ONE of the destinations on a new safari-type tour of India is the sub-Himalayan Corbett National Park.
Typical of the sub-continent where contradictions abound, this magnificent park dedicated to the preservation of tiger and their habitat, is named after Lieutenant Colonel ‘Gentleman’ Edward James Corbett, the big game-hunting, dashing British officer who became the nemesis of the Champawat Tiger.
Credited with 200 human deaths in Nepal before the army, no less, ‘persuaded’ her to relocate to India, the beast took 234 more lives before Corbett finally shot her dead.
The heady days of the big game hunt in the early years of the 20th century were put aside when the pristine location was selected in 1973 for the establishment and launch of project Tiger.
Corbett National Park is but one reason to consider the Spirit of India holiday just launched by acclaimed Australian operator Adventure Associates. They have clearly done exhaustive homework to bring it to reality.
India is many things to just as many people. ‘Packaging’ it to most people's satisfaction is a monumental task. ‘Spirit’ is set for February 2009. This will be Adventure Associates only escorted departure for the year.
The tingling excitement of tiger safaris in Corbett National Park would probably be enough, in itself, for many, whether first-time or repeat visitors to India. The itinerary has retained a mix of locations and diversions road-tested in previous programs. Only the accommodation component has been moved up a notch or two, which will new travellers will welcome.
Only the finest of hotels, colonial palaces including the magnificent Lake Palace in Udaipur the iconic Imperial in Delhi and the most desirable Oberoi Amar Villas overlooking the Taj Mahal , have been selected.
India is complex, make no mistake. And Adventure Associates' guides are an essential part of brining it all to life through bazaars, ancient gardens, temples and the inevitable leftovers from the days of The Raj.
In the unlikely event of some still wanting more, there is an optional extension tour to Kerala in southern India with houseboat experienced on Kerala's many lakes and backwaters.
The Spirit of India 21-day program costs from $10,880 pp twin share departing Sydney by Singapore Airlines on February 9.
The price includes all air travel, top drawer accommodation, daily breakfasts and many other main meals as well as guides.
Further information and tour bookings can be made directly with Adventure Associates, toll free, on 1800 222 141.
Luxury comes to the mighty Mekong
PURISTS are already arguing that a new era of luxury travel in Indochina takes much of the natural ‘appeal’ out of the journey.
Forget it. There is ample scope, still for those who think you have to rough it to enjoy it.
There will be many, particularly older travellers who crave their creature comforts wherever they end up, who will welcome the move by Trails of Indochina to offer luxurious boutique cruising in the region.
Enter the MV Jayavarman, a US$4 million, 58 metre vessel (seems impolite to refer to her as a river boat) operated by a company called Heritage Lines based in Saigon.
In PR-speak “the vessel is a fusion of traditional eastern shipbuilding craft and avant-garde French colonial design overlayed with state of the art technology”. Fine.
The MV Jayavarman will make its maiden voyage, cruising the mighty Mekong from Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) via Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, Cambodia, and “all ashore for Angkor Wat” in July next year.
From the preview, she will out-boutique anything else afloat in that part of the world. With 27 staterooms accommodation ranges from two Bao Daop Royal Hue-themed junior suites to 11 deluxe ‘Indochina-style’ cabins and 14 superior standard cabins individually themed.
There's also a spa, a spacious restaurant serving eastern and western cuisine, two expansive lounges, a shop and a library spread over 800 square metres on a total five decks.
Heritage Line managing director Thomas Peter said all pains were taken to ensure the MV Jayavarman would deliver the highest levels of service via a hand-picked crew.
After the maiden voyage, Jayavarman will operate a variety of Mekong Delta cruise itineraries of between two and eight days' duration.
These include temptations like a ‘lost civilization itinerary’ from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap, a five-day ‘serenity’ cruise between Phnom Penh with Siem Reap and a four-day program HCM-Pnomh Penh.
Side attractions will include visits to floating markets, bicycle rides to remote villages and fishing communities and getting acquainted with local humanitarian projects. There are even cooking classes with a Vietnamese family. These interaction interludes are a reality check!
If you want to know more email Trails of Indochina at oz@trailsofindochina.com | 
