Thompsons Holidays

India 2008/9

Dream the destination... Live the journey.

 Why you should insist on a Thompsons Holiday
Traditional woman carrying water The Leading Travel Companies of The World
Thompsons Holidays is a proud member of “The Leading Travel
Companies of The World”, a collection of quality International travel and
tourism companies offering an extensive selection of holiday options across
the globe. All members of this group offer superior quality, value for money
and the highest levels of service.

Getting to know Thompsons Holidays

This Thompsons brochure has been designed especially for you, our valued
client. We have gone the extra mile to ensure that all your travel needs are
covered and are confident that after reading it, you’ll insist on a Thompsons
holiday. The Thompsons website is a one-stop shop for a variety of exciting
holidays. Simply visit www.thompsons.co.za and discover a wealth of travel
opportunities.

Your Link to Thompsons

Thompsons Holidays has dealings with more than 1 500 travel agencies
across South Africa so you’ll have no difficulty booking the holiday you
deserve. Just pop into a travel agency near you and request a Thompsons
holiday.

Price Guarantee
Once full payment is received from you, the price paid is guaranteed,
irrespective of any subsequent changes in airfare or fluctuations in the
exchange rate.

Awards Speak Volumes

India

With 30 years experience in the travel industry, we have built a reputation

for providing excellent service, specialist knowledge and value for money
tailor-made packages. Our efforts have not gone unnoticed and for five
consecutive years, Thompsons has been voted Best International Tour
Operator and Best African Tour Operator in the Diners Club ASATA
Travel Awards.

Thompsons Value for Money

As one of the largest Tour Operators, Thompsons Holidays enjoys
excellent rates and booking conditions with our partner airlines, hotels,
transfers, excursion and attraction suppliers. This translates into the best
possible value for you, our valued customer.

Travel Pack
Prior to departure, your travel documents will be presented to you in a
durable Thompsons travel wallet. Each pack contains valuable information,
as well as re-usable luggage labels and other surprises, depending on your
destination. In the event of an emergency, a Thompsons staff member is
contactable by phone, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Thompsons Top-Up’s
Stretch your Rands and Top-Up your Thompsons package with additional
excursions to enhance your holiday experience. Pre-book sightseeing
tours, excursions and more.

Thompsons • Make the most of your • Only drink bottled water.The

holiday and book a
travel tips Thompsons Top-Up -
look out for this symbol
bottles should have a plastic seal
that you have to break when
you unscrew the top.

2 Dream the destination... Live the journey.

India
i
CAPITAL CITY:
New Delhi
LANGUAGE:
Official language is Hindi. English is also widely
spoken.
CURRENCY:
Rupee and the Paisa
(100 Paise is equal to one Rupee)
VISA:
S.A passport holders require a visa for a stay
up to 30 days.
AREA:
3,287,590 km2
TIME DIFFERENCE:
SA time +3.5 hours
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS:
Malaria precautions are necessary in certain
areas. Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccinations are
Dream the destination... Live the journey.
recommended.

Contents:
Best time to travel
2-3
India has hot, tropical weather which varies India with Thompsons
from region to region. While the coolest
months are from November to mid-March
4
the hottest are from April to June. From

India
mid-July to September one can experience Delhi & Mumbai,
Monsoon rains. Winters in India are pleasant Hotels and Sightseeing
with plenty of sunny days and tend to be
much less humid than the Summer months. 5
Most of North India remains dry, dusty and Jaipur, Agra & Goa,
unpleasant during the Summer. India can be
explored in all seasons, but you may have to Hotels and Sightseeing
be selective about the areas visited.
6
what things cost Best Suggested Packages

These prices are an indication only and 7

may vary according to hotels and seasons.
(Prices are based in US Dollars and
include tax)
Glass of wine US$
Beer: 650ml bottle US$
Bottle of water: 1 litre US$
Cup of Coffee/Tea US$
Cold Drink: 300ml US$
Toasted Sandwich US$
Pub Lunch / Buffet Meal US$
India is a land of diversity, from the Himalayas in
5 the North to glorious beaches in the South and the
4
hustle and bustle of the big cities in between.
0.40
The spirit of India has fascinated the world with
3
0.35 its mystique, a sub-continent with a 5000 year old
2 history. A civilization united by its diversity, India
12-14 has always been known as a land where history
echoes itself with all its wonders in every piece of
Exploring India
stone and every particle of sand.
In a country as complex as India, it is not surprising
to find that the people here reflect the rich glories
of the past and the culture, traditions and the
distinctive manners that will always remain truly
Indian. The people of India are friendly, warm and
welcoming and are sure to make any trip to India
truly unforgettable.

