Subcontinental Exploration by Incredible Odyssey (Aug 2017)

subcontinental exploration

INCLUDES JOURNEYS TO

Karnataka, Maharasthra, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Chattisgarh, Kerala, Delhi, Goa, West Bengal and Telangana

PRIVATE, EXCLUSIVE, ESCORTED TOURS

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Vision

Why Incredible Odyssey?

We strive to be innovators in the industry by being creative with our concepts on travel. Our professionalism and high standards has allowed us to establish a strong presence in the market, making us one of the best tour operators in the Southeast Asia.

At Incredible Odyssey, we work on the philosophy of “Atithi Devo Bhava” which means ‘Guest is God’ as per the Hindu mythology. We treat guests from all walks of life with this philosophy. We have our own unique way of managing tours, in the last 25 years we have developed a system to allow our guests to make the most out of their adventure and leisure travel.

Mission Our main aim is to provide our guests with an unforgettable trip, we hope to tailor our services to exceed the expectations of our guests.

About us Incredible Odyssey Pte Ltd, incepted after 25 years of experience in the travel industry. We have handled thousands of travellers from all walks of life, and we cover an extensive range of tours to give our customers numerous options on the way they would like to explore the country. We provide excursions and tours such as, leisure tours, family holidays, wildlife tours, pilgrimage, mixed adventure race, mountaineering courses, mountaineering expeditions, mountain biking, motor biking, paragliding events and courses; rafting expedition, motor race challenges and all sorts of customised tours.

The founders of the company pioneered in the Travel & Tour venture in 1990. We started off as a small trekking establishment in Manali in the Western Himalayas and slowly grew, expanding our offices across India, Bhutan and Nepal. Today, we handle thousands of guests from all over Southeast Asia.

Odyssey Manager™ Incredible Odyssey tours are managed by our friendly and English-speaking Odyssey Managers, who serve foreign guests based on their preferences. They provide customised general information and legends, and they are assisted by the monument guides when necessary. From receiving guests from the airport to escorting them till departure, Odyssey Manager™ accompanies guests around 8-12 hours daily to make sure that all the services are provided as per the itinerary, and to solve contingencies that might arise along the journey. Odyssey Manager can assist in itinerary changes or add-on visits along the way if feasible.

Wide range of cost options We believe that every guest is different, therefore have different lifestyles. To suit your individual needs, we offer various budget options for accommodation, transport and other services.

Licenced by:

Member of:

TA - 02478

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CONTENTS

ITINERARIES

4 Part 1

6 Part 2

8 Part 3

10 Part 4

12 Part 5

14 Part 6

16 Part 7

18 Part 8

20 Add On

6N Golden Temple & Golden Triangle Tour Code: E6N-ATQGT

7N Wildlife Tours & Khajuraho Tour Code: E7N-MPWL

7N Tamil Nadu Odyssey Tour Code: E7N-MAA

7N Rajasthan Odyssey Tour Code: E7N-UDRDEL

7N Classical Central India Tour Code: E7N-HJRVNS

7N Classical Western India Tour Code: E7N-BOM

7N Kerala & Kanyakumari Tour Code: E7N-KERKAN

7N Karnataka Odyssey Tour Code: E7N-BLR

Extension Options Goa, Kolkata and Hyderabad

Incredible Odyssey organises private, exclusive, escorted tours for all.

We provide you the opportunity to gain the most out of your tour by arranging for exactly what you booked. With prices starting from single traveller and hotel selections of different categories, you can book a tour of your choice for yourself, your friends or your families without stress. We guarantee that all transport and guide provided are arranged for you entirely and you will not be troubled with other guests.

On top of that, besides your regular city and monumental guides, you will be accompanied by a local trained Odyssey Manager throughout your journey.

Rest assured that they can arrange changes to the itineraries based on your requirements and unravel any obstacle that might crop up along the way.

PUBLISHING CONSULTANT Managing Publisher Writers Marketing Executive Creative Director

Cecilia Woo Angelia TK, Sarah Sathyamoorthi, Isha Singh Le Xue Melisah Roslan Tommy Hong

Incredible Odyssey Itinerary Book is published by WWM PTE LTD. No part of this publicaiton is to be reproduced, stored, transmitted, digitally or otherwise, without the prior consent of Incredible Odyssey Pte Ltd. The information contained herein is accurate at time of printing. Changes may have occurred since this magazine went to print. The publisher and Incredible Odyssey will not be held liable for any damages, loss, injury or inconvenience, arising in connection with the contents of the brochure.

ŠIncredible Odyssey Pte Ltd, All rights reserved | Subcontinental Exploration 1

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SUBCONTINENTAL EXPLORATION A subcontinent is defined as a large, relatively self-contained and distinguishable landmass that forms a subdivision of a continent. It is sometimes also referred to as a part of a continent with distinct geographical, political or cultural identity. The most noteworthy subcontinent is, befittingly, the Indian Subcontinent as it undoubtedly soundly fits both definitions. Lying on top of the Indian tectonic plate that collided and merged with the Eurasian plate approximately 55 million years ago, people in this region are culturally unique with their own ethnicity, beliefs and family of languages.

Incredible Odyssey covers all kind of tours for an extensive part of the Indian Subcontinent, providing our services throughout India, Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka. This brochure covers some of our most exciting Indian itineraries, designed to maximise fun and learning for all groups and ages.

From sightseeing tours of the most magnificent sites to wildlife adventures, desert trails and beach relaxation, get ready to indulge in the delights of Incredible India. Truly

a summary for the world, India has a diverse variety of landscape, terrains, weather and people that encompasses nearly everything the world offers.

As a peninsula, India is mostly surrounded by water. This allows for the golden beaches of Goa, tropical backwaters of Kerala and the carpeted hills of Munnar in the South. Yet the wonders do not end there. Located in Northern India are the barren landscape of Ladakh, the breath-taking view of the Himalayas

and the dry deserts of Rajasthan.

On top of that, you will find yourself pampered with a wide array of architectural styles to admire. To begin with, there are the commonly known Mughal and Iranian styles of the Golden Triangle and Buddhist and Hindu temples scattered around India. But with us, you can also marvel lesser known sites such as the palace of Mysore and churches in Goa. The sights you behold will definitely leave you in awe of the wonders of the world.

2 Subcontinental Exploration | ŠIncredible Odyssey Pte Ltd, All rights reserved

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N

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Amarnath

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nali u Vaishno Devi a UTTARAKHAND Chamba Dalhousie Mussoorie ail HIMACHAL PRADESH Auli Dharamshala Manali Rishikesh Ranikhet Kullu Amritsar L Almora ark Hamirpur HA Shimla UTTARAKHAND ainital Bhimtal AC SH UN DE Along Mussoorie Chail W DELHI AR PRA Chandigarh Tawang Ziro Dudhwa SIKKIM Auli PUNJAB Yuksom Gangtok rindavan Dehradun Itanagar UTTAR Mathura PRADESH Pelling Darjeeling Manas Kaziranga Haridwar Rishikesh Agra Ranikhet ASSAM ur Gorakhpur Guwahati Lucknow NAGALAND Almora Corbett National Park Dispur Kohima Ayodhya Gwalior Shillong BIHAR HARYANA Nainital Bhimtal MEGHALAYA A Halflong Patna Allahabad Varanasi Cherrapunji Delhi MANIPUR NEW DELHI Orchha Nalanda Bikaner Kaushambi Imphal Dudhwa Bodhgaya Behror Alwar TRIPURA Khajuraho Vrindavan Dhanbad Sariska MIZORAM WEST UTTAR Bandhavgarh JHARKHAND Jaisalmer anchi Mathura PRADESH BENGAL RAJASTHAN Jaipur Agra opal Kolkata

