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SPLENDORS OF SOUTHERN

The South Indian peninsula comprising of the Deccan Traps - one of the largest volcanic features on earth created over 60 million years ago that tapers off into the coastal plains - offers an interesting terrain for driving. From winding roads set in rugged mountains and forested slopes to flat-topped plateaus and boulder-strewn plains, a challenging geography awaits the intrepid!

The states of the Indian peninsula are distinct in their physical and cultural landscape: Maharashtra’s vibrant cosmopolitan cities steeped in traditions and festivities; Karnataka’s plantation landscapes and its linguistic and cultural diversity; 's transitional landscape from mountains to plains peppered with beautiful temples; and Andhra Pradesh's highlands interspersed with coastal stretches and their inimitable cuisine!

While traveling through this rich landscape of history and heritage, of folklore and traditions, and along coastlines shaped by trade and piracy, missionaries and colonies, we hope you can imbibe the different flavors and experience the interplay of cultural elements that have defined the identity of the Indian Peninsula!

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ITINERARY AT A GLANCE

Day City Hotel Room Category Nights

Feb. 2016 12 to 15 Mumbai Taj Mahal Palace Luxury Grande City View Room 03 15 to 18 Covelong Taj Fisherman’s Cove Deluxe Delight Garden Cottage 03 18 to 19 Cochin Vivanta By Taj – Malabar Superior Charm – Sea View 01 19 to 21 Kumarakom Kumarakom Lake Resort Meandering Pool Rooms 02

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MUMBAI - Mumbai, formerly a territory of seven fishing islands, is today a sprawling, bustling metropolitan that is undeniably one of India’s most dynamic and glamorous cities. The ‘city of dreams’ is a home for people from different walks of life, a veritable potpourri of economies, lifestyles, cultures, faiths and identities. The pop culture worldwide has Mumbai to thank for all the Bollywood paraphernalia in the media (Bollywood is India’s own film industry which releases more than 1000 movies per year), and films like Slumdog Millionaire and Shantaram offer a glimpse into the workings of this chaotic city and of the industrious people pursuing their varied livelihoods.

CHENNAI - The port of , with a thriving global trade in silks, spices and jewels, was a capital over centuries of empires and colonies, and the region around it grew rapidly from a tiny town to the bustling metropolis it is today. Formerly known as Madras, Chennai’s location along the coast offered great opportunities for industries, and like other ports in India, some of the first few industries were set up there for textiles. The streets of Chennai evoke a sense of history that is intermingled with its political identity today; the older structures fulfill modern- day administrative roles, and the effect of the port is evident in the industrial and urban development. On the streets of Chennai, it is difficult to tell the difference between the political hoardings and the movie posters, essential elements of the city’s life, as is the variety of rice- based preparations of its rich cuisine.

KOCHI - A true melting pot in every sense, Cochin or Kochi, is one of the most dynamic, vibrant and energetic cities in South India. One of the most important trading posts on the Spice Route, Cochin sports several vestiges of its multi-cultural past – Chinese fishing nets mingle with Dutch Palaces, Sephardic Synagogues and Portuguese forts – all jostling for space along the shores of the Arabian Sea. Today, Cochin has a thriving arts and cultural scene and hosts the Cochin Biennale, a major art event in Asia every winter. Several galleries, boutiques, and artisanal restaurants stand cheek by jowl with one another, especially in the Fort Cochin area, while the spice, fish and antique markets continue to flourish side-by-side.

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KUMARAKOM BACKWATERS - Tucked snugly into the banks of Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is a delight for the senses. With the backwaters mirroring the blue skies and green palms overhead, few places can offer the quiet calm, tranquility and serendipity of Kumarakom, making it a haven for those who want to get away from the urban hustle and bustle. Rich in tropical fruit and vegetation, bananas, mangoes, coconuts and pineapples jostle for space with brightly colored hibiscus and bougainvillea, which spill over into the backwaters.

HOTELS AT A GLANCE

MUMBAI, Taj Mahal Palace - built in 1903 as the first property of the Taj Group, the hotel is an architectural marvel. Offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and the Gateway of India, the hotel is a gracious landmark of the city of Mumbai. The hotel consists of two parts: the Palace that was the original building in 1903 and the Tower wing constructed by an American architect in 1973.

COVELONG, Taj Fisherman’s Cove - Built on the ramparts of an old Dutch fort and set amidst whispering casuarinas and palm trees, Fisherman’s Cove is one of the finest beach resorts in Southern India.

