Periyar boat trip and guided nature walk; Mysore's Maharaja's Palace; Nilgiri Mountain Railway--rare scheduled steam train; Belur & Halebid: exquisitely carved temples; Bangalore & Hassan: modern & traditional; Overnight houseboat cruise on canals of Kerala
Southern India In Depth Tour from Adventures Abroad: Southern India is a destination going from strength to strength in popularity and to participate on this incredible adventure is to understand why.
The southern states offer a rich heritage ethnically and culturally distinct from that of northern India.
Palm-fringed seashores, fertile rice fields, upland tropical forests, intricately carved temples and calm ocean lagoons complete the picture.
A two-night houseboat journey along the picturesque backwaters of Kerala, the best in Indian temple art at Mahabalipuram, and the spectacular Maharaja's Palace in Mysore are just some of the highlights of our this trip.
Prices below are per person, twin-sharing costs in US Dollars (USD). Pricing does not include airfare to/from the tour and any applicable taxes. For single supplement rates and taxes (if any), please refer to below Prices & Dates table. For general information on flights to/from the tour, click here.
Select a date below to reserve your spot:
Optional Single Supplement: $1040 USD (number of singles limited).
Day 1 Arrive in Bangalore
Today we arrive in Bangalore. Transfer to our hotel.
Overnight in Bangalore.
Included Meal(s): Dinner
Day 2 Bangalore - Shravanabelagola - Hassan
This morning we depart by road for Hassan.
En route we stop at Shravanabelagola, the famous Jain pilgrimage center and one of the oldest in India. The place is known as one of the greatest monuments of Jain art. The collosal statue of Gomateswara (57 feet) is situated on the summit of Indragiri hill from which we can enjoy expansive views. After our visit we drive further to reach our hotel in Hassan.
Overnight in Hassan.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 3 Hassan - Belur & Halebid - Hassan
Today we have a day-trip to Belur and Halebid.
Belur and Halebid were both capitals of the medieval Hoysala kings who built the exquisitely carved temples in the 12th & 13th centuries. Belur is famous for it Hoysala architecture; its Temple of Lord Channakeshava is embellished with carving which has few equals in the world. It took 103 years to complete and you can see why. The facade of the temple is filled with intricate sculptures and friezes with no portion left blank -- elephants, episodes from the epics, sensuous dancers -- awe-inspiring in their intricate workmanship.
Halebid was the seat of Hoysala Kingdom; its great Hoyaleswara Temple was built in the typical Hoysala style architecture. The temple, dating back to the 12th century, is astounding for its wealth of sculptural details. The walls of the temple are covered with an endless variety of gods and goddesses, animals, birds and dancing girls. Yet no two facets of the temple are the same. This magnificent temple -- guarded by a Nandi Bull -- was never completed, despite 86 years of labour.
We return to Hassan.
Overnight in Hassan.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 4 Hassan - Mysore
Today we travel by road to Mysore.
Our sightseeing of this princely town will include the famous Palace of Mysore, once the residence of Wodeyar kings and one of the largest of its kind in India. Built in 1912 in the Indo Saracenic style, this palace has a grandeur that is unmatched. We will visit the Jayachamsrajendra Art Gallery housed in the Jaganmohan palace. This gallery has a collection of exquisite paintings dating back to 1875 and then we drive to Chamumdi Hill Temple at a height of 1062 m (3,500 ft). The 2,000-year-old temple is dedicated to Goddess Chamundi. A seven storey, 40 m (130 ft) high tower, dominates the temple. A view of the entire city from this hilltop is impressive.
Overnight in Mysore.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 5 Mysore - Srirangapatna - Mudumalai
After breakfast we drive to Mudumalai, via a tour of Srirangapatna, one of the most important Vaishnavite centers of pilgrimage in south India, built by the Chieftain Thirumalaiah in 894 AD.
We continiue to Mudumalai, one of South India's largest wildlife reserves. Situated in the foothills of Nilgiris, Mudumalai and Bandipur is a large reserve (3000 sq km) with ranges in vegetation from semi-evergreen forests to swamps and grasslands. In Mudumalai the dense forest is home to spotted deer, Indian bison, tiger, panther, wild boar, sloth bear, and herds of wild elephants. The elephant population, estimated around 600, is one of the largest in India.
On arrival we check in to our hotel. This evening we view the Elephant Worship (Pooja) ceremony.
