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Home , Aihole, Badami, Hampi, Hampi (town), Hospet, Jaganmohan Palace

Incredible Journey’s Legendary South 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. (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) the capital of the 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 , 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 , & that are steeped in history. Begin tour with the Old City of , 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 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 comprising of serene stretches of lakes, canals and lagoons located parallel to the coast of the .

SMALL GROUP ESCORTED TOUR- MAXIMUM 16 TO A TOUR

15 days visiting: Hyderabad, Hampi, , Badami, Aihole, Pattadakal, Bengaluru, and . ABOUT YOUR TOUR HOSTS/MANAGER’s: Mark Madhukar Sood & Debika Sen

Tour Managers are responsible for organizing, planning and conducting long distance expeditions, travel, and tours. They make sure that the travel runs smoothly from city to city without any issue. In an ideal world, a tour manager has one job: “Making sure you don’t have to worry about anything else”. Mark & Debika understand it well. They have over 35 years’ experience leading tours to exotic destinations. “It’s all about knowing the destination, the culture, history of the countries visited and having good communication- says Mark, who has led many successful tours to Asia, Africa, South America and more.

“I like to say that being a Tour Manager is a bit like being a mom because I take care of my guests like they are my family. I take them to new beginnings and show them that they can change their point of view by experiencing new things. I make them laugh, give advice, share helpful tips with them, teach them about the world, tell them stories, share hugs and appreciation. My biggest reward is seeing dreams come true-- just like a mom. Being able to show people the world is the best part of being a Tour Manager and it's what keeps me on the road” – Debika

We are in part diplomat, part guardian, and part logistics guru: We understand, If the road goes on forever, then it’s the tour managers who keep the wheels turning” Having been born and brought up in India, we know India well. Through our years of experience, we are able to deliver unique experiences, showcase authentic glimpses of the India of yesterday and today. Mark & Debika will be with you each step of the way to help you make the most of these opportunities. We invite you to join us and experience India as we see it and know it.

ACTC’s special features: • Celebrate India's longest festival -Navratri- 9 nights of dancing, Puja and • Architectural wonders of Badami, Aihole & Pattadakal • UNESCO's world heritage sites of Vijayanagar Empire (13th century) • Experience royalty staying at Nizam's Palace of Hyderabad & Mysore's Maharaja Palace • Explore splendors of Fort Kochi's colonial past • Most meals- many deliciously authentic dining experiences • Smaller Group Camaraderie- maximum 16 participants • Welcome and Farewell dinners accompanied by local music and dance presentation • Accompanying Expert Travel Director -hands on to take care of all services and deliver seamless, magical experiences throughout. • All transfers and sightseeing tours, excursions as per tour itinerary • Services of local English-speaking guide on sightseeing tours & excursions • All entrance fees, guide fees etc. • Bottled water on tours • All applicable taxes on Hotels and transport as of Nov. 2019

Your Journey begins:

DAY 1: Oct. 15, THU - ARRIVE HYDERABAD Arrive in Hyderabad, richest and largest state at the time of India's independence. The city is nearly 400 years old and is perched on the top of the . A multitude of influences have shaped the city’s character. Its palaces and buildings, houses, tenements, gardens and streets have a history coupled with an architectural individuality of its own, making Hyderabad a city of enchantment. On arrival, you will be greeted with a traditional Indian welcome and escorted to the hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure. Join fellow tour members for a tour briefing and welcome dinner including presentation of local music and dances. . TAJ FALAKNUMA PALACE- D

TAJ FALUKNAMA HOTEL: Built in 1894, the former palace of the Nizam, rumored to be the richest man in the world at one time, this enchanting palace exudes romance and grandeur that take one back to when the Nizam ruled Hyderabad. Walk the walk of kings through the Grand Staircase to retrace the steps of Nizams, European royalty, enchanting Begums and distinguished Heads of State. The five-star luxury hotel, spread over 32 acres, allows you to journey to the gilded ages, where opulence and excess is celebrated and savored in equal measure. The 60 rooms and suites are beautifully refurbished and lovingly restored by Her Highness Princess Esra, the Nizam’s Turkish wife. Each provides marvelous views of the palace courtyard and the 400-year-old city of Hyderabad.