Hotel Grading: Please note that the hotels featured in this brochure have been graded using the Thompsons Holidays’ recommended grading
system. These are provided for guidance in comparing and selecting your hotel accommodation.

Pricing: Package prices in this brochure are per person sharing, are an estimate and subject to change without prior notice. Our ‘What Things Cost’
prices are an estimate and to be used as a guideline only. Prices correct at time of going to print. Terms & conditions apply.

• Carry insect repellant with you as India has an • As India can be extremely hot and humid • In Mosques you will need to make sure
abundance of mosquitos. Many of them do not pack light, breathable clothes, comfortable that your head is covered, a worthwhile
carry serious diseases but can be a nuisance shoes and plenty of sunscreen. purchase would be a scarf that you can
keep in your bag at all times.

www.thompsons.co.za 3
 Delhi & Mumbai

Selection of persian carpets

HHHH The Claridges Hotel - Delhi

SIGHTSEEING
Location: In the heart of the city, The Claridges has been a
Full Day City Tour of Old and landmark in Delhi since the 1950’s.
Accommodation: Set on 3 acres of land, the hotel is a low-rise
New Delhi building with only three floors.
India - Delhi & Mumbai

Start the tour by enjoying the highlights of
Old Delhi. The tour will take you to Jama
Masjid, the largest mosque in India, and
the Red Fort. You will also visit Raj Ghat
and Shanti Vana, a memorial to Mahatma
Gandhi. You will then have lunch at a local
restaurant before continuing the tour with
a visit of New Delhi. Here you will visit
the 12th century Qutub Minar and the
mausoleum of emperor Humayun. Take a
drive past India Gate (a war memorial), the
President’s residence and the Secretariat
buildings. You will also visit Laxmi Narayan
Temple.
from $54 pp
Half day city tour of Mumbai
Once you are in Mumbai, the list of things
to see and do is endless. The Gateway of
India is the top attraction of Mumbai City.
Built to commemorate the visit of King
George V and Queen Mary in 1911, a must
visit during your Mumbai stay. Other sights
include the Mani Bhawan or the Ghandi
memorial, Marine Drive and Juhu that gives
you the feeling of being in the commer-
cial capital of India. The gardens like the
Hanging Garden and the Kamla Nehru will
provide you with some much needed rest
between your sightseeing.
from $44 pp
Facilities: In room safe, minibar, tea/coffee maker, wireless internet,
plasma TV and complimentary daily newspaper. from US$124 pp
HH★H Park Hotel - Delhi
Location: City Centre
Accommodation: The interiors combine East and West.
Facilities: 9- hole putting green, beauty parlour/hair salon, car
hire service, currency exchange, express laundry/dry cleaning, fitness
centre, shopping arcade, swimming pool, tennis Courts and wireless
internet access. from US$179 pp
★HHHH Taj Palace Hotel - Delhi
Location: City Centre
Accommodation: The perfect embodiment of all qualities
synonymous with the quality of Taj Hotels, Resorts & Palaces
Facilities: 9- hole putting green, beauty salon, currency exchange,
express laundry, fitness centre, shopping arcade, swimming pool,
tennis Courts and wireless internet access. from US$124-156 pp
★HH Fariyas Hotel - Mumbai
Location: City Centre - just 2 minutes away from the Gateway of
lndia and other historical sites like the Prince of Wales Museum and
the David Sassoon Library.
Accommodation: Good quality with first class facilties.
Facilities: Wi-fi internet access in all rooms, minibar and access to
both the swimming pool and gym. from US$113 pp
HHHH Marina Plaza - Mumbai
Location: City Centre - overlooking the Arabian Sea.
Accommodation: Well appointment bedrooms and suites.
Facilities: Internet access, money exchange, laundry and valet
service, swimming pool, jacuzzi, fitness centre and a Leather
Boutique, Glass bottom pool and Jacuzzi on top of the 5-storey
atrium. from US$164 pp

