Tiger and her cub

The proposed expansion of India’s National Highway has sparked outrage amongst conservationists, concerned the new highway will destroy the Indian tiger corridor.

Work to expand the highway in the central state of Maharashtra had already begun, but was halted by the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) until the appropriate mitigation processes are in place. 

An 85 km stretch of the highway passes through the corridor, home to one-sixth of the entire tiger population. The corridor consists of two narrow strips of forest running almost parallel, connecting Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary in the north, and Nawegaon National Park in the south, running through nine tiger reserves.

The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) attempted to appease conservationists by suggesting that a three metre high underpass be built for the tigers to cross under, but this was not approved by the conservationists who are concerned that the corridor would be narrowed down even further, leaving no guarantee that the animals would not attempt to cross the highway.

With the NHAI plan rejected, the WTI has been brought in to develop a new one. It has also emerged that even with the expansion work in progress, NHAI has already violated the Forest Conservation Act (FCA).

Tiger Facts (WWF)

• It is now estimated that there are fewer than 3,200 tigers left in the wild.
• Wild tiger numbers have fallen by about 95% over the last 100 years.
• The biggest threat is the poaching of tigers for skins and body parts used in traditional Asian medicines.
• An in-depth analysis in 2006 concluded that there was 40% less tiger habitat than just a decade ago.

Audley is a member of TOFT (Travel Operators for Tigers) who, in conjunction with Global Tiger Patrol, supports a sustainable approach to tourism in the wildlife reserves. To find out more about wildlife tours in India phone our specialists on 01993 838 350.

The ubiquitous smartphone: fast becoming the ideal companion when abroad

Today, there are literally thousands of travel apps (or applications) on the market for smartphones. I’ve picked my top 10, some of which are free to download.

Have a look and see if you agree?

If you have a favourite travel app which isn’t on this list, send it to us via the comments field!

1. Postagram Travel App

Take a photo with your smartphone and with the click of a button, Postagram will mail a physical postcard, along with a 140-character message of your choosing, anywhere in the world. It currently costs the equivalent of 99 US cents per postcard.

2. Off Exploring

There’s no need to lug a heavy laptop around anymore. With the Off Exploring app on your smartphone you can add your locations and photographs. You even get your own free web address so that friends and family can not only see what you’re up to, they can leave comments as well.

3. Google Translate

Often the most daunting aspect for many people when abroad is the language barrier. However, with Goggle’s Translate app things are now a whole lot easier. Type or speak into your phone and let it instantly translate into 17 languages. You’ll need to speak clearly though!  

4. GeoTipper
Tipping can be a bit of a minefield when abroad, sometimes leading to embarrassing situations. Geo Tipper works by giving you recommendations on how much you should add to your bill. It currently covers 42 countries in North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.

5. Photosynth

Reviewing your photos often comes with a tinge of disappointment and the reason is often because you’re only seeing a part of what your eyes originally saw. With Photosynth, however, you can stitch together your photos to create real panoramic images. You can even send 360-degree views to friends and family while you’re abroad. 

6. TuneIn Radio

It’s comforting to take some old favourites with when travelling. With the TuneIn Radio app you can now take with you your favourite radio stations, music artists, sports and many more. It currently offers over 50,000 stations for you to choose from.

 7. Google Sky Map

Some locations in the world are perfect for the Google Sky Map app; if you’re in the middle of the Outback or Atacama Desert, simply point your phone at the night sky and it will show the planets and constellations.

8. Currency Exchange

We all need to know how much our money is worth when abroad. With the Currency Exchange app you can make sure you haven been short-changed, or are getting the best rate. This app is always up-to-date as well as it tracks currency changes around the world in real time.

9. Weather Pro

If you’re British, chances are you’ll be obsessed by the weather, so you’ll definitely want this app. It features seven-day forecasts and reports for over two million locations around the world, which includes Europe, America, Africa and Asia.