Overnight in Mudumamai.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 6 Mudumalai Wildlife Reserve
Mudumalai Wildlife Reserve was the first sanctuary in South India. The terrain is extremely varied with hills, valleys, ravines, watercourses and swamps. The vegetation comprises of tropical moist deciduous forests, dry deciduous forests and scrub forests. Wild elephant, gaur, deer and primates, like the bonnet macaque and langurs, all inhabit the park. The predators include the tiger, leopard and the dhole -- the Asiatic wild dog, which hunts in packs.
In the cool of the dense forests, among the stands of teak and bamboo thickets, are colourful birds hornbills, the great black woodpecker with its dramatic red-crested mynahs, barbets and parakeets. The tiny eared owl, the scops owl and the little scops owl are more heard than seen.
In the morning we have a jeep safari in the forests of Mudumalai. You can enjoy elephant ride to areas inaccessible by vehicles (if available).
Overnight at Mudumalai.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 7 Mudumalai - Ooty - Train to Mettupalayam
Today we travel to Ooty where we visit the Botanical Gardens.
After a lunch break we catch the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a steam train to Mettupalayam (1500 hrs to +/- 1800 hrs).* The railway is one of the oldest mountain railways in India. Under consideration since 1845, the line was finally opened by the British in 1899, and was initially operated by the Madras Railway Company. The railway is one of the few in the world dependent on steam locomotives. This narrow gauge mountain train winds through 46 km of forests, tea plantations, 16 tunnels, and more than 250 bridges. Moving at a pace little faster than walking, the journey takes a while, but is more than compensated by stunning views.
Mettupalayam is the starting point for two of the Ghat Roads into the Nilgiri Hills. Subsequently it has established itself for the trade of fresh fruits and vegetables coming down from the hills and also for produce that grows in the plains and is destined for the hills.
* NOTE: Train operation is occasionally curtailed due to heavy rains or landslides.
Overnight in Coimbatore.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 8 Coimbatore - Kochi
Today we travel by road to Kochi (Cochin).
The history of European involvement in Kochi, from the early sixteenth century onwards, is dominated by the aggression of, successively, the Portuguese, Dutch and British, competing in their desire to control the port and its lucrative spice trade. From 1800, the state of Cochin was part of the British Madras Presidency; from 1812 until Independence in 1947, its administration was made the responsibility of a series of diwans, or financial ministers. In the 1920s, the British expanded the port to make it suitable for modern ocean-going ships; extensive dredging created Willingdon Island, between Ernakulam and Fort Cochin.
This evening we attend the famous dance drama of Kerala, the "Kathakali". This dance is characterized by grotesque gesticulations, amazing costumes and very extensive make-up. The stories are mostly taken from the epics Mahabharatha and Ramayana.
Overnight in Kochi.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 9 Kochi: City Tour
Today we have a tour of Kochi, including: Chinese fishing Nets -- A legacy of one of the earliest visitor to the Malabar Coast, these nets are unmistakable as one enters the harbour. Records show that they were first erected between AD 1350 and 1450. Constructed out of teak wood and bamboo poles, they work on the principle of balance. The best place to watch is from Vasco Da Gama square, a narrow promenade that parallels the beach with little stalls that serve fresh seafood, tender coconuts and so on.
Santa Cruz Basilica: Built by the Portuguese, the church was elevated to a Cathedral by the Pope Paul IV in 1558. Spared by the Dutch conqueror of Cochin who destroyed many Catholic buildings in 1663, it later fell into the hands of the British who demolished it when they took over Cochin in 1795. For almost 100 years there was no church on the site, until the Bishop Dom Gomez Vereira commissioned a new building in 1887.
Also at Mattancherry is the Paradesi Synagogue (also referred to as the Cochin Jewish Synagogue or the Mattancherry Synagogue), built in 1568 AD by the prosperous Jewish trading community whose links with Kerala begin in Kodungallor (Cranganore) in the north of the state. This is the oldest synagogue in India and the oldest in the Commonwealth of Nations. It was partially destroyed in the war of 1662 and was rebuilt by the Dutch. In the mid-18th century the clock tower was added and the floors paved with exquisite hand-painted blue willow tiles from China.
Overnight in Kochi.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 10 Kochi - Alappuzha - Houseboat Cruise
Today we drive to Alappuzha (Alleppey), known as the "Venice of the East", situated on the Vembanad Lake, the longest lake in India. A maze of canals and a network of bridges give this busy commercial town its descriptive sobriquet. Alleppey is known for its coir, the retted fibre of the coconut husk and for black pepper.
