Sent from my iPad
Catherine Whitworth CTA
.
Double sink bath Dutch House
Reply
Sent from my iPad
Catherine Whitworth CTA
.
Category Archives: Honeymoon
Dutch House, Galle Sri Lanka
When a client says to me: we won’t spend anytime in the room so book an inexpensive one, I have to change their mind. Travel is about exploring, learning and experiencing the location. Enriching your life. Part of that experience is your hotel. If you are surrounded with a beautiful sense of place, excellent service, relaxing sleep, great food, your travel experience will be immensely enhanced. And that is before you see the sites! Dutch house in Galle is that kind of special place. It is a historic villa, built in 1712 by the head of Dutch East India Company-also known as VOC. It is one of the oldest and best preserved Dutch Mansions in Galle. In it’s time it was the only house on the hill overlooking the hill and dominated the fort and harbour, where it’s occupants could see ships coming and going. The best part is that the interior decoration is equal to the outside house. Beautifully furnished with art and Dutch local Antiques, I feel like I am staying in a Dutch museum! I am In Heaven! Sun House, it’s sister hotel is equally stunning. I feel like I am on the set of the movie Elephant Walk.
Dutch House, Galle Sri Lanka
Sent from my iPad
Catherine Whitworth CTA
Kandy Sri Lanka
Today, on our way to Kandy, we stopped by Heritance Kandalama-a hotel designed by world famous architect Jeffrey Bawa. Brilliant! Reminds me of Howard Ruork’s philosophy in Ayn Rand’s The Fountainhead. He built the hotel to blend in to the mountain side. Vines are growing over the rooms, it is built with a lake on the edge. A gigantic rock outcropping forms on one side of the main hallway in the lobby.
Next was a visit to the holy Dambulla cave Temple. The largest cave monastery in the country with a history going back to the 1st century BC. Each cave is lined with various sized Buddhas. The Temple has some spectacular wall and ceiling paintings. Only 300 steps straight up. Not for anyone with bad knees
Dambulla Caves
Sent from my iPad
Catherine Whitworth CTA
.
Temple of Buddha’s Tooth Relic- Kandy, Sri Lanka
Sent from my iPad
Catherine Whitworth CTA
.
Dambulla Caves Sri Lanka
Sent from my iPad
Catherine Whitworth CTA
.
Sri Lanka
Today, on our way to Kandy, we stopped by Heritance Kandalama-a hotel designed by world famous architect Jeffrey Bawa. Brilliant! Reminds me of Howard Roark’s philosophy in Ayn Rand’s The Fountainhead. He built the hotel to blend in to the mountain side. Vines are growing over the rooms, it is built on a lake on the mountainside. A gigantic rock outcropping forms on one side of the main hallway in the lobby.
Next was a visit to the holy Dambulla cave Temple. The largest cave monastery in the country with a history going back to the 1st century BC. Each cave is lined with various sized Buddhas. The Temple has some spectacular wall and ceiling paintings. Only 300 steps straight up. Not for anyone with bad knees.
Spectacular giant Buddha carved in mountain at polonnamuraw
Sent from my iPad
Catherine Whitworth CTA
.
Hotel Vil Uyana SriLanka
Sent from my iPad
Catherine Whitworth CTA
.
Invisible edge pool next to pond at Vil Uyana
Sent from my iPad
Catherine Whitworth CTA
.
Stairs to the muraled caves at Sigiriya
Sent from my iPad
Catherine Whitworth CTA
.
Sri Lanka
Said to be the original garden of Eden, Sri Lanka- formerly Ceylon- is lush and so green. I have seen many varieties of trees and flowers from coconut palms to rubber trees. I have never seen bigger and fuller Frangipani. Mangos are in season. Acres, and acres of rice fields. Our first stop was the hotel Vil Uyana, a Small Luxury Hotel, which means Lake garden. Only 4 years old, it was delightful. One can drive from Colombo- about 3 hours or one can take a helicopter- 30 minutes. They have a pad. We were there because nearby are the 8th wonder of the world, Sigiriya and the ancient city of Polonnaruwa – The ancient heart of Sri Lanka. An important royal capital with its well-preserved 12th century ruins & impressive stone culture recalls an inspired past. Although nearly 1000 years old, it is much younger than Anuradhapura and generally in better repair. The monuments are arranged in a reasonably compact garden setting and their development is easier to follow.