10. Trailhead

If your holidays are activity based then the Trailhead app could be for you. It finds walking/hiking trails and bike routes in your location, based on your GPS coordinates. It also tracks your route, distance, speed and elevation in real-time. You can then download this data onto a map to see exactly where you’ve been.

Sunrise over the Himalayas

Nepal has officially opened the Great Himalaya Trail, one of the longest and highest trekking routes in the world.

Dubbed by hikers as the ‘ultimate trek’, the trail stretches 1,700km from Taplejung to Humla at the border with Tibet and will take up to 157 days to complete. Travellers are expected to flock to the area to try the new routes from all over the world.

Sharad Pradham, a spokesman for the Nepal Tourist Board said, “The trails will also help cement Nepal’s reputation as the ultimate destination for adventure seekers. Adventure tourism, as a niche, is new to us but this is definitely an attractive package.”

Robin Boustead, who originally developed the idea for the Great Himalaya Trail said, “It’s great to see the Nepal government officially adopting the route, I hope we’ll see the other Himalayan countries do the same in the near future. The more publicity the Great Himalaya Trial (GHT) receives the greater the chance trekkers and operators will give something back to the communities they pass through.”

From start to finish, the ‘ultimate trek’ is expected to take experienced trekkers around five months to complete. Nepal hosts thousands of trekkers and mountaineers annually. The country has eight of the world’s 14 peaks over 8,000m, including the world’s highest, Mount Everest, at 8,848m.

You can find out more about trekking in Nepal on our website or contact one of our specialists to discuss your plans on 01993 838 315.

The Golden Triangle

This fresh and varied exhibition will run from 8/10/2011 to 29/10/2011 at the John Davies gallery in Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, and features a selection of new paintings of Rajasthan by Charles MacQueen.

Inspired by his memories of  trips to Rajasthan in India and Morocco, MacQueen comments:

‘I work on my paintings building upon a series of layers which allows me to rub back and keep the painting fluid. I enjoy using glazes and until they are all finished all paintings could either be blue, green, red, yellow or purple.’

Influenced by Bonnard, Matisse and the art movements which became progressively abstract during the last century, MacQueen uses small abstract collages as a starting point for his much larger paintings, preparing the boards with gesso and liquitex modelling paste, a paste made of marble dust and 100% polymer emulsion which dries as hard as stone. The surface can then be sanded, carved or scored.

For more information about Charles MacQueen and his paintings visit the exhibition website. Our India specialists can put together an individual tailor-made trip for you which could incorporate Rajasthan or the Golden Triangle. Give them a call on 01993 838 330 or make an enquiry online.

Indian lady, Rajasthan

This week we’re celebrating the launch of our new Indian Subcontinent brochure, incorporating  India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan.

Our India team have spent the last 12 months researching new destinations and places to stay, compiling new itineraries and refreshing old ones, ensuring we highlight the best of what India has to offer.

Some new national parks have been featured for the first time, as well as walking and trekking guides for each country or region. We have also included some in-depth and informative travel guides covering the wildlife of India, homestays, forts and palaces, river cruises and train journeys.

If you’re planning a trip to India or to one of the other countries above, our team of well-travelled specialists can offer help and advice, whether it’s your first visit or a return trip. Give them a call on 01993 838 330 or make an enquiry online.

Download our new Indian Subcontinent brochure today or request a copy by post.

Audley Food Festival 2011

Friday 23rd September 2011 was the date of the first ever Audley Food Festival and, as with anything food related at Audley, the event was tipped to be a merry affair!

With each department given the task of cooking food from their region of the world and decorating their stands accordingly, the pressure was on to outshine the rest. More importantly, the event was being attended by Masterchef runner-up (and brother to Ben Whitaker, one of Audley’s India specialists) Tom Whitaker, whose job it was to taste test all of the food on offer before choosing a winning department.

For those of us who do not cover a specific area of the world, we were able to pick another country or region not covered by our programmes. The Ticketing department chose to represent Italy, while the Upper West Wing, which consists of e-Commerce, Marketing, I.T, Finance, HR, Commercial, Operations and Journey Desk, went with a USA theme, or more specifically, the TV programme, ‘The West Wing’.