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Tawang SIKKIM Yuksom Gangtok Itanagar Pelling Darjeeling Manas Kaziranga ASSAM Pushkar Bharatpur Gorakhpur Guwahati Lucknow NAGALAND Kanha Ajmer Dispur Bilaspur Rourkela Jodhpur DESH Kohima Ayodhya Gwalior Shillong CHHATTISGARH ATT TT BIHAR Ranthambore MEGHALAYA A Halflong Bhilai Raipur Patna Allahabad Varanasi Nagpur Cherrapunji ODISHA Ranakpur MANIPUR Bundi Orchha Nalanda HARASHTRA Mount Abu Konark Bhubaneswar Kaushambi Imphal Chittorgarh Bodhgaya Puri TRIPURA Khajuraho GUJARAT Dhanbad Udaipur MIZORAM WEST LANGANA Bandhavgarh JHARKHAND Zainabad Bhuj Sanchi BENGAL Ujjain Warangal Gandhinagar Bhopal Ahmedabad Visakhapatnam Kolkata Hyderabad Vijayawada Vadodara Indore Gondal Kanha Bilaspur Rourkela MADHYA PRADESH Palitana Bhavnagar CHHATTISGARH ATT TT Bhilai Sasan Gir Surat Raipur DHRA ADESH Somnath Nagpur ODISHA Ajanta Saputara Silvassa Porbandar Tirupati MAHARASHTRA Ellora Konark Bhubaneswar Chennai ore Aurangabad Mahabalipuram Shirdi Puri ellore Kanchipuram Mumbai Khandala Port Blair Puducherry Lonavala L NADU Matheran or TELANGANA Chidambaram Pune Mahabaleshwar li Warangal Thanjavur Panchgani akanal Visakhapatnam Hyderabad Madurai LEGEND Vijayawada

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Panaji G GOA

Hampi

Country Capital Travel Destinations

ANDHRA PRADESH

KARNATAKA

Tirupati Bangalore

EEP DW ) SHA LAK (INDIA

Belur Vellore Mysore

Chennai Mahabalipuram Kanchipuram

Kanyakumari

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Thiruvananthapuram Kovalam

Port Blair

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Nagarhole Puducherry TAMIL NADU Ooty Coonoor Kavaratti Chidambaram Tiruchchirapalli KERALA Thanjavur Kodiakanal Munnar Ernakulam Madurai Alleppey Courtallam

Map not to Scale Copyright © 2016 www.mapsofindia.com

BAR ANDAMAN & NICO ) (INDIA

Halebid Coorg

International Boundary State Boundary

©Incredible Odyssey Pte Ltd, All rights reserved | Subcontinental Exploration 3

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7D6N GOLDEN TEMPLE & GOLDEN TRIANGLE TOUR CODE: E6N-ATQGT

HIMACHAL Travel Time: 1 September - 15 April

Itinerary

himachal

1 Amritsar

Day 1: Arrive Amritsar. Observe march at Wagah border and Darbar Sahib ceremony at Golden Temple.

Ambala

Flight Path Traverse by MPV Train Transit Point Overnight Stays 1 3 Golden Triangle & Temple

Day 2: Visit Golden Temple, Jalian Wala Bagh & Durgiyana Temple. Board (6 hours) train to Delhi.

Day 3: Explore Delhi. Visit Qutub Minar, Lotus Temple and Akshardham temple. Enjoy Sahaj Anand Water Show.

Day 4: Visit Lutyen’s New Delhi, India Gate and Indian Parliament House. (200km, 5 hours) Drive to Agra.

2 Delhi

Jaipur 2

1 Agra

Day 5: Visit Taj Mahal, marble inlay shops and carpet weaving shop. (235km, 5 hours) Drive to Jaipur, visiting Fatehpur Sikri en-route.

Day 6: Visit Hawa Mahal and Amber Fort and ride on Elephant to Rajasthani Fort Palace. Visit semi-precious stone cutting and Rajasthani handicraft center. Evening at leisure.

Day 7: Visit Maharaja’s City Palace. Leisure time before transfer to airport.

4 Subcontinental Exploration | ©Incredible Odyssey Pte Ltd, All rights reserved

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AMRITSAR AMRITSAR, the holy town of Sikhs, has grown from a sacred village “pool of nectar” into a spiritual temporal center of Sikh culture. Golden Temple or Darbar Sahib is the Sikhs’ most sacred temple. As a symbol of the magnificence of the Sikh people, its architecture includes symbols associated with other religions as a testimony to Sikh’s philosophy of tolerance. Every evening, the closing ceremony of Darbar Sahib occurs where every male visitor may participate as part of a human conveyer belt to shoulder the book back to its resting room. The nearby Wagah border is known for the elaborate ceremony (aka retreat march), conducted by the Pakistan Rangers and Indian Border Security Force (BSF) two hours before sunset each day. Other popular locations include Jalian Wala Bagh – a public garden housing a memorial to commemorate the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre – and Durgiyana Temple, a Hindu temple with architecture similar to the Golden Temple.

DELHI The capital of India, DELHI, despite being one of the oldest cities in the world, is as modern as any big cosmopolitan city and home to millionaires and billionaires, making it India’s second wealthiest city. It is home to many different sites such as the Akshardham temple - a temple featuring a combination of architectural styles aross India made of Rajasthani pink sandstone and Italian Carrara marble. Held here is the Sahaj Anand Water Show, another interesting attraction which features video projections and multi-coloured lasers to portray a story. Other famous monuments include the Lotus Temple, a circular temple open to all as the Asian headquarters of the Bahai faith, and Qutub Minar – an impressive structure constructed for ambiguous reasons during the Qutub Shahi dynasty that requires 379 steps to get to the top. Delhi is also home to India Gate and Indian Parliament House.

AGRA Lying on the banks of the river Yamuna, AGRA is a popular tourist destination in India, famous for its Mughal-era buildings, such as the Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri. Deemed as one of the New7Wonders of the World, Taj Mahal is a 73m tall beautiful white marble architecture with symmetrically planned building, perfectly identical on all four sides, and is an amazing sight to witness. Comissioned by the emperor, Shah Jahan, to house the tomb of his favourite wife, this building is a perfect encapsulation of Mughal Architecture with a tragic romance. Agra also houses Fatehpur Sikri, an ancient fortified city which once was considered the capital of the Mughal Empire. It was during this period from which the legends of Akbar and his famed courtiers, the nine jewels or Navaratnas, originated. The stunning mosque in this city completed in Akbar’s time is still in use today.

JAIPUR JAIPUR was founded in 1726 by the great warrior and astronomer, Jai Singh II and is sometimes known as the ‘Pink City’ after having several avenues painted pink. One such building was, the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), constructed in 1799 to enable ladies of the royal household to observe the events and processions going on in the city without being seen. Also within Rajasthan are, the Rajasthani Fort Palace, Rajasthani handicraft centre, Maharaja’s City Palace and Amber fort, which was declared a UNESCO World heritage site as part of the group, Hill Forts of Rajasthan.

Daily breakfast, lunch & dinners provided.

Note: This itinerary is planned for private, exclusive, escorted tour for Single traveller onwards. We provide choice of up to 3 different hotels and costs. We can also assist to select the right flight connections. ©Incredible Odyssey Pte Ltd, All rights reserved | Subcontinental Exploration 5

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8D7N RAJASTHAN ODYSSEY TOUR CODE: E7N-UDRDEL

Travel Time: 1 September - 31 March

himachal

HIMACHAL

Itinerary Day 1: Arrive at Udaipur.

Day 2: Udaipur Excursion. Visit temple complex of Eklingji and Nagda, followed by City Palace Museum.

Day 3: (264 km, 5 hours) Drive to Jodhpur. Visit Jain Temples of Ranakpur, Mehrangarh Fort, local rug-making factory, and some Jodhpur Paintings.

Flight Path Traverse by MPV Train Transit Point Overnight Stays 1 3 Golden Triangle & Temple Rajasthan Odyssey

Amritsar

Ambala

Bikaner

Mandawa

1

1

Day 4: (286 km, 6 hours) Drive to Jaisalmer.

Day 5: Visit Jaisalmer Fort, Silver ornaments and Embroidery workshops in town.

Day 6: (333 km, 5 hours) Drive to Bikaner and visit Junagarh Fort, Camel Breeding Farm, and Jain Temple.

Day 7: (193 km, 3.5 hours) Drive to Mandawa and visit some painted havelis.

Day 8: (237 km, 6 hours) Drive to Delhi. Shop and explore around Delhi then transfer to airport.

