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Offering an array of products and an opportunity to tailor-made keeping in mind the various interests and exploration in mind be it culture, adventure, spiritual, wellness, wildlife , luxury – that is an attraction for which people are willing to travel a long distance on a holiday or to get to know, experience , uniqueness, local experiences from the platter we offer at all the destination.

INDIA ….. NEPAL ….. SRILANKA …. BHUTAN

India’s vibrant modern mood and ancient cultural heritage creates a complete travel experience encompassing luxury, adventure, delight and escape-a destination where all the senses are indulged.
See the Taj Mahal bathed in silvery moonlight, or dawn on the Ganges, as the first rays of the sun turn the water to luminescent pearl, camels silhouetted on a distant dune, or wild blue poppies on a Himalayan hillside. India will open your eyes to a world of beauty. Touch the soft folds of a silk sari, touch your hands together in the Indian greeting ‘Namaste!’ and be touched by the kindness of the people you meet. Hear the distant roar of a tiger in the jungle, the bittersweet melody of a Rajasthani folk song, the peal of temple bells across a lake, or the cry of the colourful Hoopoe bird. Breathe the pure mountain air of Ladakh, or the balmy breeze of the Andaman Islands, delight in the scent of jasmine in the air, as girls with flowers in their hair stroll by, and inhale the mouth-watering aroma of a Goan fish curry. Taste the sweet lime tang of a nimbu panni, India’s most popular thirst quencher, the fiery zing of green chillies, or the cool of a coconut kulfi ice cream. To feel fully alive is to feel all your senses. Let India awaken yours.

Know before you go
India’s weather is diverse enough to be a year-round destination. The Monsoon usually comes to the south of India in late May or early June, reaching the north about a month later. Generally, the driest and coolest time is from December to February, when light northerly winds bring clear skies and less rain. Spring and autumn are wonderful times to visit India. We advise checking particular regions before planning your trip.

INR: Indian Rupee
Credit cards are widely accepted throughout the Indian Subcontinent but cash is best for shopping in the MARKETS/bazaars and in rural areas. Cash points are available in all but the most rural areas. Most hotels will provide money-changing facilities.
India has a mix of religions but the majority of people are Hindu. Although India is a tolerant and accepting country it’s polite to dress appropriately when travelling, especially in rural areas, which tend to be more conservative. Shorts, halter tops, and mini skirts are not advised for women and shorts above the knee are not advised for men. Loose, lightweight clothes are ideal. Shoes should always be removed before entering temples or religious monuments. Women generally do not shake hands with men. Public displays of affection between couples are not appropriate in the culture.

Voltage
220-240 Volts (U.S./Canada are 110-120 Volts)
Primary Socket Type : Indian
The most common health problem is mild diarrhoea and stomach upsets which can be minimised by taking precautions such as drinking only bottled or purified water, and avoiding unwashed fruits and raw salads. Bring Imodium or similar medicine for relief. Meats should be well cooked. Malaria precautions should be taken if you are travelling in a malarial area. Using a sunscreen with a high SPF and keeping hydrated can easily prevent sunburn and dehydration. All Tappas Voyages tours supply plenty of bottled water as standard. With regard to vaccinations check with your health care professional.
GMT + 5 and 1/2 hours

A trek is an ideal way to see the country and to understand its people. To experience walking through emerald rice fields; through towering rhododendron forests; crossing streams, camping out on a hilltop in the wilderness surrounded by the world’s highest peaks is why many people come to Nepal. The two most popular treks are to the Everest Base Camp and the around the foothills of the Annapurna range. There is more to Nepal than treks however. Adrenaline sports fans will love the white water rafting excursions through deep gorges, bungee- jumping off cliffs, hot-air ballooning above the glaciers and mountain biking along rugged trails.

Nepal also has amazing wildlife, seen up close on safari at places like Royal Chitwan National Park, where you can travel by elephant to see wild rhinoceros and tigers in their habitat. Nepalese art and architecture is captivating, attracting visitors to places like the medieval town of Bhakhtapur, with its intricately carved wooden houses, or to the dramatic Baudhanath Temple, with its massive white dome and thousands of brightly coloured prayer flags fluttering in the breeze as saffron robed monks chant within. Nepal has 7 Unesco World Heritage Sites and 8 of the world’s tallest mountains including the famed Mount Everest. You can get a bird’s eye view by taking the spectacular morning mountain flight over the Himalayas from the capital Kathmandu.

Kathmandu is a shoppers’ delight, with its dazzling handicrafts such as exquisite wood carvings, prayer wheels, stone carvings, singing bowls, thangkas and pauvas, pashminas and distinctive silver jewellery. Whether you’re looking for adventure or a relaxed mountain retreat, Nepal is a fascinating country, home of the Ghurkas, the Sherpas, the birthplace of Buddha, and the conquering of Everest.

