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South India Tour2019 -‐ A cultural and culinary experience with Neela Paniz January 4, 2019 to January 18, 2019
Travel with acclaimed Chef Neela Paniz through Hampi, seat of the great Vijayanagar empire and one of India’s most remarkable former capital cities;
Mysore, the second largest city in Karnataka; Coorg known for its wildlife and coffee plantations; Kochi (Cochin) home of the spice trade; Hyderabad, famed for the
Palaces and Museums built by one of the richest people in the world, the Nizam of Hyderabad and finally Mumbai, India’s financial center, home to Bollywood and the
main harbor to the Arabian sea.
Paniz will lead you through the myriad of historical sights, showcase the world of Indian vegetable and spice markets; take you shopping for clothing, household
goods and of course jewelry! Finding the best places to eat is her passion and will share with you the dining experiences, most of them situated in the hotels
themselves, that meet her expectations, whether it is high end dining or the smaller eateries.
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An overview:
Hampi -‐ 2 nights
Hampi, once the seat of the great Vijayanagar empire, is one of India’s most remarkable former capital city sites. Across the rocky outcrops are spread impressive ruins of palaces, temples and sculptures. The undisputed highlight of the site, the 16th century Vitthala temple, is a World Heritage monument. One of the earliest structures here is the Virupaksha temple with its painted mandapam ceiling. Also worth seeing are the Hazara Rama temple, huge Ganesha and Narasimha images, the elephant stables, the Queen’s bath, and LotusMahal.
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Mysore -‐ 2 nights
Mysore, once the capital of the Wodeyar kingdom, is today the second largest city in Karnataka and one of the finest in southern India. Small, easygoing, famous for its silks and sandalwood, it is a city of fine gardens, tree-‐lined boulevards, art galleries and an intriguing palace. Mysore’s ten-‐day Dassera festival in September-‐October is still celebrated with medieval pageantry. Highlights: Mysore Palace, Chamundeshwari temple, Nandi Bull carved out of
solid rock in 1659. Shopping: Mysore silks and saris (they will fit you for a sari and its
accessories within 4 hours), sandalwood, incense. Dining: Dosas, Idlis and Chutneys.
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Coorg -‐ 2 nights
Coorg or Kodagu district is one of the few areas in South India to have retained its original forests. The forests are still home to wild elephants and other wildlife and also give the area a pleasant climate. The picturesque hills are covered by spice plantations and coffee estates and provide good trekking opportunities. Madikeri, the capital, is an attractive small town in a beautiful hilly setting surrounded by the forested slopes of the Western Ghats. We will explore the coffee plantations of Coorg, some local markets and also savor some local delicacies while we take a break from monuments, museums and historical sights. Yoga, nature walks and time to reflect will be a nice welcome in the middle of the intense schedule!
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Kochi (Cochin) -‐ 3 nights
Kochi (Cochin) is spread across islands and promontories in a stunning location between the Arabian Sea and the Backwaters in the state of Kerala. The city was founded in 1341 when a flood created a natural safe port that then became the principal harbor for the Malabar coasts spice trade. Cochin was on the main trade route between Europe and China. The rulers invited people of various religions to settle here, attracting the Jews and the Christians who built places of worship and their own communities. Highlights : Jew town including the original Synagogue, Spice markets, Dutch
Palace, Chinese fishing nets, Kathakali dance recital Dining : Appams, Kerala style seafood, chef’s demo Shopping : Spice town boutiques
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Hyderabad -‐ 3 nights
The twin city of Hyderabad-‐Secunderabad, the capital of newly formed state of Telangana, combines Islamic and Hindu influences. While Hyderabad was founded in 1589 by Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah, the cantonment of Secunderabad beyond the artificial Hussain Sagar lake was established by the British in the early 1800’s. Hyderabad was planned in a grid pattern with enormous arches. The city is an important center of Islamic culture. Highlights: Golconda Fort, QutabShahi tombs, Char Minar and its bustling
markets, Salar Jung Museum
Shopping: Bangles, readymade garments Dining: Chef’s demo at Falaknuma Palace restaurant, Biraynis,
cooking class/lunch with Nimi Paul and dinner at a private home,
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Mumbai -‐ 2 nights
Bombay, or Mumbai, my birth city, is the capital of Maharashtra and the economic powerhouse of India. It’s the fastest moving, most affluent and the most industrialized city in India. Yet, once upon a time, Bombay was nothing more than a group of low-‐lying, swampy and malarial mud flats presented to the British by its Portuguese occupiers as a wedding gift in 1661. It is home to Bollywood that produces approximately a 1000 movies, a year. Highlights: Crawford market, Jewelry and spice Market, Gateway of India, city tour Shopping: Good Earth, Anokhee, Bombay Store, Oberoi shopping arcade for
Kashmiri Shawls, Shoes and Christina’s ready made garments Dining: Trishna (known for its crab dishes), Swati, a Gujarati fast food
restaurant, Pali Bhavan and a dinner at a relative’s prior to departure!
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Tour Cost: $7800.00 per person-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐ Tour limited to 6-‐8 participants Tour includes all upscale hotel accommodations, all road (air-‐conditioned luxury bus/van), half-‐day train ride and air transportation within India; all meals, all gratuities, entry fees to monuments and museums. Excluded is airfare to India and back, travel insurance (recommended), visa fees, alcohol, laundry and of course shopping! Detailed itineraries and other important travel information will be provided upon enrollment. Deposit of $1000.00 required to sign up. The deposit is fully refundable up to 60 days prior to the tour. Schedule of refund will be provided upon enrollment.