Today we board our houseboat for a very special Kerala delight -- a slow boat cruise through its forests and palm-shaded canals. We take a leisurely cruise on the beautiful backwaters, enjoying the pleasant scenery along the waterways and stopping to admire what history and religion have left along the way. Much of the local population's whole life takes place here on the water; the people sail, fish, swim and bathe here. Countless water birds wait for their chance to catch a fish. Our trip goes through a wonderful area full of palm trees and rice fields, and we stop along the way, walk through some villages and observe local life close up.
THE HOUSEBOAT will be approx 60 feet long and 13 feet wide in the middle. There are two bedrooms on each boat with one bathroom with shower; comfortable beds, and traditional lanterns. There will be a sundeck for daytime relaxation. The boats are made of local natural fibres that truly echo the villagers' harmony with the natural surroundings. We will enjoy the magnificent scenery along the waterways and stop to view working villages and witness locals fishing, swimming, crafting, and bathing. The houseboats have the provision for air-conditioning, but most travellers do not care for the all-night gasoline engine noise required to run the units. Most people find that the peace and quiet, and comfort provided by a fan, are preferred.
NOTE: Single cabins are NOT available on the houseboat. Single supplements reflect sharing for these nights.
Overnight houseboat cruise.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 11 Alappuzha - Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Today we disembark our boat and travel by road to a lower lying part of the mountain range where tropical rainforest still holds its own in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (travel time +/- 6 hours). En route we can visit a plantation. On arrival we check in to our hotel.
Overnight in Periyar.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 12 Periyar: Nature Excursions - Madurai
This morning we board a boat for a tour of the park. With luck, there are many animals to see, including herds of elephants, bison and packs of wild boar that roam through the woods and parade along the shores of the lake just before sunrise and sunset. You can also see different species of apes. Other animals often observed are otters and porcupines, while turtles can often be seen sunning themselves on the pieces of wood that stick out of the water.
This afternoon we have a guided forest walk in the Periyar Tiger Reserve. This 3 hour walk gives you an opportunity to see the wild life at a very closer distance. You can have a (slim) chance to spot a leopard or tiger.
We then return to the hotel for refreshment and check out before driving to Madurai.
Overnight in Madurai.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 13 Madurai: City Tour
Today we have a tour of Madurai, visiting the Sri Meenakshi Temple where thousands of priests and worshippers come daily. People are blessed by the temple elephant and astrologists read the stars and hands. You can also get your fortune read by parrots that pick tarot cards out of a pile. All the believers bathe themselves in the temple baths. The temple in-houses a thousand pillared hall and is one of the major attractions of the temple. In the evening sermons are held within the walls of the temple and concerts are often given in honour of the gods.
Optional: Later you might choose to participate in a local rickshaw tour. Over the years the local rickshaw wallas have been trained to show clients the town of Madurai in their cycle rickshaws to earn a living. This tour takes you to the local oil mill run with cattle, the local vessel merchants and many interesting sites.
Overnight in Madurai.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 14 Madurai - Villupuram - Puducherry
We depart the hotel early this morning and transfer to the railway station and board the train to Villupuram. On arrival in Villupuram we drive to Puducherry (formerly Pondicherry). On arrival we check in to our hotel.
Overnight in Puducherry.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 15 Puducherry: City Tour
Puducherry is a well-planned and well-built town. This is a typical example as one can learn the way the French people gave importance to order and flair. They are known for their rich and quality living. The French too had an eye on the wealth and the fertility of India. Thus the French dream of Indian empire began and got over by establishing their supremacy in Puducherry. The French constructed many buildings based on their craft and grand architecture. They developed an oval shaped, lovely 'boulevard town' -- the French quarter.
After breakfast we proceed for Pondicherry sightseeing. Puducherry is a former French enclave especially famous because of the mystic, Sri Aurobindo. Followers founded temples, Ayurvedic clinics and a number of other businesses. Pondicherry still features French street names, croissants and policemen in French-style uniforms.
Overnight in Puducherry.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 16 Puducherry - Mamallapuram
Today we travel by road to Mamallapuram. Upon arrival and check we have a guided tour of this important site, including Arjuna's Penance (Bass Relief), and the monuments of Krishna's Butterball, Lion's throne, Five rathas (symbolising equality of men and women), ending with at the famous Shore Temple.
Overnight in Mamallapuram.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 17 Mamallapuram - Chennai (Madras) - Depart
Today we transfer to Chennai and embark on a city tour.