DAY 2: Oct. 16, FRI - HYDERABAD- City Tour, Arts & crafts village Tour of Hyderabad reveals an amalgam of old world charm coupled with modernity. Visit Char Minar, Masjid, Birla Temple and housing the Nizam’s private art collection. This afternoon visit Shilpagram, a village to showcase arts, an endeavor to preserve India’s dying arts & forms. Set amidst picturesque rock formations that are unique for the region, Shilpagram brings together craftsmen and artists of every ilk. Truly, A home to thousands of visiting artisans’, where the artistic manifestations of centuries mingle with dynamics of modern-day life. TAJ FALAKNUMA PALACE HOTEL - BL

DAY 3: Oct. 17, SAT - Excursion Visit the Golconda Fort, former capital of the Qutab Shahi dynasty, a mud structure evolving into a magnificent citadel fortress. The Qutab Shahis ruled the Deccan for almost 171 years, contributing to the growth and development of Indo-Persian and Indo-Islamic literature also culture. During the Qutb Shahi reign, Golconda became one of the leading markets in the world of Diamonds. Afternoon time to explore the markets famous for traditional handicrafts and Pearls, In the evening enjoy a spectacular sunset over the city from the garden or terraces of the Hotel. TAJ FALAKNUMA PALACE HOTEL -BL

DAY 4: Oct. 18, SUN - HYDERABAD/ HAMPI After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and transfer to airport to board your flight to Vidyanagar and continue overland to Hampi, a village in northern . Hampi is a haven to travelers from all over the world. Stunningly beautiful, this idyllic place sprawls on the sides of river Tungabhadra and is one of the sites to house ruins of the . UNESCO has credited Hampi ruins as a World Heritage Site and rightly so, for visiting these ruins is more like a lesson in history and lost kingdoms. Rest of the day is at leisure to explore the village on own. EVOLVE BACK HOTEL- BD

DAY 5: Oct. 19, MON - HAMPI After breakfast embark on a sightseeing tour of Hampi, a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Someone rightly said “If dreams were made out of stone, it would be Hampi” The foundation of the Vijayanagara Empire was laid in Hampi in 1336 A.D, making it the capital of the largest empire in post-mogul India. It later became famous for its support towards renovation/reconstruction of temples re- establishment of Indian culture, its support for music, art and literature throughout India. Today the ruins silently narrate the story of grandeur and fabulous wealth, palaces and gateways of the broken city tells a tale of men of infinite talent and power of creativity together with his capacity for senseless destruction.

Vithala Temple Complex - The most splendid monument of Hampi is undoubtedly the Vithala Temple Complex with its 56 musical pillars. Here see the famous Stone with stone wheels that revolve. In front of the shrine stands the great mantapa. Resting on a richly sculpted basement, its roof is supported by huge pillars of granite, each consisting of a central pillar surrounded by detached shafts, all cut from one single block of stone.

The Virupaksha Temple rises majestically at the western end of the famous Hampi Bazaar. The temple has a 120 feet tall tower on its eastern entrance. The temple contains the shrines of , Pampa and Bhuvaneswari. Parts of this temple are older than the Vijayanagar kingdom itself. The work of this style dates back to the 11th or 12th century. Hazara Ramaswami temple is believed to have been the private place of worship of the royal family. The chief attraction of the temple is the series of scenes from the carved on two of the inside walls of the mantapa. The genesis of the place known today as Hampi dates to the age of the Hindu epic Ramayana when it was the site of Kishkinda, a monkey kingdom.

Later visit the Achyutaraya Temple and walk through the bazaars of Sule and Hampi. EVOLVE BACK HOTEL - BL

Day 6: Oct. 20, TUE - HOSPET EXCURSION Travel to Hospet, the World Heritage site consisting of ruins of the medieval city of Vijayanagara, former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. Hospet was built by in 1520 AD, one of the rulers of Vijayanagara in memory of his mother, Nagalambika. Return back to Hampi after the tour. EVOLVE BACK HOTEL - BL

Day 7: Oct. 21, WED - HAMPI/BADAMI Travel this morning to Badami, formerly known as Vatapi, a town and headquarters of a aluk by the same name. It was the regal capital of the Badami Chalukyas from 540 to 757 AD and is famous for rock cut and other structural temples. This afternoon, visit the , composed of four caves, carved out of the soft Badami sandstone on a hill cliff in the late 6th to the 7th centuries. The 18- armed , striking 81 dance poses inside Cave1 are guarded by Shiva’s monolithic Dwarapalas! One of the most remarkable is Cave 3. With multifaceted fluted designs, flying figures sculpted to embellish ceilings, flanked by Lakshmi and ; Shiva, Indra and Varuna are among the principal deities; Krishna vanquishing demons, and with other epic stories depicted on the walls and much more. This cave is undoubtedly symbolic of a Hindu reign. KRISHNA HERITAGE HOTEL - BD