We spent the morning climbing the spectacular Sigiriya rock fortress with its rocky abode & water gardens. 1200 steps, yikes! Sigiriya is famous for its toadstool of golden-hued granite, protruding into the searing blue sky from a hot, flat wilderness of scrubland, which is transformed in the rainy season to a water garden. In the 5th century King Kashyapa domesticated the Lions Rock, by building a palace atop its summit. Sigiriya commemorates some of the turbulence of Sri Lanka’s history.
Evening was massage time- divine! Then gin and tonics by the invisible edge pool watching multitudes of birds including eagles, bee eaters, kingfishers, storks, egrets-and those are only the names I know. They were everywhere. In the early morning we participated in a blessing ceremony for the beginning of the rice harvest. The whole hotel staff and some of the villagers were there. It was a privilege to attend this very moving ceremony.
Backwaters views
Sent from my iPad
Catherine Whitworth CTA
An independent associate of Sterling Brownell Travel
Front of a houseboat
Sent from my iPad
Catherine Whitworth CTA
10 March, 2011 10:44
Sent from my iPad
Catherine Whitworth CTA
An independent associate of Sterling Brownell Travel
catherinewhit@sterlingtvl.com
Sunset in Kerala over the Chinese fishing nets
Sent from my iPad
Catherine Whitworth CTA
Sterling Brownell Travel
Atlanta Georgia
Meenakshi Temple Madurai
PHOTO BY TOBY SINCLAIR, OUR ILLUSTRIOUS GUIDE
Sent from my iPad
Catherine Whitworth CTA
Chettinad
One of the main attractions of Chettinad is the huge country homes of the Chettiars. These ancestral houses, that were built more than 100 years ago, have massive high walled structures and were decorated with the finest of wood and craftsmanship. They are packed with imported period furniture, chandeliers, curios and paintings. The Chettinad museum, which is housed in an old converted house. It showcases the traditional jewellery, textiles, household implements and utensils, and all other unique lifestyle products of the Chettiyars. We checked into a beautiful country house hotel called Visalam.
Peacock in the garden, Maderai India
Sent from my iPad
Catherine Whitworth
catherinew@sterlingtvl.com
Profile: http://www.brownelltravel.com/catherinewhitworth.html Travel Blog: https://catherinewhitworth.wordpress.com/
About Brownell Travel: http://www.brownelltravel.com/brownellvideo.html
PASSPORT NOTICE – due to constantly changing passport requirements, I recommend that for ANY travel outside the United States,
you travel with a US PASSPORT which is valid 6 months after your return.
View on the drive to Madurai India
Sent from my iPad
Catherine Whitworth CTA
Photograph by Toby Sinclair
Pilgrims at Sri Renagranatha Temple in Srilangram India
Sent from my iPad
Catherine Whitworth CTA
Sri Renaganatha Temple in Srinamgram
We met pilgrims who walk 104 Kilometers to visit their temples. They were resting in the courtyard of the temple. Srirangam is famous for Sri Renganatha temple which is one of the 108 vaishnava temples and is called Earthy Heaven (Boologa vaikundam). Srirangam boasts an historic past rich in conquest and civilization which is very old and it is proved by carbon dating test and containing the most ancient, genuine and recognizable traces left by the aboriginal Indians.
Stairwell of the Taj Mumbai
Stairwell Taj Mumbai
Site visit to Amangiri in Utah- Wow!!
View from a room
Pool at Amangiri wraps around a mesa.
Sight from a Mesa View suite
I was invited to visit the new Amangiri while I attended the Virtuoso Conference in Las Vegas.
