12 Days India Deccan Plateau Explore the Unbeaten Path of India with Goa Festival Travel Date 12 -23 February 2020 TOUR INFORMATION INDIA
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12 Days India Deccan Plateau Explore the unbeaten path of India with Goa Festival Travel date 12 -23 February 2020 TOUR INFORMATION INDIA INTRODUCTION Go beyond the well-touristed Golden Triangle circuit and experience our unique and carefully curated itinerary taking you to two truly magical regions of India. This trip takes you to Mumbai to experience the hustle and bustle of one of India’s most dynamic and modern cities. From Mumbai to Aurangabad including an excursion to the Ajanta Caves and Ellora caves. Over 2000 years old, they have been compared to Egypt’s pyramids for their amazing construction, sculptures and frescoes. The next stop will be Hyderabad, a metropolitan city with Indo-Muslim tombs, mosques, museums and forts, which offers a wide range of rich cultural experiences. Continue to Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the greatest Hindu kingdoms in India’s history. From sun-kissed boulders to majestic temples, this area has amazing ruins to discover. We’ll also journey to Aihole, Pattadakal and Badami, where you will be able to explore many more ruins each with their own story to tell. The journey ends in Goa, which the unique opportunity to experience the annual Goa Carnival. Witness the procession lead by King Momo in the VIP stand area block which is undoubtably the best way to experience the charm of this colourful event. SPECIALS • Visit to Hampi – The capital of the Vijayanagar Empire • Excursion to Ajanta caves and Ellora caves with unique art and history • Explore the Taj Falaknuma Palace with the resident historian • Enjoy dinner at Bombay Canteen – #1 Top Restaurant in India • Witness the Goa Carnival procession in the VIP area block • Small group size of maximum 16 people • Escorted by Scott Dunn Travel Concierge • Tipping to Guide, Driver & Porter included • Comprehensive Travel Insurance included DEPARTURE DETAILS ITINERARY DAY BY DAY • Land Tour Price: Day 1 12 Feb (Wed) Singapore / Mumbai Twin Sharing: S$ 10,380/-; Day 2 13 Feb (Thu) Arrive Mumbai Single Supplement: S$ 3,980/- Day 3 14 Feb (Fri) Mumbai / Aurangabad • Airfare (subject to availability) Day 4 15 Feb (Sat Aurangabad / Ajanta Caves / Aurangabad Economy from S$ 681/-; Business from S$ 6,751/- Day 5 16 Feb (Sun) Aurangabad / Ellora Caves / Hyderbad • Deposit amount: Day 6 17 Feb (Mon) Hyderabad S$ 2,000/- per person Day 7 18 Feb (Tue) Hyderabad / Hampi • Registration Closing Date: Day 8 19 Feb (Wed) Hampi 12 Nov 2019 or when tour is fully Day 9 20 Feb (Thu) Hampi - Aihole, Pattadakal & Badami subscribed Day 10 21 Feb (Fri) Hampi / Goa • Early Bird Promotion: Day 11 22 Feb (Sat) Goa First 4 confirmed rooms enjoy a Day 12 23 Feb (Sun) Depart Goa specialized Ayurvedic treatment per person at the Evolve Back Hampi Resort Raffles City Tower #10-03, 250 North Bridge Road, Singapore 179101 | Tel: +65 3165 4050 | Travel Licence No: 029233 [email protected] | www.scottdunn.com ITINERARY INDIA DAY 01 - 12 FEB (WED) - SINGAPORE MUMBAI Flight: 12 Feb - Singapore / Mumbai SQ 424 1855 / 2210 (5h 45m) Arrive Mumbai International airport by flight, you will be met and transfer to your hotel and assist you at your check-in to The Oberoi Mumbai. Accommodation: The Oberoi Mumbai Meals: N/A DAY 02 - 13 FEB (THU) - MUMBAI Today you will explore the Elephanta Caves. Famous for exquisite and vibrant sculptures they also represent evolved Brahmanical rock-cut architecture. The half-day sightseeing tour of Mumbai city includes The Gateway of India, the most enduring symbol of the city. Continue to the Prince of Wales Museum - one of the biggest museums in the country. Later visit the Victoria Terminus, popularly known as the major and beautiful railway station. Board a daily local train for a 15 minutes ride to witness the daily commuter’s routine. Continue to Dhobhi Ghat and end the tour by watching the city’s laundry-in open air. Dinner will be at the Bombay Canteen – The #1 Top restaurant in India. Accommodation: The Oberoi Mumbai Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner DAY 03 - 03 JAN (FRI) - MUMBAI AURANGABAD Today we rise early for the chance to experience Mumbai at dawn. Witness the bustling city of Mumbai wake up experiencing its authentic character as locals go about their day. Transfer back to the hotel for a late breakfast and relax before the flight to Aurangabad. Flight: Mumbai / Aurangabad AI 442 1525 / 1645 (1h 20m) Accommodation: Vivanta Aurangabad Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch & Dinner Raffles City Tower #10-03, 250 North Bridge Road, Singapore 179101 | Tel: +65 3165 4050 | Travel Licence No: 029233 [email protected] | www.scottdunn.com ITINERARY INDIA DAY 04 - 15 FEB (SAT) - AURANGABAD / AJANTA CAVES / AURANGABAD Take a full day excursion to Ajanta Caves. Located in the Shahyadri hills, exotic paintings adorn the walls of the caves, depicting Buddhism practices dating back to 650 BC - 200 BC. The rock-hewn caves