With a fine spread on offer, the tasting began and not surprisingly it didn’t take long for the rest of the company to follow suit, tucking into such delights as Hoth’s Khmer curry and a tasty North African tagine.

After Ticketing and Upper West Wing were crowned the overall winners by Tom, it was time for the Masterchef contestant to give a select few employees a lesson in butchery and knife skills before the two winning teams went head-to-head with a Ready, Steady, Cook style omelette making competition. After some more taste testing by Tom, who was faced with some very dodgy-looking omelettes, the Ticketing department finally walked away with the prestigious title of ‘Winning Stand’.

The evening’s festivities continued with a bake sale and more food and drink before the sun went down.

Many thanks to Tom for popping along to teach us a thing or two about cooking, as well as judging some appealing (and not so appealing!) dishes! A big pat on the back also to Audley’s social committee for arranging such a successful social event, I certainly hope we will get to indulge again next year!

Vijay Shree public school, Barli, India

Audley clients Mr and Mrs Jones recently returned from a memorable trip to India. The rural scene made such an impression on them they made a donation to the local school in Barli where they spent part of their trip.

The money enabled the school to buy a shade to shelter the children from the sun and the school were kind enough to send pictures to be forwarded on to the client to say ‘thank you’.

Mr and Mrs Jones said they had the trip of a lifetime, exploring India for 23 days, travelling through Rajasthan and in some of central India’s National Parks, where they photographed several tigers (a lifelong dream of Mrs Jones, a keen wildlife photographer). They enjoyed a really close full moon (which only occurs every 28 years) whilst having a rooftop dinner at Fort Barli, following a day of celebrating Holi, the festival of colour and experienced  the ‘real India’ with its agriculture, village life and vibrant colours.

The children under the shelter, Vijay Shree public school, Fort Barli

 If you would like to discuss a tailor made trip to India speak to our India specialists directly on 01993 838 330 or contact us online.

Lalan Singh Dhurvey who was sponsored by Audley Travel and TOFT

 Thanks to Audley Travel and TOFT, Lalan Singh Dhurvey has completed his park guide training in India.

The Indian Institute of Forest Management Park Guide training programme was carried out in August and September of this year, and focused on creating a balance between class room based theoretical teaching and field studies to nurture the skills the Park Guides already possessed.

Trekking expeditions were carried out in Satpura Park in Madhya Pradesh and just outside of Bhopal, and the emphasis was on identification, natural history and field crafts. The guides improved their knowledge of reptiles, amphibians, insects and butterflies and were exposed to issues of wildlife and habitat health.

As well as ecology and ecosystems, the guides were taught about the state of wildlife in India compared to what was in their parks, cultural issues and how best to interact with different kinds of tourists. On one walk a team followed tiger tracks, located squirrel nests and came across two Sloth bears on route.

Overall the guides realised that there were many ways they could make guiding more interesting, not only for themselves but for the visitors, compared to what they had been doing.

Audley are international tour operator members of the Travel Operators for Tigers campaign (TOFT) which is an initiative in cooperation with the charity Global Tiger Patrol to support a more responsible and sustainable approach to tourism in India’s wildlife reserves.

Find out more about Audley’s work with TOFT or visit the TOFT website for more information. To discuss a wildlife holiday in India with one of our specialists phone 01993  838 350 or visit the India section of our website.

Hump-nosed lizard

Audley clients Paul Hewitt and Karen Loader have recently returned from Sri Lanka on a ten day wildlife trip organised by Audley’s Sri Lanka specialist Mark Robinson.

The trip was based on our Wild Sri Lanka itinerary and they were lucky enough to capture a rare photo of a hump-nosed lizard, as well as elephants and a leopard and were happy to share them with us. View the photos taken by Karen below.
 

If you would like to find out more about our tailor made trips to Sri Lanka, please visit the Sri Lanka section of our website.

