DOCSLIB.ORG

Hampi: an Investigation of Tourists' Motivation, Activities and Performance of the Destination

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Hampi: an Investigation of Tourists' Motivation, Activities and Performance of the Destination Journal of Kashmir for Tourism and Catering Technology Vol. 1, No. 2, December 2014 ISSN 2348 1986 HAMPI: AN INVESTIGATION OF TOURISTS' MOTIVATION, ACTIVITIES AND PERFORMANCE OF THE DESTINATION Nichola Anastasia Ramchurjee* Department of Environmental Science, Yuvaraja’s College Autonomous, Constituent University of Mysore, Mysore, 570 005, Karnataka, India [email protected] Suresha S. Department of Environmental Science, Yuvaraja’s College Autonomous, Constituent University of Mysore, Mysore, 570 005, Karnataka, India Mobile: +91-9448755001 [email protected] Abstract The study investigates the characteristics of tourists who visited the cultural/heritage destinations in Hampi. It examines the concept that tourist satisfaction of a destination is a function of importance, performance, and travel motivation. It further evaluates both foreign and domestic tourists’ opinions of ecotourism attributes in Karnataka and their habits and attitudes towards the environment. The questionnaire survey was conducted at the world’s largest open-air museum situated in Hampi, Bellary. Importance–performance gap analyses were used to evaluate tourists' opinions on the importance and performance of ecotourism characteristics for the thirteen activities offered. Factor analyses were used to evaluate the habits and opinions of tourists in their home countries and thus their behaviours while on vacation. The study found that the tourists were typically highly educated, traveling with friends or family to learn and explore nature, new cultures and traditions. The study also showed high importance and performance levels of ecotourism characteristics through activities and opinions of the tourists in Hampi. Keywords: tourists, Hampi, travel motivations, ecotourism activities, opinions, Importance– performance gap \ 24 Journal of Kashmir for Tourism and Catering Technology Vol. 1, No. 2, December 2014 ISSN 2348 1986 1. Introduction In recent decades, tourism has become the world’s largest industry, with $3.4 trillion in annual revenue. Tourism is a favorite leisure activity and is evident in the rise in the volume of travelers who seek adventure, wonderful climate, nature appreciation and experience, recreation and relaxation and interaction with local people. The motivation which causes someone to choose a certain destination and thus the activities these destination has to offer while on vacation is an interesting issue, which allows for a better understanding of people’s behavior in the area of leisure spending and their environmental consciousness. Motivations are the fundamental reasons for a particular traveling behavior and plays a vital role in understanding the decision making process of tourists, as well as assessing the subsequent satisfaction of tourist’s expectation (Snepenger, King, Marshall, & Uysal, 2006). In general, the term motivation is simply the processes that answer the question about why and how people’s behavior is activated and directed. Therefore, motivation is considered as the internal factors that raise and control human behavior. Motivation is described as a driving force that makes us move (Solomon, 2004). Solomon (2004) further stated that motivation itself is the processes that leads people to behave as they do, and the processes begin when a need arises that a consumer wishes to satisfy. Romando (2008) has defined motivation as an “internal drive” that moves people to act and gives direction to the behavior. Fodness (1994), indicated that motivations are thus the basis of all behavior, including traveling. Tourist motivation, therefore, can be defined as “the global integrating network of biological and cultural forces which gives value and direction to travel choices, behavior and experience” (Pearce, Morrison & Rutledge, 1998). When motives are transformed into motivations, the process of choosing specific destinations and activities begins. This initiation process in a tourist context includes factors or questions such as with whom to travel, when to travel, earlier experiences and recommendations from friends and relatives that will affect individual travel motivation and behavior. Traveling with children, for instance, will most likely influence the degree of planning and pre-booking, and ensuring that