Know before you go
Nepal is generally dry except during the Monsoon season from the end of June to the middle of September. About 80% of Nepal’s annual rainfall is during that period. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons; winter temperatures drop to freezing, with a high level of snowfall in

ATMs are widely available in Nepal, however, it is not possible to withdraw cash in the high mountains so trekkers should take enough cash for the duration of their trek.
Nepalese Rupee (NPR)
Drugs are a growing problem in Nepal and the authorities are determined to tackle and control the problem. Penalties for drugs related offences are severe. Possession of small amounts of marijuana can lead to a prison sentence in excess of five years, usually after a lengthy and expensive legal process.. Never become involved with illegal drugs of any kind in Nepal.

The most common health problem is mild diarrhoea and stomach upsets which can be minimised by taking precautions such as drinking only bottled or purified water, and avoiding unwashed fruits and raw salads. Bring Imodium or similar medicine for relief. Meats should be well cooked. Malaria precautions should be taken if you are travelling in a malarial area. Using a sunscreen with a high SPF and keeping hydrated can easily prevent sunburn and dehydration. All Tappas Voyages tours supply plenty of bottled water as standard. With regard to vaccinations check with your health care professional.

You should respect local customs. Women should avoid wearing shorts and sleeveless tops in public places where this might be seen as inappropriate. Shoes should be removed before entering certain holy places. Non-Hindus are not permitted in certain temples.

The cultural and geographic diversity of Nepal provide ample space for a variety of cuisines based on ethnicity, soil and climate. Nevertheless ‘dal-bhat-tarkari’ is the closest thing to a national dish. Dal is a soup made of lentils and spices. It is served over boiled grain, bhat — usually rice but sometimes another grain — with vegetable curry, tarkari. Typical condiments are a small amount of extremely spicy chutney. Gundrook-Dheedo is a very popular and nutritious dish made of wheat, maize and dried green vegetables. Aloo Tama (‘Potato Bamboo Shoots’) is a unique and classic Nepali curry.

Voltage: Voltage: 220-240 Volts (U.S./Canada are 110-120 Volts). Primary Socket Types: Indian, Europlug

Be aware of the symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness if trekking at high altitudes. Medical treatment is expensive at Western travellers’ clinics in Nepal. Healthcare is poor in most places outside the Kathmandu Valley and Pokhara. You should be aware that it might be difficult to obtain rapid helicopter evacuation if you were to fall ill or suffer a serious accident in a remote area of the country.

There are seasonal outbreaks of dengue fever in Nepal. For further information on dengue fever and preventative measures, see NHS webpagep://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/dengue/Pages/Introduction.aspx
Cases of Japanese encephalitis have been reported in Nepal. Japanese encephalitis is known to occur in the Terai, and far western regions of Nepal and Kathmandu Valley. Since the disease can be fatal, the WHO advise short-term visitors to Nepal during the rainy season (June-September) and all long-term visitors to Nepal to obtain Japanese encephalitis vaccinations before travelling. For further details please see the World Health Organisation Regional Office for South East Asia website.

Malaria is relatively rare in the hills, including the Kathmandu Valley. However, you should take adequate precautions for travel in the Terai (which includes Bardiya, Lumbini, Chitwan and Koshi Tappu).

Rabies is present in Nepal. Stay alert around stray animals (including monkeys) and seek immediate medical advice if bitten or scratched.
GMT + 4.45 hours

Sparkling like an emerald tossed into the sea, Sri Lanka is an enchanting tropical island of charm, culture, and unbroken tradition. The combination of blissfully uncrowded, picture postcard palm-fringed beaches, with miles of coastline, quaint colonial hill stations, exotic tea and spice plantations, exciting jungle wildlife, and a vibrant atmosphere makes this island off the southern coast of India a much-loved destination. Sri Lanka has an array of activities including white water rafting, scuba diving, mountain climbing, eco-adventures and trekking.

Yala National Park, the most famous reserve in Sri Lanka, is celebrated for its elephants, birdlife, bears, crocodiles and especially leopard. The island has one of the longest documented histories in the world: 3,000 years of Sri Lanka’s rich culture reflecting the influences of Sinhalese Buddhist, Indian, Dutch, Portuguese and British communities on the island. Highlights include the lion rock of Mount Sigiriya and the ruined cities of Anaradhapura and Polonnuruwa, the thriving capital Colombo and the delightful hill town of Kandy, home of the spectacular golden-roofed Dalada Maligawa, where the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha is enshrined.

Know before you go
Tropical, with temperatures hovering the low 30’s most of the year. Best time to visit is in the cooler period from September to March. May and June are the hottest months with the Monsoon arriving in the summer. In the hill stations it can be cool in the evenings.

The majority of the population is Buddhist (69%), while Hindus, Christians and Muslims form the rest. Sinhala and Tamil are official languages while English, is widely spoken countrywide.