Below she explains why she took the photos and shares some of her photography tips. Click on the images below to enlarge the photos.

Jimmy on a rickshaw in India

Two years ago one Audley employee and two of his friends drove from Goa to Pokhara – 3000 km right across the heart of India in a ridiculous rickshaw.

Now they have decided to up the ante and buy two rickshaws to drive up and into the Himalayas. The roads in Northern India are some of the highest and toughest in the world and they will cross a series of 5000 metre passes before hopefully bagging the Khardung La at 5361m, the highest road in the world. At the same time they aim to break a record for the highest three wheeler in the world.

Now you may think that Jimmy, Audley’s East Africa Regional Manager, and his friends are mad, but their journey is not without cause. They will be raising money for the Shuxiong school, cut of from the rest of the world for eight months of the year. Recently the subject of a BBC documentary this school has one of the toughest school runs anywhere with children trekking dozens of miles along ice rivers. Jimmy and his friends aim to raise money to help transport the children, provide heating in their classrooms and also increase the classroom space. This will make a massive difference to the chances of these children getting a decent education.

All money raised will go directly to the school.

Best of luck to all three!

Royal Bengal Tiger

According to India’s Environment and Forests Ministry there are now 1,706 tigers living in and around reservations, national parks and protected forests compared to 1,411 in 2006.

Officials said the largest increases were in Corbett and Kaziranga national parks where tigers enjoy the highest levels of protection but thriving populations were also in the least guarded reserved forests.

In Satyamangalam forest in Tamil Nadu, southern India, officials counted tigers for the first time and discovered 54.

“The increase in tiger numbers is due to the fact that tiger populations in the states of Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Karnataka have shown an increase in tiger density,” the Ministry has said.

The inclusion of Sunderbans, some portions of North East and parts of Maharashtra have also contributed to the increase.

The assessment of tigers, co-predators and prey, which included 477,000 work days by forest staff and 37,000 work days by professional biologists, is the largest of its kind in the world. Taken every four years, the survey is a collaboration between the National Tiger Conservation Authority, the Wildlife Institute of India and outside expertise.

The World Wildlife Fund had noted in March that tiger population recovery requires strong protection of core tiger areas and areas that link them, as well as effective management in the surrounding areas.

Mike Baltzer, head of wildlife organisation’s Tigers Alive Initiative said:

“With these two vital conservation ingredients, we can not only halt their decline, but ensure tigers make a strong and lasting comeback.”

To find out more about the wildlife of India or to plan a tailor made holiday to India with Audley visit our website.

Sloth Bear, Tadoba National Park, India

Sophie Tissiman, our India Specialist, has recently returned from a trip to Tadoba National Park, an ‘off the beaten track’ area of Maharashtra. Here she shares her encounter with a Sloth Bear…

Our early morning wake up is with Indian Chai and a biscuit, our naturalist is waiting with a big smile and eager eye for adventure. After a few minutes drive I find myself inside the most enchanting national park I have ever seen, the heavenly lake, mystic mountains and wavering meadows. The sun is rising and the warm first morning rays of light are beaming through the forest canopy.

Butterflies, peacocks, lizards and deer wake to spread colour and life through the jungle. The air is filled with birdcalls as we drive quietly deep into the wilderness, eyes peeled, anything can happen at any time. Our naturalist starts to unravel the park’s many layers, its beasts and birds, secrets and tales. Signs of a nearby predator such as fresh pugmarks or alarm calls are closely monitored, followed and interpreted by trained eyes, tuned ears and the innate sense of a native forest dweller.

The jeep stops and the driver points to the ground, a ‘pug mark’ – the fresh footprint of a leopard. We slowly follow the pug marks until they disappear into the thick of a meadow. We sit quiet for a while, in the branches overhead a rustling noise and barking sound, it’s a male langur jumping from tree to tree and giving an alarm call. We gently make our way towards the sound- my heart is racing and my tummy is filled with butterflies – is it a leopard, a tiger… we turn a corner… it’s a bear.

Click here to view the embedded video.