there are activities for the children available at the destination. For most people, a tourist trip will certainly add something new and enriching to their life. As Prebensen (2007) has written in her research regarding travel motivations, “once an individual has the right motivation to travel, the type of holiday and destination is often decided based on his/her perception or value of the various options in the marketplace. She furthermore states that “people then go on holiday for many reasons and they participate in the ‘production’ of the holiday in various ways”. The decision to travel during the holiday, therefore, might reflect the need to get away from everyday life. Even so, the search for pleasure, referred to as positive reinforcement (Iso- Ahola, 1983), is more often present, resulting in feelings such as pleasure and joy. Despite these thoughts about broad groups’ motivations for traveling, the numerous products (destinations, activities and more or less pre-packaged products) offered in the marketplace, 25 Journal of Kashmir for Tourism and Catering Technology Vol. 1, No. 2, December 2014 ISSN 2348 1986 together with the fact that motivation is a sum of many motives, makes the picture challenging. However, understanding the basis of tourists’ motivations can help tourism organizations or companies to form good business policies and strategies to maintain and develop their own business. According to The Free Dictionary website 2010, activity is defined as “the state or quality of being active”; “lively action or movement”; or “a specified pursuit in which a person partakes”. Based on these definitions, tourist activities can be seen as tourists’ behaviors of choosing to visit destinations and/or participate in various kinds of recreations. Hence, activities in a tourism context can be understood both as those activities that exist at the destinations, and tourists’ action of choosing certain destinations for their vacations. Additionally, since tourists’ activities have taken place during their vacations, the activities will have taken place as leisure activity. This refers to the activities without any compulsion. According to Beard and Ragheb 1983, leisure activities, have been described as “non-work pursuits” that people participate in without obligation. Intuitively, one should expect that tourists with similar needs and motives would choose similar destinations and related activities. The relationship between motivation and choice, however, is often not that simple. A person might choose one type of activity based on a variety of reasons. Sunbathing might be chosen for the reason of relaxing, to get a tan or to become fit. Different activities can meet the same type of need as well (e.g. walking, dancing and sunbathing can all contribute to the individual’s need for relaxation). The choice of destination can also be explained by the fact that several destinations can meet a variety of needs (e.g. relaxation, getting in shape, accomplishment, warm temperatures and nice atmosphere). Consequently, tourists with different motives might choose the same destination and choose similar or different activities while staying there. In contrast, tourists with similar motives might also choose different destinations and different types of activities. The article has three specific objectives: (1) to investigate the relationships between tourists’ motivation and activities offered at the destinations (2) to analyze foreign and domestic tourists’ travel motivations; and (3) to evaluate tourists’ opinions of ecotourism attributes in Karnataka and their habits and attitudes towards the environment. 2. Research Methodology The sample population in this research was composed of tourists, both foreign as well as domestic. The data was collected between May - December, 2011. The goal was to give a survey form to each tourist that the authors came in contact with at the ecotourism site visited. Each tourist approached was informed about the objectives of the research and the information required that is about their demographic and trip characteristics and travel motivations. Of the 450 questionnaires distributed, 434 were returned (96.4% response rate). The survey instrument was a six-page questionnaire, divided into three sections. The first and last sections consisted of questions on travel characteristics and demographics. The questions 26 Journal of Kashmir for Tourism and Catering Technology Vol. 1, No. 2, December 2014 ISSN 2348 1986 on travel motivation attributes