S OUTHER

OUTHERNN I NDIA ’ S
A RT & A RCHAEOL OGY
CHAEOLOGY
F EBRUARY 17 - MARCH 10, 2006
(22 DAYS )

INDIA

Ajanta

2 Aurangabad
2
Mumbai (Bombay)
Arabian Bay of Bengal
Sea 3 Hampi
Bangalore
Chikmagalur 2 3 2 Chennai (Madras)
Mysore 2
Mahabalipuram
Sravanabelagola 2 2 Thanjavur
Madurai
 S OUTHER
OUTHERNN I NDIA ’ S
A RT & A RCHAEOL OGY
CHAEOLOGY
FEBRUARY 17 - MARCH 10, 2006 (22 DAYS)

AIA L ECTURER & H OST

Dr. Annapurna Garimella is an art historian who specializes
in the art and architecture of India. Based in Bangalore, India,
she is currently the Research Editor for Marg Publications,
South Asia’s oldest art publication house. Annapurna also
heads A.R.T., an organization that gathers resources,
promotes research and teaching in art and architectural
history, archaeology, crafts, design, and other related
disciplines in academic and non-academic fora. She earned
her Ph.D. in Art History from Columbia University, where her
work focused on religion, kingship, architecture, and urban
planning in medieval southern India. She also curated a show
at the Smithsonian’s Arthur M. Sackler Gallery of Art on
courtly painting and devotion in northern India. Annapurna
was a Visiting Fellow at the Center for the Study of Culture
and Society at Bangalore (2000-2002) with the India
Foundation of the Arts, and earned several research
fellowships, including a Foreign Language Fellowship (five
consecutive years) for the study of Hindi and Braj. She has
taught at Columbia and Drew Universities, and has lectured
at many universities in India. Annapurna has also lectured
on previous study tours of India for American museums and
two recent AIA tours of India (2004-2005), and looks forward
to accompanying our group next winter. Currently her
scholarly work focuses on contemporary religiosities, art and
education, and Indian modernisms.
I am excited about this tour because the itinerary is
designed to allow the traveler to encounter an exten-
sive range of archaeological and art historical issues
from the emergence of the Buddha image to eroticism
and religiosity, and the emergence of Rajput and Mughal
architectures of power.
Throughout I hope to communicate to the group, with
lightness and humour, histories of conflict, negotiation,
splendour and most importantly, the quotidian. At the
end of the tour, the group will have both a sensuous and
an intellectual appreciation for the complexities of mod-
ern India.
[My last AIA] tour to India produced fabulous discus-
sions both during the lectures as well as on bus rides,
dinners and walks through the streets. I found the AIA
group to be particularly invested in provoking me to
think about issues in new ways and make connections
that would estrange the familiar and allow proximity to
the unfamiliar. Such intense sharing provided a won-
derful context for friendship and pleasure.
~ AIA Lecturer & Host Annapurna Garimella
ARCHAEOLOGICAL TREASURES
& ARCHITECTURAL MASTERPIECES
♦ See the best sites throughout Southern India, including six UNESCO
World Heritage Sites: the monuments at Hampi and
Mahabalipuram; the Brihadeshwara Temple in Thanjavur; and the
Ajanta, Ellora and Elephanta Caves.
♦ Enjoy equally important but lesser-known sites, such as the 12th-
and 13th-century Belur and Halebid temples, which are magnificent
examples of an architectural style unique to the region.
♦ Marvel at the 55-foot high statue of the Jain enlightened being, one
of the world’s tallest monoliths, at the pilgrimage center of
Sravanabelagola.
♦ Visit Srirangapatnam, an island fortress and the location of Tipu
Sultan’s fabulous palace and mosque.
MUSEUMS & COLLECTIONS
♦ Explore the National Art Gallery and Museum in Chennai (Ma-
dras), featuring South Indian stone sculptures and its famous Bronze
Gallery.
♦ Gain insight into the lives of Southern India’s inhabitants at the
Dakshina Kshetra heritage village, a collection of reconstructed,
traditional houses.
♦ Admire the world’s finest Chola bronzes in Thanjavur’s Bronze
Museum, as well as rare palm leaf manuscripts in the Saraswati
Mahal Library.
SPECIAL EVENTS & ACCOMMODATIONS
♦ Attend the famous Shivratri Festival, one of the most important of
all Hindu holidays and an extraordinary festival at Hampi, which
draws pilgrims from all over India.
♦ Witness the evening ritual of the goddess being escorted to the
god’s chamber in Madurai at the famous Meenakshi temple com-
plex.
♦ Attend at least one special Classical Indian dance performance
and visit the Kalakshetra artists’ village, a pioneering institution
of classical dance, music and the arts.
♦ Stay in the finest hotels at each site, including many five-star de-
luxe hotels, and enjoy excellent regional and international cuisine.
 Itinerary
Days 1 - 3: Friday - Sunday,
February 17 - 19, 2006
USA / Bangalore, India
Fly to Bangalore, where you transfer to the
deluxe Taj Residency Hotel upon arrival late