My mouth drops in amazement as he saunters down the road in front of us. He looks back at us with suspicion in his eyes, but after a few seconds decides that we are no threat to him. He cautiously turns away and continues his patrol of the forest path in search of a termite mound. His long shaggy, black coat shimmers in the sun. I am captivated. He is massive but moves in such a gentle way, with his huge soft padded feet and inquisitive muzzle. A few seconds feels like a lifetime before he disappears into the deep jungle.

For a moment nobody said a word, and I just stared at the path where this handsome bear had just been. Overcome with a warm feeling of excitement we continue our adventure…

Pug mark, Tadoba National Park

India’s National Parks

Considered the second largest base of wildlife in the world, India promises an unforgettable experience to its visitors. The national parks, many former hunting grounds for the Maharajas, offer a unique experience. The elusive tiger is top of most people’s spotting list but there are many other mammals, reptiles and vivid birds for the wildlife enthusiast.

The quality of the planning and your guide can make the difference between a good trip and an outstanding one. Our wildlife team is extremely experienced and, because it is a complex area to operate in, have spent years researching in the country. We have carefully picked a team of guides with extensive knowledge. They will do their best to ensure that every game drive is a unique event and the multitude of prey animals, birds and monkeys will keep the keenest eye busy.

To find out more about the national parks of India and to browse our wildlife itineraries, visit the India section on our website or call our India specialists on 01993 838334.

Everest region, Nepal

Nepal has ordered a new survey of Mount Everest, to end a long running dispute with China over its exact height. The Chinese have always argued that it should be measured by its rock height, while Nepal believes it should be the snow height, a good four metres taller.

Despite an agreement last year that the height should be 8,848m high, the Chinese still use the rock height, but now Nepal has the technology they plan to measure the mountain for the first time themselves. Geologists believe that the mountain is becoming higher as India is gradually pushed beneath China and Nepal because of shifting continental plates.

 Find out more about this story on the BBC website

Newly trained park guide Anil Rawat

Audley Travel has been a member of TOFT (Travel Operators for Tigers) since 2007. For those of you who don’t know, TOFT supports a sustainable approach to tourism in the wildlife reserves of India in conjunction with Global Tiger Control.

This means that for every client who books a tour through us, we ensure that their trip will benefit the local villagers and wildlife within the park and the tour will be carried out responsibly.

Park guides with a trainer in the jungle

Money raised by Audley has gone towards training a park guide. This is an important part of the conservation of the area as park guides can monitor the park and check for poaching and other problems.

We recently received a short video from the guide Anil Rawat saying ‘thank you’ along with some photos of him working and some of the park guides being trained, some of which are shown in this blog.

Park guides observing leopard tracks as part of their training

Each client who visits a national park in India where tigers are present with Audley pays a contribution of £15 toward TOFT. Over the last year we have raised a further £2,475 in this way. This is likely to be used to pay for a further guide to undergo training.

To find out more about the wildlife reserves of India or to discuss your plans with our India specialists please visit the India section of our website or phone 01993 838330.

Elephant festival, Jaipur

Indian elephants from a Hindu temple in Kerala are to be sent on a month-long holiday package complete with massages and bath oils.

The herd of 64 elephants from the Sree Krishna Temple in Thrissur will be fed large quantities of food and pampered, after having spent months walking on tarred roads, living on palm leaves and bananas and playing guard of honour during numerous temple festivals.

Their daily ‘spa’ diet will consist of special rice, horse gram and turmeric in addition to a mix of multi-vitamins, tonics and minerals and liver extracts, all monitored by experts.

The treatments and special diet will hopefully rejuvenate the elephants ahead of their busy work schedule later in the year when they will be the principal attraction.

The entire elephant ‘holiday’ package will cost the temple authorities over £12,500, but additional funds were available if required for the highly revered animals.

Possessing elephants is a traditional symbol of prestige for temples across southern India and Hindus worship the elephant god Ganesha as he provides worshippers with wisdom, prudence and power.