Day 8: Oct. 22, THU- AIHOLE & PATTADAKAL EXCURSIONS Rich in detail, quiet and peaceful, Aihole, “cradle of Indian architecture” as it is aptly referred to, is home to over a hundred temples. Built between the 5th 8th centuries AD, on the banks of the River Malaprabha. The 22 groups of temples are scattered around the village. In a bygone era, Aihole served as the centre

of Chalukyan sovereignty. Today, it stands in virtual anonymity. See the architecture in its embryonic stage, from the earliest Ladkhan Temple to the later and more complex structures like Kunligudi and Durgigudi. The large scale of the architecture, the complex elevation and spatial treatments, the rich ornamentation in the different building styles, artistic traditions from different parts of the subcontinent, the Pattadakal temples provide a striking illustration of their harmonious coexistence. The 10 or so major temples represent the zenith of the early Chalukyan era. Today, a World Heritage Site, Pattadakal served as the royal commemorative centre. The coronation of the Chalukyan rulers between the 7th & 9th centuries AD. KRISHNA HERITAGE HOTEL - BL

Day 9: Oct. 23, FRI - BADAMI/HAMPI/ BENGALURU ()/ MYSORE Retrace your steps back to Hampi and connect with flight to Bengaluru. The capital of Karnataka is known as the Garden City because of its salubrious climate and greenery. Begin a brief tour of the garden city & lunch before continuing overland to Mysore. Enroute stop at Srirangapatnam where Tipu built his summer palace. Mysore was the capital of a where there are palaces and festivals of yester years is celebrated. Mysore, once the capital of a princely state still carries the aura and charm of palaces, and the opulence of festivals of yester years. PALACE HOTEL- BD

LALITA MAHAL PALACE HOTEL: built by the erstwhile Maharaja of Mysore to host his most important guest, the Viceroy of India. The Lalitha Mahal is now, a palace hotel that offers an experience of princely living in a real Maharaja's palace. Just outside the city of Mysore, stands a shimmering white palace - a splendid Italianate palazzo, double- columned and domed - set in sprawling terraced and landscaped gardens. Set on a ridge commanding a panoramic view, this dream-like palace was built in 1931 for special guests of the Maharajas. The building is a majestic, two-story composition of twin ionic , a projecting porch on the ground floor, spherical with lanterns and the central which dominates the elevation rises above the central entrance hall. Day 10: Oct. 24, SAT- MYSORE CITY TOUR & PRE DASARA CELEBRATIONS Tour the Maharaja’s palace, built between 1897 and 1907, the palace is a splendid structure in the Indo-Saracenic Style, among its many attractions are a magnificent gold throne displayed during the Dasara celebrations. Next visit the housing an excellent collection of ceramics, ivory, , stone, antique furniture and ancient musical instruments, St. Philomena’s Church - this imposing Gothic structure with beautiful stained-glass windows and lofty towers is a must see. Continue to chamundi Hill, named after the goddess Chamundi, to see the 17th century statue of Shiva’s mount, 16 feet high, carved out of one rock.

In the evening-attend rehearsal of Torch Light Parade at Bannimantap. After Dinner at local restaurant, we will visit the illuminated and participate in the folk dance show and other festivities. Details will be provided as they become available. LALITHA MAHAL PALACE HOTEL- BD

Day 11: Oct. 25, SUN- DASARA CELEBRATIONS Intricately woven with legends and mythology, the city of Mysuru is a confluence of history, art and culture. As per local mythical lore, it was once ruled by , a buffalo-headed demon (after whom the city of Mysuru is named). His oppressed subjects invoked the gods to rid them of his evil reign and Goddess Parvathi, in the form of Chamundeshwari vanquished him in a battle that lasted 9 days and nights. The tenth day is celebrated as Dasara, symbolizing the victory of good over evil, a tradition initiated by the Vijayanagar kings in the 9th century. During the festivities, the Mysuru Palace is adorned with bright lights and the streets are festooned with colorful streamers. A spectacular procession of decked up elephants carry the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari in the golden howdah to be worshipped by the royal family and masses alike, along with colorful tableaux, ecstatic dancing groups and music bands, horses and camels. Across the illuminated Mysuru Palace, the local Dasara annual carnival is held selling, exquisite handicrafts and local eatables and exciting rides. Mysuru city is bedecked in its full glory, with decorated and caparisoned elephants, garlanded idols, folk dance performances, music carnival, food and film festivals, fireworks and much more. Enjoy a festive dinner at the Hotel terrace or rooftop overlooking the city lights this evening. LALITHA MAHAL PALACE HOTEL- BD

