Welcome from Merv Hughes

Transcription

1 INDIA 2017 test cricket tour 1

2 Welcome Australian Sports Tours is proud to invite you on tour to India in February-March Australia take on hosts India to contest the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in a four Test Match series that is certain to produce an intriguing and closely fought battle between world cricket s two powerhouses. We have created a range of tours encompassing the whole Test series. With a full six night gap between the 2nd & 3rd Tests, our Feature Tour in 2017 is our 18 night 2nd & 3rd Tests + Golden Triangle tour hosted by Merv Hughes which enables you to maximise your Test cricket & India sightseeing experience. You are also able to extend your travels to include the 1st Test &/or 4th Test. Or, if your travel time is limited, you may enjoy a shorter trip taking in just one Test combined with either 3 or 6 nights touring. India is well known as the world s most passionate cricket loving nation and with a population of over 1.2 billion, India s cricketers enjoy a superstar status that makes many of them among the highest paid sportsmen on an international scale. As such, touring India as a fan means immersing yourself into a culture that lives and breathes cricket. Just as importantly, the Indian people are an extremely warm and welcoming society who enjoy social, religious & cultural diversity and harmony across its vast physical expanse. Collectively, our tours cover an impressive range of cities & must-see touring destinations that are sure to leave you with a fond and lasting love of this incredible part of the subcontinent. In addition to the Test cities of Pune, Bangalore, Ranchi and Dharamsala, our tours also visit Mumbai and Goa, plus the Golden Triangle including New Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Amritsar and Varanasi. This is truly a unique opportunity to support Australia in one of world cricket s great touring destinations. We warmly welcome you to join us! The team at Australian Sports Tours Welcome from Merv Hughes G day, Merv Hughes here inviting you to join me on AST s tour to India in Having toured as both a player & spectator over the past 30 years, I can assure you India is one of the most fascinating places on earth and I can t wait to get back again next year. We ve got an amazing itinerary planned for our 2nd & 3rd Test feature tour which I ll be hosting through Bangalore, the Golden Triangle and Ranchi, returning to many places I ve visited in the past and always look forward to experiencing again and again. So if you re thinking about coming along, do yourself a favour and lock in your place with AST today and prepare for an amazing trip. Looking forward to meeting you! Merv Hughes AST Tour Host astsports.com.au

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4 Test tour Summary 2 nd & 3 rd Tests with merv hughes Tour HIGHLIGHTS 18 nights accommodation Breakfast included daily Hospitality tickets and return match transfers to the 2nd & 3rd Test Matches All inclusive Test Match Dinner in Bangalore & Ranchi featuring guest speaker Services of AST Tour Host Merv Hughes for the duration of tour Services of experienced AST Tour Rep Guided Sightseeing Tour of Delhi - The Red Fort, Lotus Temple, Indian Gate & more Entry into Taj Mahal and Golden Temple, plus guided elephant ride to see Amber Fort, Jaipur Internal flights & transfers: Bangalore to Delhi, Jaipur to Amritsar, Amritsar to Ranchi with airport transfers Private coach travel throughout AST Tour merchandise Matches included 2 ND TEST 3 RD TEST Sat 4 - Wed 8 Mar: M Chinnaswamy Stadium Bangalore Thu 16 - Mon 20 Mar: JSCA Intl Cricket Stadium Ranchi $ 6,290 * * Single twin/double share supplement $ 1,960 1 st, 2 nd & 3 rd Tests tour HIGHLIGHTS 29 nights accommodation Breakfast included daily Hospitality tickets & return match transfers to the 1st, 2nd Test & 3rd Test Matches All inclusive Test Match Dinner in Bangalore & Ranchi featuring guest speaker Services of AST Tour Host Merv Hughes from Bangalore to finish of tour Services of experienced AST Tour Rep Guided sightseeing tour of Mumbai, Elephanta Island, Hanging Garden, the Tower of Silence, Goa, The Red Fort, Lotus Temple, Indian Gate & Amritsar Entry into Taj Mahal and Golden Temple, plus guided elephant ride to see Amber Fort, Jaipur Internal flights & transfers: Pune to Goa, Goa to Bangalore, Bangalore to Delhi, Jaipur to Amritsar, Amritsar to Ranchi Private coach travel throughout AST tour merchandise Matches included 1 ST TEST 2 ND TEST 3 RD TEST Thu 23 - Mon 27 Feb: Maharashtra CA Stadium Pune Sat 4 - Wed 8 Mar: M Chinnaswamy Stadium Bangalore Thu 16 - Mon 20 Mar: JSCA Intl Cricket Stadium Ranchi $ 9,580 * * Single twin/double share supplement $ 3,360 astsports.com.au