Jaipur

Delhi

Agra

Jaisalmer 2

1 Jodhpur

2 Udaipur

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UDAIPUR

Rajasthan is the land of Rajput Kings, a group of warrior clans who have controlled the area for 1000 years. The state is famed for its beautiful temples, festivals and fairs, elegant palaces, and a strong tradition of craftsmanship.

Udaipur is a district in Rajasthan, where the temple complex of Eklingji and Nagda, and the City Palace Museum are located. Eklingji is a vibrant place of worship that was built in 734 AD, consisting of 108 temples, and houses a manifestation of the Lord Shiva. Nagda, on the other hand, is left in ruins. All that survives of the site of the ancient capital of Mewar, which dates back to 626 AD, are the ruins and remains of the Saas Bahu and Adbhutji Temple. The City Palace Museum is a gorgeous palace that is decorated with mirrors, and paintings, and houses a large and collection of artefacts.

JODHPUR AND BIKANER

Jodhpur (once known as Marwar) is a city in Rajasthan nicknamed ‘Sun City’ due to its year-round bright weather. It is a popular tourist destination and home to the Jain Temples of Ranakpur and Mehrangarh Fort. The Mehrangarh Fort is one of the largest forts in India with 7 gates in total, where cannonball imprints from previous attacks can still be seen on the second gate. From here, one can also observe the city’s many blue houses that gave the city its other nickname, “Blue City”.

Bikaner is another city in Rajasthan surrounded by the Thar Desert.

Located here are the Junagarh Fort, Jain Temple (located within the fort), and the Camel Breeding Farm. The Junagarh Fort of the royal Bikaner family was built by Raja Rai Singh, who reigned Bikaner from 1571 to 1612. It has a museum displaying weapons and ornaments from previous eras and it is one of the few forts in India that was never defeated.

JAISALMER

Known as The Golden City, Jaisalmer, a city surrounded by the yellow sand of the Thar desert and yellow sandstone of every building, will surely leave you thinking that King Midas must have visited this city with his golden touch. High atop the Trikuta Hill lies Jaisalmer Fort, one of the largest fully fortified forts in the world and a UNESCO World heritage site under the ‘Hill Forts of Rajasthan’. It was built in 1156 AD by the Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal from which the fort (and by extension the city) derived its name. The most fascinating thing about the fort remains that unlike most of the other forts found in the country, this fort is a living fort. Inside the fort, you can expect to find many shops, hotels and even homes. The city also has Silver ornaments and Embroidery workshops in town, where you can observe the production of the art that they create.

Lying at the heart of the Thar desert, a visit to Jaisalmer will also provide you the opportunity to take a short camel trip into the vast expanse of the desert.

MANDAWA

Mandawa is a town in Rajasthan. It was founded in the 18th century, by affluent merchants who built a lot of havelis, often called the ‘open art gallery’ of Rajasthan, and mansions of historical significance in this area.

As time passed, they were abandoned and neglected but soon became a colourful major tourist attraction.

Daily breakfast, lunch & dinners provided.

Note: For additional 4 nights, an extension to Golden Triangle can be added. This itinerary is planned for private, exclusive, escorted tour for Single traveller onwards. We provide choice of up to 3 different hotels and costs. We can also assist to select the right flight connections. ©Incredible Odyssey Pte Ltd, All rights reserved | Subcontinental Exploration 7

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8D7N CLASSICAL CENTRAL INDIA TOUR CODE: E7N-HJRVNS

himachal

Travel Time: All Year HIMACHAL Round Itinerary

Flight Path Traverse by MPV Train Transit Point Overnight Stays 1 3 Golden Triangle & Temple Rajasthan Odyssey Classical Central India

Amritsar

Day 1: Arrive at Delhi.

Ambala

Day 2: Ride the (7.5 hours) train to Jhansi. (30 minutes) Drive to Orchha. Visit Orchha Palace and Chaturbhuj temple.

Day 3: Explore Bundhelkhand region. Visit Laxmi Temple. (175 km, 4 hours) Drive to Khajuraho. Visit Temples of Khajuraho.

Bikaner

Day 4: Take a ride to Canyon of Ken River, visit Raneh FallsMandawa and drive (66 km, 2 hours) Panna national park.

Delhi 1

Jaipur

Day 5: (244 km, 6 hours) Drive to Allahabad. Visit Khusro Bagh.

Agra

Jaisalmer

Day 6: Visit ‘All Saints Cathedral’ and Sultan Khusro Mausoleum. Drive (125 km, 2 hours) to Shali Qila of Jaunpur, Jodhpur then (140 km, 2 hours) to Varanasi. Visit Dashashwamedh Ghats to witness Aarti on a boat.

Day 7: Explore Varanasi, visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sarnath and Pillars of Ashoka.

Udaipur

Day 8: Board flight to Delhi, then proceed to board flight home.

Allahabad

Jhansi

1

Orchha 1 Khajuraho

2 Varanasi

1

1 Panna

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ORCHHA AND KHAJURAHO

Orchha is a town in the Madhya Pradesh state of the Bundelkhand region. It is a peaceful town on the banks of the Betwa River, a tributary of the Yamnua River with many beautiful historic buildings. Located here is the Orchha Palace, a palace-fort, consists of a few connected buildings erected at different times, with the most noteworthy being the Raja Mahal. Also found in Orchha is the Chaturbhuj temple in Orchha is a multi-storied blend of a temple, fort, and palace which is dedicated to Vishnu. Currently, an image of Radha Krishna is worshiped in the temple.

Another notable attraction is the Laxminarayan Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to the Goddess Laxmi displaying an interesting combination of temple and fort architectural style.

Temples of Khajuraho are one of the many one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India. A detailed description of Khajuraho is on page 11.

ALLAHABAD

Allahabad is another city in Uttar Pradesh that has been significant in Hindu scriptures, initially named Prayag (meaning place of offerings) because it is at the confluence of the Ganga river, Yamuna river and the lost mythical river Sarasvati. The ‘All Saints Cathedral’ is an Anglican Cathedral located in Allahabad that is modelled after 13th century gothic-style churches. It houses many plaques which depict the deaths of British nationals during their rule in India. One of the best examples of gothic architecture in India, the spacious cathedral provides a peaceful environment for all visiting. The Sultan Khusro Mausoleum, also known as Khusrau Bagh, is also situated here. It is a large walled garden and burial complex which comprises the three sandstone mausoleums which are an exquisite representation of Mughal architecture. The beautiful wall painting inside the each tomb (which may not be accessible, depending on the situaion) is an impressive sight to behold as well.

JAUNPUR Jaunpur is a small town in Uttar Pradesh and is famous for their Sharqi architecture. The mosques in Jaunpur are often hailed for the unique combination of the Hindu and Muslim motifs in their design. The most significant destination, Purana Shahi Qila of Jaunpur, is a wellmaintained fort built in the 14th century by Sultan Firoz Shah Tughlaq, located on the banks of River Gomti. The fort was built atop an existing Kerar Kot. The entrance itself already stands to impress, with huge chambers on either side and a height of 14 metres. Although surrounded by four walls, the fort forms an unusual shape of a quadrangle. Inside, it contains a beautiful Bengali style mosque, said to have been made from the pillars of Hindu temples, and Bhool bhulaiya, a model of Turkish baths often referred to as Hammam. The greenery within the fort provides a peaceful historical park to take a stroll in and you can even find some wonderful picture spots for a view of the Sahi Bridge and the Gomti river.

VARANASI Varanasi is one of the holiest places in Hinduism as the sacred Ganges River flows through this colourful city. The Dashashwamedh Ghat is the main and most spectacular Ghat of the Ganges River. One of the longest in Asia with a length of 2525m, the river is also worshiped as the goddess Ganga in Hinduism and holds sacred and religious importance for many as it is believed to faciliatate Moksha – the liberation from the cycle of life and death. People bathe in the waters of the river and engage in Aarti, a ritual in which light from wicks are soaked in ghee and offered to the deities while facing the river.

Daily breakfast, lunch & dinners provided.