What a day! We started by being treated to a helicopter flight to the bottom of the Grand Canyon by Papillion Air. They are the ones that you want to contract for a helicopter excursion to see the Grand Canyon. Wow, wow, wow is all I can say!!! Upon landing at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, Aman Resorts hostesses brought out the Champagne!! Veuve Clicquot no less- I love that orange lable! Nothing short about those cute girls! We then flew on the the fabulous Amangiri Resort. We got to look at all the amazing rooms, suites and Spa. They are set up in the middle of the most gorgeous and emormous boulders in the desert. The most amazing views I have seen in a while. Most guests say that they did not stay long enough. There is so much to do. Boasting one of the most dramatic landscapes in the USA with deep canyons and towering plateaus, the region has been home for centuries to the native Navajo and Hopi tribes yet is sparsely populated and presents the raw landscape for which the American Southwest has become famous. Activities include
treks, guided hikes and biking
Amangiri guests may enjoy treks and guided hikes, customised rock climbing, via ferrata (fixed climbing routes) and canyoneering, as well as recreational and advanced biking. Our expert team of guides can teach guests the basics of GPS navigation, map reading, rope techniques and desert travel, as well as providing an introduction to the ecology, geology and human history of the area. For guests who are interested in a more in-depth study of this diverse environment, Amangiri will arrange for expert scientists, geologists and naturalists from the region to be available for tours and lectures.
boating trips
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, with the pristine waters of Lake Powell, slickrock domes and sandy bays, provides access to some of the most amazing scenery and geological formations on the Colorado Plateau, as well as numerous prehistoric cliff dwelling and rock art sites. Named in honour of Civil War veteran and explorer John Wesley Powell, the lake has almost 3,200 kilometres (2,000 miles) of shoreline. Boating day trips provide the ideal platform for enjoyment of the turquoise waters where guests may swim and kayak. For those who enjoy fishing, the lake is famous for its striped bass, walleye and largemouth bass.
archaeological tours
Guests may also experience the history and culture of the region with Amangiri’s natural history, palaeontology and archaeological tours which provide insight into species diversity, prehistoric occupation, Navajo storytelling, culture and art.
scenic tours
From hot air ballooning and scenic helicopter or fixed wing flights to equestrian adventures departing directly from the resort, guests have a unique opportunity to experience the area’s sweeping landscape, canyons, peaks and mesas.
Amangiri is the ideal launching pad to enjoy customised National Park and Monument Tours to the Grand Canyon’s North and South Rims, Bryce and Zion National Parks, Rainbow Bridge, Grand Staircase – Escalante, Vermillion Cliffs National Monuments and Monument Valley in the Navajo Nation – the largest Native American Nation in the US covering over 70,000 square kilometres (27,000 square miles).
I am quoting their website. http://www.amanresorts.com/amangiri/home.aspx
I am definately going back when I can really stay and explore the area.
Your travel wish list!
Between August 16 and 20, I will be at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas for Virtuoso’s annual professional show, Travel Mart.
While in Las Vegas, I will have appointments with representatives from hundreds of Virtuoso hotels, cruise lines and tour companies.
The contacts I make during these meetings are the people with whom I work when you have special requests with Virtuoso properties around the globe.
Building these relationships is an integral part of representing you best.
I would love for you to help me make the most of this important trip.
Before I leave town, if you would, do a little dreaming!
Please send me a personal “wish list”, by email, with a few destinations you would like to visit over the next few years. This way I will be able to keep an eye out for your travel interests during my meetings. Also if you have specific questions for any properties, please share those and I will do my best to have them answered directly by their representatives.
Thank you for taking the time to send me your list.
I look forward to planning special trips for you after I return.
Catherine Whitworth
An independent associate of Sterling Brownell Travel
a * VIRTUOSO* agency
A Member of the Tzell Travel Group
DS Thailand, Hong Kong ,SE Asia
398 Dearing Street
Athens, Georgia 30605
Telephone 706 714 3766
catherinew@sterlingtvl.com
Trip Report Bali, Koh Samui 2010
I have pictures of every property, so if you need to see, just email me and I will send them over.
May 26th Singapore Raffles Hotel One of my favorite hotels in the world. 
