Ruins amongst the Boulders: , Anegundi, and 25–29 December 2019 (4 nights / 5 days)

Take a journey back in time to an age of splendour and glory. Feel the stress of city life fade away amidst boulder-strewn hills in the most magical part of the Tungabhadra Valley. At Hampi, the river unites two distinct cultures. We have the ancient, mysterious ruins of the Empire, on the one hand, which somehow blends seamlessly with a unique hippy philosophy, on the other. Thus, music, drum circles, dance; In short, Hampi is not just a place to reconnect with our heritage, but also to chill and have fun in what is surely the most bizarrely stunning landscape in the entire Deccan Plateau.

Soak in the incredibly rich historical past of a forgotten civilization as we walk in the footsteps of kings, past ruins that will come alive on this unique tour. Tales of past kings, bloody wars, triumphs, and tragic defeats will leap to life for you, unlike the pages of a dusty history book or a run-of-the-mill guided tour.

Rejuvenate your mind and spirit as you indulge in a predawn coracle ride across the Tungabhadra. Huff and puff to the top of the Matanga Hill to be rewarded with one of the best views of the rising sun that South has to offer.

Stay at an eco-friendly hotel, set in a tiny, rustic village, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Hampi Bazaar. It is one of the best properties in the area, spotlessly clean and serene. From here we take a day trip to go back another 10 centuries and walk in the steps of the Chalukya Kings – and visit , , and Badami.

Keeping in line with what we value, we travel in small groups, and for this trip we will travel in comfortable Innova’s, with four people to one Innova. While hiring a tempo traveller works out cheaper; the drive from Bangalore is long and we want to ensure that we keep it as comfortable as possible for you

Come join us on this incredible journey to one of UNESCO’s most famous world heritage sites in .

ITINERARY

Day 1 – Wednesday, 25th December (includes lunch and dinner)

­ Leave from Bangalore at 10:00 a.m. ­ Pick-up @ Bangalore airport. (Please book a flight that lands by 9:00 am) (If you live in Bangalore we will discuss where you can be picked up from, if enroute) ­ Lunch en route at a Dhaba. ­ Reach Hampi and check-in. ­ In the evening, take a drive to Anjaneya Temple in Anegundi. An easy-paced climb takes one to the top for views of the setting sun and stunning views. (however if you do not have the energy for this – we will plan this for the following day)

Dinner and overnight at the Uramma Cultural Residency

Day 2 – Thursday, 26th December (includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

­ Post breakfast leave to visit the Sacred Centre. In Hampi, the area with the largest number of temples has been demarcated the ‘Sacred Centre’ by archaeologists. This area lies in and around the village of Hampi, along the southern bank of the Tungabhadra and includes two hills, Hemakuta and Matanga. ­ We visit Virupaksha Temple, the only active temple in Hampi and another iconic landmark of Hampi. Features of this temple include 50 metre high Gopuram Tower, Coronation Mandapa of King Krishnadeva Raya, and dedicated shrines for the goddesses Pampa Devi and Bhuvaneshwari Devi. ­ Directly south of the Virupaksha temple rises the Hemakuta Hill, which houses some significant sites. ­ Further south is the impressive Krishna Temple, built by Krishnadeva Raya himself and comprising elements of architecture, planning, , and design to reflect the pinnacle of Vijayanagara’s history. ­ We continue to Achyuta Raya’s Temple – a vast complex with classic Vijayanagara style art and architecture including a 100 columned mandapa. ­ North of this is Kodandarama Temple and finally the dazzling Vitthala Temple, that is a monument of epic significance. ­ Break for lunch at the Mango Tree. ­ Continue on the tour through Hampi Bazaar. Free time to visit the quirky cafés and stores that add character to the town.

Dinner and overnight at the Uramma Cultural Residency

Day 3 – Friday, 27th December (includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

­ We have an early start today. Leave the hotel by 5 a.m. to take a coracle ride across the Tungabadra. Trek to the top of the Matanga Hill to get a bird’s eye view of Hampi and its ruins at sunrise. ­ Head back to the hotel for breakfast by 9:30 a.m. and then relax for a bit. ­ Then drive down to the river, and have lunch at a local restaurant. ­ Post lunch take a motorboat across the river and visit the Royal Enclosure. We start at the iconic Narasimha Statue. The statue nearly 7 metres high is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Hampi. ­ Then we move on to the Royal Centre, an area that that houses ruined palaces, pavilions, and temples, which was used exclusively by the nobility of Vijayanagara. The landmarks here - Queens Bath, Mahanavami Dibba, Stepped Tank, Hazara Rama Temple, Zenana Enclosure, Elephant stables - give the visitor an idea of how the high and mighty of the lived their lives.

Dinner and overnight at the Uramma Cultural Residency

Day 4 – Saturday, 28th December (includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

­ We start early today and make our way to visit the temples of Badami and Aihole and Pattadakal of the erstwhile Chalukya Empire. ­ Lunch en route. ­ Back to Hampi by the evening and relax.

Dinner and overnight at the Uramma Cultural Residency

Day 5 – Sunday, 29th December (includes breakfast and lunch)

­ Leave Hampi post breakfast and drive back to Bangalore. ­ Lunch en route. ­ Trip ends with a drop at the Bangalore airport.

Please book a flight that leaves post 8:00 p.m. COST: Rs 6900/ day/ head on a twin-sharing basis ex Bangalore 5 days – Rs 34500

Single supplement – Rs 9500

INCLUSIONS ­ Accommodation on a twin-sharing basis (an Eco Friendly – Non AC resort. But it is lovely and comfortable) ­ All meals as mentioned in the itinerary ­ Transport ex Bangalore – in AC Innovas ­ Coracle ride ­ Ferry boat rides to and from Hampi Island ­ Sunrise trek to Matanga Hill ­ Services of a trip lead from Wonderful World throughout the trip

EXCLUSIONS ­ GST at 5% ­ All alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages (including bottled water with meals) ­ Tips and portages ­ Any expenses of a personal nature – laundry, telephone, etc. ­ Any cost arising out of unforeseen circumstances like ill‐ health, land blocks, bad weather, etc.

PAYMENT PLAN  Please pay Rs 5,000 as booking deposit to reserve your spot  Balance due by 25th October

CANCELLATION POLICY  Part booking deposit amounting Rs 2,500 is non-refundable  If cancelled between 70 days and 60 days before departure – full refund (except Rs 2,500)  If cancelled between 60 days and 45 days before departure – 75% refund  If cancelled between 45 days and 30 days before departure – 50% refund  If cancelled between 30 days and 25 days before departure – 25% refund  No refund thereafter for any cancellation or no-show