KOCHI, Vivanta By Taj – Malabar - The perfect melange of contemporary chic and classic charm ensures that every guest at this hotel experiences something unique. The heritage wing, built in 1935, has graceful Victorian interiors that aptly reflect the inherent beauty of Cochin, whereas the tower wing houses newly renovated guestroom suites, each a delicate mix of the classic with the contemporary, complemented with modern technology.

KUMARAKOM, Kumarakom Lake Resort - Nestled on the serene banks of Lake Vembanad, this resort is decorated with thick mangrove forests, green paddy fields and ripe coconut groves. Sprawling across acres of lush greenery, it exudes the charm of Kerala’s true heritage, while offering a complete range of ‘new age’ amenities.

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DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

GROUP FLIGHT:

FEBRUARY 11 (Thursday) Depart from DFW on Emirates Airways Flight 222 at 11:25 a.m. Arrive in Dubai on Friday, Feb. 12th at 11:55 a.m. Depart from Dubai at 1:20 p.m. on Emirates Airways Flight 502 Arrive in Mumbai on Friday, Feb. 12th at 5:40 p.m.

Welcome to Mumbai! Upon arrival at the Mumbai International Airport Terminal – 2, after clearing immigration and customs, you will be met by an O’Harani representative with paging signs at the arrival hall and transferred to your hotel for check-in.

This evening, enjoy a private welcome cocktail reception, followed by a late dinner at The Souk Restaurant (at hotel), located on the rooftop of the Taj hotel with panoramic views of the Mumbai harbor and the Gateway of India. The restaurant serves light Eastern & Mediterranean cuisine.

Overnight in Mumbai

FEBRUARY 13 (Saturday) IN MUMBAI Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Breakfast at Hotel. This morning will be dedicated to activities organized by your partner art school in Mumbai (visiting the school, dropping off art supplies, etc.).

Relax over a lunch at the Shamiana (at hotel) – the original coffee shop of the city that offers an all-day dining experience with a multi-cuisine buffet to suit every mood and palate. After lunch, you will witness the activities connected with the Kala Ghoda festival,* the country’s largest multicultural festival where you can experience a kaleidoscope of music, dance, theatre, literature, street stalls, cinema, workshops, visual arts, urban design and architecture and heritage walks.

* Note: The detailed schedule is announced only about 3-4 weeks in advance (www.kalaghodaassociation.com).

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You will then head back to the hotel to freshen up before proceeding for a late dinner at the Indigo (outside hotel) – a restored colonial-era bungalow with stylish spaces and a terrace for high-end European cooking. Indigo is located at walking distance from the Taj Mahal Hotel.

Overnight at the Taj Mahal Palace hotel in Mumbai

FEBRUARY 14 (Sunday) IN MUMBAI Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Early this morning, take in Mumbai by Dawn. Some believe that a city is a microcosm of its individual dwellers, its daily rhythms setting the pace of a city’s mood and character. Yet Mumbai, as it is waking up, is nothing like the Mumbai that you see under the revealing light of the day. On a recent visit to Mumbai – India’s city of drama and dreams, fashion and finance, we came away with a revelation, that at its very heart even a megapolis like Mumbai begins with simple morning rituals. Walk through our footsteps (and that of a million others!) as we journey through the city’s fishing village, flower markets and newspaper stalls, as they provide grist to the everyday grindstone of Mumbai’s economy.

You will return back to hotel for breakfast.

Later this morning, you will proceed on an orientation tour of Mumbai covering Dhobi Ghats - a huge open air laundry that washes huge quantities of this beehive city’s linen, the Mani Bhawan, a building that houses a diorama on the life of Mahatma Gandhi, and a drive past Victoria Terminus and other Indo-Saracenic buildings of Mumbai. End the tour at the Prince of Wales Museum, one of the premier art and history museums in India housed in a building of Indo-Saracenic architecture style that showcases a world-class collection of over 60,000 art objects.

Lunch at Khyber (outside hotel) - Khyber is an elegant, up-market restaurant serving exquisite Northern Indian, Mughal food, using the best, freshest ingredients and a charcoal grill.

You can chose from the following TWO OPTIONS for an afternoon exploration or spend it at leisure at the hotel:

1. Bhau Daji Lad Museum + Spice Market Walk - The very first museum in the city, the Bhau Daji Lad Museum showcases the city’s history and heritage, through old maps, lithographs and paintings. The sculpture garden, showcasing an eclectic collection of statues that dates back to Mumbai’s British colonial period, makes for an interesting visit. Follow this with a Spice Market Walk, where the fragrances of everything from cinnamon to cumin, from chilly to cardamom will tickle your nostrils…and give you a glimpse into a country that has long been an anchor in the global spice markets.