Still gorgeous. Amazing gardens in the middle of Singapore. Rooms have 14F ceilings, old colonial feeling, white walls with dark wood floors. Favorite area is Palm Court suites- Sitting room separated by a wall with open windows. Bathrooms: double sinks in separate area. Be sure to see the Raffles Museum. Outdoor Mall is attached to the property.
May 27th
Carolyn Tyler’s FAB villa near Ubud
Carolyn Tyler’s Villa. Not completed, but will have two pools, a second house on property, staff, and 4 bedrooms in the main house. Property is beautiful. Gardens are
Complete. River running along the front of the property. Will be a great rental villa.
May 28th
Hotels visited:
Viceroy- 5* property, large villa like rooms with plunge pools, heli pad, Near Ubud, on Ayung river, view of grass rooftops of the villas
Amandari the queen in Ubud, glamorous, rooms are large, bright and perfect with plunge pools, restaurant is divine. Spa is small but good.
Amandari Pool on a rainy day
Chedi Club moderate alternative in Ubud, rooms were beautifully done, big, property has gorgeous gardens, Spa.
Uma- another good moderate property, health oriented, rooms newly done very bright, pleasant, baths beautiful Spa
Begawan Giri, 4-5 bedroom villas that one shares with others, amazing gardens, situated in the Ayung valley looking down into the gorge. Stunning
Ubud Hanging Gardens about 20 minutes north of Ubud. Perched on a very steep mountain, so steep it has 2 funiculars( trains). Good for honeymooners who want to chill. Beautiful views. Moderate alternative. I liked it. Orient Express Hotel
Four Seasons Sayan – stayed there lively, beautiful. You descend to the entrance for you villa. 5* all the way , service is terrific. Restaurant and bar have stunning views of the river, rooms are large as are bathrooms. Very private. Spa is beautiful. May 29th 
Four Seasons Sayan Fab suite
Bali West coast and beaches
Hotel Tugu Dramatic lobby. Done by a collector of Indonesian, and Chinese Antiques.
Pieces everywhere. Rooms were a little dark, bathrooms were small, little room for toiletries on sinks. On the beach, you know you are in Bali, good moderate alternative for beach on west coast. Near canguu. Cooking school is outstanding.
Bali Homes Management– visited two villas both reasonable – one near Ubud, other on the water near Sanur. Very good rates.
Legian Club Seminyak – on west side of Bali, across street from the beach. Attached to Legian. 5* resort. Club has access to all Legian facilities. Another moderate alternative
Rooms were beautifully decorated. Clean and contempory.
Oberoi recently renovated. Good alternative on the beach side of Bali. Great restaurant big beautiful pool, gorgeous gardens, service excellent. Near the hot restaurant KU DE TA. In Canguu.
Intercontinental Jimbaran Huge hotel, people milling everywhere. Looked like a convention facility to me. You could be anywhere, nothing special about the rooms.
St. Regis Nusa Dua, Nusa Dua is not Bali to me, but it certainly has a lot going on lately.
Lot’s of convention doings. Everyone on our flight seemed to be going to Nusa Dua.
The St. Regis came highly recommended by clients, They loved the rooms , dining and public areas. Brand new.
Four Seasons Jimbaran. Still the queen in my book. Service is impeccable, villas have the perfect size plunge pools. Living area is open, and the bedroom is closed for airconditioning. Gift shop is the best. Three restaurants PG/s by the water, the facility by the pool, and an Indonesian restaurant/cooking school. Spa is one of the best on the Island.
Four Seasons Jimbaran View and Plunge Pool- Feels like I'm home when there!
|
|
Koh Samui
Visited:
Six Senses more oriented to the health crowd- rooms were small, but it was crowded, so someone loves it. Restaurant was delightful. Probably would not be my first choice
Napasai fabulous moderate alternative and a happy surprise. Jeremie, the GM, recently came from Le Residence in Laos. He is passionate about this property. You will get great service. The pool is gorgeous, he has made a huge beach out of thin air. I hear the largest on the Island. Rooms are smallish compared to FS, but there is a big price difference. They are newly done, and very very comfortable. Redoing the Spa.