If you would like to find out more about arranging a tailor-made trip to Kerala, visit the kerala section on our website, or call our Kerala specialists on 01993 838355.

Treasure thought to be worth billions of rupees has been discovered in the secret underground chambers of a temple in Kerala.

Over 1000kg of gold coins, sacks full of diamonds, and thousands of rare necklaces are among the valuables unearthed at Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple, thought to have been hidden in the vaults for over a century.

The treasure was discovered by auditors during an inventory check, making the temple the wealthiest in India. It is thought that Kerala’s former royals had their immense riches sealed within the temple walls.

Security has been stepped up at the temple and a decision is expected to be made shortly regarding the future of the treasure, once the size of the entire find has been evaluated.

The discovery has raised questions about who should manage the wealth and whether the money should go back into the temple or become state Government property. The treasures may even go on display in a museum, independent of the temple.

If you would like to find out more about arranging a tailor-made trip to Kerala, visit the Kerala section on our website, or call our Kerala specialists on 01993 838355.

The McCurdie family celebrate Christmas Day in the Masai Mara, Kenya

“Our visit to Malacca was an intriguing end to our visit to Malaysia, a country where numerous traditions, religions, cultures and cuisines meet and blend harmoniously.”
Nigel Wright, Malaysia

“Our heads and hearts are full of the images, sights, sounds, and smells, but perhaps the most lingering image of all is the one of the Cambodian people.”
Valerie and Raymond Gatward, Cambodia

“To have spent the time with the wonderfully friendly people of the Governor’s Camp among the enchanting wildlife of the Masai Mara made it an experience we shall treasure forever.”
Dr Ian McCurdie, Masai Mara in Kenya

These are just some of the comments we have received and which you can read in full in our Client Stories section of the Audley Magazine.

How to send us your Audley travel stories
It’s easy, if you’ve been on a trip with us simply click on this link and upload your text and photos. If you do you’ll also have a chance to win a £50 Bobbooks’ photobook voucher.

The route of the second voyage of HMS Beagle (1831-1836)

On this day 175 years ago HMS Beagle anchored in Simons Bay, Cape of Good Hope, South Africa. It was on a momentous five year voyage and on board was a man who would become the world’s most famous naturalist – Charles Darwin.

Following in Darwin’s footsteps (or perhaps wake might be more appropriate) nowadays is a little tricky unless you have lots of money and around five years to spare, but with Audley you can visit many of the places he visited. To this end I have listed some of these and accompanied each with a quote from his journal in which he describes what he finds in these places.

Galapagos Islands
“[of a lizard] A seaman on board sank one, with a heavy weight attached to it, thinking thus to kill it directly; but when, an hour afterwards, he drew up the line, it was quite active. Their limbs and strong claws are admirably adapted for crawling over the rugged and fissured masses of lava which everywhere form the coast. In such situations a group of six or seven of these hideous reptiles may oftentimes be seen on the black rocks, a few feet above the surf, basking in the sun with outstretched legs.”

Salvador, Bahia Coast, Brazil
“Amongst the Batrachian reptiles, I found only one little toad (Phryniscus nigricans), which was most singular from its colour. If we imagine, first, that it had been steeped in the blackest ink, and then, when dry, allowed to crawl over a board, freshly painted with the brightest vermilion, so as to colour the soles of its feet and parts of its stomach, a good idea of its appearance will be gained.”

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
“Considering the enormous area of Brazil, the proportion of cultivated ground can scarcely be considered as anything compared to that which is left in the state of nature: at some future age, how vast a population it will support! During the second day’s journey we found the road so shut up that it was necessary that a man should go ahead with a sword to cut away the creepers. The forest abounded with beautiful objects; among which the tree ferns, though not large, were, from their bright green foliage, and the elegant curvature of their fronds, most worthy of admiration.”