Note: This itinerary is planned for private, exclusive, escorted tour for Single traveller onwards. We provide choice of up to 3 different hotels and costs. We can also assist to select the right flight connections. ©Incredible Odyssey Pte Ltd, All rights reserved | Subcontinental Exploration 9

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8D7N WILDLIFE TOURS & KHAJURAHO TOUR CODE: E7N-MPWL

Ambala

Travel Time: 15 October - 30 June Itinerary

Mandawa Jaipur

Day 1: Arrive at Mumbai.

Day 2: (202 km, 6 hours) Drive to Raipur, then Kanha.

Agra Jaisalmer

Day 3: Spend the day at Kanha National Park and get a chance to observe Bengal tigers, Indian leopards, sloth bear and Indian wild dog.

Day 4: Drive (259 km, 5 hours) to Bandhavgarh.

Day 5: Visit the Bandhavgarh National Park, a park with one of the highest density of tiger population, large breeding population of leopards and various species of deer.

Day 6: Drive (197 km, 5 hours) to Panna and visit the Panna National Park.

Day 7: Visit Panna National Park in the morning then travel (44km, 1 hour) to Khajuraho to visit the Khajuraho Group of Monuments.

Day 8: Fly to Delhi, then from Delhi back to Singapore.

Delhi

Bikaner

Jodhpur

Allahabad

Jhansi

Flight Path Traverse by MPV Udaipur Train Transit Point Overnight Stays 1 3 Golden Triangle & Temple Rajasthan Odyssey Classical Central India Wildlife and Khajuraho 1

Orchha

1

Varanasi

Khajuraho

Panna 1

2 Bandhavgarh

Kanha 2

Raipur

Mumbai

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KANHA NATIONAL PARK

Madhya Pradesh, a state whose name means “central region”, is often nicknamed “heart of India” due to its location in central India. It is a prime location for those who seek prehistoric paintings, historic forts, religious erotica, or tribal culture. Marks of many cultures are found here, including pottery from the middle stone ages, archaeological site of Kayatha from the copper ages and even Hellenistic architecture from around the 2nd century BCE. Madhya Pradesh is also where Ashoka, the famous Maurya empire king who popularised Buddhism, ruled.

Kanha National Park, also known as Kanha Tiger Reserve, is one of the tiger reserves in India and the largest national park in Madhya Pradesh.

It occupies 940 square kilometres of land and has a large number of Bengal tigers, Indian Leopards, Sloth bears, Barasingha, and Indian wild dogs. The jungles of this reserve are said to be the inspiration for the forest in the famous novel by Rudyard Kipling, ‘The Jungle Book’.

PANNA NATIONAL PARK

Panna is a district in Madhya Pradesh, created in 1950 shortly after India’s independence. It is well-known for its diamond mines and produces more than 100 diamonds of different carat and shades for the yearly auction in January. Panna National Park is located in the Panna and Chhatarpur districts of Madhya Pradesh. It was declared in 1994 as the 22nd Tiger reserve of India and earned the ‘Award of Excellence in 2007’ for being the best maintained national park in India, by the Ministry of Tourism. The park has a wide diversity of natural flora and fauna, hence you are likely to spot tigers, leopards, vultures and even crocodiles within the park. Other scenic locations also include the major river of Bundelkhand region, Ken river, which flows through two states – Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. The Canyon of Ken River also provides colourful crystalline granite with spectacular waterfalls (some of which are seasonal) such as Raneh Falls.

BANDHAVGARH NATIONAL PARK

Bandhavgarh National Park, meaning ‘Brother’s Fort’ in Sanskrit, is a popular national park in Madhya Pradesh which used to be a hunting grounds for Maharajas (great kings). It spans and area of 150 square kilometres and contains one of the highest known populations of tiger.

In fact, it was here that the magnificent white tiger was first captured and bred by Maharaja Martand Singh, hence nearly all white tigers can trace it roots back to this very area. Here, you can also observe more than 22 species of mammals and 250 species of birds, and enjoy the lush environment created by the tropical monsoon. The park is named after the fort atop the most prominent hillock in the area, which was said to be given by the Hindu Lord Rama to his brother to keep watch on Lanka.

The Bandhavgarh Fort here contains evidences of ancient architectural techniques, allowing you to view some man-made caves with the primitive writing and painting on the rocks.

KHAJURAHO GROUP OF MONUMENTS

The Khajuraho Group of Monuments are one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India. It is said that there were 85 temples built by the 12th century, but only 25 survive to this day. The temples, constructed during the rule of the Rajput Chandela dynasty, are famous for their nagara-style architectural symbolism and their erotic sculptures and are dedicated to the religions, Hinduism and Jainism. Local legends claim that Shiva and other Hindu deity liked the dramatic hill formation nearby and, since the Hindus have an ancient tradition of building temples where gods love to play, Khajuraho’s stunning monuments are to be expected.

Daily breakfast, lunch & dinners provided.

Note: This itinerary is planned for private, exclusive, escorted tour for Single traveller onwards. We provide choice of wup to 3 different hotels and costs. We can also assist to select the right flight connections. ©Incredible Odyssey Pte Ltd, All rights reserved | Subcontinental Exploration 11

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21/7/17 11:29 am

8D7N CLASSICAL WESTERN INDIA TOUR CODE: E7N-BOM

Travel Time: 1 September - 30 May

Flight Path Traverse by MPV Train Transit Point Udaipur Overnight Stays 1 3 Rajasthan Odyssey Classical Central India Wildlife and Khajuraho Classical Western India

Itinerary Day 1: Arrive at Mumbai.

Day 2: Visit Elephanta Caves, Victoria Terrminus to the Hanging Garden, Mani Bhawan and Marine Drive.

Day 3: Drive (150 km, 3 hours) to Pune and visit Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum. Then, shop around in town.

Day 4: Drive (200 km, 4.5 hours) to Shirdi via Ahmednagar.

Visit Samadhi Mandir of Shri Sai Baba.

Day 6: Drive (106km) to visit Ajanta Caves then return back.

Day 7: Drive (183 km, 4 hours) to Nashik. Visit Sula Vineyards and York Winery.

Day 8: Drive (160 km, 3 hours) to Mumbai. After some lastminute shopping, transfer to airport.

1

Ellora Shirdi 1

2

Panna

Ajanta

Nashik

Day 5: Drive (103 km, 2 hours) to visit the Ellora caves and Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple. Drive (36 km, 1 hour) to reach Aurangabad.

Jhansi Orchha

Mumbai

2

Aurangabad

Ahmednagar

1 Pune

12 Subcontinental Exploration | ŠIncredible Odyssey Pte Ltd, All rights reserved

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MUMBAI

Mumbai is the capital city of the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is the most populous city and the wealthiest city in India, with the highest number of billionaires and millionaires. The must-see attraction of this city is undoubtedly the Victoria Terminus (now renamed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus), a historical railway station with Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival inspired structure. It is also home to the Elephanta Caves – a network of sculpted caves located on Elephanta Island that consists of a group of 5 Hindu caves and another group of 2 Buddhist caves – and Marine Drive, a 3.6 kilometre boulevard situated over reclaimed land, in the shape of a ‘C’. Also located in Mumbai are the Hanging Garden – terraced gardens on Malabar Hill that contain hedges carved to resemble animals – and Mani Bhavan, the mansion which hosted Mahatma Gandhi while he was carrying out his political actions in Mumbai.

PUNE AND SHIRDI

Pune, the second largest city of Maharasthra, is often considered a cultural capital of the state and sometimes referred to as “Oxford of the East” because of the educational institutes here. In this cultural city, the Raja Dinkar Kellar Museum, which features the collection of Dr. Dinkar G. Kellar, can be found. The museum consists of artefacts such as musical instruments, ornament, paintings and carvings, as well as war weapons and vessels.

Shirdi is a town in the state, most famously known for having been home to the spiritual leader – Sai Baba. Thus, the most famous attraction of this area is the Samadhi Mandir of Shri Sai Baba – an idol of a popular saint worshipped by people around the world made of Italian white marble, surrounded by railings full of ornamental decorations.

