, the town is also the extreme sports capital of Namibia. The action lies in the surrounding desert where professional adventure companies offer a host adrenaline fuelled activities such as skydiving, parasailing, quadbiking and sandboarding. Also on offer from nearby Walvis Bay are dolphin cruises   which include a visit to Cape Cross where tens of thousands of seals gather in boisterous colonies.

Namibia is a country of amazing contrasts and adventure lovers are truly spoiled for choice here. From watching lions in the wildlife-rich Etosha National Park, to exploring the basalt valleys of Damaraland and the thick woodlands of Kavango, there is a lot more to be discovered. But wherever you choose to go, you are assured to have a series of powerful, soul-lifting experiences that will remain etched in the mind forever; and will make you want to return to Namibia -Land of the Brave.

Visit us at, www.adler-tours.com 

Day Trip to Afamosa - Malaysia

AFAMOSA DAY TRIP PACKAGE !!! Includes: Return transfers from Kuala               Lumpur Hotels*(10 am pick up 10 pm drop back) Entry to waterworld Enrty to Animal World Safari Buffet Lunch @ Lake View Restaurent.Internal Shuttle Service. *terms & condistions apply Adler Tours & SafarisWebsite:- www.adler-tours.com adler-tours@hotmail.com

Bhutan – Land of the Thunder Dragon

MUST DO ACTIVITIES In BHUTAN

Orchid Trek:  The Orchid Trek Route is inside the Bumdelling Wildlife Sanctuary which is located in the North-east of Bhutan in the Eastern Himalayas. It is approximately 28 kilometer long connecting Rigsum gompa, Peri Gompa and Dechenphdrang. The best time to trek would be during spring, autumn and winter. The reason for developing such trail is, it not only connects the two historical and cultural sites, Risum Goenpa and Dechen Phodrang but it serves as access route to other villages for transportation of agricultural and livestock products to the market. Annually more than thousand of devotees from all across the country visit these   two cultural sites. Apart from the cultural aspects, the route also provides wide range of opportunities for the birders, nature lovers’ tourists and plant enthusiast groups.

Bumdelling Wildlife Sanctuary Bumdelling Wildlife Sanctuary is located in north-eastern part of Bhutan covering an area of 1,545 sq. km with 420 sq. km of buffer zone encompassing parts of Trashi Yangtse, Lhuntshe, and Monggar district.
Bumdelling Wildlife Sanctuary is also a paradise for butterflies: as of now 130 species have been recorded and another 120 are expected to inhabit this area. The very rare Ludlow’s Bhutan Swallowtail is found here. The sanctuary is home to around 100 species of mammals, including globally endangered species such as snow leopard, Royal Bengal tiger and red panda.

Trek to Bumdelling Wildlife Sanctuary:  Bumdelling Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Northeastern part of Bhutan in the Eastern Himalayas. Bumdelling Wildlife Sanctuary also has numerous historical and cultural sites.

The sanctuary is home to around 100 species of mammals and 296 species of birds. There are certain charismatic, keystone and globally endangered species of mammals in Bumdelling Wildlife Sanctuary such as Snow leopard, Bengal tiger, and Red panda, and Capped Langur (Common). The sanctuary has a rich floristic diversity comprising   650 species   of   vascular   plants

including the totally protected species of Bhutan such as the blue poppy (Bhutan’s national flower), Himalayan yew and Chinese caterpillar.

DID YOU KNOW? (About BHUTAN)

Trashi Yangtse is known for the excellent wooden cups and bowls made here from avocado and maple wood using water-driven and treadle lathes. It is also a centre of paper making. They use the tsasho technique with a bamboo frame, which produces a distinctive pattern on the paper. Mask Dances are an integral part of Bhutanese culture. There are hundreds of different dances each with their own special meanings and stories. Many date   back hundreds   of years and visitors can view these spectacular dances at annual Tshechus (Annual Religious Festivals) that take place throughout the country. Traditional Bhutanese eating habits are simple and in general, food is eaten with hands. Family members eat while sitting cross legged on the wooden floor with food first being served to the head of the household first.