HHHHH Taj Mahal Palace and Tower - Mumbai

Location: City Centre - with panoramic views of the Arabian Sea
and the Gateway of India, the hotel is a gracious landmark of Mumbai.
Accommodation: Well appointment bedrooms and suites.
Facilities: Satellite TV, minibar, safe, tea/coffee making facilities,
beauty salon, concierge service, currency exchange and express
laundry service. from US$183-196 pp

4 Dream the destination... Live the journey.

Jaipur, Agra & Goa
Goa beach
SIGHTSEEING
Half day city tour of Jaipur
This tour begins with a visit to the
Maharaja’s City Palace, the former Royal
residence. A small portion of the building is
still used by the Royal Family of Jaipur while
another part has been converted into a
museum. One of the major attractions
in the museum is the portion known as
the ‘Armory Museum’, which houses an
impressive selection of weaponry-pistols,
swords, rifles and daggers. Later, visit the
Jantar Mantar, the largest stone and marble
crafted observatory in the world.
from $31 pp
Full day city tour of Agra and visit to
Fatehpur Sikri
This tour begins with a visit to the The Taj
Mahal. It was built by the Emperor, Shah
Jahan in 1631 in memory of his second
wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It counts among man’s
proudest creations and is included in the list
of the world’s foremost wonders.
Continue on to Fatehpur Sikri the
deserted capital of Emperor Akbar,
located just outside Agra. Be amazed at
the complex of monuments and temples,
all in a beautiful blend of Hindu and Islamic
architectural styles.
from $90 pp
www.thompsons.co.za
HHH Holiday Inn - Jaipur
Location: City centre - perfect to explore the sights of the city.
Accommodation: Spacious and elegant with modern facilities.
Facilities: Satellite TV, minibar, air conditioning, tea/coffee making
India - Jaipur, Agra & Goa
facilities, currency exchange, laundry facilities, parking facilities,
gymnasium and swimming pool.
from US$50 pp
★HHH Trident Hotel - Jaipur
Location: Situated en route to Jaipur’s renowned Amer Fort.
Accommodation: 137 rooms that overlook the Mansagar Lake
or the Aravalli range.
Facilities: Mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities, direct dial
telephone, satellite TV and Wi-Fi.
from US$65 pp
★HH Holiday Inn - Agra
Location: In the heart of the city.
Accommodation: 145 well appointed rooms,
Facilities: Well-equipped business centre, banquet and conference
facilities. For leisure, you can workout at the fitness centre or unwind
by making use of the swimming pools, whirlpool or sauna.
from US$32 pp
★HHHH Trident Hotel - Agra
Location: Set amidst beautiful gardens and is only a few minutes
away from the famous Taj Mahal.
Accommodation: 138 elegantly furnished rooms that include
rooms for the physically disabled and a non-smoking section.
Facilities: Air-conditioning, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities,
direct dial telephone, satellite TV and safe. from US$56 pp
HHHH Cidade de Goa - Goa
Location: On Vainguinim Beach between green hills and the sea.
Accommodation: The resort built on 40 acres of lush greenery,
was created to resemble a self-contained Portuguese hill hamlet.
Facilities: Satellite TV, minibar, tea/coffee making facilities, currency
exchange, gym, jacuzzi, swimming pool and tennis court.
from US$63-74 pp
HHHHH Taj Holiday Village - Goa
Location: On the beach.
Accommodation: Built in 1981, the Taj Holiday Village has
charming terracotta cottages, pretty pathways and fragrant gardens
unfold an easy pace and style.
Facilities: LCD TV, DVD player, beauty salon, currency exchange
and express laundry/dry cleaning. from US$119 pp
5
 Best Suggested Packages
Shopping in Bollywood Unforgettable India