AURANGABAD

Aurangabad is one of the 36 districts of the state Maharashtra and was founded in 1610 by the prime minister of Murtaza Nizam Shah II, Malik Amber. It is a popular tourist destination mainly due to the presence of UNESCO World heritage sites – Ellora Caves and Ajanta Caves – and temples such as the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, one of twelve Jyotirlinga shrines mentioned in the Shiva Purana which illustrates the pre-historic temple architecture and traditions. The Ellora Caves dates back to 350 AD and features structures that represent the three faiths of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. There are several intricately carved sculptures and even an entire temple that was carved out of Monolith.

The Ajanta Caves were built by Buddhist monks using only simple tools such as chisels. The 29 caves are said to depict the stories of Buddhism spanning the duration from 200 B.C. to 650 A.D.

NASHIK Nashik is an ancient city in the northwest region of Maharashtra and is said to have the best year-round weather of all Indian cities. It is known as the ‘Wine capital of India’ due to the large number of wineries in the region, 50 in total. It is also home to Sula Vineyards and York Winery, India’s most popular winery. Since its humble beginnings in 1999, Sula Vineyards has developed into a world class winery, expanding from its original 30-acre family estate in Nashik to around 1800 acres across Nashik and Karnataka.

Daily breakfast, lunch & dinners provided.

Note: This itinerary is planned for private, exclusive, escorted tour for Single traveller onwards. We provide choice of up to 3 different hotels and costs. We can also assist to select the right flight connections. ©Incredible Odyssey Pte Ltd, All rights reserved | Subcontinental Exploration 13

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8D7N KARNATAKA ODYSSEY TOUR CODE: E7N-BLR

Travel Time: 1 September - 30 June

Pune Flight Path Traverse by MPV Train Transit Point Overnight Stays 1 3 Karnataka Odyssey

Itinerary Day 1: Arrival at Bangalore.

Day 2: Drive (182 km, 3.5 hours) to Hassan. Visit Lord Gomateshvara statue atop Indragiri Hill at Sravanabelogola along the way.

Day 3: Hassan Exploration. Visit Halebeedu and Belur.

Day 4: Drive (111 km, 3.5 hours) to Kodagu (Coorg). Visit Namdroling Buddhist Monastery along the way and coffee plantations in the area.

Day 5: Visit Dubare Elephant Camp and any additional point of interest. Drive (107 km, 3 hours) to Mysore.

Day 6: Mysore Exploration. Visit Chamandi Hill and Mysore Palace.

Day 7: Visit Srirangapatna Fort and Tipu’s Summer Palace.

Drive (150 km, 3.5 hours) to Bangalore.

Bangalore

Hassan 2 Kodagu 1

2 Shravanabelagola

2

Mysore

Day 8: Visit Lalbagh Garden, Bull Temple and other optional sites before flying back from Bangalore back to Singapore.

14 Subcontinental Exploration | ©Incredible Odyssey Pte Ltd, All rights reserved

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21/7/17 11:30 am

BANGALORE

Bangalore is the capital of Karnataka. At an elevation of over 900 m above sea level, it is the highest of India’s major cities and is sometimes called the “Silicon Valley of India”. It is home to must-see attractions such as the Lalbagh Gardens, a superb botanical garden with a wealth of trees and plants from other countries, and Bull Temple – a Hindu temple inside the Bugle Rock park. The Lalbagh Gardens is a sight to behold due to its expansive terrains which houses one of India’s largest collection of tropical plants, including centuries-old trees. On a more mystical note, the Monolithic Nandi Bull of Bull temple, made of grey granite, is believed to have actually grown in size and is now nearly 5m in height and over 6m in length. Other fascinating attractions found here are Vidhan Soudha of the Karnataka Legislative Building, an imposing, palace-like, structure that requires a pre-arranged entry pass to enter most of the area. It is beautiful to visit at night when the lights illuminate the entire structure.

KODAGU

Kodagu, whose anglicized name is Coorg, is a district in Karnataka situated on the Eastern slope of the Western Ghats, renowned for its beautiful sceneries and coffee plantations. There are several places of interest to visit here, such as the Abbey Falls, Nagarahole National Park and Iruppu Falls. For those keen for adventure and wildlife, Dubare Elephant Camp is well-known for its elephant camp situated on the banks of the river Kaveri, with opportunities for trekking and fishing.

It is an enjoyable visit for families where you can feed and ride the elephants. For those who are interested in culture and religion, the Namdroling Buddhist Monastery (commonly referred to as the Tibetan Buddhist Golden Temple) is a popular tourist attraction where you can witness Tibetan monks offering prayers and engaging in religi It is also a wonderful place to buy Tibetan craft and try some delicious Tibetan food.

SRAVANABELOGA AND HASSAN

Sravanabelogola, a town located in Karnataka, is one of the most significant pilgrimage destinations in Jainism and is said to have been the death place of Chandragupta Maurya in 298 BCE. Belur and Halebeedu are both located in Hassan. Halebeedu was the regal capital of the Hoysala Empire in the 12th century, and is famed for its the twin temples of Hoysaleshwara, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, and Kedareshwara, which is deemed by the Archaeological Survey of India as a protected monument of national importance. Belur is another fascinating location, with mute testimony to the highest peak of sculpting skills man has ever achieved, and is renowned for the Chennakeshava Temple, one of the finest examples of Hoysala workmanship, which is situated on the banks of river Yagachi. It was built with the purpose of commemorating the victory of the Hoysalas over the Cholas in the battle of the Talakkad.

MYSORE

Mysore is a calm and serene city which lies 139 kilometres from Bangalore, in Karnataka. The city was once the imperial capital of the erstwhile Mysore kingdom, ruled by the Wodeyar dynasty. Chamundi Hills and Mysore Palace are some of the must-see places to visit in this city. The Chamundi Hills features the Chamundeshwari Temple at the top of the hill, with an ancient stone stairway of 1008 leading to the summit.

Mysore Palace was home to the Wodeyars, the royal family who ruled Mysore from 1399 to 1950. It is a three-storey stone structure made with fine granite, illustrating Indo-Saracenic architecture.

Daily breakfast, lunch & dinners provided.

Note: This itinerary is planned for private, exclusive, escorted tour for Single traveller onwards. We provide choice of up to 3 different hotels and costs. We can also assist to select the right flight connections. ©Incredible Odyssey Pte Ltd, All rights reserved | Subcontinental Exploration 15

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21/7/17 11:31 am

8D7N TAMIL NADU ODYSSEY TOUR CODE: E7N-MAA

Travel Time: 1 September - 15 April

Mumbai

Itinerary

Ahmednagar

Flight Path Traverse by MPV Train Transit Point Overnight Stays 1 3 Wildlife and Khajuraho Classical Western India Karnataka Odyssey Tamil Nadu Odyssey

Pune

Day 1: Arrive at Chennai.

Day 2: Sightseeing tour of Chennai. Visit Fort St. George, St Thome Basilca, and Egmore Museum and Marina beach.

Day 3: Drive (82 km, 2 hours) to Mahabalipuram. Visit Shore temple, Arjuna’s Penance and Five Rathas. Drive (125 km, 2 hours) to Pondicherry.

Day 4: Visit Matrimandir at Aurroville, Aurobindo Ashram and Pondicherry Museum. Explore the city and the beach.

Day 5: Visit Vaitheeswaran Temple. Drive (218 km, 4.5 hours) to Thanjavur and visit Brihadeeswarar Temple.

Day 6: Drive (316 km, 6.5 hours) to Kanchipuram. Visit Kailasanathar Temple & Thalapathi Cotton Weaving Centre.

Day 7: Visit Ekambareswarar Temple, drive (91 km, 2 hours) to Chennai.

Day 8: Time for shopping before transfer to the airport.

Hassan

Bangalore

Kanchipuram 1 Kodagu Shravanabelagola

Chennai

3

Mahabalipuram

Mysore

2 Pondicherry Vaitheeswaran Temple Thanjavur 1

16 Subcontinental Exploration | ŠIncredible Odyssey Pte Ltd, All rights reserved

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21/7/17 11:31 am

CHENNAI

Chennai, originally founded 369 years ago as ‘Madras’, is the capital of Tamil Nadu. It has a vibrant arts scene and thriving local culture. It is home to one of the longest beaches in the world, Marina beach, a natural urban beach that lies along the Bay of Bengal with a total distance of 6.45 kilometres. With the Portuguese’ arrival in 1522, the St Thome Basilca was built by Portuguese explorers in the 16th century over the tomb of Saint Thomas, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus.