After breakfast we embark upon a colonial tour of Chennai, located in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. Chennai is a comparatively modern creation. It was founded by the British East India Company in 1639, on a narrow five-kilometre strip of land between the Cooum and Adyar rivers. The British were repeatedly challenged by the French who, in 1746, destroyed much of the city.
Our city sightseeing of Chennai includes a visit to the National Art Gallery and Museum which has a selection of ancient paintings from almost all schools of art, as well as a section entirely devoted to modern art. We will visit Fort St George, once a stronghold of the British; St Mary's Church, the oldest Anglican church in India; the San Thome Cathedral where the remains of St Thomas the Apostle are believed to have been buried; the Mylapore Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and the Light House which is the only one of its kind in the world to be located on top of a High Court. We drive along the Marina, the thirteen kilometre-long beach which, with its shining white sands, aqua blue sea and violet lights at night, is the pride of Chennai.
After dinner, transfer to the airport for homeward flights (most flights leave in the evening -- Land Only customers please take note.)
BON VOYAGE!
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Inclusions
Breakfast and dinner are included daily, one lunch. Evening meals on tour will be taken mostly at hotels. In India, most restaurants of an international standard are associated with hotels. In some locales we endeavour to break up the buffet dinners with a meal at a local restaurant but, overall, the imperatives of hygiene and quality dictate hotel meals. All transport, accommodation, sightseeing and entrance fees are included for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary. Gratuities for drivers, restaurant staff, porters, local guides. Airport transfers for land & air customers and for early arriving / late departing land & air customers who book their extra hotel nights through us.
Exclusions
International airfare to/from the tour. Tour Leader gratuities, lunches, drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), international (if applicable) air taxes, visa fees, and any excursions referenced as 'optional'. Airport transfers for Land Only customers. Optional trip cancellation insurance. Our post-reservation trip notes offer further guidance on shopping, not included meals, visas.
Seasonality and Weather
For most of the country, Nov-March is the best time to visit, with October being the end of the monsoon. During those months, temperatures range from 65-95 F/19-37 C in the south. March-June is dry and exceedingly hot (85-110 F/30-44 C), and June-Oct is generally a wet time. While conditions can vary widely, you must be prepared for some sticky heat.
Transport and Travel Conditions
Ground transport via private air-conditioned motor coach and air-conditioned day train. The tour is not physically strenuous though it is busy; you must be prepared for some early starts, be steady on your feet, and be able to endure some heat and long days. We have numerous walking tours and visit several sites that are LARGE with steps and uneven surfaces. Porters are available at hotels but you must be able to manage with your baggage from time to time. Train travel is comfortable and air-conditioned (where climate warrants).
Am I suitable for this tour? Please refer to our self-assessment form.
Accommodation
Accommodation in air-conditioned 3-star hotels. Hotel properties are mostly modern and Western style. Some are older, character properties with simpler rooms and perhaps no elevators. The hotels indicated on our itinerary reflect our preferred properties in each location. On average they can be considered the equivalent of a North American 3-star, though in some more remote areas (ie, Periyar), and at some heritage properties, there is no official star rating. Some properties have swimming pools. Single rooms are limited and possibly smaller than twins. Laundry services at most hotels for a modest cost. Porters are generally available (see 'Inclusions').
THE HOUSEBOAT will be approx 60 feet long and 13 feet wide in the middle. There are comfortable beds, and traditional lanterns, a sundeck for daytime relaxation. Some of the houseboats have the provision for air-conditioning, but most travellers do not care for the all-night gasoline engine noise required to run the units. Most people find that the peace and quiet, and comfort provided by a fan, are preferred. NOTE: Single cabins are NOT available on the houseboat. Single supplements reflect sharing for this one night.
Staff and Support
Tour Leader throughout, local drivers, local guides at various locations.
Group Size
10-18 (plus Tour Leader)
Regions visited: South Asia
Countries visited: India
*The red tour trail on the map does not represent the actual travel path.
The following is a list of sample hotels at some locations included on this tour. The hotels shown here are meant to provide a general sense of the standard of hotel we usually aim for; they are not necessarily confirmed for your chosen departure.
We encourage you to get trip cancellation and interruption insurance to protect against unforeseen events.