Pool at Napasai on Koh Samui An Orient Express Hotel.
Stayed at Four Seasons Koh Samui by far the most glamorous property on the island. No comparison if you have high end clients or honeymooners. Fabulous and beautiful. Service as with all FS impeccable, Everyone, says hello and wants you to be SO happy. Spa is expensive but awesome. Views from the property are spectacular. Not opened yet the W, and Banyan Tree both supposed to be wonderful.
Four Seasons Koh Samui Plunge Pool- Amazing view!
Unbelievable Elephant Experience!
Bangkok is back-Better than ever!
Now is probably the best time to travel to Thailand- maybe ever! Crowds are down, you can get a reservation at any great restaurant – and there are so many – security has never been higher and traffic is down. Everyone is so glad to see Americans, and bargains abound. The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok is still the Queen-unmatched service and such a warm welcome! One of their inhouse restaurants, Lord Jim’s continues to serve amazing seafood with a great view of the entertaining river traffic.
Other good hotels are the Penninsula, Four Seasons, Sukothai, and a lovely new one- the Lebua. Rooms go up to the 62nd floor- incredible views! The Lebua has Mezzeluna and Sirroco restaurants. Two of BKK’s tops.
If you are trying to figure out where to take your next trip, call you favorite consultant and book a trip with A&K Thailand. Their planning is terrific. They are the only company that will meet you at the plane and get you through customs upon arrival. They have a marvelous ground operation. They know all the good spots, hotels, shopping, restaurants. They actually go out and personally visit sites, and hotels, so it is first hand knowledge.
More pictures from Asia!
Exquisite Asian Flowers!
The flowers here are so exquisite that I am thinking of planning a Garden Tour! Let me know if you are interested.
More on the magnificent Balinese hotels …
In spite of the ever growing traffic, and development, Bali still has that indefinable magic. The Balinese are still so happy to see us, the hotels are still amazing, the temples are still thriving, great restaurants are growing in number. Craftsmanship is incredible. Bali is one of the best places in the world to shop. For five star hotels, Amandari, Amankila, Amanusa, Four Seasons Sayan, Jimbaran and Bulgari are going strong. The most pleasant surprise was the Bulgari Uluwatu. Very glamorous really beautiful hotel. The bathtub was bigger than most hotel’s plunge pools. In the more moderate range was the Chedi Club- delightful, Uma- with a more health oriented clientel in Ubud, and the Legian Club in Seminyak. In a differnet category, the Tugu- chock full of antiques and more traditional, in Canguu.
I hated to leave.
Bali – Carolyn Tyler’s stunning villa!
Having Breakfast at Carolyn Tyler’s stunning villa. Tomato cheese omelet, and a gorgeous plate of local fruit- mangosteen, papaya, mango, and passion fruit. Watching the rain and birds on the wide veranda. A villager is putting out offerings on the steps down by the river. Breeze wafting by. Just heaven. Starting my day of hotel site inspections. Some exciting new ones and some old favorite.
Bali
Bali
Bali
Day one in Bali. started with Carolyn Tyler’s stunnig villa (http://www.carolyntyler.com/). It will sleep 10 and is gorgeous! Not quick finished yet. In the Ubud (http://www.indo.com/active/ubud.html) area. I also check out the Viceroy http://www.viceroybali.com/en/introduction.php with it’s helicopter pad. The rooms were built on the side of a ravine and divine. Hugs suites, five star all the way. Next was one of my favorites, the Amandari http://www.amanresorts.com/amandari/home.aspx. To me one of the grand dames of Bali, it is still in pristine condition, service is impeccable, and the suites are so beautiful. We had lunch there, the chef is from Salt Lake city, and it was as good as any I have had on Bali. A definate 5* hotel always. They have some very good packages which are a good value. Both the Viceroy and Amandari are Virtuoso and have some great amenities. Another nice surprise was the Uma http://www.uma.ubud.como.bz/. Very good value, aims toward a more holistic stay. Beautiful rooms and gardens. Farther out from Ubud was Ubud Hanging Gardens http://www.ubudhanginggardens.com/web/pubu/ubud_hanging_gardens.jsp by Orient Express Hotels. Literally built on the side of a mountain, it even has 2 funiculars. The setting is absolutely amazing. Vistas are delightful. Rooms were large and grand. Service was the friendliest I have seen anywhere. They have 7 shuttles into Ubud everyday. 30 minutes from Ubud. They offer lots of interesting activities. such as cooking classes, painting classes, activities for children, etc. The best surprise was the Chedi Club http://www.ghmhotels.com/. Built by the leading architect of Indonesia for his family compound. Loaded with private art and antiques. Villas are roomy , bright and beautiful AND a very good value for pricing. They also offer some great packages. Near to Ubud.