 Visit us at, www.adler-tours.com

LADAKH MOTORCYCLE SAFARI

MANALI – KEYLONG – SARCHU – LEH – KHARDUNGLA PASS –JISPA

         

Fixed Departure from 8^th June’2013

DETAILED TOUR PROGRAMME:

DAY 1, 8^th June’13: ARRIVE MANALI

On arrival in Manali, check into the hotel & relax. Manali is located near the northern end of Kullu Valley & on the banks of River Beas at the height of 2050 m. Manali – an important hill station & breathtaking natural beauty is the hallmark of this valley. After Lunch, you will check your Royal Enfield 500 cc Motorcycle. We will ride Enfield in & around Manali for local sightseeing & you will be taught all skills to handle Enfield in mountains. In the evening take a walk on Mall Road to see the colorful Market of Manali.  Overnight in Hotel.

DAY 2, 9^th June’13: MANALI - KEYLONG (115 kms / about 6 hrs ride}

Morning after breakfast start ride to Keylong over Rohtang la pass (3980 m). On arrival in Keylong, check into the hotel and relax. Later explore the area by walk.  Overnight in Hotel at Keylong.

DAY 3, 10^th June’13: KEYLONG - SARCHU (120 Kms /about 5 hrs ride}

Morning after breakfast leisurely ride over the scenic Bara Lacha La at a height of 4830 Mt from MSL that is called Switzerland of India. After crossing the pass drop down to the vast Sarchu plains. Sarchu is situated on the bank of the Bhaga river & with that Sarchu offers marvelous views of the majestic Himalayas and spellbinding scenery.  On arrival in Sarchu, check into the Camp & relax. Overnight in camp at Sarchu.

DAY 4, 11^th June’13: SARCHU – LEH (250 km / about 7 hrs ride)

Morning after breakfast start ride to Leh. Enroute enjoy the pretty village alongside of the Indus River. On arrival in Leh & check-into the hotel & relax.

DAY 5, 12^th June’13: EXPLORE INDUS VALLEY

Morning after breakfast, proceed for a full day excursion to the Indus valley, visiting

Shey Palace- a ruined Castle, after that visit the 14^th century Thikse monastery, it is  an outstanding specimen of Ladakhi architecture. It is a glorious Buddhist monastery & a marvelous Buddha statue in the seated position is adorning the main prayer hall. Later visit the Hemis monastery- the richest monastery in Ladakh. Later back to hotel for overnight.

DAY 6, 13^th June’13:  LEH - KHARDUNGLA PASS

After breakfast we ride about 39 Kms to Khardungla La Pass (the World’s Highest Motorable Road at a height of 5606 m), where we take a stop for Photography because the view from the top is spectacular & take a cup of coffee at World’s Highest point.  Later ride back to Leh. After lunch, we visit nine storeys Leh Palace and it was built by King Singe Namgyal in the 16^th century, also visit Shanti Stupa (Japanese Pagoda) a magnificent white-domed structure, offers spectacular views of the sunrise and sunset. Overnight in Hotel at Leh.

DAY 7, 14^th June’13: LEH–SARCHU (250 km / about 7 hrs ride)

Morning enjoy the walk on the bank of Tsomoriri lake & visit the Korzok monastery. The monastery itself is a beautiful construction standing in the silence of the lake and the mountains. Later start ride to Sarchu. On arrival in Sarchu & check-into the Camp & relax. Overnight in Hotel at Leh.

DAY 8, 15^th June’13: SARCHU – JISPA (110 Kms / 4-5 hrs ride)

Morning after breakfast, start ride for Jispa. Jispa is very beautiful village situated on the bank of Bhaga River & the surrounding peaks covered with mist and clouds creating an awesome view. On  arrival in  Jispa, Check in Hotel & relax. O/n in Hotel.

DAY 9, 16^th June’13: JISPA–MANALI (145 Kms / 6 hrs ride)

After breakfast ride for Manali. On arrival in Manali, check into the hotel & relax. Evening enjoy your farewell dinner.