used a 4-point scale from strongly disagree, to strongly agree. The second section consisted of 14 ecotourism attributes in Karnataka for which the tourists were asked to evaluate their perception of importance and performance of each attribute. Data from both the close-ended questions and open-ended questions were coded. They were then computed and analyzed by using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Descriptive statistics, including simple frequencies and mean ratings on the respondents’ demographic and trip characteristics were computed. Study Site The Karnataka state in southwest India is a favorite destination for tourists and the chosen site for this investigation. Hampi (Figure 1) is a village in Bellary,
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The Evolution of the Temple Plan in Karnataka with Respect to Contemporaneous Religious and Political Factors
    IOSR Journal Of Humanities And Social Science (IOSR-JHSS) Volume 22, Issue 7, Ver. 1 (July. 2017) PP 44-53 e-ISSN: 2279-0837, p-ISSN: 2279-0845. www.iosrjournals.org The Evolution of the Temple Plan in Karnataka with respect to Contemporaneous Religious and Political Factors Shilpa Sharma 1, Shireesh Deshpande 2 1(Associate Professor, IES College of Architecture, Mumbai University, India) 2(Professor Emeritus, RTMNU University, Nagpur, India) Abstract : This study explores the evolution of the plan of the Hindu temples in Karnatak, from a single-celled shrine in the 6th century to an elaborate walled complex in the 16th. In addition to the physical factors of the material and method of construction used, the changes in the temple architecture were closely linked to contemporary religious beliefs, rituals of worship and the patronage extended by the ruling dynasties. This paper examines the correspondence between these factors and the changes in the temple plan. Keywords: Hindu temples, Karnataka, evolution, temple plan, contemporary beliefs, religious, political I. INTRODUCTION 1. Background The purpose of the Hindu temple is shown by its form. (Kramrisch, 1996, p. vii) The architecture of any region is born out of various factors, both tangible and intangible. The tangible factors can be studied through the material used and the methods of construction used. The other factors which contribute to the temple architecture are the ways in which people perceive it and use it, to fulfil the contemporary prescribed rituals of worship. The religious purpose of temples has been discussed by several authors. Geva [1] explains that a temple is the place which represents the meeting of the divine and earthly realms.
    [Show full text]
  • Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, New Delhi, India 1
    Indira Gandhi National Centre For the Arts, New Delhi, India 1 ARCHITECTURE ARTICLES Alexander Mack, The Temple district of Vitthalapura, New light on Hampi- Recent reseaches at Vijayanagara, Eds. John M. Fritz and George Michell, Marg Publications, Bombay, 2001, pp. 24-39. This article deals with Vitthalapura, a suburb of Vijayanagara, which served as centre of pilgrimage, and also as a day to day business centre for local residents. The boundaries and features of Vitthalapura, the Alvar temples which are architecturally very significant are discussed. The residents and their structural remains are also noted. The busy bazaars and the agricultural activities extended around the Vitthala Temple. Anila Verghese, Mandapas in Vijayanagara Temples, Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bombay, 7 ( New Series). * * * Anila Verghese and Dieter Eigner, A Monastic Complex in Vitthalapura, Hampi – Vijayanagara, Journal of South Asian Studies, Vol. 4, 1998, pp. 127-140. * * * Anila Verghese, Krishnadevaraya’s Monument of Victory, the Krishna Temple at Vijayanagara, Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bombay, 71 (New Series), 197-207, 1996c. * * * Anila Verghese, The Tiruvengalanatha Temple in Krishnapura, Vijayanagara, Progress of Research 1988-91, Eds. D.V Devraj and Channabasappa, S. Patil, Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Mysore, 1996 a, pp. 179-191. This article speaks about the Tiruvengalanatha temple situated near the Uaddana Virabhadra Temple at Krishnapurapete. This was built in 1545 A.D. Its architecture, sculpture and iconography are explained. The evolution of temple architecture and the religious situation prior to and after the destruction of the city of Vijayanagara are discussed here. Anila Verghese, The Virupaksa Temple of A.D.