on February 18 or early on February 19
Overnight at the Taj Residency for three
nights. (meals aloft)
Day 4: Monday, February 20
Bangalore
The morning is at leisure to relax and enjoy
our deluxe hotel’s amenities. This afternoon,
enjoy a city tour of Bangalore. Pass by the
Vidhan Soudha, elaborate Neo-Dravidian
buildings that house the State government;
then visit one of the great gardens in all of
South Asia at Lalbagh, begun in 1740 and
boasting a grand, 19th century glass green-
house. Then visit a cave containing the 16th
century Bull Temple, featuring four splen-
did granite columns; and end the day with
the haunting 16th century Tipu’s Summer
Palace. Enjoy a welcome dinner this evening,
hosted by our lecturer. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Tuesday, February 21
Bangalore/Hampi (via Bellary)
This morning we transfer to the airport
for our short charter flight to Bellary.
We transfer upon arrival to the Hotel
Mallagi in Hospet, conveniently located
just a few miles from Hampi. After settling
in to our hotel and lunch, enjoy an orienta-
tion tour of Hampi, the fabled capital of the
Vijayanagara kings, who ruled for
more than 200 years. This spectacu-
lar site covers some eight square
miles, and we will enjoy three days in
Hampi for a well-paced and relaxing,
yet thorough, exploration of its mag-
nificent temples, which represent the
high point of Vijayanagara art and archi-
tecture. Overnight at the Hotel Mallagi for
three nights. (B,L,D)
Days 6 & 7: Wednesday & Thurs-
day, February 22 & 23 ~ Hampi
Spend two full days exploring Hampi. The
Vijayanagara city ruins at Hampi, a World
Heritage Site, is one of the most interesting
historical sites in Southern India and dates
from the mid-14th to mid-16th centuries. Once
the capital of the greatest kingship in medi-
eval India, the city was the center of inter-
national commerce (built on the spice, horse,
jewel and textile trades) and attracted Por-
tuguese, Arab, Chinese, and Russian explor-
ers and traders. The Portuguese explorer
The Sri Hoysaleswara Temple at Halebid.
Vasco de Gama came to the western coast
of India on a quest for access to the wealth
of the region, especially that which centered
around the Vijayanagara court. The complex
is spread over a vast, hilly area of approxi-
mately sixteen miles, through which
runs the majestic Tungabhadra
River. The ruins are divided into
four significant urban zones that
contain temples, mosques, pal-
aces, pleasure pavilions, and
other monumental architec-
ture.
On the evening of Febru-
ary 23 we participate in the
Shivratri Festival, one of
India’s greatest festivals. Be-
cause Hampi has many Shiva
temples, the town seems
like one gigantic temple
as devotees bathe in
the river and wor-
ship the innumer-
able lingas carved as
graffiti on rocks and
in small shrines. The
river, the main temple, and the small shrines
surrounding it are the central focus of ac-
tivities throughout the day and night.
(B,L,D)
Day 8: Friday, February 24
Hampi/Chikmagalur
Enjoy one last visit to Hampi, or simply re-
lax this morning. This afternoon we transfer
by motorcoach to the train station, where
we board the first-class compartment of a
day train to Chikmagalur. On arrival we
transfer to the Taj Garden Retreat in
Chikmagalur. Overnight at the Taj Garden
Retreat for two nights. (B,L,D)
Day 9: Saturday, February 25
Belur/Halebid
Spend a full day exploring the temples of
Belur and Halebid. These 12th and 13th cen-
tury temples were built by kings and nobles
of the Hoysala dynasty, and are magnifi-
cent examples of an architectural style
unique to the region. Abundantly covered
with sculptures made of soft, black chloritic
schist, and representing gods, celestial be-
ings, and humans, the temples are unique in
their intricate design and intimacy of scale.
The temples also provide a unique oppor-
tunity to study temple patronage, construc-
tion, and renovation of a time when large
shifts in power were occurring in southern
India. (B,L,D)
Day 10: Sunday, February 26
Chikmagalur/Sravanabelagola/
Mysore
After breakfast, depart by motorcoach for
Mysore, stopping en route at Sravan-
abelagola, one of the oldest and most im-
portant Jain pilgrimage centers in all of
India. It consists of two hills that rise promi-
nently above a valley. On the smaller hill is a
perfectly-proportioned temple that was built
by a local general. On the larger hill, the same
general erected a fifty-five foot high mono-
lithic granite statue of the Jain enlightened
being and renunciate warrior Bahubali
(Gomateshwara). This statue remains one of
the world’s tallest monoliths. Srav-
anabelagola was an important center for the
jewel trade, and housed many important
monastic institutions.
We arrive in Mysore late this afternoon and
check in to the Hotel Lalitha Mahal Palace,
built as the guest palace of the Maharajas.
The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure.