Chennai’s Fort St. George is the first English fortress in India, and was founded in 1644. In the past, it boosted trading activity and settlements but it currently houses the Tamil Nadu legislative assemble along with other official buildings. The Egmore museum, is a government museum which boasts the largest collection of Roman antiquities outside Europe.

As the second oldest museum in India, it houses numerous fascinating artefacts and is often considered a must for anyone visiting Chennai.

MAHABALIPURAM AND AURROVILLE

Mahabalipuram is a historic town in the Kanchipuram district of Tamil Nadu. Once a bustling seaport from which many Indian traders used to sail to other South East Indian countries, it is home to a group of monuments carved out of rock and are listed as one of the UNESCO World heritage sites, including the Shore Temple, Arjuna’s Penance and the Five Rathas.

Aurroville is an experimental township in the Viluppuram district of South India, founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa, who expressed that Aurroville aims to be a ‘universal town’ with the purpose of ‘realizing human unity’. It is home to the Matrimandir, a golden metallic sphere located in the centre of the town, regarded as an edifice of spiritual significance for those practicing integral yoga.

PONDICHERRY AND THANJAVUR

Pondicherry is the capital of the district, Puducherry. The Aurobindo Ashram is a spiritual community located in Pondicherry, founded by Sri Aurobindo who settled down in Pondicherry after retiring from politics in 1910. The Pondicherry Museum here contains a fantastic display of archaeological findings, sculptures, and handicrafts from the Arikamedu Roman settlement to the Pallava and Chola dynasties.

Thanjavur is a city in Tamil Nadu housing the 1000 years old Hindu temple of Shiva, Brihadeeswarar Temple (also known as Big Temple).

This temple is an apt example of Dravidan architecture during the Chola period and is part of the UNESCO World heritage site the ‘Great Living Chola Temples’. Nearby located about 90km from Thanjavur is another Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva as the God of Healing, Vaitheeswaran Temple, one of the nine Navagraha temples associated with Mars.

KANCHIPURAM Kanchipuram, the City of Thousand Temples, is a town in Tamil Nadu, considered in Vaishnavism Hindu theology to be one of the seven Tirtha (pilgrimage) sites, for spiritual release. Found here is the Kailasanathar Temple – the oldest structure in town containing 68 small shrines dedicated to the various forms of Lord Shiva as the Lord of the Cosmi Mountain. It is also home to the Thalapathi Cotton Weaving Centre, where you will be fascinated by the art they perform here. About 75 km away from the town, you can also visit the Ekambareswarar Temple, representing the Earth element as one of the five major Shiva temples.

Daily breakfast, lunch & dinners provided.

Note: This itinerary is planned for private, exclusive, escorted tour for Single traveller onwards. We provide choice of up to 3 different hotels and costs. We can also assist to select the right flight connections. ©Incredible Odyssey Pte Ltd, All rights reserved | Subcontinental Exploration 17

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21/7/17 11:32 am

8D7N KERALA & KANYAKUMARI TOUR CODE: E7N-KERKAN

Travel Time: 1 September - 15 April

Flight Path Traverse by MPV Train Transit Point Overnight Stays 1 3 Karnataka Odyssey Tamil Nadu Odyssey Kerala and Kanyakumari

Itinerary Day 1: Arrive at Cochin.

Day 2: Cochin Exploration. Visit Dutch Palace, and the Chinese ďŹ shing nets at sunset.

Hassan

Day 3: Drive (128 km, 4.5 hours) to Munnar. Admire natural beauty along the way.

Bangalore

Kanchipuram Shravanabelagola Kodagu

Day 4: Munnar Exploration. Visit tea plantation and admire the beauty of tea estates, hills, lakes and forests.

Mahabalipuram

Mysore Pondicherry

Day 5: Drive (161 km, 3-4 hours) to Alleppey and enjoy journey on Kerala Houseboat Cruise.

Vaitheeswaran Temple

Day 6: Drive (165 km, 4 hours) to Kovalam Beach.

Day 7: Visit Kanyakumari, Padmanabha Palace, Sri Padaparai, Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Gandhi Memorial.

Chennai

Kochi

2

2 Munnar

Thanjavur

Alleppey 1 Thiruvananthapuram

Day 8: Time to relax in the morning. Then short drive to Trivendrum (aka Thiruvanathapuram). Fly home.

2

Kovalam

Kanyakumari

18 Subcontinental Exploration | ŠIncredible Odyssey Pte Ltd, All rights reserved

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21/7/17 11:32 am

KOCHI

Kerala is India’s only tropical paradise, hailed as “God’s Own Country”.

Located at the southernmost tip of India, Kerala is filled with a myriad of features including dense tropical forests, fertile plains, beautiful beaches, cliffs, rocky coasts, an intricate maze of backwaters, still bays and an astounding 44 glimmering rivers. Trivendrum is the capital city of Kerala which houses the Padmanabha Swami Temple.

MUNNAR

The Gateway to Kerala is Cochin, a vibrant city which strategic importance resulted in many cultural marks left by Arabs, British, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese over the centuries. Many unique sights are found here, such as Mattancherry Palace (aka ‘Dutch Palace’) – which accommodates important monuments including the Jewish Synagogue, Jew Town and giant scrolls of the Old Testament – and Chinese fishing nets (Cheenavala). It is believed that traders from the court of Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets yet they are only found here.

Munnar is the idyllic tourist destination where an unending expanse of tea plantations, pristine valleys, mountains, exotic species of flora and fauna in its wild sanctuaries and forests, and the lovely aroma of spicescented cool air awaits you. Even the journey on the way to this paradise is full of some of Mother Nature’s most stunning works, with gentle hills and cascading waterfalls. At an altitude of 6000ft, Munnar was the favoured summer resort of the British rulers in the colonial days. As the confluence of three rivers – Madurapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala, its name originates from the Tamil word “Munnu aar”, which literally means three rivers. Most famous for being one of the world’s best tea estates, there are about 30 tea plantations in and around Munnar, most of which are owned by Tata Group’s Kannan Devan Tea Estate, covering the Munnar hills under a wide green carpet. A visit to Munnar’s tea plantations also allows you to witness the manufacturing of tea from the nurturing of tea in plantaion to the process of packing.

ALLEPEY AND KOVALAM

KANYAKUMARI

Allepey, Venice of the East, provides the enjoyable Kerala Houseboat Cruise. The Kerala Houseboat or “Kettuvallam” (as it is locally known), is the giant traditional craft of the waterways. Initially used to carry tons of rice and spices, these Houseboats are now an innovative holiday resort with the comforts of a well-furnished Bedroom, an en-suite Bathroom, cozy Living Room, Kitchen, and even a Balcony. The Houseboat cruises leisurely along palm-fringed waterways, pampering you with a panoramic view of Kerala Village Life, anchoring at night.

As an integrated seaside resort, Kovalam Beach is one of the finest beaches in India with no lack of coconut trees. Endowed with unusual beauty, this natural bay is a safe sea-pool, free from high waves and surges, an ideal place to swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the ancient rites of an Ayurvedic massage and oil bath.

Kanyakumari is where Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean meet. The small temple dedicated to Kanyakumari is located where two rocks reach out of the ocean, one of which is Sri Padaparai where the footprints of the virgin goddess are said to be imprinted.

Swami Vivekananda is said to have meditated here and one can find Vivekananda Rock Memorial. Other important attractions are Gandhi Memorial, built where the vase holding Mahatma’s ashes was kept for public viewing before submersion, and Padmanabha Palace, a complex structure with a 4km long granite fortress.

Daily breakfast, lunch & dinners provided.

Note: This itinerary is planned for private, exclusive, escorted tour for Single traveller onwards. We provide choice of up to 3 different hotels and costs. We can also assist to select the right flight connections. ©Incredible Odyssey Pte Ltd, All rights reserved | Subcontinental Exploration 19

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EXTENSION OPTIONS If you haven’t had your fill of this colourful country and would like to uncover a few extra magical spots, choose from any of the below extension options to complete your amazing travel experience of incredible India!