INCLUDES: INCLUDES:
• Return flights to Mumbai on Etihad Airways • Return flights into Delhi on South African Airways
• Return transfers • Return transfers
• 3 Nights accommodation in a 3 star hotel • 3 Nights accommodation in a 4 star hotel in Delhi
• Breakfast daily • Return first class rail ticket from Delhi to Agra
• 1 Night accommodation in a 4 star hotel in Agra
OPTIONAL EXTRA’S: • Breakfast daily
• Elephanta Caves Tour from R430 pp
OPTIONAL EXTRA’S:
• Bombay Half Day City Tour from R375 pp
• Sunrise/Sunset Taj Mahal Tour from R395 pp
India - Best Suggested Packages

PRICES: PRICES:
Ex Johannesburg From R6 520 (approx. taxes R2 347) Ex Johannesburg From R8 832 (approx. taxes R4 143)
Ex Durban From R7 432 (approx. taxes R3 266) Ex Durban From R9 283 (approx. taxes R4 852)
Ex Cape Town From R7 888 (approx. taxes R3 266) Ex Cape Town From R9 509 (approx. taxes R4 852)

Experience “Gods Own Country” Visit the Pearl of the Orient

INCLUDES: INCLUDES:
• Return flights to Cochin via Mumbai on South African Airways • Return flights to Goa on South African Airways
• Return transfers • Return transfers
• 2 Nights accommodation in a 3 star hotel in Mumbai • 7 Nights accommodation in a 4 star hotel
• 5 Nights accommodation in a 3 star hotel in Cochin • Breakfast daily
• Breakfast daily
OPTIONAL EXTRA’S:
OPTIONAL EXTRA’S: • Goa Half Day City Tour from R380 pp
• Kathakali Dance Show in Cochin from R170 pp

PRICES: PRICES:
Ex Johannesburg From R 9 604 (approx. taxes R4 076) Ex Johannesburg From R 9 663 (approx. taxes R4 143)
Ex Durban From R10 055 (approx. taxes R4 785) Ex Durban From R10 114 (approx. taxes R4 852)
Ex Cape Town From R10 281 (approx. taxes R4 785) Ex Cape Town From R10 340 (approx. taxes R4 852)

6 Dream the destination... Live the journey.

 Exploring India

Royal India - 6 Nights/7 Days
Day 1: Arrive Delhi and overnight.

Day 2: In Delhi - Enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi
visiting The mighty Red Fort, Friday Mosque - Jama Masjid, The silver
street of Chandni Chowk, Raj Ghat -- the cremation site of Mahatma
Gandhi, The Hindu temple - Birla Mandir, The India Gate - a 42 m high war
memorial, The Rashtrapati Bhawan – the President’s House, The tomb
of Emperor Humayun, Qutab Minar - a 73m high victory tower and The
Bahai Temple, shaped like a lotus flower and a proof of India’s secularism.
Day 3: Drive Delhi-Agra (220 kms/04 hrs). Take a drive to Agra and upon
arrival, check into the hotel.
Day 4: Agra - Set off on a half day sightseeing tour of Agra visiting the
world famous Taj Mahal, one of the wonders of the world - a monument
of love created by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife
Mumtaz Mahal and perhaps the most perfect architectural monument of
the world; the Agra Fort - the red sand stone fort, a testament to the rise
and fall of the Mughal empire built by Emperor Akbar in red sand stone
over 400 years ago.
Day 5: Drive Agra-Jaipur (250 kms/05 hrs) Drive to Jaipur en-route
visiting Fatehpur Sikri - the deserted capital of Emperor Akbar
approximately 35 kms outside Agra. Built in the 16th century, this city
was abandoned 12 years later due to a scarcity of water. The entire city
of Red sand stone (sand stone palaces and temples) is virtually intact and
Day 6: Jaipur - Enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Jaipur. The tour of ‘Pink
City’ takes you to the Hawa Mahal -- The Palace of Winds, the facade of
which is all pink windows and filigree screens, The Jantar Mantar - the
largest and best preserved 18th century stone observatory, The City
Palace - still the home of the former royalty H.H Bhawani Singh Ji of Jaipur
housing an extensive collection of art, carpets and old weapons. You will
also visit the Amber Fort, situated 11 kms away from Jaipur, Amber was
once the ancient capital of Jaipur state. The Fort is a superb example of
Rajput architecture, stunningly situated on a hillside and overlooking a lake,
which reflects its terraces and ramparts. The climb to the fort is on
gaily-bedecked Elephants.
Overnight in Jaipur.
Day 7: Drive Jaipur-Delhi (265 kms/05 hrs)
Breakfast. Drive back to Delhi Airport for your flight home.

