Although these are specialist fishing tours there are opportunities in tour FNI15 for sightseeing in Delhi as well as a wildlife safari in Corbett National Park. Tour FSI15 also has opportunities to sightsee in Bangalore & Mysore as well as wildlife watching in the surrounding National Parks. India has a huge variety of religious and historic monuments; a rich cultural and artistic heritage; museums and beautiful scenery. Such key elements are naturally included in sightseeing tour itineraries, but Mekong Travel also seeks out the less obvious attractions - interesting local markets, festivals (wherever these coincide with travel plans), traditional handicrafts and industries, plus the opportunity to meet local people in their own environments. Also included are opportunities to try regional cuisine and to see typical or traditional forms of entertainment. Mekong Travel includes such extra dimensions to make any visit to India a richer, more rewarding and more memorable experience.

ACCOMMODATION: The hotels have air conditioning and we will normally have twin rooms with private facilities. In general, the hotels we use are of a good standard, and will be clean and comfortable with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, minibar and TV.

FOOD: All breakfasts (e.g. bread, eggs or fruit and tea or coffee) are included as well as lunches and diners, which are taken as a group and arranged in good local restaurants where a variety of Indian dishes can be tried. At the fishing camps all meals are freshly prepared and cooked every day. Although fairly simple they offer a tasty variety of Indian dishes. Western food is limited in India and almost non-existents in the areas where we fish. However the meals are not too spicy and suit most peoples palates. They are also well prepared and perfectly safe to eat. Despite India's reputation for poor quality food you will be well looked after on this tour.

WHAT TO BRING: All your fishing equipment: Strong 8-10 ft spinning rods with fixed spool reels with the biggest line capacity you've got, loaded with 250 metres of 20-30lb line. Floating, deep diving and sinking plugs of 4-6 inch. A variety of spoons such as Toby, Meps etc.- most are worth a try. As well as all your usual fishing gear, fly-fishing is also worth a go. You can have a try for trout or any of the other Indian species. The Mahseer will also take a fly.

We will have a limited supply of equipment in case of any problems.

Casual and light clothing is required, preferably natural fibre, year-round, but a sweater or jacket will be necessary in the early mornings and evenings. An umbrella or raincoat is also worth considering.

Good quality walking boots are recommended as well as a spare pair, as you will spend a certain amount of time in the water. You should also bring a pair of lighter shoes/daps or trainers for travelling in.

You should take adequate supplies of any prescription medicines you may need, as supplies may not be available locally. A spare pair of eyeglasses, if worn, is also advisable.

Useful too, is a flashlight and spare batteries for the evenings.

Use an insect repellent against mosquitoes, especially in upcountry and forested areas. A hat and high factor sun-block cream is advisable as protection against the hot tropical sun when fishing and sightseeing.

GENERAL ADVICE ON TRAVELLING IN INDIA: Take plenty of film, as locally available supplies are not always reliable. Visitors are required to dress decently within the precincts of religious buildings. Disregarding these rules causes serious cultural and religious offence to the devout Asian people.

Visitors are advised to ignore touts who may approach them to exchange foreign currency, or to sell gems of dubious quality. Such offers, although apparently attractive, are breaking strict laws.

Begging is widespread in some parts of India but not in others and visitors are requested not to encourage development of this practice. If travellers wish to contribute we can make arrangements to recognise local charities.

Never drink tap water - purified, bottled water is available everywhere.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

VACCINATIONS. No vaccinations are compulsory unless arriving from an infected area, but we recommend vaccination against hepatitis A and typhoid. Anti-malaria prophylactics are strongly recommended, please see your Doctor for advice.

EXTRA EXPENSES. Visas and departure tax. There are also a number of entry fees not included in the price, as it is hard to say what people would like to visit. There will also be a kitty to cover soft drinks, mineral water and snacks for consumption whilst travelling, though this is unlikely to cost more than about £25.

GROUP, STAFF & SUPPORT. The group size will be between 6 and 12. All groups will be accompanied by an experienced English guide, plus an Indian tour leader , several guides and where applicable local drivers. All your luggage and personal belongings will be carried by the support vehicle. There are also support staff, porters and cooks.