Hampi is the fabled capital of the
Vijayanagara kings, who ruled for more
than 200 years. Our visit coincides with
the Shivratri Festival, which marks
either the celebration of Lord Shiva
and Parvati’s wedding, or the day
when Shiva consumed poison to save
the world from destruction.
This evening you may join an optional ex-
cursion to the local fruit and vegetable mar-
ket. Overnight at the Hotel Lalitha Mahal
Palace for two nights. (B,L,D)
Day 11: Monday, February 27
Mysore
Once the seat of the Maharaja of Mysore,
the city is located near a rocky hill named
after the goddess Chamundi. Mysore’s City
Palace was designed in a passionately florid
Indo-Saracenic style by the British archi-
tect Henry Irwin to house the Wodeyar royal
family. Domestic, courtly, and ceremonial ac-
tivities took place within the complex, espe-
cially in the spectacular audience hall. To-
day there is a museum within the palace,
and its numerous carved wooden and silver
doors, stained glass mirrors, and historical
paintings attest to the wealth and prestige
attained by the Wodeyar family during their
long rule. We will also visit Srirangapatnam,
an island fortress in the Kaveri River, to see
the fabulous Tipu Sultan’s palace and
mosque. Tipu Sultan, once the ruler of
Mysore, was a diplomat, soldier, scholar, and
poet who died fighting against the British
in 1799 during the fall of Srirangapatnam.
(B,L,D)
Day 12: Tuesday, February 28
Mysore/Bangalore/Chennai (Madras)
Transfer to Bangalore by motorcoach this
morning and fly to Chennai (Madras). Trans-
fer to the Hotel Taj Coromandel upon ar-
rival. The gateway to the south and the capi-
tal of Tamil Nadu, Chennai is also the seat
of ancient civilization in India, with a rich
heritage of fine arts, sculpture, and archi-
tecture. During colonial rule it became the
capital of the Madras Presidency, one of the
largest areas of India under British control.
It was at this time that the city began its
evolution into a great metropolitan center.
Today, Chennai is a beguiling mix of colo-
nial remnants and post-Independence mo-
dernities. This afternoon we will visit the
National Art Gallery and Museum, built in
1909 in the Neo-Mughal style, and contain-
ing South Indian stone sculptures and the
famous Bronze Gallery, with 12th century
Chola bronze masterpieces. We also see Fort
St. George, Britain’s first stronghold in In-
dia, as well as Santhome Cathedral, before
enjoying a splendid drive along Marina
beach. Overnight at the Hotel Taj Coroman-
del for two nights. (B,L,D)
Day 13: Wednesday, March 1
Mahabalipuram
Travel via motorcoach to Mahabalipuram,
which was an ancient port and important
center for the Pallava kings during the 7th
and 8th centuries, and its monuments are now
a World Heritage Site. It is famous for its
shore temples and rock carvings, which
stand on a beach where ocean waves and
the sun add romance and intensity to the
site. Mahabalipuram has some of the most
important buildings in Indian architectural
history - its tradition of rock carving contin-
ues today with the presence of the Govern-
ment Arts College at the site, at which
Ganapath Sthapati, the famous temple de-
signer and sculptor, works. Sculptors from
Mahabalipuram travel all over India and the
world, bringing their talent and knowledge
to local communities seeking to build new
temples. We return to the hotel this after-
noon, and the rest of the day is at leisure.
This evening, enjoy a classical Indian dance
performance. (B,L,D)
Day 14: Thursday, March 2
Chennai/Thanjavur
Travel to Thanjavur by train, where we
transfer to the Hotel Parshotam upon arrival.
The remainder of the day is at leisure. Over-
night at the Hotel Parshotam for two
nights. (B,L,D)
Day 15: Friday, March 3
Thanjavur
Spend a full day in Thanjavur, the 11th cen-
tury capital of the Chola empire. We visit
the Bridhadeshwara temple and fort, the
crowning glory of Chola temple architecture
and a World Heritage Site. Set on spacious
grounds and built of granite, it is an impres-
sive structure that was the world’s tallest
building at the time it was built. After the
15 th century it became part of the
Vijayanagara kingdom, and later passed into
the hands of the Marathas and the British.
Afterward we will admire the small but im-