2. Bollywood Dance Class with local Choreographer – Bollywood is not entertainment, it’s a religion, it is not just an impossible dream, but the essence of Indian culture. Come experience the vibrance of Indian films at its most musical, as you shake a leg to Bollywood tunes that have

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made their way into the pop culture worldwide. Our Bollywood Dance Workshop will showcase the groove and the swirls, the twists and the turns, the masala of every Bollywood film – its choreographed dances!

This evening’s program and Dinner is organized by The Crow Museum, in collaboration with The Asia Society. Transportation and Guide will be provided by us to facilitate this visit.

Overnight at the Taj Mahal Palace hotel in Mumbai.

FEBRUARY 15 (Monday) MUMBAI / CHENNAI Indigo Flight 6E 431 Departure 09.45 AM Arrival 11.40 AM CHENNAI / COVELONG (1 hour drive) Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Early breakfast and transfer with assistance to Mumbai airport to board your flight for Chennai.

On arrival at the Chennai airport, you will be met by an O’Harani representative and transferred to a Temple-themed vegetarian restaurant, Annalaxmi (outside hotel) - offering northern and southern Indian and Jain cuisine for lunch.

After lunch, proceed for an orientation driving tour of Chennai’s colonial architecture, where you can tour monuments including Fort Saint George, Britain’s first bastion in India, which was responsible for making Chennai South India’s largest metropolitan today. The St. Thomas Cathedral points to the Portuguese influence over the city, a history that started in 1522 and ended with the arrival of the British. End the tour at the Kapaleeswarar Temple, pre-dating the arrival of the colonizers and celebrating the mythology of Lord Shiva and his wife, Parvati.

Drive to Covelong (one hour). Check in at hotel.

Dinner tonight will be at the hotel’s Multi Cuisine Restaurant (at hotel) that offers an exciting menu.

Overnight at the Vivanta By Taj – Fisherman’s Cove in Covelong

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FEBRUARY 16 (Tuesday) EXPLORE MAHABALIPURAM Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning drive to Mahabalipuram, where you can explore the 7th Century sculpture- strewn landscape – from the ruins of the Shore Temple with hundreds of Nandi bull statues looking seaward to the Krishna’s butterball, a glacial erratic precariously perched upon the bedrock. Continue on past Arjuna’s Penance – a beautiful narrative sculpted onto a single rock face narrating a story from the epic poem, Mahabharata, optimizing the rock fissures and cracks. Then visit the ruins of the rest of the Panch Rathas, which remain in silent testimony to the skill of the carvers who created them.

Relax over lunch at the hotel. Get recharged in the casual ambience with open, interactive kitchens and inside/outside dining that overlooks the pool.

Dine tonight at Bay View – with a Sea Food as fresh as it can be cooked with local Spices that you will relish the cuisine.

Overnight at the Vivanta By Taj – Fisherman’s Cove in Covelong

FEBRUARY 17 (Wednesday) DAY VISIT TO PONDICHERRY (02 hour drive one way) Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning after breakfast drive to Pondicherry.

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Spend the day imbibing the quintessential colonial flavors of Pondicherry, a former colony of France. Walk through the canary-colored town along streets bearing French names lined with structures erected by French historical personages. Tucked away amidst the colonial quartier, White Town, are a few distinct grey structures that belong to the Aurobindo Ashram – a spiritual center that has drawn followers from far and wide, and where the remains of Sri Aurobindo, a fiery revolutionist and philosopher-poet, lie. Then continue onto the Manakula Vinayagar Temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god in Hindu mythology – and perhaps have a chance to be blessed by the temple’s benign pachyderm.

Lunch and interaction with a private gallery owner and view his personal collection of art at his home in Pondicherry.

Stop at Cholamandalam Artists Village on the way back to Covelong and visit the art gallery there with a private tour of the collection.

Drive back to Covelong. Dine tonight hotel at the hotel.

Overnight at the Vivanta By Taj – Fisherman’s Cove in Covelong

FEBRUARY 18 (Thursday) COVELONG / CHENNAI (1 hour drive) CHENNAI / COCHIN Air India Flight AI 509 Departure 08.55 AM Arrival 10.20 AM Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Early this morning you will be transferred to Chennai Airport. Our representative will provide assistance for Check-In for your flight to Cochin. On arrival at Cochin airport you will be met by an O’Harani representative and transferred to your Hotel.