5 1 st Test tour HIGHLIGHTS 11 nights accommodation Breakfast included Hospitality tickets & return match transfers to the 1st Test Match Services of experienced AST Tour Rep Guided sightseeing tour of Mumbai, Elephanta Island, Hanging Garden, the Tower of Silence & Goa Internal flight & transfers Pune to Goa AST tour merchandise Match included 1 ST TEST Thu 23 - Mon 27 Feb: Maharashtra CA Stadium Pune $ 3,290 * * Single twin/double share supplement $ 1,400 2 nd Test Tour HIGHLIGHTS 12 nights accommodation Breakfast included daily Hospitality tickets and return match transfers to the 2nd & 3rd Test Matches All inclusive Test Match Dinner in Bangalore featuring guest speaker Services of AST Tour Host Merv Hughes for the duration of tour Services of experienced AST Tour Rep Guided Sightseeing Tour of Delhi - The Red Fort, Lotus Temple, Indian Gate & more Entry into Taj Mahal, Amber Fort, Golden Temple & Jaipur which includes guided elephant ride Internal flights & transfers: Bangalore to Delhi, Jaipur to Amritsar, Amritsar to Delhi with airport transfers Private coach travel throughout AST Tour merchandise Match included 2 ND TEST Sat 4 - Wed 8 Mar: M Chinnaswamy Stadium Bangalore $ 4,690 * * Single twin/double share supplement $ 1,600 4 th Test tour HIGHLIGHTS 9 nights accommodation Breakfast included daily at every hotel Hospitality tickets & return match transfers to the 4th Test Match Services of experienced AST Tour Rep Guided sightseeing tour of Varanasi Internal flight & transfers: Ranch to Varanasi + Varanasi to Dharamsala via Delhi 1 night stopover AST tour merchandise Match included 1 ST TEST Sat 25 - Wed 29 Mar: HPCA Stadium Dharamsala $ 2,690 * * Single twin/double share supplement $ 900 5

6 2017 India Test Tour Cricket Grounds Test One Maharashtra CA Stadium The state-of-the-art Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium is located on the outskirts of Pune at Gahunje. The ground, also popularly known as Subrata Roy Sahara Stadium, was inaugurated by Sharad Pawar in 2012 and the first match was played between Kings XI Punjab and Pune Warriors. The first International match at the stadium was played between India and England in December The Test between Australia and India will be the first played at this ground. The track tends to be a good wicket for batting. However, the spinners are known to play their part as the game progresses and can get it to grip off the surface. Test Date: Thu 23 - Mon 27 Feb 2017 Address: Capacity: 42,000 Established: 2012 End Names: Pune, Maharashtra Pavilion End N/A Test Two M Chinnaswamy Stadium M Chinnaswamy stadium is one of India s biggest cricketing centres. In its debut Test Match, it had the honour of hosting the West Indies in The match also marked the emergence of two modern legends, Gordon Greenidge and Sir Viv Richards. Since then, the stadium has regularly hosted Tests, although it s an unhappy hunting ground for Indian test sides. Short boundaries and high altitude makes the Chinnaswamy track a heaven for batters in the limited-overs formats. Many big scores have been posted and chased down with immense ease. The pitch has plenty of spice and pacers love to exhibit their ware in the five-day version of the game. Test Date: Sat 4 - Wed 8 March 2017 Address: Capacity: 40,000 Established: 1969 End Names: Bengaluru, Karnataka (Bangalore) Pavilion End BEML End astsports.com.au