Maldonado, near Montevideo, Uruguay
“Of lizards there were many kinds, but only one (Proctotretus multimaculatus) remarkable from its habits. It lives on the bare sand near the sea-coast, and from its mottled colour, the brownish scales being speckled with white, yellowish red, and dirty blue, can hardly be distinguished from the surrounding surface. When frightened, it attempts to avoid discovery by feigning death, with outstretched legs, depressed body, and closed eyes: if further molested, it buries itself with great quickness in the loose sand. This lizard, from its flattened body and short legs, cannot run quickly.”

Falkland Islands
“The only quadruped native to the island is a large wolf-like fox (Canis antarcticus), which is common to both East and West Falkland. I have no doubt it is a peculiar species, and confined to this archipelago; because many sealers, Gauchos, and Indians, who have visited these islands, all maintain that no such animal is found in any part of South America. Molina, from a similarity in habits, thought that this was the same with his “culpeu”; but I have seen both, and they are quite distinct.”

Russell, Bay of Islands, New Zealand
“In the morning I went out walking; but I soon found that the country was very impracticable. All the hills are thickly covered with tall fern, together with a low bush which grows like a cypress; and very little ground has been cleared or cultivated. I then tried the sea-beach; but proceeding towards either hand, my walk was soon stopped by salt-water creeks and deep brooks. The communication between the inhabitants of the different parts of the bay is almost entirely kept up by boats.”

Sydney, Australia
“At sunset, a party of a score of the black aborigines passed by, each carrying, in their accustomed manner, a bundle of spears and other weapons. By giving a leading young man a shilling, they were easily detained, and threw their spears for my amusement. They were all partly clothed, and several could speak a little English: their countenances were good-humoured and pleasant, and they appeared far from being such utterly degraded beings as they have usually been represented. In their own arts they are admirable.”

Mauritius
“The brilliancy of the green was the more remarkable because it is a colour which generally is conspicuous only from a very short distance. Towards the centre of the island groups of wooded mountains rose out of this highly cultivated plain; their summits, as so commonly happens with ancient volcanic rocks, being jagged into the sharpest points. Masses of white clouds were collected around these pinnacles, as if for the sake of pleasing the stranger’s eye. The whole island, with its sloping border and central mountains, was adorned with an air of perfect elegance: the scenery, if I may use such an expression, appeared to the sight harmonious.”

Footnote
An international group of scientists hope to recreate this voyage aboard a modern replica of HMS Beagle. They plan to set sail from London in 2014 assuming they raise the necessary $34 million to pay for the build and subsequent five year trip.

We were sorry to hear today that Selsdon Travel / Dreamticket.com has ceased trading, affecting their clients who have booked  a holiday to the Indian Ocean (Seychelles, Mauritius), Middle East, Far East, Africa and the Caribbean.

We have already received a few calls from their customers looking to re-arrange their trips with Audley. Whilst we are unable to help with the Caribbean (it’s not a destination that Audley offers), we are often able to re-arrange the same or a similar itinerary to most of their destinations.

If you are affected and would like to speak with us for advice, with a view to re-booking your trip, then please do give us a call on 01993 838 500 or contact us online and we will see what we can do to help.

For more details on our range of tailor-made holidays visit our website.

Tiger in the Bandhavgarh National Park, India

It’s always nice to come in on a Monday morning and read some positive news, so I was pleased to spot a report on the BBC news website today saying that the number of wild tigers in India has grown by 20% in four years.

2007′s census put India’s tiger population at 1,411, with numbers swelling to 1,706 in 2011. Today there are less than 3,500 tigers in the wild and India is home to half of these so it’s brilliant to see numbers increasing here.

The rapid decline of the tiger, down from 100,000 at the turn of the century, has been blamed on poaching and loss of habitat. In countries such as China, Taiwan and Korea, tiger bones, claws and skin are used in traditional medicine so are in high demand, and the ever-changing techniques used by poachers makes it harder for the Indian authorities to catch them.

Here’s hoping the number of tigers in the wild continues to rise, it would be a tragedy for us to lose these beautiful animals altogether.

