The first in a new-look collection of brochures from Cox & Kings, the India 2010 programme features an extensive range of escorted group tours and tailor-made private holidays throughout India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan and the Maldives.

Having celebrated its 250th anniversary in 2008, the India specialist tour operator has recently announced the development of its own luxury private train, the Maharajas� Express, which will launch in Mumbai at the end of the year. Built in conjunction with the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd (IRCTC), the train is tipped to be the most luxurious in the world and will operate four pan-Indian itineraries.

Conceived as a palatial hotel on wheels, the Maharajas� Express will feature luxuriously appointed carriages equipped with modern facilities and amenities. The spacious and stylish passenger cabins will have climate control, LCD televisions and environmentally-friendly washrooms.

NEW: Maharajas� Express (Page 42): Travelling from Mumbai to Delhi, Princely India takes in the forts and palaces of Rajasthan, the wilderness of Ranthambore National Park and the temples and museums of the historic city of Vadodara, the cultural capital of the colourful state of Gujarat. The 11 night journey costs from �4,995 per person including flights with British Airways, seven nights� all inclusive on board the Maharajas� Express, two nights� B&B in Mumbai and two nights� B&B in Delhi.

Alternatively, the train�s Classical India itinerary starts in imperial Delhi and travels via the Taj Mahal at Agra through Eastern India. Visit ancient Gwalior, the holy city of Varanasi, the exquisite Chandela temples at Khajuraho, the wilderness of Bandhavgarh and the colonial grandeur of Calcutta. 11 nights from �4,795 per person including flights with British Airways, six nights� all inclusive on board, three nights� B&B in Delhi and two nights� B&B in Calcutta.

Both of these itineraries are also available in reverse or can be combined in a 13 night train journey from Mumbai to Calcutta or vice versa.

Cox & Kings now organises travel to six continents and more than 100 countries, and Indian Experience continues to be one of the most popular tours across the entire range. This introductory group tour is fantastic value for money, starting at just �1,195 per person, a reduction on 2009. It encompasses the highlights of northern India and the �Golden Triangle� in just seven nights.

Alongside Indian Experience and other classic group tours, new tailor-made ideas have been developed throughout the Subcontinent to cater for adventurous travellers and repeat visitors. Cox & Kings� India Product Manager, Balaji Kandasamy, says �there is very little we cannot organise in India. Cox & Kings has offices throughout the country, and fantastic support on the ground. Whether clients want to travel from Keylong to Leh along one of the world�s most dramatic stretches of road; walk through remote villages in Kumaon; visit tea plantations in southern India; learn to cook traditional Keralan curries; or tour the World Heritage Sites of Madhya Pradesh, Cox & Kings can tailor-make first-class, personalised arrangements.�

NEW: Tailor-Made Travel to Bhutan (Page 52): Due to increased demand for private, tailor-made holidays to Bhutan, Cox & Kings has dedicated a page in its brochure outlining the country�s key highlights and suggesting hotels and sites that might be incorporated in a tour. Recommendations include the Taktshang Monastery overlooking Paro Valley, believed to be the site where Guru Padmasambava landed on the back of a tiger in the 8th century, and the 17th century Gangtey Goemba, the only Nyingmapa monastery on the western side of the black mountains.

The suggested 16-night Monks & Monasteries itinerary takes in Pelling, Kalimpong, Thimpu, Phobjikha Vakkey, Bumthang, Punakha Valley and Paro, and costs from �3,945 per person including flights with Emirates, accommodation with most meals, and all transfers and excursions on a private basis.

**GULF AIR BUSINESS CLASS UPGRADES: BUY ONE GET ONE FREE** Upgrade your flight to business class when you book a holiday to southern India with Cox & Kings, using Gulf Air, before 31st July and your companion will be upgraded free of charge. This offer is compatible with the bestselling Spice Lands of Kerala tour, on a group or private basis, as well as with tailor-made holidays to Southern India using Gulf Air. This offer is valid for travel between 1st July and 31st December, and must be booked before 31st July. Gulf Air�s business class service offers a 64� seat pitch with an international a la carte menu and hand-picked wine list.

-Ends-

Please see www.coxandkings.co.uk for the full programme to the Indian Subcontinent.

To request a copy of the brochure, or for more information and images, please contact Laura Smith on 020 7873 5006 / laura.smith@coxandkings.co.uk