• 16 DAYS/15 NIGHTS • DEPARTURE DATE: SEPTEMBER 16, 2019

• RETURN DATE: OCTOBER 2, 2019 • LAND CONTENT PRICE BASED ON TWIN SHARE AUD $4990

• SINGLE SUPPLEMENT PER PERSON AUD $1900 • INTERNATIONAL AIR FARE NOT INCLUDED • INCLUDES DOMESTIC AIR FARES IN INDIA

(Terms and conditions apply. Refer website)

DELHI – AGRA – HAMPI (VIA BANGALORE & HUBLI) – BANGALORE – MSORE – BANDIPUR – CALICUT – KOCHI – KUMARAKOM – KOCHI

EXPLORE INDIA WITH SPICE ODYSSEY

INDIA – NORTH AND SOUTH

DAY 1 – 16 SEP MON: DEPART AUSTRALIA. ARRIVE DELHI. Transfer to Hotel Le Meridien.

DAY 2 – 17 SEP TUE: DELHI After Breakfast, embark on a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi. Some of the sites visited will be Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, the Red Fort and the Jama Masjid. In the afternoon, visit New Delhi which includes the Qutab Minar and Humayun’s Tomb. Overnight at Le Meridien. Meals B

Delhi is India’s capital and a major gateway to the country. It successfully combines the ancient with the modern. Amidst the skyscrapers spiralling above the city, the remnants of a bygone time in the form of its many monuments stand as silent reminders to the region’s ancient legacy.

The first impressions for any visitor travelling in from the airport are of a spacious, garden city, tree-lined with a number of beautiful parks.

DAY 3 – 18 SEP WED: DELHI/AGRA/DELHI An early departure (packed breakfast) for Delhi Railway Station to board the Gatiman Express for Agra, departure 0810 hrs/arrival Agra 0950 hrs. On arrival in Agra, transferred by coach to visit the Taj Mahal.

The Taj Mahal is everything that has been said about it and more. Taking 22 years and 20,000 men to build, the white marble was quarried 200 miles away and was transported to the site by a fleet of 1000 elephants. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as an expression of his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, in mid-17th century, the Taj Mahal is truly one of the wonders of the world. Though the Taj appears to be amazingly perfect from almost any angle, it is the close-up marble inlay work, which is really astounding. After lunch a few more historical monuments will be visited such as the Agra Fort, which was the seat of administration during the Mughal rule. Depart Agra by coach. Overnight Le Meridien. Meals B, L & D.

“To travel is to Live” Hans Christian Andersen. What better way to put this into practice is by travelling to Timeless India! It is a civilisation that dates back to 3300 BC and exists till today. Words fail to do it justice. It is a vibrant, rich country that is full of myriad experiences that will please all sorts of travellers, from mountains to beaches, from pre-historic ruins to opulent palaces, wild life reserves to crowded market places, gastronomic delights to spiritual awakenings, to name a few. It is a country to be experienced by the heart and seen with the soul. To quote Keith Bellows from National Geographic: “There are some parts of the world that once visited, get into your heart and won’t go – for me India is such a place.” You be the judge!

DAY 4 – 19 SEP THU: DELHI-HAMPI VIA BANGALORE AND HUBLI After an early breakfast, leave for the airport for a flight to Bangalore with a connection to Hubli. On arrival in Hubli, board a coach for Hampi. (Approx. 4 hours) Over night at Evolve Back Kamalapura Palace. Meals B & D.

Hampi - a UNESCO World Heritage site is believed to be the “Kishkinda” of Ramayana times where the Monkey kingdom existed. The place is traditionally linked with Lord Shiva and his consort Girija. The historical antiquity dates back to the first and second centuries AD. Its fabulously rich princes built Dravidian temples and palaces which won the admiration of travellers between the 14th and 16th centuries.

DAY 5 – 20 SEP FRI: HAMPI Breakfast. Commence a sightseeing tour of this World Heritage site. The top attractions in Hampi are a series of enclosures, baths, temples and palaces. Here, you will come across wonderful structures like the Virupaksha Temple, which celebrates the wedding ceremony of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati every year. Hampi was a trade hub between the 14th to 16th centuries; its long stretch of bazaars gives a feeling of waiting in expectation for the commerce and trade to resume, as it did centuries ago.

Some of the sites to be visited are Vijaya Vittala Temple, The Royal Enclosure, the elephant stables, Lotus Mahal, the Hazararama Palace. Overnight at Kamalapura Palace. Meals: B & D.

DAY 6 – 21 SEP SAT: HAMPI Breakfast. Post breakfast proceed to visit “The Kishkinda Trust” NGO in Anegundi followed by Lunch on the premises. The trust was founded in 1997 by Shama Pawar. Its aim is to integrate heritage conservation with the lives of the local people thus contributing to socio-economic stability. Anegundi situated on the banks of the Tungabhadra is often referred to as “The Cradle City of Hampi”; it was here the Vijayanagra kingdom took birth and descendants of these kings still live in the area. Overnight at Kamalapura Palace. Meals: B, L & D.

DAY 7 – 22 SEP SUN: HAMPI TO BANGALORE VIA HUBLI After breakfast depart for Bangalore. This entails a coach ride from Hampi to Hubli Airport of 3 hours, followed by a flight. A packed lunch for the journey will be provided.

Bangalore or Bengaluru which means “Town of Boiled Beans” derived its name from a legend where an old woman served

beans to a lost Hoysala King. It has a pleasant climate the year round. As the hub of India’s IT industry, it is often called ‘India’s Silicon Valley’. Hotel: Gokulam Grand hotel & Spa. Meals B, L & D.