Transfers for Marco Polo Airport if arriving and departing with the group; accommodation at 3 and 4 star hotels with ensuite facilities; breakfast daily, welcome dinner and farewell dinner with wine; admissions to sites in the itinerary; comfortable coach travel with professional driver; all other transport necessary to fulfill the itinerary; professional English-speaking guides at guided sites in the itinerary; services of a professional Tour Director from arrival in Venice through departure; gratuities for drivers, local guides and the Tour Director; additional insight from Lucinda Edinberg, Hammond-Harwood House curator, who will be with us for the whole tour.
Airfare; transfers that do not coordinate with the group arrivals and departures; single supplement; mandatory travel insurance; lunches, dinners other than the two stated in the itinerary; personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls; gratuities for hotel service and porters; optional audio service.
Our aim is for every participant to fully enjoy the sites and towns we visit. Please bear in mind that you will have to negotiate getting on and off the vehicle on a regular basis, walking around sites, managing stairs in the hotels and showers over the bath. The nature of exploring the sites and historic towns we visit means there is a reasonable amount of walking involved in our daily itineraries. Should participants wish to take a day off from the tour, they are perfectly entitled to do so, if they are returning to the same hotel in the evening.
The deposit secures your place on the tour if space is available at the time of booking. Final payment is required 60 days before the tour departs. Payments are non-transferable.
The deposit is non-refundable unless the tour is cancelled by Adventures Abroad Worldwide Travel. Your trip insurance may cover your cancellation under certain conditions. It is a condition of booking that you, and all members of your party, take out comprehensive travel insurance before you join the tour and that it is adequate for your needs. Your insurance must include coverage for medical expenses, personal injury, and personal liability. We strongly recommend you also obtain coverage for loss of baggage, money and valuables, delay, curtailment, missed departure, cancellation expenses and legal expenses. You may be asked to provide your travel insurer name, contact number and policy number before you join our tour, or required coverage under the credit card used to book the tour.
A minimum of 14 paid passengers is required to run a tour. If the minimum number of bookings has not been received by 60 days prior to departure, Adventures Abroad Worldwide Travel reserves the right not to run the tour and refund all moneys paid. In no case except for reasons of war, natural disasters, fire, civil disturbances, riots, terrorist action, closure of port or airport, industrial disputes, force majeure, or similar events beyond their control will cancellation take place within 60 days of the departure date. In the event of a cancellation within 60 days under these conditions, Adventures Abroad Worldwide Travel retains the right to make a partial refund at their own discretion.
Hammond-Harwood House Association and Adventures Abroad Worldwide Tours have taken all reasonable steps to ensure that proper arrangements have been made for the tour and that the suppliers of the services are efficient and reputable. Every booking is subject to the conditions imposed by shipping, airline, rail, coach, hotel, restaurant, visitor attraction and insurance. We cannot be held liable for any loss or expenses suffered by you because of your late arrival at the start of the tour, or at any time during the tour for other than reasons within our control. Any willful damage to property is your sole responsibility, including any costs incurred due to such action or measures taken up by the various authorities or principals. Damage will be charged to you and must be paid for at that time. Adventures Abroad Worldwide Travel reserves the right to withdraw tour participation from any person at any time if their behavior is likely to affect the smooth operation of the tour or adversely affect the enjoyment or safety of other participants and shall not be under any liability to such person whatsoever. This is without any liability whatsoever on the company’s behalf for homeward travel arrangements or refund of tour costs. The decision of the Tour Director will be final. Adventures Abroad Worldwide Travel will not be held responsible for closure of sites or attractions named in the tour itinerary. Under such circumstances every endeavor will be made to find an alternative. Adventures Abroad Worldwide Travel reserves the right to substitute hotels. If a passport is lost or one of the group members is taken ill or has an accident, the Tour Director will assist to the best of their ability but must reserve the right to carry on with the tour. It may be necessary to leave the tour member to rejoin later at his/her own expense.
This is a release of legal rights – please read carefully and understand before booking.
By sending the booking form, I acknowledge that I have voluntarily agreed to participate in a travel experience (the “Tour”) offered by Hammond-Harwood House Association (“HHH”). I am aware that HHH has contracted with Adventures Abroad Worldwide Travel Ltd. (“AAWT”) to conduct, operate, provide services during, and/or manage portions of the Tour. AAWT has been selected based on experience in the travel industry and history of providing safe and gratifying tours. Even though HHH will use its best efforts to provide opportunities for educational enrichment during the Tour in a safe environment, I acknowledge that I am responsible for making my own safety decisions relating to the Tour and otherwise, and I agree to be bound by each of the following terms and conditions below:
I am aware that it is my personal decision to travel, and I am doing so voluntarily, with full knowledge of the applicable travel recommendations, restrictions, regulations, and risks with regard to travel generally, and as it relates to the COVID-19 pandemic. I understand that by electing to participate in this Tour, I do so at my own risk, and I agree to accept personal responsibility for any liability, injury, loss, or damage in any way connected with my participation in the Tour.