Four Seasons Sayan http://www.fourseasons.com/sayan/. Dramatic, stunning property. One walks out toward to what looks like a large disk which is a pond on top of the building. the lower circles are reception and bars,a nd dining. The views are incredible of the valley!! Amazing service. Truly 5*. Everyone greeted me by name. the room have their own plunge pool huge and dramatic. I want to go back!!
Today Hotel Tugu, Oberoi, legian Club, Intercontintal then Four seasons Jimbaran YAY!!
Singapore!
Sitting in my suite at Raffles hotel in Singapore (http://www.raffles.com/en_ra/property/rhs). We were met at the PLANE by a Raffles rep and he went ahead and started sorting out the luggage. They sent the Bentley for us so we really felt like movie stars! Having coffee, they send when you get your wake up call. Going to go out and take some shops of this grand dame!! The fragrance of Frangipani is everywhere, and the buffet breakfast is out of this world. The very best pleace to start a long trip to Asia. Getting on our Singapore air flight theis afternoon for Bali.
Summer Specials at Rosewood Estates!
Wiggling your toes in warm sands amid cool ocean breezes. Stargazing from your own private plunge pool. Immersing in culturally vibrant cityscapes. Treasuring singular experiences with a special someone or the entire family. Making time to escape… With Rosewood Escapes enjoy: Our best summer rates + Complimentary daily breakfast for 2 CARIBBEAN – MEXICO – CALIFORNIA – NEW YORK – DALLAS – SANTA FE – ATLANTA – CANADA
Visit http://www.interactivesites.com/dartmail/rosewood160/header.jpg for details!
Call Catherine Whitworth Sterling Brownell 706 7143766 catherinew@sterlingtvl.com
AAAAHHH Capella Resort Specials-A Brownell Exclusive!
Capella Resorts of North America are the brightest new stars in the Virtuoso collection. Capella has also tapped Brownell travel advisors to be among the first to sample and introduce their properties to our clients. Our most seasoned advisors have visited each of the resorts below and have returned truly WOW’ed by their spectacular service, views, food, amenities, interiors and access to local culture and activities. Take a look below at exclusive offers: Capella Pedregal (Cabo San Lucas) http://www.capellapedregal.com * CLASSIC CAPELLA * Indulge in a relaxing Mexican getaway at the beautiful oceanfront setting of Capella Pedregal with this weekend getaway package including breakfast for two and your 3rd night free. Rates from $475 for two nights, $0 for 3rd. Book Dates: Now – Ongoing Stay Dates: Now – December 18, 2010 * ESCAPE TO CABO * Take a break from the world with this four-night package featuring daily breakfast and resort credits from $100 — $350 per day. Fourth night free. Rates from $550 per night for 3 nights, $0 for 4th night. Book Dates: Now – Ongoing Stay Dates: Now – December 18, 2010 Additional Brownell-Exclusive Amenities Upgrade Upon Arrival subject to availability Daily Breakfast for Two per bedroom $100 Spa Credit * Traveling with a group or family? Capella Pedregal also has 2-, 3- and 4-bedroom casitas and villas that can accommodate up to 10 guests. Each come with full kitchens and your own private butler. Rates from $1500 per night for 2 nights, $0 for 3rd. Capella Ixtapa http://www.capellaixtapa.com * BUY 1, GET1 FREE! * Stay at Capella Ixtapa between now and May 31 and receive EVERY second night complimentary. Rates from $395 for 1st night, $0 for 2nd night. Booking Dates: Now – April 6, 2010 Stay Dates: Now – May 31, 2010 * LONGER WEEKEND ESCAPE * Escape to the peace and serenity of Capella Ixtapa with this four-night package featuring daily breakfast and resort credits from $100 — $250 per day. Fourth night free. Rates from $395 per