DAY 8 – 23 SEP MON: BANGALORE – MYSORE Board a coach for a sightseeing tour of Bangalore. Some of the places that will be visited are Vidhana Soudha, the seat of the legislative assembly, the Bangalore Palace, a smaller replica of the Windsor Castle and Tippu’s Palace. On completion of the sightseeing, the coach will proceed to Mysore (approx. 4 hours). There will be a stop en route for lunch (own cost). In the evening, visit a local family for dinner. There will be a cooking demonstration. Hotel: Radisson Blu. Meals B & D.

Mysore is noted for its palaces and heritage structures. The main drawcard is the Mysore Palace which is one of the grandest royal buildings in India. The Palace has a fine collection of paintings and sculptures. Apart from the monuments, Mysore is also known for the production of silk, sandalwood and incense.

DAY 9 – 24 SEP TUE: MYSORE Proceeding breakfast, start a tour of Mysore with a visit to the Maharaja’s Palace. It is a treasure trove of exquisite carvings and works of art from the world over. A sightsseing tour takes in Chamundi Hills, the Devraja Market which is over hundred years old. Hotel: Hotel Radisson Blu. Meals: B.

DAY 10-25 SEP WED: MYSORE-BANDIPUR Leave after breakfast by coach for Bandipur (approx. 2 hrs).

The Bandipur National Park situated in Karnataka covers an area of 880 sq kms. It was once the private wildlife reserve of the Maharaja’s of Mysore. Now it is a protected zone for over 100 species of mammals including tigers, elephants leopards, gaur (Indian bison), spotted deer, sloth bears, mongoose to name a few. It is also home to about 350 species of birds.

In the afternoon proceed on a Jungle Safari. Hotel: The Serai Bandipur. Meals B, L & D.

DAY 11-26 SEP THU: BANDIPUR Start the day with an early morning jungle safari. This time of the day is magical; catch the morning sunrise and at the same time keep an eye out for residents of the jungle as they go about their business. Hotel: The Serai Bandipur. Meals B, L & D.

INCLUSIONS: • 4-5 star accommodation based on Twin share • Breakfast Daily • Meals as mentioned • Air conditioned coach • Domestic Air Fares • Tips/Porterage • Sightseeing with local guides as mentioned.

EXCLUSIONS: • Expenses of a personal nature such as visa fees, insurance, telephone bills, laundry charges, non-alcoholic/alcoholic beverages and medical expenses • Any services not included in the itinerary.

If the hotels mentioned above are not available, similar category hotels will be provided.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND BOOKINGS CONTACT:

• Spice Odyssey - Marie: 0418 265 117 Email: info@spiceodyssey.net.au Web: www.spiceodyssey.net.au

• Viatour Travel Pty Ltd - Bindu: 02 97993222 | 0422 257308 Email: bindu@viatour.com.au

“Marie is a quiet and a very efficient leader with an engaging personality”. Richard Cogswell

“I feel privileged to have encountered the ‘colour’ of India; its beauty, its joy, its sadness. It was a special time.” Anne Caldwell

“Marie is outgoing and communicative; she is able to help all in the group feel comfortable”. Valda Dickinson

“I had trepidations in travelling to India. India however welcomed me with its heart, its diversity and its colour.” Antonia Simpson

DAY 12-27 SEP FRI: BANDIPUR-CALICUT - SURFACE/CALICUT-KOCHI – BY AIR After breakfast, leave by coach for Calicut, an approximate drive of 3 hrs. En route, there will be lunch at The Raviz Resort Kadavu Hotel which is not far from the Calicut Airport (40 mins). Transferred from Kochi Airport to the Eighth Bastion Hotel. Meals B & L.

Kochi is a cluster of islands on the vast expanse of the Vembanad Lake. The Lake opens out into the Arabian Sea to form one of the finest natural harbours in the world. It is this natural advantage that has made Kochi a fascinating blend of different cultures The Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch, and the British have all left their mark here.

DAY 13-28 SEP SAT: KOCHI Breakfast. Embark on a half day sightseeing tour of Kochi that will include visits to Matttancherry Palace built by the Portuguese in 1555, St Francis’ Church,Fort Cochin, built by the Portuguese in 1503 AD., Chinese fishing nets, a legacy from the courts of Kublai Khan. Hotel: The Eight Bastion. Meals B.

DAY 14-29 SEP SUN: KOCHI-KUMARAKOM Breakfast. This will be followed by a short visit to the Paradesi Synagogue. The Synagogue was constructed in 1568 AD and is located in Old Cochin. The history of this Jewish community dates back to 69 AD when the Jews fled to India to avoid

persecution by the Romans. Drive to Kumarakom (approx 2.5 Hrs drive). Kumarakom is situated on Lake Vembanad. It is famous for a bird sanctuary where many species of migratory birds visit. Hotel: Coconut Lagoon. Meals: B.

DAY 15-30 SEP MON: KUMARAKOM After breakfast, proceed to visit “ATree NGO” in Alleppey. It is a research institution in the areas of biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. The Institute focuses on applied science through research, education and action that influences policy and practice on conservation of nature, management of natural resources, and sustainable development. On completion of the visit, board a coach for the houseboat jetty; the houseboat (Kettuvallam) will gently glide its way through the fascinating Backwaters of Kerala. This is a unique way to get a glimpse of the way villagers eke a living out of the narrow strips of land along the backwaters of Kerala. A backwater comprises of a unique web of rivers, lakes, bays, lagoons and canals extending into the villages. A ride on a Ketuvallam is a most relaxing experience not to be missed. Hotel: Coconut Lagoon. Meals: B & L.

DAY 16-1 OCT TUE: KUMARAKOM-KOCHI Breakfast. Transferred to Kochi Airport to board the return flight back to Australia.

Day 17-2 OCT: ARRIVE AUSTRALIA