Sure Travel Journey Vol 4.1 Summer 2018 | Page 44

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I N D I A
© PROSICKY/SHUTTERSTOCK
PLANNER
Q TRAVEL
WHERE TO GO: The sheer size
and diversity of India make it impossible
to cover properly in a single visit, but
there’s certainly no shortage of options.
The chaotic streets of New Delhi are
home to remarkable palaces and
fortresses, while the “Pink City” of Jaipur
boasts the impressive City Palace.
Heading deeper into Rajasthan, the
“Golden City” of Jaisalmer is an oasis
of ancient architecture. The Taj Mahal
at Agra is justifiably popular, while the
holy city of Varanasi on the banks of the
Ganges is also a must.
Goa and Kerala have long been known
as places to kick back and relax, while
the coastal cities of Mumbai and Kolkata
offer a uniquely Indian blend of frenetic
streets and colonial heritage.
In the north hill stations such as
Darjeeling and Shimla offer high-altitude
adventure, while wilderness sanctuaries
like Ranthambhore National Park and
Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve offer a
unique opportunity to spot India’s
endangered big cats.
RIDE THE RAILS : India is home to
the world’s largest railway network,
transporting millions of passengers
each day. It’s an easy and affordable
way to get around, but look after your
luggage carefully.
Conservation efforts in Ranthambhore National Park have seen the number of tigers grow
to 62, almost triple the population of 25 recorded in 2005.
44 // MAKE MEMORIES FOR LIFE
“
ONE DOES NOT
SIMPLY BUY TICKETS
TO RANTHAMBHORE:
GETTING IN TO THIS
NATIONAL PARK IS MORE
LIKE PLAYING THE LOTTERY
AND SURVIVOR AT THE
SAME TIME
“
to be one of the park’s best zones, for
7 p.m. – the last slot of the day.
When my time came I jumped into
the truck with a horde of other tourists
all hoping that our zone, our time slot
and our route would have the right
combination of luck to attract one of the
famed tigers.
We drove. We saw large antelopes –
amusingly called blue bulls – and marsh
crocodiles. We drove some more, and
then some. Depression was beginning
to set in as our four-hour slot neared its
end, and then someone shouted “Tiger!”
There he was, the symbol of this
wonderfully weird, colourful and royally
enchanting country – the Bengal tiger.
He lay stretched out regal and aloof, and
just 20 metres away. The Indian gods had
done their work.
TUMMY TROUBLES: It’s easy to catch
a bout of “Delhi Belly” while travelling
in India. To stay safe, never drink the
tap water and avoid foods that may
have been washed in tap water, like
salad leaves. Only eat fresh fruits that
have been washed in clean water, or
that you’re able to peel. The street
food can be excellent, but only if
you’re adventurous.
BOOK IT: Emirates and Qatar Airways
fly daily to a range of Indian cities
from their respective Dubai and Doha
hubs. Once there, let Travel Vision
guide you around the Golden Triangle,
or splurge on a seven-night Palace on
Wheels luxury train trip. The options
are endless, just ask your Sure Travel
consultant, or visit www.suretravel.co.za
/ call 0861 47 48 49.