Relax over lunch at The Pepper (at hotel), the all-day dinning restaurant that serves a multitude of cuisines.

This afternoon, take a leisurely stroll with your guide through the by-lanes of Fort Cochin, which bears a marked European influence from Cochin’s British and Dutch colonial era. Walk down to the Mattancherry Palace, built by the Portuguese as a gift of tribute to the Raja of Cochin. The Palace was later renovated by the Dutch and became known as Dutch Palace. Today it houses a small but exquisite museum of royal artefacts, some of which are extremely

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unusual. Then stop off at the Mattancherry Spice Market and the Kochi International Pepper Exchange, a riotous warehouse where traders stake bids at the daily pepper auction. There is also a dry ginger depot that sells a product that finds good use in the Ayurveda industry.

Visit the St. Francis Church, originally built by the Portuguese as a Catholic Church.

Later, High Tea at the David Hall Gallery Café, set in an old Dutch Bungalow that offers a platform to young, budding artists and also showcases a wide variety of other creative talents, from authors to musicians. Followed by High Tea, we will organize interactive sessions with the artists & display the works of Kochi Biennale Foundation, a non-profit charitable trust engaged in promoting art & culture and educational activities in India. The organization is also engaged in the conservation of heritage properties and monuments and the upliftment of traditional forms of art and culture.

Time permitting, continue exploring Cochin’s art scene at the Kashi Art Gallery, which showcases contemporary works and the resident artists represent a potpourri of cultures and artistic talent. Dinner at Thai Pavilion (outside hotel), where the subtle flavors hit home in true style. Discover how fresh herbs grown in own gardens add zest to the food.

Overnight at the Vivanta By Taj – Malabar in Cochin

FEBRUARY 19 (Friday) KOCHI / ALLEPPEY (1.5 hour drive) HOUSEBOAT CRUISE ON THE BACKWATERS ALLEPPEY / KUMARAKOM (1 hour drive) Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning visit Kerala Folklore Museum. The Kerala Folklore Theatre and Museum is a unique venture to preserve the splendid folklore traditions of the state. Step into this three- storied edifice and take a stroll down history, where every encounter is tinged with the culture and heritage of bygone times. From artefacts like masks and sculptures in wood, stone and bronze to costumes of traditional and ritual art forms to musical instruments and tribal jewelry to manuscripts of rare medicinal and astrological secrets (even Stone-Age utensils!), everything

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is preserved in this museum with the utmost care. At the theatre, one can witness a range of performances from drama to dance - creating a tangible, invaluable cultural experience.

From here you will drive to Pallaturuthy Boat Jetty to explore the backwaters of Kerala to board your private houseboat. Spend the day exploring the tranquil backwaters in Kerala at its most charming! You can enjoy a traditional lunch on the houseboat, with breathtaking views of palm canopies.

Later this afternoon, you will disembark at the Pallaturuthy boat jetty and transfer to Kumarakom. On arrival, check into the KUMARAKOM LAKE RESORT.

The evening will commence with a performance of Ottamthullal, a performing art in Kerala which traces its origins to the classical principles of Natya Shastra, a 2nd century B.C treatise on art. Ottamthullal involves a solo performer with makeup and a colorful costume (decorated with a long red and white bands and painted wooden ornaments), who acts and dances out a story from mythology.

This will be followed by dinner at the hotel’s restaurant that serves a multitude of cuisines (in hotel).

Overnight at the Kumarkaom Lake Resort in Kumarakom

FEBRUARY 20 (Saturday) KUMARAKOM Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast this morning, you will drive to Vechoor village and visit the charming Phillip Kutty Farm. Beautifully situated along the backwaters, the farm grows coconut, spices, fruit, and much more. The farm is run by the family who owns it, and today, you will enjoy a delightful interactive session on Syrian Christian cuisine and learn how to cook some of these delicious dishes. The backwaters add their influence to the food at the farm with fish, duck and poultry featured prominently alongside farm fruit and vegetables.

Return back to the hotel and spend a leisurely afternoon.

This evening, witness a Kaleidoscope of Kerala Dances, styles like Kathakali and the martial art form of Kalaripayattu, that is as graceful as a dance form.

This will be followed with a farewell dinner at the Pool Side overlooking the backwaters.

FEBRUARY 21 (Sunday) – late checkout from the hotel Spend the morning/afternoon enjoying the spa services at your hotel Car & driver will also be provided for last-minute shopping/sightseeing

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DEPARTURE to COCHIN AIRPORT at 4 p.m. (1.5 hour drive) Emirates Airways Flight 535 at 9:30 p.m. Arriving in Dubai at 11:59 p.m. Emirates Airways Flight 221 leaves Dubai at 2:50 a.m. Arrival in DFW on Monday, Feb. 22nd at 9:05 a.m.