7 Test Three JSCA Intl Cricket Stadium JSCA International Stadium Complex or formerly known as Jharkhand States Cricket Association International Cricket Stadium is situated in Ranchi. The first ODI at the ground was played between India and England on January 19, Since then, two more ODIs have been played at this ground. The stadium has also hosted six IPL games. The Test between Australia and India will be the first played at this ground. As it is a relatively big stadium, spinners tend to play a big role at the ground, as the pitch offers the spinners grip and turn. Test Date: Thu 16 - Mon 20 Mar 2017 Address: Capacity: 39,000 Established: 2010 End Names: Ranchi, India North End South End Test Four HPCA Stadium Dharamsala Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, abbreviated as HPCA Stadium, is located in the city of Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh, India. The town of Dharamsala is best known as the home of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile. The venue is unique to India in that it is situated at an altitude of 1,457m above sea level and has the snow-capped magnificient Himalayan mountains in the background of this amazing venue that rivals Newlands and the Adelaide Oval for its beauty. It is often considered the fastest pitch in India. Test Date: Sat 25 - Wed 29 March 2017 Address: Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh Capacity: 26,000 Established: 2003 End Names: River End College End 7

8 Golden triangle India s golden triangle is a tourist circuit which connects the three most visited cities in the country s north-west - the national capital Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. On the map, these form a roughly equilateral triangle, some km along each side. This triangle has been dubbed golden for the extraordinary wealth of cultural and historical splendour on offer in each of the three cities. Delhi Delhi s chief sight is its street life. The teeming bazaars of imagination lie in Old Delhi, the city of the Moghuls, established in the 17th century and still largely Muslim, the immense Jama Masjid (Great Mosque) dominates the quarter. Its main thoroughfare, the tumultuous Chandni Chowk, abuts the Red Fort, whose pristine lawns and lofty Moghul audience halls offer a tranquil haven. Jaipur Jaipur, capital of the largely desert state of Rajasthan, is home to some of Asia s best bazaars. The city s alluringly frenetic old quarter is known as the Pink City after its red-washed buildings, packed with stalls selling everything from silk to milk. Of Jaipur s numerous monuments, the Hawa Mahal - an ornate five-storey facade, designed to allow the women of the royal household to observe the street in anonymity - has become an icon of Rajasthani architecture. Agra Agra was once the heart of the Moghul empire, boasts the unparalleled beauty of the Taj Mahal, which adorns the banks of the Yamuna river. The marble mausoleum is by far the most popular tourist site in India - and despite the hype and the cliché it is an astounding and mesmerising building. astsports.com.au

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10 2 nd & 3 rd Tests with Merv Hughes + Golden Triangle // 3-21 March 2017 // 19 Days/18 Nights astsports.com.au Day 1 Fri 3 Mar: Arrive Bangalore Welcome to Bangalore (officially known as Bengaluru). It is not your typical Indian city and has a big emphasis placed on dining, shopping and socialising. This evening is yours to relax in preparation for the all important 2nd Test Match beginning tomorrow. Accommodation: JW Marriott Bangalore Days 2-6 Sat 4 - Wed 8 Mar: 2nd Test, India v Australia at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore Before each day s play our Tour Host Merv Hughes will provide the group with an insight as to how he sees the day s play unfolding. Following breakfast we transfer to the stadium for what promises to be 5 days of absorbing cricket action. We have a pretty successful strike rate at M Chinnaswamy Stadium playing 5 times, winning twice, losing once and drawing twice. Our only loss came in 2010 where the little master Sachin Tendulkar led his side to a 7 wicket victory with a double century in his 1st innings and an unbeaten half century in their 2nd innings run chase. During this Test Match, Merv Hughes and a special guest speaker will host an all inclusive dinner. Overnight: JW Marriott Bangalore Day 7 Thu 9 Mar: Bangalore to Delhi For the next 6 days we will have a break from cricket and experience some of the best sightseeing India has to offer. Today we depart Bangalore and fly to the country s capital, Delhi, where will be staying for the next two nights. A combination of the country s rich past and thriving present, Delhi is a melting pot where ancient and modern blend together. It moves at a thousand miles an hour, but amongst the hustle and bustle visitors have the chance to explore all the wonders of the city, be it its heritage, the art & crafts or the diverse cuisine and culture. Overnight: The Lalit Delhi Day 8 Fri 10 Mar: Delhi Sightseeing Tour This morning we head out on a guided sightseeing tour to experience firsthand some of the city s most celebrated sites and spectacular architecture. There is a massive contrast between old & new in Delhi, but the most famous stops centre around the historic sites including Qutub Minar, the Red Fort, India Gate and Lotus Temple. Overnight: Grand Hotel or similar

