News

Lion, a new film based on the true story of Saroo, a five-year-old boy who fell asleep in an empty train and ended up lost in Kolkata (Calcutta), opens in UK cinemas this week (Friday 20^th January).

Saroo is eventually adopted by an Australian couple and the film stars Dev Patel (Slumdog Millionaire and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel) as the adult Saroo, who uses Google Earth technology as the starting point to find his lost family.

Saga guests inspired by the film’s evocative visual scenes of Kolkata can explore the city on Saga’s new A Passage Through Assam cruise and tour, part of their new “Go for it” range.

Guests spend a total of three nights in the Lalit Great Eastern Hotel (4Q) in the heart of Old Calcutta to soak up the city’s atmosphere and they can see Howrah train station (where many scenes were filmed), explore the markets and observe life on Kolkata’s streets.

Visits to the Victoria Memorial and the Indo-Gothic St Paul's Cathedral, plus a call to Mother Teresa’s House to learn about her humanitarian work, are also featured on the itinerary.

The small group holiday, for up to 18 Saga guests, continues with a domestic flight to meet MV Mahabaahu (4 Anchor) for a seven-night sailing on the Brahmaputra River.

Stuart Douglass-lee, Head of Product & Purchasing for long-haul Saga Holidays, says Kolkata is his favourite city and it offers a fascinating holiday experience for any visitor.

He said: “Kolkata is teeming with life and Howrah train station is the largest in the world. No visitor should miss the river of humanity passing over Howrah Bridge every morning – to walk against this tide is almost impossible.

“The bridge passes the most beautiful flower market and there is an overwhelming aroma of marigolds being woven into garlands and piled high amid roses and lotus flowers.

“Kolkata is fascinating, bewildering and my favourite city in the world.”

ENDS

For details call free on 0800 414 383 or visit saga.co.uk/india

11 nights from £2349 based on Oct 12, 2017 departure. Departure dates include, Oct 12, 26, Nov 9, 16, 2017, Jan 11, Feb 15, Mar 15 and Apr 12, 2018

Price includes VIP door-to-door chauffeur service, return flights and transfers, airport taxes, three nights in hotels, seven aboard ship, and two in flight, 27 meals: 10 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 10 dinners, porterage, Saga tour manager, tourist visa for UK citizens, optional travel insurance and additional cancellation rights or a reduction if not required.

Editors:

Director Gareth Davis’s film Lion features exceptional cinematography by Greig Fraser. The relatively low budget film, which opens in UK cinemas this week (January 20), stars Dev Patel and Nicole Kidman in a tale of tragedy and loss, hope and love.

Contact Senior PR Manager Naomi Thornton email naomi.thornton@saga.co.uk or call 01303 772499