India - Exploring India

a site worth seeing is the 54 m high main entrance - The Buland Darwaza, From US$746 pp - Land Only
The gate of victory constructed to commemorate Akbar’s victory in Ex Johannesburg from R10 778 pp (approx taxes R4 143)
Gujarat.Continue drive to Jaipur. Ex Durban from R11 229 pp (approx taxes R4 852)
Ex Cape Town from R11 455 pp (approx taxes R4 852)

Best of Kerala - 6 Nights/7 Days

Day 1: Arrive Cochin

Day 2: Cochin - Enjoy a half day sightseeing tour of Cochin. This harbour
city presents a contrast of sorts with its British, Dutch, Portuguese,
Chinese & Jewish influence. Your tour takes you to the Cochin harbor
terminus where the Chinese fishing nets present a wonderful sight.
Mattancherry Dutch palace - built by the Portuguese & presented to The
Raja of Cochin in 1555, The Jewish synagogue - built in 1568, destroyed by
the Portuguese in 1662 & rebuilt by the Dutch two years later, St Francis
church - the oldest Protestant church built in 1510, Vasco da Gama who
died in 1524, was buried here.

Day 3: Drive Cochin-Periyar (200 kms/05 hrs) Take a drive to Periyar and
upon arrival, check into the hotel.
Day 4: Periyar. Enjoy an early morning boat ride into the Periyar Wildlife
Sanctuary, home to some 35 species of mammals, 265 species of birds and
hundreds of species of butterflies, reptiles and plant life, Periyar is quite
exclusive. Afternoon, visit to the Spice Plantation.
Day 5: Drive Periyar-Kumarakom (170 kms/03 hrs) Enjoy a drive to
Kumarakom and upon arrival, check into the hotel. Rest of the day at
leisure.
Day 6: Kumarakom-Houseboat. Take a transfer to jetty to board the
Houseboat. A private boat trip along the beautiful backwater canals of
Kerala is a highlight of any visit to the South. These converted rice barges
or “Kettuvallams” sail along shallow, palm-fringed lakes and narrow canals
where coconut and cashew is loaded onto dugouts.
You pass villages built on narrow spits of land, stopping to visit local
markets by bullock-cart, or to marvel at craftsmen engaged in
centuries-old boat-making tradition.
Day 7: Houseboat-Cochin
Disembark the Houseboat in Alleppey and drive to Cochin airport
(80 kms/02 hrs) in-time to board flight for onward destination.
From US$660 pp - Land Only
Ex Johannesburg from R10 069 pp (approx taxes R4 075)
Ex Durban from R10 520 pp (approx taxes R4 784)
Ex Cape Town from R10 746 pp (approx taxes R4 784)

www.thompsons.co.za 7
Your approved Thompsons agent is:
Just a phone call away from a remarkable holiday.
JOHANNESBURG: Travel House, 6 Hood Ave, Rosebank, South Africa.
P.O. Box 41032, Craighall, 2024, South Africa. Docex 270, Randburg.
Tel: (27) (11) 770-7511; Fax: (27) (11) 770-7670/1/2.
DURBAN: 20 The Boulevard, West End Office Park, Spine Road, Westville, South
Africa. P.O. Box 2758, Westway Office Park, 3635, Durban, South Africa. Docex
238, Durban. Tel: (27) (31) 275-3500; Fax: (27) (31) 275-3990.
CAPE TOWN: 15th Floor, Main Tower, Standard Bank Centre, Hertzog Boulevard,
Foreshore, South Africa. P.O. Box 382, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa. Docex 145,
Cape Town. Tel: (27) (21) 408-9500; Fax: (27) (21) 408-9596.
Thompsons Holidays: A division of Cullinan Holdings LTD (Reg No 1902/001808/06)
www.thompsons.co.za