night. Booking Dates: Now – Ongoing Stay Dates: Now – December 18, 2010 Additional Brownell-Exclusive Amenities Upgrade Upon Arrival subject to availability Daily Breakfast for Two One Complimentary Dinner for Two Capella Telluride http://www.capellatelluride.com * LAST-MINUTE Ski Package * Telluride is truly a skier’s paradise. This last-minute offer includes 4th night free, daily breakfast for two, and daily ski passes. Rates from $520 per night for 3 nights, $0 for 4th. Book Dates: Now – April 4th, 2010 Stay Dates: Now – April 4th, 2010 * SUMMER STAY * The only thing that rivals the excitement and stunning views of Capella Telluride in the ski season, is Capella Telluride in the off-season! EVERY weekend there is a festival to enjoy in Telluride. Jazz, Blues, Arts, Film and Blues and Brews festival! Rates from $260 per night for Summer stays. Additional Brownell-Exclusive Amenities Upgrade Upon Arrival subject to availability Daily Breakfast for Two per bedroom $100 Hotel Credit I’m ready to start planning as soon as you’re ready to get away! Catherine Whitworth An independent associate of Sterling Brownell Travel Telephone 706 714 3766 catherinew@sterlingtvl.com
Toby Sinclair
Yeardley Williams “What I will miss about India!”
My friend, Yeardley Williams wrote this. She was on the trip to India with us. She said it better that I could, so I asked her if I could send it to you. I posted a group of favorite pics on my blog, which can be accessed below. I am home and ready to work!
“I have just returned from an incredible 3 weeks in India, touring the palaces and forts of Rajasthan, going on tiger, wild game and bird safaris in 5 different national parks, cruising the Ganges at sunrise and sunset, participating in a Hindu Puja or prayer ceremony, visiting ancient temples, and seeing the truly beautiful and amazing Taj Mahal, again at sunrise and sunset. India is an overwhelming awakening of all one’s senses and an education in ancient history and how it survives today on the subcontinent. It is a complex country and must be taken as a whole while pondering the individual parts. We stayed in 5 star hotels and jungle lodges even while immersing ourselves in the life of the cities, national parks and countryside. Below are some impressions that are still with me:
What I will miss about India:
Being bowed to every morning and bowing back – the respect for life and all living things; the graciousness, good will, curiosity and big smiles of the Indian people; contentment combined with energy; an amazing diversity of interesting faces.
Beauty – of the countryside and the national parks; the elegance and beauty of women in colorful saris, vermillion parts, bindis, bangles and gold jewelry; colorful turbans of the men; the richness of textiles; the ornamentation and embellishment of temples and palaces with jewels, glass, mirrors, tiles; lusciousness of fruit and vegetable stands; marigolds, roses and dahlias; silk merchants in ancient alleyways marketing sumptuous fabrics; patterns, textures and color everywhere.
The vibrant history, culture and art of the subcontinent – learning about ancient cultures like the Mauryan, Gupta, Chandela and Mughul empires and the British Raj.
Diversity and intricacy of Hindu, Arab, and Indo-Asian architecture from palaces and forts of Rajasthan to the temples at Khajuraho to the Taj Mahal.
Learning about the interesting beliefs, religious practice and mythology of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism.
Marveling at the chaos of cows, dogs, camels, buffalo in the middle of the streets sharing space with cars, colorful decorated trucks, camel carts, auto rickshaws, people powered rickshaws, horse carriages and many, many busy pedestrians.