4D3N GOA ODYSSEY

Despite being India’s smallest state, Goa is a fascinating tourist destination. Unlike most states in India, Goa was under Portuguese rule instead of British rule and you can expect some Portuguese influence in the area, notably in some of the temples. Besides the golden beaches it is known for, Goa hosts plenty of other scenic destinations such as Dudhsagar Falls – a four-tier waterfall bordering Karnataka – and Devil’s Canyon. It is also home to impressive 16th century churches and monuments such as Basilica of Bom Jesus, which holds the remains of St. Francis Xavier, and the Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, initially constructed as a humble chapel to serve the needs of Portuguese sailors.

• Panaji Beach • Dudhsagar Falls • Devil’s Canyon • Basilica of Bom Jesus • Church of Our Lady immaculate Conception

4D3N KOLKATA ODYSSEY

Steeped with historical significance, Kolkata is one of the best places to visit for cultural insights. As India’s second-biggest city, it was once India’s capital under the British Raj. Today, there are many interesting museums and memorials that are sure to captivate your interest. In Kolkata, you will find the largest and oldest museum in India, Indian Museum, where you will be fascinated by the countless artefacts including armours, paintings and even mummies! Beyond that, you can also find Victoria memorial, where Queen Victoria lived in during some part of her life, and the Rabindranath Tagore’s House, a museum dedicated to an author so famous his works were translated to multiple languages, including Chinese.

• Indian Museum • Victoria Memorrial • Rabindranath Tagore’s House • Howrah Bridge

4D3N HYDERABAD ODYSSEY

Known as the City of Pearls, the capital of Telangana is India’s second-largest producer of motion pictures. Unsurprisingly, it hosts the largest integrated film city in the world, in which some parts are open to public. On top of learning about the film industry, you can look forward to the exciting amusement park the Ramoji Film City also holds! Hyderabad also has many cultural monuments including Makkah Masjid, a mosque which central arch is crafted from bricks made of Mecca soil, Golkonda Fort – a citadel and fort of the Qutb Shahi dynasty that fell into ruin at the hands of the Mughal Emperor during the year long siege – and the famous Charminar – a symbol from the Qutb Shahi dynasty and Mughal Empire.

• Ramoji Film City • Makka Masjid • Golkonda (Golconda) Fort • Charminar Itineraries planned & managed by Incredible Odyssey Pte Ltd. STB License No: 02478 20 Subcontinental Exploration | ©Incredible Odyssey Pte Ltd, All rights reserved

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21/7/17 11:33 am

TOUR BOOKING TERMS AND CONDITIONS You and your traveling companions are deemed to have read, understood and accepted the following terms and conditions.

Incredible Odyssey Pte Ltd shall be referred to as “the Company” in the following.

1. RESERVATION, DEPOSIT & FULL PAYMENT 1.1 A deposit is required upon reservation. If your minimum deposit is less than the required amount, please top up the difference within the next two days.

Tour Type All Group Tour Packages Special departure Group Tour Packages Free & Easy Packages

Deposit required per person S$500 S$1000 50% - 80% of total tour fare

1.2 Payment of deposit does not constitute confirmation of the tour. All group tours are subjected to a minimum group size (as determined by the Company) in order for the confirmation to be effected and for the departure to be finalized.

1.3 Full payment is required no later than fourteen days prior to departure. In case of tours in peak season, full payment must be made one month before departure. If full payment is not received by the stipulated deadline, the Company reserves the right to forfeit the deposit and cancel the reservation. In such an event, the cancellation fee as stated below is payable by the Customer.

2. CANCELLATION BY THE CUSTOMER 2.1 Cancellation of booking must be made in writing or in person to avoid any misunderstanding.

2.2 The following cancellation charges applied once any group tour package booking is made: No. of days between departure and receipt of cancellation notice 30 workings days or more 15-29 working days 14 working days and less

Cancellation fee per person All tours except those in peak season Tours in peak season 50% of deposit or S$250 whichever is higher Full deposit or S$500 whichever is higher 75% of tour fare 75% of tour fare Full tour fare Full tour fare

2.3 For tour products or individual components supplied by third parties, e.g. air ticket, hotel bookings, Cruises etc, cancellation fees under the terms and conditions of the respective third parties shall apply plus a minimum handling charge of S$50 per service per person.

3. CANCELLATION BY THE COMPANY 3.1 The Company acts as an agent for service suppliers. After deposit or full payment has been made, all arrangements are still subject to final confirmation by service suppliers. If due to some unforeseen circumstances the arrangement cannot be finalized and the reservation has to be cancelled, the Company will endeavour to notify the Customer at least one week before departure. At times due to low subscription for a group tour, the Company may choose to cancel the entire tour fourteen days prior to departure.

3.2 The Company may recommend alternative tours either to the same destination or other tours, based on the tour fare of that cancellation period. Should the customer decide not to accept the alternatives, a full refund on the amount paid by the customer will be made accordingly by the Company without further obligation.

3.3 The Customer shall receive the refund within four to six weeks upon the Company notifying the Customer of the cancellation.

3.4 The Company shall also not be held liable for any contingent costs incurred by the Customer arising from the cancellation.

4. REFUND POLICY 4.1 No refund will be made with respect to accommodation, meals, sightseeing tours or any other services included in the tour fare but not utilized by the Customer, either in part or full, or when the Customer amends, cancels or otherwise changes any arrangements after commencement of the tour.

4.2 All refund will be made within four to six weeks in a form of cheque. For credit card payment, refund will be made through the credit card company.

4.3 Air tickets with refund value will only be refunded to customers four to six weeks after the respective airlines have refunded to the Company. The standard processing period for air tickets refund varies from three to six months (subject to individual airlines).

4.4 During peak period, the refund process may be longer due to increase in transactions.

5. AMENDMENT TO BOOKINGS (REQUESTED BY PASSENGERS) 5.1 For any changes in departure date or tour type, cancellation charges apply as listed under section on “Cancellation by the Customer”.

5.2 For every request made regardless of whether any previous amendments was confirmed by airlines, hotel or otherwise, there will be a minimum fee of S$100 per person per amendment. This does not include any other charges imposed by the airlines, ground operator or hotel.

5.3 Any change made by the Customer to the existing booking must be in writing or in person at least fourteen days before the tour, after which strictly NO amendments allowed, or cancellation charge applies.

6. AMENDMENT TO TOUR ITINERARY BY COMPANY The Company makes reasonable effort to avoid changes in the itinerary. However, the Company reserves the right to make minor changes at any time due to unforeseen circumstances, especially during peak periods or in the event of other circumstances beyond our control.

7. EXTENSION OF STAY / DEVIATION 7.1 Extension of stay may be permitted at the end of tour, subject to the restriction of the air ticket, seat availability and hotel confirmation prior to the commencement of the tour. All requests must be made before issuance of air tickets. If the extension of stay / deviation is unable to be confirmed three weeks prior to the group’s departure date, the passenger is deemed to stick to the original tour schedule. In the event that the original schedule has been changed by the Company, any extra cost will be borne by the Customer.

7.2 Extension of stay / deviation will be at passenger’s own expenses and transfer to the airport will not be provided.

7.3 It is the Customer’s responsibility to hold firm confirmation of their return flight and to re-confirm their flight 72 hours prior to their return date.

7.4 The air ticket issued is a special ticket, restricted to specific airline only. It is non-negotiable, nonendorsable, non-reissuable, non- refundable & non-reroutable. Any alteration in routing or dates by the Customer is solely at his/her own risk. The Company and its associated agents will not be held responsible for any inconvenience caused and extra expenses incurred. No refunds will be made for any unused air ticket, accommodation, meals, or sightseeing in part or full.

8. TRAVEL DOCUMENTS, TRAVEL INSURANCE & TRAVEL VOUCHERS 8.1 Passport and other Travel Documents It is Customer’s sole responsibility to ensure that he / she has a valid passport with minimum 6 months validity from the date of scheduled return to Singapore, as well as the necessary visas, vaccinations, health certificates and all necessary travel documents as required by various government authorities of the destinations of travel.