pressive Bronze Museum with the world’s
finest Chola bronzes, then visit a bronze fac-
tory and the Saraswati Mahal Library,
which displays rare palm leaf manuscripts.
(B,L,D)
Day 16: Saturday, March 4
Thanjavur/Madurai
Today we drive from Thanjavur to Madurai.
Along the way we visit the land of the
Chettiars, a merchant caste with a long his-
tory of trading in southeast Asia and India.
We then travel through the village of
Kadiyapatti to visit the local Raja’s man-
sion with its deeply carved, awe-inspiring
doors, and massive support columns with
interlocking brackets to support a second
and third floor; as well as Puddukothai, with
its sacred Aiyanyar grove full of large clay
horses and riders. Arriving in Madurai, we
check in to the Hotel Taj Garden Retreat,
and have the remainder of the afternoon at
leisure. Overnight at the Hotel Taj Garden
Retreat for two nights. (B,L,D)
The most magnificent temple at the
World Heritage complex of Ellora is the
Kailasanatha temple.
Day 17: Sunday, March 5
Madurai
One of India’s oldest cities, Madurai sits on
the Vaigai River. The city was the seat of
many important Tamil and Sultanate rulers,
and later became an important political cen-
ter during the British ruled Madras Presi-
dency. The main attraction and focus of
Madurai is the temple dedicated to the god-
dess Meenakshi. Built over the course of a
millennium or more, the main shrine stands
at the center of a multi-enclosure complex
with four gateways that open to the cardi-
nal directions. These gateways are covered
by a profusion of brightly-colored stucco
animals, mythical figures, and deities. The
Meenakshi complex is perhaps the most im-
portant example of the Hindu temple as a
city and fortress, a model of architecture and
urban planning that became common
throughout the region over the last four hun-
dred years. The city features other attrac-
tions as well, including the Nayaka King’s
Palace, partially restored in the 19th century
and whose remains demonstrate the power
and wealth of the Nayakas. The city is full
of bazaars, shops, and restaurants, and con-
tinues to be an important handloom textile
center. This evening, revisit the temple to
see the evening ritual of the goddess being
escorted to the god’s chamber. (B,L,D)
Day 18: Monday, March 6
Madurai/Aurangabad
Transfer to the airport this morning for
our flight to Aurangabad via Mumbai.
Aurangabad is a center for important textile
traditions, including the renowned Paithani
saris. Upon arrival, we transfer to the Hotel
Taj Residency, where the remainder of the
afternoon is at leisure. Overnight at the Ho-
tel Taj Residency for two nights. (B,L,D)
Day 19: Tuesday, March 7
Ajanta
This morning we depart Aurangabad for a
two-hour drive to the world famous Bud-
dhist and Jain caves at Ajanta. Under the
patronage of local kings, the caves at
Ajanta, which are now a World Heritage Site,
were carved near an important trade route
and housed Buddhist institutions and their
monks, especially during monsoon season.
There are lovely painted scenes of Buddha’s
life, as well as carefully-rendered images of
contemporaneous Buddhist Mahayana pre-
cepts. We return to the hotel for a late lunch.
Later in the afternoon we will visit (time per-
mitting) Bibi-ka-Maqbara, the earliest ex-
ample of Mughal architecture in the Deccan
and the last monumental covered tomb. It
replicates the better-known Taj Mahal, and
Bibi-ka-Maqbara, the earliest example of Mughal architecture in the
Deccan and the last monumental covered tomb.
was commissioned by Emperor Aurangzeb
in the mid-17th century as a mausoleum for
his wife. The tomb is situated in a four-part,
classic Mughal garden, and was designed
by Ataullah, the son of the architect who
designed the Taj. (B,L,D)
Day 20: Wednesday, March 8
Aurangabad/Daulatabad/
Ellora/Mumbai (Bombay)
This morning we visit Daulatabad, located
approximately ten miles northwest of
Aurangabad. Daulatabad is an historic cen-
ter that was the seat of many Deccani rul-
ers. Pre-13 th century it was known as
Devagiri, “the Mountain Apex of the Gods,”
and after its Yadava rulers fell to the Delhi
Sultanate armies the city was renamed
Daulatabad, or “the City of Wealth.”
Throughout its thousand-year history, the