11 Day 9 Sat 11 Mar: Delhi to Agra Today is a travel day which starts after breakfast when we farewell Delhi and travel by coach to Agra where tomorrow we will get to experience the UNESCO World Heritage Site the Taj Mahal. Overnight: Courtyard by Marriott Day 10 Sun 12 Mar: Taj Mahal / Agra to Jaipur It s an early start this morning as we make the short drive to one of the word s most famous buildings - the Taj Mahal. The best time to see this monument is at dawn when the sun hits the marble and changes it to amazing colours. Built by Shahjehan following the death of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, it took 20,000 men a total of 17 years to complete this amazing white marble memorial with the attention to detail unbelievable. Following the Taj Mahal visit we depart Agra and make our way to Jaipur where the remainder of the day will be at your leisure. Overnight: Marriott Jaipur Day 11 Mon 13 Mar Jaipur Sightseeing / Jaipur to Amritsar We start today with a visit to one of the most famous monuments in Rajasthan, Amber Fort. Amber Fort is a honey coloured fortresspalace in the Aravalli Hills just 15km north of Jaipur. It has been described as the sleeping beauty of Rajasthan. The sombre exterior belies the richness of the royal apartments, which open to striking views of the gorge. It also possesses a Chamber of Mirrors and the Hall of Victory presents a galaxy of decorative art. You will also have the opportunity to travel around the Fort on the back of an elephant. Following this sightseeing tour, we make our way to the airport for our flight to Amritsar. Overnight: Hyatt Amritsar Day 12 Tue 14 Mar: Amritsar Sightseeing Today s sightseeing in Amritsar is all about the Golden Temple as part of the Harmindar Sahib (gurdwara complex), the spiritual heart of the Sikh faith. Built in the 16th-century, its dome is richly gilded in shimmering gold, the lower level built from elegant marble all while floating on the sacred waters of Amrit Sarovar. Pilgrims come from across the world to bathe in its purifying waters. Accommodation: Hyatt Amritsar Day 13 Wed 15 Mar: Amritsar to Ranchi This morning we fly to Ranchi (via Delhi) where we will be based for the last 6 nights of our tour. Ranchi is not your typical large Indian city as the district is home to many waterfalls and has a more relaxed vibe, or as relaxed as an Indian city can feel. The afternoon is yours to explore the city or relax in preparations for tomorrow s 3rd Test Match. Overnight: BNR Chanakya Days Thu 16 Mon 20 March: 3rd Test, India v Australia at JSCA International Cricket Stadium, Ranchi It s the 3rd Test of this Series and we find ourselves at another venue playing host to its first ever Test Match which no doubt will be special to a lot of fans attending. Before each day s play our Tour Host Merv Hughes will provide the group with an insight as to how he sees the days play unfolding. The 3rd Test of our last visit to India was played at Chandigarh and we suffered another loss after another reasonable start. We batted first and posted a good total of 408 with Mitchell Starc falling agonisingly short of his maiden Test century on 99. In reply the Australian bowlers did exceptionally well to restrict India to 499 after their opening partnership of 289. Peter Siddle did the damage with the ball taking 5 wickets as the hosts took a 91 run lead into the 2nd innings. Unfortunately the Aussies couldn t put enough runs on the board in their 2nd dig being bowled out for 223 and India chased down the runs with 6 wickets in hand. During this Test Match, Merv Hughes and a special guest speaker will host an all inclusive dinner. Overnight: BNR Chanakya Day 19 Tue 21 March: Depart Ranchi Today sees our tour of India come to an end. Following check out of the hotel you will make your own way to the airport for the flight home or continue on with your travels. 11