8.2 Visa 8.2.1 The Customer may seek advice from the Company on visa application; however it is Customer’s own responsibility to obtain a valid visa.

8.2.2 If for any reason, application for visa or exit permit is rejected, full refund less S$100 administrative fee (excluding visa application fees paid to the respective embassies) will be made if the result of the rejection is submitted to the Company at least 35 days prior to departure. If less than 35 days’ notice is given, relevant cancellation fee as stated under section “Cancellation by the Customer” will be applied.

8.2.3 In consideration for the interests of other passengers in the same group, the Company strongly discourage ALL passengers from applying Visa upon Arrival at destiny country. The Company takes no responsibility being

IBC_Terms & Conditions (Final).indd 29

unable to wait for the passengers who apply Visa upon Arrival at the Custom.

8.2.4 The Company will not be responsible for any expenses, reimbursement or refund of the tour fare if the Customer is deported or refused entry by immigration authorities on the tour for whatever reasons, including improper travel documents, quarantine, custom regulations, possession of unlawful items or irregularities that may cause harm or damage to person or property.

8.3 Travel Insurance 8.3.1 Arrangement of travel insurance coverage is strongly recommended with respect to unforeseen circumstances such as trip cancellation, loss of deposit, baggage, personal accident, injury, illness, etc. Under no circumstances shall the Company be constructed as a carrier under a contract for safe carriage of the Customer or his / her baggage and other personal belongings.

8.3.2 The Company shall not be responsible for any loss or damage in relation to trip cancellation, loss of personal baggage, accidents, injuries and illness.

8.3.3 Should there be any amendment to the date and duration of travel, it is Customer’s responsibility to inform the travel insurance company to amend the date and duration of the insurance coverage.

8.3.4 The Company will be pleased to assist in the enquiries of any travel insurance and related matters.

8.4 Travel Vouchers The company issues travel vouchers from time to time as part of its promotional activities. The terms and conditions for the redemption of travel vouchers are clearly spelt out in the appropriate documents and shall be binding on the Customer.

9. GENERAL MATTERS RELATING TO TOURS 9.1 Accommodation Accommodation is as specified in the tour brochure / itinerary / tour booking form. In the event the specified accommodation is not available, every effort will be made to scout for an alternative in another accommodation of similar standard. Accommodation for adults is based on twin- share, double or triple-share bedrooms. Please note that the third bed usually will be a “roll-away” bed. Single room occupancy is at additional cost.

9.2 Baggage The Customer is allowed check-in baggage not exceeding 20 kilograms. Only one piece of hand luggage not exceeding 7 kilograms is allowed on board the aircraft. Excess baggage must be paid directly by the Customer.

9.3 Meals Meals, including meals on board flights, are as indicated in the tour brochure / itinerary / tour booking form. If meals on board are not served due to whatever reasons, there shall be no refund or replacement.

9.4 Seat Rotation For the convenience of all members of the group, passengers may be requested to rotate their seating arrangements on the coach during the period of the tour. Please cooperate when requested upon to do so by the tour manager / tour leader / guide.

9.5 Special Request If there are any requests regarding special meals, dietary requirements, adjoining rooms, flight seating arrangement and so on, please inform the Company upon booking. However, such requests are strictly subject to confirmation and availability by the airlines/hotels.

10. PRICING POLICIES 10.1 Tour Fare Includes Return economy class group tour air ticket, local transport, accommodation, admission fees, meals and sightseeing programme as stipulated in the tour brochure / itinerary / tour booking form.

10.2 Tour Fare Excludes Airport taxes, airport security taxes, airline insurance surcharges, fuel taxes, visa fees, travel insurance, customs user fees as specified by the airline and airport authorities; local transfer not stated in the itinerary (e.g. free & easy, deviation), laundry, excess baggage charges, beverages, room services, gratuities to drivers and tour managers / local guides and tips to hotel porters (if any); and personal expenses. Please refer to the Company for visa fees, gratuities to drivers and tour managers / local guides, and tips to hotel porters.

10.3 Child Fare Child fare is applicable to children below 12 years old on the scheduled date of departure from Singapore. The child fare is based on a twin-sharing accommodation with two adults and no additional bed will be provided. A surcharge will be imposed where an extra bed is required for the child or where the child occupies a room with only one adult.

10.4 Mode of Payment Payment may be made in cash, by NETS, cheques or credit cards. Cheques will only be accepted if presented to the Company at least seven working days before scheduled tour departure. Credit card payment may incur additional surcharge for special promotion packages, you may refer to our staff for confirmation.

11. RESPONSIBILITY 11.1 The Company acts as agent for the carriers, transportation companies, hotels and other principals of the tour packages. The Company accepts no responsibility for any injuries, losses, damages, accidents, delays, theft, quarantine, customs regulations, strikes, weather hazards, political unrest, changes in itineraries, deportation or refusal of entry by Immigration Authorities resulting from improper travel documents, possession of unlawful items or irregularities that may be caused to person or property. Any losses and/or expenses incurred are the responsibility of the passenger. All proper travel documentation is the sole responsibility of the Customer.

11.2 The failure of the Customer to follow reasonable instructions including but not limited to check-in and check-out places or times or other cause and the losses and/or expenses resulting therefore shall be borne by the Customer.

11.3 The Company reserves the right to: 11.3.1 Alter tour itineraries, travel arrangements, accommodation due to unforeseen changes.

11.3.2 Cancel any reservations prior to departure for reasons including but not limited to the insufficient number of participants. The Company will recommend alternative tours, preferably to the same destination or to other destination. Should the Customer decided not to accept the alternatives, the deposit or tour fare to be refunded without further obligation on the part of the Company, upon Customer’s surrender to the Company of all documents issued by the Company for the purpose of the tour package.

11.3.3 Require any individual to withdraw from the tour if it is deemed that his/her behaviour is detrimental to or incompatible with the health, safety, interests, harmony and welfare of the other tour participants and the tour group as a whole. Under such circumstances, the Company shall be under no liability thereafter to any such person.

11.3.4 To specify the language in which the tour guide will conduct commentary in.

11.4 No tour guides, tour managers, tour leaders or other employees or agents of the Company are authorized to commit the Company to any liability and the Company shall not be bound by any statement or representation unless it is in writing and signed by a Management Executive of the Company.

11.5 The Company reserve the right to take photographs and films of the passenger while on tour with the Company, to be used for brochures advertising or publicity material without obtaining any further consent from the passenger.

11.6 All tour fares for the respective tour packages are correct at the time of reservation. The Company reserves the right to revise the tour fares and to determine the date of commencement of such revised tour fares.

12. COMPLAINT & CLAIM Any complaint / claim have to be made in writing within 7 days from the date of return. No responsibility is accepted in respect of any complaints / claims, which are made after 7 days of return.

13. MISCELLANEOUS The Company reserves the right to change, amend, insert or delete any Tour Booking Terms and Conditions containing in this document, as the case may be, without prior notice. The Tour Booking Terms and Conditions complement those terms and conditions contained in the relevant documents provided by third party service providers such as airline or cruise tickets, hotel check-ins etc.

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Journey to the Best “[Our Odyssey Manager] is a very knowledgeable, committed and helpful manager. Trip made memorable overall with his arangement and guidance.” - Lee Meng Soon It’s my first trip to India and Delhi assaulted my senses with the noise, the smell, the people, the animals and now… I love it!!! Every different hotel brought a different experience and that was good!!” - Soh Chew Luan “[Our Odyssey Manager] is a patient and wonderful tour manager. He is a great photographer who helps our family take good photos whenever we visit places of interest. He also helps us to find Chinese food when we preferred to have it! A great experience overall :)” - Goh Family “Enjoyed & loved the attractions we were brought to.

Never get enough of Delhi. Will definitely come back for more.” - Aishini Sailan

https://goo.gl/qCBGd8 To book or discover more, get in touch with your expert Travel Agent

INCREDIBLE ODYSSEY PTE LTD www.incredibleodyssey.com

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