PRICING INFORMATION Cost Items Price Per Person NET COSTS 20 to 25 Participants Sharing a Room $12,000 Per Couple $6000 Per Person Single Occupancy $6750 Per Person Additional - Emirates Airways Group Flight, which $4239 Per Person in includes round-trip airfare from DFW to Mumbai and Business Class Cochin to DFW. To book, please visit www.emirates.com and purchase your ticket directly $933 Per Person in online. Prices & routes subject to availability. Economy Class Additional – Visa Application Fees. On Tuesday, Dec. $153 + $13 processing fee 8th from 6 to 9 p.m., our travel concierge, Barbara for 10-year, multiple entry Joubert, will host an orientation session at the Crow visa Museum for all confirmed travelers. She will walk $153 + $13 processing fee through the itinerary, answer any questions and for 5-year, multiple entry discuss suggested vaccinations & visa applications. If visa you so choose, you can apply for your visa right then $63 + $13 processing fee and there, and Barbara will handle all your paperwork. for 6-month, multiple The co-founder of O’Harani Luxe Experiences, Patrick entry visa O’Hara, will also be available to answer any questions at this orientation session. Additional – Travel Insurance (Highly recommended). $150 per couple Please visit www.lonelyplanet.com and purchase your $75 per person insurance directly online for the duration of your visit. Additional Cost for Individual Arrival at Mumbai by $70 Per Car, if not arriving AC Toyota Innova Car (2 People) with the group Additional Cost for Individual Departure at Cochin by US $70 Per Car, if not AC Toyota Innova Car (2 People) departing with the group

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INCLUSIONS TO THE PRICE:

1. Accommodation in hotels as per the itinerary on sharing Double or Twin Bed Rooms for a total of 9 nights/10 days. 2. All Meals as indicated in the document. 3. BEVERAGES (alcoholic & non-alcoholic) - We will provide complimentary water, Soft Drinks, Juices & Dry Snacks in vehicles during transfers, sightseeing and excursions. We have also included Soft beverages (Water, Soft Drink, Juices), Beer consumed by the participants during all meals at hotels. Each person will have an allowance of up to two alcoholic beverages (wine/beer/mixed drinks) PER DINNER. The price also INCLUDES consumption of Indian Wines & Spirits during the Welcome & Farewell Cocktail Receptions. Any beverages consumed in the hotel rooms or outside of dinner will be payable directly. 4. Airport Transfers with Assistance of company representatives and private travel concierge, Barbara Joubert, who will be with the group for the entirety of the trip. 5. Tour Director on the ground in every city, who will work with Barbara to ensure smooth travel and cultural experiences. 6. All sightseeing, excursions and road travel using AIR-CONDITIONED VEHICLES (Large Volvo Coaches). 7. Domestic Airfare based on discounted fare available as on date (Subject to Change) at the time of booking. 8. All art-related activities specified in the itinerary with visits to private art galleries and access to see private art collections with interactive sessions with artists. 9. Soft Beverages in the vehicles during transfers and sightseeing. 10. Entrance & Still Camera Fee to Monuments. 11. Portage for baggage at airports and hotels. 12. All Tips and Gratuities.

EXCLUSIONS TO THE PRICE:

1. International Air Fares – preferred group rates have been provided, if travelers choose to fly with the group to and from on Etihad Airways. 2. Travel and Health Insurance 3. Visa Fees 4. All personal expenses such as telephone, Internet, laundry, room service and other expenses. 5. Video Camera Fees at monuments and museum

PAYMENT TERMS:

• 25% payment required at the time of booking by Nov. 30, 2015 or sooner • Balance amount to be paid by Jan. 6, 2016 • All payments should be made in US Dollars • Payment is preferred by wire transfer, check (made out to O’Harani, Inc.) or credit card (3% service fee will apply for all credit card charges)

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CANCELLATION POLICY:

• Minimum cancellation after booking will be 10% of the total tour cost. • Between 90 to 60 days of departure date, 25% of the total tour cost. • Between 60 to 30 days of departure date, 50% of the total tour cost. • Less than 30 days of departure date, 100% of the total tour cost (no refund).

For more information: Jitin Hingorani – Luxury Travel Concierge O’Harani Luxe Experiences - [email protected] or 512.773.6679

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10239 Better Drive, Dallas, TX 75229 [email protected] 469.587.9814