Along with popular staples like rice and curry, Sri Lankan specialities include pittu, a mixture of fresh rice meal, roasted and mixed with fresh grated coconut, then steamed, Kiribath unsweetened rice-pudding accompanied by a sharp chili relish called lunumiris, wattalapam, a rich pudding of Malay origin made of coconut milk, jaggery, cashew nuts, eggs, and local spices such as cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg, and appa, known as hoppers, deep fried tasty snacks, accompanied by eggs, milk or savouries.

Voltage: 220-240 Volts (U.S./Canada are 110-120 Volts).
Primary Socket Types: Indian, Europlug
Various mosquito borne diseases, such as Dengue fever, Chikungunya and Malaria are common to Sri Lanka. The number of cases of dengue fever in particular have risen sharply so far this year. You are also advised to avoid stray animals, as rabies is prevalent. With regard to vaccinations check with your health care professional.

Traveller’s diarrhoea, can be minimised by taking precautions such as drinking only, bottled or purified water, and avoiding unwashed fruits and raw salads. Meats should be well cooked.

Using a sunscreen with a high SPF and keeping hydrated can easily prevent sunburn and dehydration. All Tappas Voyages tours supply plenty of bottled water as standard.
GMT + 5.30 hours

Mysterious, breathtakingly beautiful, and totally unspoilt, stepping into Bhutan is like stepping back in time. Its charming capital Thimbu is the only city in the world with no traffic lights. This remote mountain kingdom has an extraordinary diversity of scenery; from its lush valleys crisscrossed by streams and rivers to the highest point in Bhutan, Gangkhar Puensum at 7,570 the highest unclimbed mountain in the world. The landscape is rich in wildlife, with such rare creatures as the Bengal tiger, Greater One-horned Rhinoceros, golden langur, clouded leopard, and the sloth bear live in the lush tropical lowland, while the alpine habitats of the great Himalayan range in the north are home to the snow leopard, blue sheep, marmot, Tibetan wolf, antelope and Himalayan musk deer. Along with providing outstanding trekking, Bhutan offers the chance to explore its ancient culture. The breathtaking Paro valley was one of the major TRADE routes into Tibet, home of one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang. Throughout the year there are festivals and colourful ceremonies. Bhutan is known for the happiness and warmth of its people and a trip to this enthralling destination is an unforgettable experience.

Know before you go
The climate varies with altitude, with the highest temperatures and rainfall occurring in the south, which bears the brunt of the monsoon between June and September.

Temperatures drop dramatically with increases in altitude though days are usually very pleasant with clear skies and sunshine. Nights are cold and require heavy woollen clothing, particularly in winter. Generally, October, November and April, May and June are the best times to visit – rainfall is at a minimum and temperatures are conducive to active days of sightseeing. The foothills are also very pleasant during the winter.

1 Ngultrum (BTN; symbol Nu) The Ngultrum is pegged to the Indian Rupee which is also acccepted as legal tender. Be warned: ATMs only accept Bhutanese bank cards. Travellers cheques are recommended and can be exchanged in any branch of the Bank of Bhutan or at all BTCL HOTELS. Travellers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in US Dollars.

It is illegal to sell tobacco. Offenders will be charged with smuggling and can expect to be fined. Imported tobacco products demonstrably for personal use are subject to a 100 percent tax. Smoking is forbidden inside public spaces. Personal computers, cellular telephones, cameras, or any other electronic device must be REGISTERED with Bhutanese customs upon arrival. These items will also be checked upon departure. The export of all antiques is strictly monitored. Be respectful of local monasteries and temples, removing shoes is often required and appropriate dress appreciated.

The people of Bhutan love to eat and every region has its own specialty. Bhutanese fondness for Yak meat is well known, but they also relish a vegetarian dish made of cheese and chilli called ‘Ema Datshi’. Bhutanese also love the dumplings called ‘Momos’. Though a Tibetan specialty, Momos have been popular for centuries. Chicken, Cheese or Pork Momos are favourites. The locals love hot spicy dishes and chillis feature in many recipies. Two categories of rice are used in Bhutan. The urban areas including Thimpu, Paro and Phuntsholing use the white rice while the rural population use the red rice. Rice based delicacies include ‘Desi’, a tasty mixture of white rice, butter, sugar, golden raisins and saffron and ‘Zow’ or fried rice mixed with sugar, butter and sometimes oilseeds. Both these are the favorite of His Majesty King Jigme Wangchuk and are served on special occasions.

Voltage: 220-240 Volts (U.S./Canada are 110-120 Volts). Primary Socket Types: Euro, British, Indian.

You should familiarise yourself with the dangers of Acute Mountain Sickness especially if you are trekking in remote areas. Road travel is on winding mountain roads, and those prone to travel sickness are advised to bring suitable medication.
GMT + 5 hours