    [Show full text]
  • State of Conservation Report Regarding Progress So Far Made with Regard to the Recommendations of the World Heritage Committee in Decision 37COMB.61
    Name of the Property: Group of Monuments at Hampi (India) (C 241) State of Conservation report regarding progress so far made with regard to the recommendations of the World Heritage Committee in Decision 37COMB.61. 1. Response from the State Party to the World Heritage Committee’s Decision, 37 COM 7B.61 , paragraph by paragraph A. Removal of debris of the collapsed bridge and the relocation of the vehicular bridge outside of the property; The Public Works Department of Government of Karnataka, has resumed the work of removing the remaining part of the collapsed bridge viz., debris, columns and carriageway, without disturbing the nearby cultural resources, by adopting state of the art technology and the work is almost complete. As regards the relocation of the vehicular bridge, cultural impact assessment study has been completed and location of the vehicular bridge as recommended in the impact assessment study has been identified. B. Completed Integrated Management Plan together with a synthesis and a prioritisation of existing recommendations and intentions, for review by the World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies - The Integrated Management Plan (draft already submitted to the WHC in 2006) gives an overall framework for the Management & protection of Hampi World Heritage Site. It is reiterated that as per the draft IMP recommendations the following actions have been implemented since January 2006 by Government of Karnataka and Archaeological Survey of India. Sno IMP recommendation Agency 1 Preparing a official Base Map HWHAMA
    [Show full text]
  • Sustaining Landscapes of Heritage
    Sustaining Landscapes of Cultural Heritage: The Case of Hampi, India Final Report to The Global Heritage Fund Produced by Morgan Campbell 2012 Sustaining Landscapes of Heritage This report is the result of the Global Heritage Fund’s 2011 Preservation Fellowship Program. Research was undertaken by Morgan Campbell, a PhD student of Urban Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University, during the summer of 2012. Global Heritage Fund Morgan Campbell 625 Emerson Street 200 [email protected] Palo Alto, CA 94301 www.globalheritagefund.org Sustaining Landscapes of Heritage ii Dedication I am incredibly grateful to numerous people for a variety of reasons. My time in Hampi during the summer of 2012 was one of the most significant experiences in my life. First, I dedicate this work to the Global Heritage Fund for providing me with the support to pursue questions of participatory planning in Hampi’s World Heritage Area. I thank James Hooper, whose earlier research in Hampi provided me with a good foundation and Dan Thompson who was incredibly understanding and supportive. Second, I’m deeply indebted to Shama Pawar of The Kishkindra Trust in Anegundi. Easily one of the most dynamic people I’ve ever met, without her assistance—which came in the form of conversations, tangible resources, and informal mentoring—I would have never been able to undergo this research project. It was because of Shama that I was able to experience and learn from Hampi’s living heritage. This report is about people, people who live in a heritage landscape. The residents of Hampi’s World Heritage Area are spread across time and space, so that when I say residents, I am referring to those living in the present and those who have lived in the past.
    [Show full text]
  • Review of Research
    Review Of Research ISSN: 2249-894X Impact Factor : 3.8014(UIF) Volume - 6 | Issue - 3 | December - 2016 _________________________________________________________________________________ ART AND ARCHITECTURE IN VIJAYANAGARA PERIOD- SOME REFLECTIONS I. Nageswara Reddy M.A. Lecturer in History , SKR & SKR Govt. Degree College for Women Kadapa Town, YSR Dist, A.P. India. ABSTRACT structures over South The Vijayanagara kings India, with the largest were the force behind concentration located in the artistic activity of its capital. The the period. The finest monuments in and flowering of this around Hampi, in the movement is seen in the Vijayanagara magnificent examples at principality, are listed as Vjayanagara, once UNESCO World Heritage noted for gaity and Sites. colour, now deserted In addition to building and known popularly as new temples, the Hampi. Though the city temple structures. The paper highlights the empire also added new became a victim of Separate shrines art and architecture, structures and made destruction and plunder, celebrating various finearts and paintings of modifications to it retains its charm even festivals were erected. vijayanagara period. hundreds of existing in the ruins. The The notable con- temples across South Vijayanagara rulers tributions of the KEYWORDS: India. Some structures restored many shrines Vijayanagara craftsmen Vijayanagara craftsmen , at Vijayanagara are from throughout south India were a shrine to godess, architectural structures , the pre-Vijayanagara and lavished wealth pillared halls and