city has been a place where many languages
and political and religious movements flour-
ished under the Deccan Sultans and the
Mughals, who located their regional seat
here before moving it to Aurangabad. Im-
portant monuments include an early 14th cen-
tury fort, mosques, tombs, and a palace built
by Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor
who commissioned the Taj Mahal.
Continue on to Ellora, a World Heritage
complex of Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain
shrines and patronage. The most magnifi-
cent of these is the Kailasanatha temple dat-
ing from the 8th century. Dedicated to god
Shiva, the100-foot high, two-storied temple
was carved out of living rock to stand as
the sign of the power, wealth, and devotion
of the ruling Rashtrakuta king. This evening
we fly to Mumbai (Bombay), and transfer to
the Hotel Taj Mahal upon arrival. Overnight
at the Hotel Taj Mahal for two nights.
(B,L,D)
Day 21: Thursday, March 9
Mumbai/Elephanta
This morning we visit the Elephanta Caves,
a World Heritage Site located on a small is-
land a few miles from Mumbai harbor. The
island features a fine cluster of 6th to 8th cen-
tury rock-cut caves carved in a style first
developed by artists approximately two
hundred years earlier, in the Gangetic Val-
ley, when the region was part of the great
Gupta imperial formation. Carved from liv-
ing rock, the sculptures in the most majestic
cave depict aspects of the god Shiva, the
cosmic dancer and androgyne. The seven-
teen-foot tall, three-faced image shows
Shiva in the form of the great lord, in his
fearsome form, and in his androgynous form,
in which goddess Parvati is one-half of his
being. Return to Mumbai for lunch, and later
in the afternoon enjoy a short tour of
Mumbai. The commercial capital of India,
Mumbai is an exciting city full of bazaars
and Victorian buildings. Besides being a ma-
jor Indian port, Mumbai is also a great in-
dustrial center. Its major sites are the Gate-
way of India, the city’s most famous land-
mark; the Prince of Wales Museum, espe-
cially renowned for its sculptures and min-
iature paintings; and Dhobi Ghat. Enjoy an
elegant and festive farewell dinner this
evening. (B,L,D)
Day 22: Friday, March 10
Mumbai/USA
Transfer to the airport this morning for our
flight back to the U.S. (B, meals aloft)
(B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
Itinerary and prices are subject to change.
Trip cancellation insurance is
strongly recommended.
 W HAT TO E XPECT
This is a strenuous program and you must be in good physi-
cal condition to participate. There are several days with long
walks over uneven terrain, hills and steps. The program’s
strenuousness is similar to walking for a full round of golf
each day. If you have any questions about your ability to
participate, we suggest that you visit your personal physi-
cian with this brochure in hand, and discuss whether or not
this program is appropriate for you. All participants are ex-
pected to be physically active, to enjoy traveling as part of a
group, and to be ready to experience cultural differences.
Complete pre-departure details, including what to bring
with you, and what to expect, will be sent to participants.
A CCOMMODATIONS
Enjoy the best possible hotel accommodations throughout.
We stay at 5-star luxury hotels wherever available, and very
comfortable hotels when in more remote regions.
Taj Hotels ~ All Taj Hotels are deluxe, luxury hotels, and sev-
eral are members of the Leading Hotels of the World group.
The hotels offer well-appointed rooms with a wide range of
amenities: air conditioning, room service, swimming pool, fit-
ness center, beauty parlor, currency exchange, a doctor-on-
call, laundry service, and fine cuisine. Detailed information on
each hotel is available at www.tajhotel.com.
Hotel Mallagi ~ The Hotel Mallagi is conveniently located
near Hampi. It offers simple accommodations.
Lalitha Mahal Palace ~ Located in an Italianate palace origi-
nally built for a British viceroy, the hotel has comfortable air
conditioned rooms set overlooking lovely gardens and offers
many amenities including room service, a swimming pool, a
restaurant and lounge.
Hotel Parshotam ~ This is a small, modern hotel known for its
fine service with comfortable air conditioned rooms, a good
