Legendary South India Tour Oct
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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. SMALL GROUP ESCORTED TOUR- MAXIMUM 16 TO A TOUR 15 days visiting: Hyderabad, Hampi, Hospet, Badami, Aihole, Pattadakal, Bengaluru, Mysore and Kochi. 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, Durga Puja and Mysore Dasara • 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 Deccan Plateau. 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, Mecca Masjid, Birla Temple and Salar Jung Museum 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 - GOLCONDA FORT 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 Karnataka. 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 Vijayanagara Empire. 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 Chariot 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 Shiva, 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.