    [Show full text]
  • Review of Research Impact Factor : 5.2331 (Uif) Ugc Approved Journal No
    Review Of ReseaRch impact factOR : 5.2331 (Uif) UGc appROved JOURnal nO. 48514 issn: 2249-894X vOlUme - 7 | issUe - 7 | apRil - 2018 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ RECENT PERSPECTIVE ON KARNATAKA ART HISTORY Nagappa P. Koti Asst. Professor , Dept of History , Shri Jagadamba First Grade Art’s And Science College Hittinahalli, LT.Vijayapura . ABSTRACT The southern state of Karnataka, in India, has a distinct art and culture. The diverse linguistic and religious ethnicity that are local to territory of Karnataka joined with their long chronicles have contributed massively to the differed social legacy of the state. Aside from Kannadigas, Karnataka is home to Tuluvas, Kodavas and Konkanis who likewise think about themselves as Kannadigas. Minor populaces of Tibetan Buddhists and Siddhi clans in addition to a couple of other ethnic gatherings additionally live in Karnataka. The customary society expressions cover the whole array of music, move, dramatization, narrating by vagrant troupes, and so forth. Yakshagana, an established society play, is one of the significant showy types of seaside Karnataka. Contemporary venue culture in Karnataka is a standout amongst the most energetic in India with associations like Ninasam, Ranga Shankara and Rangayana dynamic on establishments set around the Gubbi Veeranna Nataka Company. Veeragase, Kamsale and Dollu Kunitha are popular dance forms. Bharatanatya also enjoys wide patronage in Karnataka. KEY WORDS: distinct art and culture , Tibetan Buddhists and Siddhi clans. INTRODUCTION: The antiquity of Architecture of Karnataka (Kannada: ಕಾಟಕ ಾಸುಲ) can be traced to its southern Neolithic and early Iron Age, Having witnessed the architectural ideological and utilitarian transformation from shelter- ritual- religion. Here the nomenclature ‘Architecture’ is as old as c.2000 B.C.E.
    [Show full text]
  • Destinations Covered : Banglore – Mysore – Sarvan Belagola – Hassan - Belure – Chikmanglur – Hospet- Hampi – Aihole – Pattadakalp – Badami – Belaum – Goa
    Destinations Covered : Banglore – Mysore – Sarvan Belagola – Hassan - Belure – Chikmanglur – Hospet- Hampi – Aihole – PattadakalP – Badami – Belaum – Goa Day 01 : ARRIVE BANGLORE On arrival pick up & transfer to Hotel. After fresh n up proceed for local sight seeings. Visit Tippu’s palace, Bull Temple, Lalbaug, Ulsoor Lake, Cubbon Park, Vidhana Soudha, Venkatappa Art Gallery, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Vishweshwaraiah Museum,M Utility Building etc.Overnight at hotel in BANGLORE. Day 02 : BANGLORE – MYSORE (125 Kms) After morning breakfast check out & transfer to Mysore. Enrout visit Srirangapatnam, Channapatna Toys Centre, Ranganathaswamy Temple, Fort, Gumbaz, Tippu’s Summer Palace. On arrival Check in to hotel n fresh n up. Evening free at leisure.l Ovenight stay at hotel in MYSORE DayD 03 : MYSORE LOCAL SIGHT SEEINGs After morning breakfast proceed for local sight seeings. Visit Illuminated Brindavan Gardens and Krishnarajasagar Dam AfterA lunch in afternoon visit Somnathpur Temple. Overnight stay at hotel in MYSORE. DayD 04 : MYSORE – SHARAVAN BELAGOLA - HASSAN ( 120 Kms) After morning breakfast check & drive to Hassan. Enroute visit Shravan Belagola -s one of the oldest and the most important pilgrimage centres for the followers of Jain religion. It is the site of the 17mtr monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali. OvernightO stay at the hotel in HASSAN. DayD 05 : HASSAN – HALEBID – BELUR – CHIKMANGLUR- HASSAN After morning breakfast proceed on an excursion to Belur and Halebid Temples. Belur was the early capital of the Hoysala Empire . The main attraction in Belur is the Chennakesava temple complex. With Halebid which is only 16 km away, Here there are two most famous architectural monuments of Hoysala times namely the Kedareshvara temple and the Hoysaleshvara temple.