DAY 10, 17^th June’13: DEPART FROM MANALI

After breakfast, you can use the room till 12:00 Hrs. Later you are free to move as per your schedule.

Your adventure & culture Motorcycle tour to Himalaya concludes with sweet memories!

Cost for the Fixed Departure Package of 8^th June’2013:-

Per Rider: Rs. 55,000/-

Per Pillion: Rs. 42,000/-

Note: (Just Pay 25% to book your seat at the time of confirmation. To operate this Fixed Departure, we need minimum 10 Riders & in case we don’t get 10 Riders, then have to cancel the trip & will refund the full amount to the rider.)

Package Cost Inclusions:

Ø  09 nights accommodation on Twin sharing basis.

Ø  Daily Breakfast, Evening Tea & Dinner.

Ø  Royal Enfield Motorcycle as per above Itinerary.

Ø  Restricted Area Permits for Khardungla Pass.

Ø  Back up vehicle for your luggage & motorcycle spare parts.

Ø  Experienced mechanic on all riding days.

Ø  AC Volvo Bus ticket Delhi-Manali-Delhi.

Ø  English speaking Motorcycle Tour Leader for whole trip.

Ø  All taxes

 Cost does not include:

Any Airfare, Fuel for bike, In Case of major mechanical damage participant will have to pay for replaced parts & for servicing done by the local shop, Accident damage will have to pay by rider, Accessories for Bikes as per actual cost, Additional cost for changes in the Itinerary due to Weather, Travel Insurance, Lunch, Camera and video camera fees, Personal expenses like tips, bar & restaurant charge, Telephone bills, any other personal expenses which are not including the above cost include portion.

For Bookings Contact: +91 9825673771

Wander bugs ready with summer bags

The early bird catches the worm. The worms here are the best deals. The early birds are those bit by wanderlust and in a rush to book well in advance for their summer holidays.

Summer is still a few months away. But demand is soaring and travel providers are wooing potential customers with their best deals, hoping to do big business.

Booking figures for the months of April, May and June, as obtained from leading tour operators, clearly indicate a surge of 10-15%, with most people opting for international destinations.

Europe is a favorite this year too, though new locations have made it to the itinerary. Turkey and Egypt are much sought after, as are South Africa and Australia. “Domestic bookings start happening only after March”, said Kawaljit Singh Narula, assistant vice – president, LPTI India.

“Europe’s rich culture and warm hospitality make it a popular destination. More travelers are seeking destination. More travelers are seeking to explore it and we’ve received substantial queries this season. We’ve also got good response for our packages to the US, Southeast Asia and Australia,” and Vishal Suri, deputy chief operating officer, tour operating, Kuoni India.
For those who’ve booked themselves on a long Europe tour with Le Passage to India, the perk includes a Mercedes pick up to and from the airport. Then there are heavy discounts and free cruises by SOTC which are being lapped up by holiday makers.

Considering that family’s holiday twice a year, child friend’s vacations are the order of the day.
Theme parks, animal farms and children’s park are part of the itinerary. Among the popular destinations are Universal Studios in Singapore, Lego Land in Malaysia and the Butterfly Farm in Penang. The Ostrich Farm in South Africa and Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage in Australia are equally sought after as they’re considered extremely child friendly.

Another niche package is for the youth. “We’ve brought in a new concept with a focus on young travelers ages 18-35. This is a completely new range of holidays and the highlights are affordability, night life and adventure activities,” said Neelu Singh, COO, ezeego.com.

Thomas Cook (India) Ltd has launched its signature youth-centric travel product range ‘Rock-on Holidays’. The itinerary includes components like bike tours and pub crawls in Spain, scuba diving at Ko Samet, elephant trekking and rafting in Bali, mountain biking, paragliding and Alpine trekking in Switzerland, horse trails in South Africa and a local village experience in Laos. “Youth is a real strong, segment, poised to grow at an exponential rate of 25-30%,” said Madhav Pai, director, Leisure Travels (Outbound), Thomas Cook (India) Ltd.




Courtesy: - Times of India.