restaurant and a variety of amenities.
THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF
AMERICA & THE AIA T OURS P ROGRAM
Believing that a greater understanding of the past enhances
our shared sense of humanity and enriches our existence, the
Archaeological Institute of America seeks to educate people
of all ages about the significance of archaeological discovery.
When you participate on an AIA Tour you support the AIA.
The AIA has been dedicated to the encouragement and sup-
port of archaeological research and publication and to the
protection of the world’s archaeological resources and cul-
tural heritage for more than a century. A non-profit cultural
and educational organization chartered by the U.S. Congress,
the AIA is the oldest and largest archaeological organization
in North America, with almost 9,000 members. The AIA is the
recipient of the prestigious Winckelmann Medal (2004) from
the Deutsches Archaeologisches Institut, in recognition of
“the extraordinary scientific achievements and merits” of the
AIA and its professional members. The AIA serves the non-
specialist public in three principal ways: through its maga-
zine, Archaeology, through the National Lecture program, and
through the AIA Tours program.
P ER P ERSON P RICES
Reserve by August 22, 2005 and receive a $200
per person Early Booking Discount.
DOUBLE Occupancy ...................................... $7,595.
SINGLE Supplement ....................................... $1,545.
Single room supplement will be charged when requested or
required (limited availability).
All prices based on a minimum of 15 and a maximum of
19 participants. With fewer than 15 participants,
a nominal small group surcharge will apply.
AIRFARE: Detailed information on making air arrangements to meet
the group in India will be provided to participants.
YOUR TRIP INCLUDES:
• Leadership of AIA lecturer and host Dr. Annapurna Garimella;
• Domestic flights within India as per itinerary;
• Air conditioned first-class train travel as per itinerary;
• Surface transportation by deluxe air conditioned motor coach
• Accommodations in deluxe or finest available hotels as
described in Accommodations section;
• All meals as noted in the itinerary;
• Arrival and departure transfers;
• All excursions as per itinerary, with bottled water provided;
• All entrance fees to sites included in the itinerary;
• Services of a Professional Trip Escort/Tour Manager;
• Services of local, English-speaking guides;
• All tips to porters, drivers, and guides;
• Still camera fees;
• Welcome and farewell dinners with cocktails;
• Local taxes and service charges;
• Porterage at the airports and train stations;
• Comprehensive pre-departure information, including a
suggested reading guide, travel guide, and packing list.
RATES DO NOT INCLUDE: US domestic airfare and international
airfare to Bangalore and return from Mumbai; passport and visa
fees; inoculation fees; all airport fees and departure taxes; cost of
personal, trip cancellation, and baggage insurance; transportation
of excess baggage; meals other than those listed in the itinerary;
tips to Tour Manager; personal tips; items of a personal nature,
such as laundry; alcoholic or other beverages; taxi, telephone, and
fax charges; optional excursions or deviations from scheduled tour.
CANCELLATION POLICY: All requests by passengers for cancel-
lations must be received in writing. Cancellations received at least
ninety (90) days prior to departure are fully refunded less an admin-
istrative fee of three hundred dollars ($300) per person. Cancella-
tions received between sixty (60) and ninety (90) days prior to de-
parture are fully refunded less an administrative fee of five hundred
dollars ($500) per person. Cancellations received within sixty (60)
days of departure are subject to 100% of the tour cost. For this and
other reasons, participants are strongly encouraged to purchase
trip cancellation insurance.
Prices are subject to change. Prices quoted are based on group
participation and no refunds will be made for any part of the pro-
gram in which you choose not to participate. It is understood that
refunds cannot be made to passengers who do not complete the
tour for whatever reason.
Dear Traveler,