Natural world and wildlife – seeing 6 of the 1200 remaining tigers in the wild, a leopard, jackals, sloth bear, wild boar, langurs, deer and antelope like chital, sambar, nilgai, blackbuck, barking deer and swamp deer, crocodiles, and an amazing array of colorful and rare birds too numerous to name. Tracking a tiger on elephant back. Learning to identify alarm calls when a predator is approaching. Driving through teak forests, sal forests, banyan and ghost trees.
Our incredible guides and naturalists who were so knowledgeable and eager to share their love of their country – its wildlife, history and traditions.
A strong sense of the spiritual which undergirds and grounds everything. I don’t think it is possible not to be touched by the Indian desire and hope for truth, peace and enlightenment and a release from the chaos and cravings of the world. The sacredness and connection of all living things are palpable.
In summary, this is a marvelous destination for the adventurous of mind and heart. I highly recommend it!”
Favorite Photos from India
I have downloaded some of my very favorite pictures from India to Picasa. You may access them through this web address:
http://picasaweb.google.com/cwhit6/FavoritesOfIndia02?feat=email#
Enjoy!
The last day …
For the last afternoon game drive at Ranthambore only Martha Gaughan,
Suhail and I visited the park. The rest of the girls stayed at
Vanyavilas. Upon entering the second gate to the park, we had the privilege of meeting Salim’s father who was Fateh Singh Rathore’s driver( the 1st
director of Ranthambore National park). Salim’s father drove Fateh
Singh Rathore for 30 years, and they photographed tigers for 8 books.
As I wrote in the last blog, Salim’s father looked at us and said”the
tigress awaits”. Which of course threw us into a fit of excitement.
True to his word and because Salim is such an instinctive guide, we
saw a rare happening- a tiger charging a Shambar deer!
THEN we followed the tiger(who missed the deer) 2 more times and that
video is also amazing.
Tiger photos!
I’m home and processing this amazing trip to India. Over the next week, I will upload photos and videos from one of the world’s most exciting destinations!
India … Highlights so far!
Let me start by saying that Tigers and Leopards are extremely elusive. Chances of seeing them are slim and none. The only consolation is that there are many many other fasinating amimals to see in the parks. Chittle deer and Samba Deer, Sloth Bears, White monkeys with black faces, Eagles, Kingfishers, Storks, cranes, and a large variety of predatory birds.
At this time of the year, game drives are very, very cold in the morning. One needs glove, stocking caps, windbreakers, and fleece jackets. You can peel off layers, but it is realy cold. The lodges supply hot water bottles and blankets, and you need all of it. You must have good binoculars and a long lense camera. Often the tigers and leopards are in brush and far away. Afternoons get warm so you can take off layers. The drive can be very dusty, hot, and very very bumpy. There can be long periods of seeing nothing but beautiful jungle. Some jungles are teak, some are of a wood called Saab, and some are semitropical.
The parks we visited were Pench, Kahna, Bangadavgarh, and Panna. We saw tigers and one leopard in the first three, and the last Panna was beautiful. There is an amazing temple complex called Khajurao that one should absolutely not miss when in Middle India. The Lodges were all different and each had it’s own personality: Baghvan, Banjar Toli- tented camp-Mahua Kohti, and Pasha Garh.
We are now in Ranthanbor Preserve- the biggest and best of all. It was the hunting reserve of the Maharaja of Jaipur.The park was nationalized b y the Brisitsh and turned into a park in 1974. We had the distinct pleasure of meeting the first park director Fateh Singh rathore, who photographed the tigers in that park for 30 years. His driver for those 30 years had a son Salim Ali, and Salim was our guide. I would send any client with Salim unless he is off filming with a crew from BBC, National Geographic or Toby Sinclair. Toby did the film Land of the Tiger- a must see on National Geographic channel and it was our privilege to have him with us guiding the trip the all the way until he had to leave in VarNASI. He is off working on a film about the black Tiger at the present.
We sighted 2 tigers the first days at Ranthambore, and on the 2nd afternoon had an unbelievable adventure!
To be continued….
—
—
Dispatches from the Road 