Day 12: Oct. 26, MON - MYSORE / BENGALURU / KOCHI Free morning to shop for handicrafts & more before returning to Bengaluru where you will board flight to to Kochi, set on a cluster of islands and narrow peninsulas. The influence of Chinese, Jews, and Europeans is evident in Kochi and its people. BRUNTON BOATYARD HOTEL- BL

THE BRUNTON BOATYARD: This restored building sits well with its colonial era surroundings and counterparts - the great trading houses of British India when pepper from Kerala was considered as precious as gold. Like the cultures they celebrate and display, Brunton Boatyard is a five star hotel whose interiors reflect an eclectic but tasteful blend of English, Portuguese and Dutch influences as seen in its high ceilings, hanging fans and a plethora of artifacts and curios from a great mercantile age known for its pomp and glamour. The scent of colonial history is all around you as you take a tour of the historic Fort Cochin area where the hotel stands. Though little remains of the fort itself there are legacies of its proud history to be seen everywhere.

DAY 13: Oct. 27, TUE- KOCHI Touring After Breakfast visit Mattancherry Palace, built by the Portuguese in 1557 and presented to the king of Kochi, Raja Verra Kerala Varma, as a gesture of goodwill. The Dutch substantially renovated it after 1663, hence, called the Dutch Palace. St. Francis Church is India’s oldest European-built church. Vasco de Gama the first European to reach India by sailing around Africa died in Kochi in 1524 and was buried here for 14 years before his remain were transferred to Lisbon. The Jewish Synagogue was constructed in 1568; is the oldest synagogue in the region. Proceed to the Chinese Fishing Nets, reflecting the traditional method of fishing. Continue to the spice markets, a rich trading centre in medieval times. This afternoon is at leisure to explore the island on your own or visit the nearby town of Ernakulum. BRUNTON BOATYARD HOTEL- BL

Day 14: Oct. 28, WED – KOCHI- Backwater Cruise Breakfast at Hotel and rest of your day is free for independent activities. This evening embark on a fascinating cruise around Cochin Harbor. Spectacular sunsets, glorious sea air and probably a dolphin or two. The cruise is followed by farewell dinner and presentation of Keralite music & dances. BRUNTON BOATYARD HOTEL- BD

Day 15: Oct. 29, THU: Depart Kochi Visit Ernakulum this morning and walk through markets or try the Ayurvedic massage therapy and spa facilities. Enjoy Keralite cuisine, served the traditional way on banana leaf or thali for lunch at a local restaurant. Transfer to airport in the evening to catch your international flight home. BL

LAND TOUR PRICE: $ 6,988.00 per person sharing Single room- $ 10,020.00

INTERNAL INDIA AIRFARE- $ 280.00 per person in economy class

INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE- Discounted airfares available from your home city in Economy, Premium Economy & Business class. Check at time of booking.

Note: Airfares listed are based on best available at time of quoting. Subject to change, subject to schedule etc.

TOUR EXTENSION: AYURVEDA SPA & BEACH RESORT – Oct. 29 – Oct. 31 (2 nights/ 3 days)

Package includes: Stay at Beach Resort Hotel- Garden Villa with Breakfast, Daily activities such as- Kalari Martial arts demonstration, Early morning and evening Yoga & meditation session, Butterfly Garden visit with Naturalist. Talk on Ayurveda by the Ayurveda practitioner, Bird watching with Naturalist, local Instrumental Music Lessons. Kitchen Garden visit & daily harvesting. Visit a local village, Evening Tea ceremony, An Interactive Cooking Demonstration with the Chef, Saree & Dhoti wearing demonstration, Round trip transfers from Kochi.

Tour Price (based on minimum 2 participants)- $ 499.00 per person sharing. Single room- $ 830.00

FOR MORE INFORMATION- Contact your travel agent or call toll free- 888 605 8676 or 310 373 1001 Email: [email protected]. Website: www.AClassicTour.com