Southern India abounds in outstanding archaeological sites, cultural traditions, and artistic
wonders. We invite you on a special tour that has been crafted specifically for the AIA—
an in depth, overland exploration of the splendors of southern India with Annapurna
Garimella, an art historian who specializes in the art and architecture of India.

This well-paced, three-week tour is the most comprehensive overview of

southern India available, and Dr. Garimella—who helped design our
program and led the trip in 2004—will illuminate and enhance our
custom-designed travel experience. The itinerary features the most
pristine of southern India’s spectacular archaeological sites and archi-
tecture that span the 2nd century B.C. to the 18th century A.D.

See the most important Hindu, Jain, Buddhist, Islamic, and Christian
monuments that mark southern India’s fascinating history. Among the
many important popular and lesser-known sites we will visit are six
UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the monuments at Hampi and
Mahabalipuram; the Brihadeshwara Temple in Thanjavur; and the
renowned Ajanta, Ellora and Elephanta Caves. In addition, we will have the opportu-
nity to attend wonderful cultural events, including a major Hindu festival in Hampi: the
Shivratri festival, a spectacle and celebration that draws pilgrims from across the
country.

We spend at least two nights in the finest hotels at each location so that we have
adequate time to fully explore each of the amazing sites on our itinerary. To minimize
travel time and maximize sightseeing time, we fly between many destinations. When we
do transfer by land, it is via deluxe air-conditioned motor coaches or first-class trains in
order to visit important sites that are within convenient distance of one another.

Join Dr. Garimella on this tour and glean the true beauty, complexity and richness of the
Indian subcontinent.

Sincerely,

Todd Nielsen
Director, AIA Tours
Archaeological Institute of America

P.S. Reserve by August 22 and receive a $200 per person Early Booking Dis-
count. This tour is limited to just 19 participants, and is certain to sell out quickly, so
please do not delay in contacting our office at 800-748-6262 or aiatours@sover.net to
make your reservations.