    [Show full text]
  • Legendary South India Tour Oct
    Incredible Journey’s Legendary South India Tour Oct. 15 to 29, 2020 Tour escorted by Mark Madhukar Sood & Debika Sen There are certain places that have the ability to capture the romance and magnificence of an era that once was. Hampi (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire from 1336 - 1565 is one of them. A walk through the ruins in the area is more than just a sightseeing expedition as the monuments and ruins present contrasting imagery. On one hand, they portray the skill and artistry that existed in the ancient period. On the other hand, they are a reminder of the mass destruction that was brought forth by attacking armies. With a complex of palaces, temple and other monuments, Hampi is a large open-air museum that allows travelers to get a glimpse into the past. Next witness the cradle of Indian temple architecture at Aihole, Badami & Pattadakal that are steeped in history. Begin tour with the Old City of Hyderabad, one of India's most evocative ancient quarters. Looming over the old city are some of Islamic India's most impressive architecture. The late-19th-century Falaknuma Palace stands high atop a hill overlooking Hyderabad’s old city, but it might well be from another world altogether: The architecture and interiors are an unexpected mix of English, Venetian, Japanese, French, Chinese and Mughal influences. The opulent estate once served as a guesthouse for royal visitors of the Nizam, Hyderabad’s fabulously wealthy erstwhile ruler. Cruise the scenic backwaters of Kerala comprising of serene stretches of lakes, canals and lagoons located parallel to the coast of the Arabian Sea.
    [Show full text]
  • Unit Iii: Vijaynagar Administration and Socio-Cultural Aspects
    UNIT III: VIJAYNAGAR ADMINISTRATION AND SOCIO-CULTURAL ASPECTS: ADMINISTRATION: A. Vijanagar empire: The Empire was divided for administrative purposes into several provinces such as rajya, mandala and chavadi, which again was sub-divided into venthe- A territorial division higher than a nadu, nadu- A territorial division higher than a village, sima- A portion of land comprising several fields village and sthala- A territorial division higher than a parru, which was again higher than a nadu. According to H. Krishna Shastri, the empire was divided into six provinces. Each province was under a viceroy, nayaka or naik, who might be a member of the royal house or an influential noble of the State, or some descendents of the old ruling families. Each viceroy exercised civil, military and judicial powers within his jurisdiction, but he was required to submit regular accounts of the income and expenditures of his charge to the central government and render it military aid in times of need. Further he was liable to severe punishment by the king if he proved to be a traitor or oppressed the people, and his estate could be confiscated to the state if he made default in sending one-third of his income to the king. Though the naik were severe in raising revenue from the people, they were not unmindful of the beneficial work like the encouragement of agriculture, the plantation of new villages, protection of religion and erection of temples and other buildings. The amara-nayaka system: the ‘amara’ is believed to have been derived from a Sanskrit word samara, meaning battle or war.
    [Show full text]
  • Golden Chariot, Tourism House, No.8, Papanna Lane, St.Marks Road, Bangalore 560061, India Ph: +91-80-43464341
    The Golden Chariot, Tourism House, No.8, Papanna Lane, St.Marks Road, Bangalore 560061, India Ph: +91-80-43464341. Email: [email protected] In ancient India, the Maharajas were known www.goldenchariot.org to travel in absolute flamboyance and luxury. Now you know. KSTDC, No. 49 2nd floor, Khanija Bhavan, Race Course Road, Bangalore 560001 India Tel: +91 80 4346 4346 Note: Itinerary, destination and scheduled departure may change without prior notice. Refer website for latest updates. elcome aboard The Golden Chariot. A journey that takes you through the splendours of a glorious land. In a truly royal setting. Kingdom after kingdom, The Golden Chariot takes you into a spectacular journey of discovery. Of empires that shaped the history of the land. Of kings who were more artists than rulers. Of forgotten cities, unearthed in all its glory. The train unfurls one mystery after another. Before letting you immerse in the natural wonders around. Mighty waterfalls. Exotic jungles. Virgin beaches. Silent valleys. Countless stories. Of gods, poets and saints. And when you come back tired, indulge in the extremely exquisite ambience of The Golden Chariot. Two fine dining restaurants, a lounge bar, a spa and a gym await you. Not to mention, the ultra-luxurious cabins designed in architectural styles that flaunt the rich heritage of Karnataka. A most royal travel experience. Just like in those days. In those days, luxury was the privilege of a chosen few. These days, it’s 88 to be exact. rom the comfort of a spacious Volvo bus to a well appointed luxury train.