Caroline Quentin: A Passage Through India starts tonight on ITV

A new three-part documentary series which casts a spotlight on India begins tonight on ITV at 9pm.  Caroline Quentin: A Passage Through India, follows the actress, famous for her roles in Jonathan Creek and Blue Murder, as she travels the length of the country from the far north to Kanyakumari in the south.

As Caroline travels around the country she attempts to get under its skin, immersing herself in the culture and staying with local families in their homes. She visits some of the country’s most iconic sites, such as the Taj Mahal and Varanasi, as well as getting off the beaten track in the more rural areas of India to meet village elders and experience ancient traditions. 

The programme promises to be a real insight into this captivating country and a must-watch for anyone planning a trip to India - I’ll definitely be tuning in!

To find out more about the programme visit the ITV website.

A traditional Keralan curry uses a delicate blend of herbs and spices

I was speaking with one of our Indian Subcontinent specialists yesterday about his recent trip to Kerala in the south of India.

During his trip, James spent a few days at a rural homestay in Palakkad. In addition to the the warm, friendly service and beautiful surroundings, it was the delicious, home-cooked food that became a highlight of his visit. 

One such culinary highlight came in the form of a traditional Keralan fish curry, which he and the other guests were treated to during one of the evenings. The freshness of the ingredients and the subtle and expertly blended spices struck a chord with his taste buds, so much so that he had to get the recipe to try it for himself when he got home. And here it is:

Ingredients:

• Fish (any fish goes, although traditionally Seer Fish or King Fish is used, both members of the Mackerel family) – cut into 1 ½ inch cubes (approx. 10 pieces).
• 15 shallots, peeled.
• 10 cloves of garlic, peeled.
• A chunk of ginger (approx. one inch)
• A few curry leaves.
• Red chilli powder – 1 tablespoon (can reduce if you prefer less spice).
• Mustard powder – ½ teaspoon.
• Fenugreek – ¼ teaspoon (or slightly less).
• Coconut oil – approx. 30 ml.
• Malabar tamarind – 4 pieces.
• Salt to taste.

Method:

Crush the shallots, garlic and ginger in a pestle or food blender. Pour the oil into a large, heated pan or wok and add mustard, fenugreek and the crushed ingredients. When well sautéed and fragrant, add the red chilli powder and pour enough water to loosen the gravy. Add the curry leaves, tamarind and salt to taste. Once the water boils well, add in the fish and allow it to cook for a few minutes until tender. This dish is best served a few hours after cooking, so that the flavours develop and are allowed to be absorbed by the fish.

Whether you’re a budding Jamie Oliver or just enjoy a new recipe to test on family and friends, this certainly sounds like one to try. I know I’ll be giving it a go!

If you’d like to find out more about visiting Kerala or need advice on planning your dream tailor-made trip to India, give the team a call on 01993 838 330. Alternatively click here to find out more about the food of Kerala and southern India.

Mount Jhomolhari in the Paro district of Bhutan

One of our ground handling agents got in touch today to tell us that Bhutan has seen its first fall of snow in 2011.

As any of our Bhutan specialists will tell you, the towns, villages and rural landscapes of the country become even more beautiful in the snow, and a hike along one of the trails leading up in to the foothills of the Himalaya mountains becomes even more exhilarating. Some of our favourites include the walk from Paro to the remote Taktshang, or Tiger’s Nest Monastery, which clings to a sheer cliff face commanding far-reaching views over the valleys below.

Other excellent treks can be found in the four valleys that surround the small town of Bumthang, with trails to suit everyone and beautiful scenery in all directions.

If you’re keen to find out more about Bhutan or interested in a tailor-made trip of your own, give the team a call on 01993 838 320 or visit our website »

Some of Audley's fundraising efforts in 2010.

Throughout this year many staff here at Audley have been busy raising money for the various charities we support.

These efforts can be split into two different categories:

From the whole company

Departmental efforts

Added together – and not including individual fundraising outside of work – the total raised for 2010 was £2,885.

Well done to everyone for such an amazing year of fundraising!