I understand that there are certain dangers, hazards, and risks inherent with travel and in the activities included in the Tour, including but not limited to, weather, strikes, acts of God, war, quarantine, disease, civil unrest, or terrorism. I understand that my participation in the Tour may involve risk of injury and loss, both to person and to property, and, I may be subjected to potential risks, including illnesses, injuries, permanent disability, and even death. In addition, I understand that medical treatments, such as vaccines, may be required before traveling to some destinations, partaking in the Tour, and/or participating in certain Tour activities, and it is my responsibility to consult a physician and the Center for Disease Control regarding immunizations or other precautions to protect against travel related illness. I recognize that while an AAWT or HHH staff representative may assist me with obtaining medical care in event of an illness or emergency, neither AAWT nor HHH is responsible or liable for my care.
I recognize that HHH is not in the position to evaluate, and therefore cannot evaluate, whether the Tour will take place in a safe and secure environment. These are judgments that I recognize I must independently make, and I have made my own investigation of these risks, understand these risks, and assume them knowingly and willingly. I have been warned of possible travel industry bankruptcies and medical and climatic disruptions, as well as the possibility that I may be unable to travel as scheduled because of personal emergency. I understand that specific AAWT, national, state, local and/or municipal health and safety protocols will apply to my Tour. I have reviewed all applicable protocols and Tour terms and conditions provided, including terms and conditions regarding cancellations, refunds, health and safety, vaccination, and insurance, prior to finalizing my reservation. I understand and acknowledge that HHH and/or AAWT are not responsible for changes to my Tour or for losses, expenses, damages, or injuries resulting from my Tour or travel incidents related thereto.
I understand that, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, local and state governments may be enacting border, travel, and stay-at-home restrictions; and that the trajectory of the COVID-19 virus at the local, national, and international levels is unpredictable. Moreover, local health care systems in many areas of the United States either are overwhelmed or are at risk of becoming overwhelmed by COVID-19 cases. I further understand that travel can increase my chances of getting and spreading COVID-19, and that my participation in this Tour means I may be subjected to potential risks, illnesses, injuries, and even death as a result either of contracting COVID-19 or of any actions or omissions of governments, private entities, or other parties with respect to COVID-19. I responded accurately to any Assumption of Risk questions posed to me regarding health and safety guidelines (including those relating to the COVID-19 vaccine), and that it is my responsibility to follow and abide by these guidelines at all times during my Tour. I have reviewed and understand the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s travel advisories (https://www.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list/) for my destination(s), if any, and any additional pertinent information available from the World Health Organization website (https://www.who.int/) and local health authorities. With full knowledge of this information, I have made my own investigation of the risks associated with this Tour, understand these risks, and assume them knowingly and willingly.
I have been advised and understand that HHH does not provides insurance coverage or indemnification for any accident, injury, illness, damage, loss, expense or mishap suffered by any travel participant in connection with my Tour or travel arrangements. I have been required to obtain appropriate insurance coverage against these risks on my own, at a level with which I am comfortable.
I understand that HHH does not represent or act as an agent for, and cannot control the acts or omissions of AAWT, a transportation carrier, hotel, or other providers of food, goods, or services involved in the Tour. I understand that HHH is not responsible for matters that are beyond its control, and that it cannot warrant the safety or convenience of the circumstances under which I will be traveling. I understand that I am subject to the cancellation and refund policies set by AAWT and provided for the Tour in which I am enrolled, and I have carefully read such policies prior to making my reservation. I further understand that I will not receive any refunds beyond what is stated in these Terms and Conditions.
I agree that my deposit is my unconditional confirmation that I (i) have considered all risks (foreseen and unforeseen for this trip), (ii) have or will obtain adequate and proper insurance covering risks (and will provide evidence of the receipt of such insurance immediately upon request by Hammond-Harwood House Association or Adventures Abroad World Travel, Ltd., as the case may be), and (iii) will defend, indemnify and hold Hammond-Harwood House Association and Adventures Abroad World Travel, Ltd. harmless from any claim, action, suit, loss or any damages or costs and expenses of any kind or nature incurred by Hammond-Harwood House Association or Adventures Abroad World Travel, Ltd.
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