    [Show full text]
  • India: Hyderabad, Hampi, Badami &
    INDIA: HYDERABAD, HAMPI, BADAMI & GOA 2 - 17 November 2021 FROM £6,880 PER PERSON Tour Leader: Chris Caldicott OUTSTANDING HISTORICAL CULTURAL SITES, SPECTACULAR SCENERY & COUNTLESS CULINARY DELIGHTS This delightful tour traverses India from Hyderabad in the central south of the country to Goa on the south western coast. It has been designed by Chris Caldicott, combining stays at handpicked hotels with an exploration of the outstanding historic cultural sites, spectacular scenery and countless culinary delights of this area. Our journey begins in the vibrant old city of Hyderabad, city of the Nizams and famous for the quality of its pearls, before we explore Hampi, set amidst the vastness of the Deccan Plateau in Eastern Karnataka, and one of India’s most spectacular archaeological treasures. Magnificent palaces, temples, watchtowers, and urban ruins, built in distinctive Dravidian style, line the banks of the Tungabhadra River and are a glorious legacy of the mighty 14th-century Vijayanagar Empire. We travel on to the rural market town of Badami in Northern Karnataka which was the capital of the Badami Chalukya Dynasty which ruled from 543 to 753 AD and whose kings adorned the city with a number of beautiful rock cut cave temples. We shall also see the temples at Aihole and Pattadakal which, along with Badami, formed the heart of the Chalukyan Empire. We end in Goa, an unusual blend of Eastern and Western culture, resulting from more than 1000 years of Hindu and Muslim rule followed by five centuries of Portuguese rule. Enclosed by the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, Goa is known for its miles and miles of golden sand, palm fringed beaches, tropical vegetation, and also for its delicious cuisine.
    [Show full text]
  • Golden Triangle with Tiger Safari
    Wonder of South - West India DAY 00 / 10 NOV 2019 / SUNDAY: ARRIVE MUMBAI ( Check in 1200 Hrs) On arrival at Mumbai International airport, meet and greet by our representative. Later, assistance and transfer to hotel. Mumbai (Bombay) is the vibrant and pulsating capital of Maharashtra. For over a century, Mumbai has been a commercial and industrial centre of India with a magnificent harbour, imposing multi-storied buildings, crowded thoroughfares, busy markets, shopping centers and beautiful tourist spots. The British acquired Mumbai from the Portuguese in 1665 and handed it over to the East India Company in 1671 for a handsome annual rent of Sterling Pounds 10 in gold! Later, these seven islands were joined together by causeways and bridges in 1862. Overnight at Mumbai DAY 01 / 11 NOV 2019 / MONDAY: MUMBAI (Bollywood and City Tour) After breakfast we proceed for half day Bollywood tour. Meet your guide to the Bollywood film studio. En route, your guide will inform you about what to expect on your Bollywood tour at Film City, also called Dadasaheb Phalke Nagar in honor of the father of India’s film industry. When you arrive at the Film City complex, head to one of the Bollywood studios for a brief introduction about the origin and evolution of India’s film industry, which has produced more than 67,000 films in at least 30 languages! Learn about the silent film era and the ‘talkies’ – first introduced to India in the early 1930s – as well as the increasing popularity of Bollywood cinema, which incorporates Hindi storytelling through dance, music and song.
    [Show full text]