RESERVATION FORM
SOUTHERN INDIA’S ART & ARCHAEOLOGY
February 17 - March 10, 2006
To hold your reservation for seven days while this
form and your deposit are in the mail, please contact
our office at 800-748-6262 or aiatours@sover.net
NAME: __________________________________________
NAME: __________________________________________
ADDRESS: _______________________________________
________________________________________________
CITY: ___________________________________________
STATE: ______________ ZIP: ______________________
PHONE (H) ______________________________________
PHONE (W) ______________________________________
FAX _____________________________________________
EMAIL __________________________________________
‰ I/we have read the ‘What to Expect’ section and
am/are physically capable of participating.
ACCOMMODATIONS:
‰ Double ‰ Single
‰ Share-Name of roommate:__________________
‰ Share-please assign a roommate: not guaranteed
‰ Non-smoker ‰ Smoker
RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENT: A deposit of $500 per person
is required to confirm a reservation. Final payment is due
November 19, 2005 (90 days prior to departure). You will receive
an invoice for final payment. Make deposit payable to:
EOS Passenger Escrow - AIA South India.
All prices and payments are in US dollars. Please complete the
reservation form above, sign the Release statement below, enclose
your deposit and mail to:
AIA Tours
P.O. Box 938, Walpole, NH 03608-0938
Phone: 800-748-6262 Fax: 603-756-2922
Email: aiatours@sover.net
I/We have read and agree to the terms and condi-
tions delineated on the reverse side of this form:
Signature______________________________Date__________
Signature______________________________Date__________
(Over J)
TERMS & CONDITIONS
RESPONSIBILITY: The Archaeological Institute of America, its
agent, Eos, (hereinafter “Sponsor”) and The Indian Experience
and/or its agents (hereinafter “Operator”) assume no liability for
failure to provide the services and accommodations referred to in
this brochure to the extent that such services and accommoda-
tions cannot be supplied due to delays or other causes beyond
the control of Operator. In the absence of negligence on the part
of Operator, the participant agrees that Operator has no respon-
sibility or liability of any nature whatsoever for damage to or loss
of property, or injury to, or death of persons due to any act,
omission, or negligence of any carrier, hotel, restaurant, bus car-
rier, tender service, sight-seeing company, or any other persons
rendering any of the services or ground portions of the itinerary.
The participant further waives any claim against Operator and
Sponsor for any such damage, loss, injury, or death. Operator
and Sponsor shall not be responsible for any delays, substitu-
tion of equipment, or any act or omission whatsoever by the
suppliers of such services, their agents, servants and employ-
ees, and the participant hereby waives any claim arising there-
from. Operator and Sponsor reserve the right to decline, accept,
or retain any participant at any time. Sponsor and Operator re-
serve the right to cancel this tour prior to departure, in which
case payment will be refunded without further obligation on our
part. The passenger contract in use by the carriers concerned
(when issued) shall constitute the sole contract between the
transportation companies and the purchaser of this tour and/or
passage. By forwarding of deposit, the passenger certifies that
he/she agrees with these terms and conditions, and that he/she
does not have any mental, physical, or other condition, or dis-
ability that would create a hazard for him/herself or other passen-
gers. ITINERARY: Sponsor and Operator reserve the right to
change the itinerary due to weather conditions, availability of
anchorages, political conditions and other factors beyond our
control without consulting the participants. Participants have no
right to any refund or other considerations in the event of these
itinerary changes. RATES: Rates are based on tariffs and ex-
change rates in effect at the time of printing and are subject to
change prior to departure. Substantial changes in tariffs, exchange
rates, the price of fuel, services and labor sometimes increase the
cost of arrangements significantly, and we reserve the right to
alter our prices.
AS A CONDITION OFACCEPTANCE, EACH PARTICIPANT
MUSTAGREE TOAND SIGNTHE FOLLOWINGSTATEMENT:
RELEASE: The signator clearly understands that Sponsor is in
no way responsible and can assume no liability of any nature
whatsoever for the tour and any acts, omissions, or negligence
by the Operator or by companies and persons the Operator may
contract. The signator has carefully read the list of activities,
requirements, and conditions as listed in the brochure and appli-
cation for the tour and is aware that the tour and its activities
involve the risk of personal injury and damage or loss of prop-
erty. In consideration of the benefits to be derived from participa-
tion in the tour, the signator voluntarily accepts all risk of per-
sonal injury and property damage or loss arising from participa-
tion on the tour and hereby agrees that he/she and his/her de-
pendents, heirs, executors and assigns, do release and hold harm-
less Sponsor and the employees, officers, directors, trustees or
representatives of Sponsor, from any and all claims, including
claims of illness, bodily injury, death or property damage or loss,
however caused, arising from or related to this tour. The signator
has read carefully this agreement, and will abide by the condi-
tions set by Sponsor and Operator as described in the brochure
and in the Terms and Conditions of this and other sections as
stated herein or elsewhere published. The signator affirms that
he/she has not received or relied on any oral or written represen-
tation of Sponsor as a basis for executing this Release.