of Ajanta consist mainly of two parts, the chaityas or chapels and the viharas or monasteries. There are 29 caves in all and the largest cave is as big as a modern auditorium. Accommodation: Vivanta Aurangabad Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner DAY 05 - 16 FEB (SUN) - AURANGABAD / ELLORA CAVES / HYDERABAD This morning you will visit to the mesmerizing Ellora caves. Noted for its exquisite carvings and illustrative figurines, the Ellora Caves house in its midst - temples and monasteries belonging to 3 distinct faiths including Hinduism and Buddhism, besides Jainism. Later depart to the airport for the flight to Hyderabad. Flight: Aurangabad / Hyderabad 2T 212 1830 / 2015 (1h 45m) Upon arrival you will be transfer to the hotel. You will stay at the Taj Falaknuma Palace, which, amongst the best Palace hotels in the country. Accommodation: Taj Falaknuma Palace Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner DAY 06 - 17 FEB (MON) - HYDERABAD Today you will be taken for a sightseeing tour of Hyderabad. Charminar, in the center of the walled city and built to commemorate the end of a plague in 1591. The Charminar has long been the icon of Hyderabad. Enjoy shopping for bangles and local spices in the Lad Bazar. Continue to the Mecca Masjid, one of the oldest mosques of the city and it can accommodate 10,000 worshippers at a time. Close by visit the Chowmohalla Palace, where the Nizam entertained his guests in Asaf Jahi dynasty. In the afternoon, visit to the Golconda Fort, one of the least visited but most magnificent fortress complexes in India. Followed by the heritage tour of the Taj Falaknuma Palace with their resident historian. Tonight, enjoy the dinner at the Taj Falaknuma Palace, which is rated as one of the top restaurant awards in India last year. Accommodation: Taj Falaknuma Palace Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Raffles City Tower #10-03, 250 North Bridge Road, Singapore 179101 | Tel: +65 3165 4050 | Travel Licence No: 029233 [email protected] | www.scottdunn.com ITINERARY INDIA DAY 07 - 18 FEB (TUE) - HYDERABAD HAMPI This morning you will be transferred to the airport and fly to Vidyanagar. Flight: Hyderabad / Vidyanagar 2T 623 1300 / 1415 (1h 15m) Upon arrival you will be transfer to the hotel and enjoy a leisure evening for today. Accommodation: Evolve Back Hampi Resort Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner DAY 08 - 19 FEB (WED) - HAMPI Take a full day tour to Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage site and is a vast open-air museum of history, architecture and religion. It is scattered with ruins of giant temples, palaces and other ancient monuments. The royal section of Hampi ruins starting at Lotus Mahal and the amazing elephant stables, the granaries, Ramachandra temple and Mahanavmi Platform from where the king presided over the Mahanavmi festivities. Continue to visit other key sites like Virupaksha temple with its 50m high temple tower and Hemakunta Hill with ruins of Jain temples. The highlight of Vittala temple complex is the 15th century AD Vittala Temple, the most extravagant architectural showpiece of Hampi. Accommodation: Evolve Back Hampi Resort Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner DAY 09 - 20 FEB (THU) - HAMPI - AIHOLE, PATTADAKAL & BADAMI After an early breakfast, we will take you on a full day excursion to magnificent sites almost as old as two millenniums - Aihole, Pattadakal & Badami - These sites are considered to be the Cradle of Indian temple architecture. Witness true Indian religions Hinduism, Buddhism & Jainism on the stone carved monuments - a reflection of their strong influence on early Indian Dynasties at various timelines. Return to Hampi for dinner. Accommodation: Evolve Back Hampi Resort Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Raffles City Tower #10-03, 250 North Bridge Road, Singapore 179101 | Tel: +65 3165 4050 | Travel Licence No: 029233 [email protected] | www.scottdunn.com ITINERARY INDIA DAY 10 - 21 FEB (FRI) - HAMPI GOA Enjoy a leisure morning, check-out from the hotel and drive to Hubli airport for your departure flight toGoa. Flight: Hubli / Goa 6E 7997 1745/1835 (0h 50m) Upon arrival you will be transfer to the hotel. Accommodation: Alila Diwa Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner DAY 11 - 22 FEB (SAT) - GOA After breakfast, proceed for sightseeing of Old Goa. Visit Shant Durga Temple, famous Hindu temple in Goa. This temple is dedicated to Shanta Durga, the goddess who mediates between Vishu and Shiva. Continue to the Fontainhas Latino Quarters for walking tour. You’ll be transported back in time as you wander past colorful old Portuguese homes. This afternoon, every street in Panaji are crowded with music, dance and performance, which are the shining features of the Goa Carnival. Goa Carnival is Goa’s most famous festival and has been celebrated since the 18th century. It was introduced by the Portuguese who ruled over Goa for over 500 years. We will witness the highlight of the carnival - a colossal procession headed by King Momo from the VIP stand area block.