12 $ 5,490 * * Single twin/double share supplement $ 1,900 1 st, 2 nd & 3 rd Test Tour Golden Triangle, Mumbai & Goa // 20 February - 21 March 2017 // 30 Days/29 Nights astsports.com.au Be there to witness history in Pune and Ranchi as the venues for the 1st and 3rd Test Matches stage their very first Tests and won t the locals be out in force to support their idols take on the Aussies. In between we travel to Bangalore with the 2nd Test scheduled to be played at the world renowned M Chinnaswamy Stadium where the Aussies will be hoping to get an advantage in this 4 Test Series. Day 1 Mon 20 Feb: Arrive Mumbai Welcome to Mumbai! Make your way to the hotel where you will meet your AST tour leader & fellow travelers. Accommodation: Intercontinental Marine Drive Mumbai or similar Day 2 Tue 21 Feb: Mumbai Sightseeing Today is an opportunity to explore the city and its people as we embark on a fully guided half-day city tour where we will cruise out to Mumbai s premier tourist attraction, Elephanta Island and its rock cut temples. Little is known about the origin of the temples but are thought to have been created between AD 450 and 750 when the island was known as Gharapuri (Place of Caves). We will also get to see other sights such as the Dhobi Ghat, Hanging Garden, Prince of Wales Museum and the Tower of Silence. Overnight: Intercontinental Marine Drive Mumbai or similar Days 3 Wed 22 Feb: Mumbai to Pune Today we depart Mumbai and make our way to Pune. This unique city retains its colonial-era charm amongst the modern buildings. Famous landmarks include The Aga Khan Palace, Pataleshvara Cave Temple and Gandhi National Memorial. Overnight: W Marriott Pune or similar

13 Days 4-8 Thu 23 Feb - Mon 27 Feb: 1st Test, India v Australia at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune This is the first Test Match staged in Pune so it is bound to be a massive occasion for the locals and fans alike. In 2013, Australia played an ODI here which resulted in an easy win for the Aussies. The first Test will set the tone for the remainder of the series and the Aussies will be hoping for a better start to the tour than on their previous visit to India in During this Test Match, Merv Hughes will host an all inclusive dinner. Overnight: JW Marriott Pune Day 9 Tue 28 Feb: Pune to Goa After breakfast, we will fly to the beautiful beachside destination of Goa. The magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendours of its temples, churches and old houses have made Goa a firm favourite with travellers around the world. Goa has much more to offer than its beaches with a unique history and rich culture that has tourists coming back time and time again. Overnight: Alila Diwa Goa Day 10 Wed 1 Mar: Goa Sightseeing Today we will embark on a guided tour of Goa and its surrounds. We will explore parts of Old Goa with its magnificent cathedrals and history, travel through the Old Portuguese quarter of Panaji and also take in some of the world s most beautiful beaches. After the tour concludes you will have the opportunity to try your hand at haggling at some of the regions flea markets. Overnight: Alila Diwa Goa Day 11 Thu 2 Mar: Goa Free Day Today is a free day to further explore the region of Goa or simply relax on one of their world famous beaches and watch the world go by. There is ample shopping with markets aplenty and for the foodies amongst us, much like the rest of India, Goa is an absolute haven full of tremendous dishes especially fresh seafood. Overnight: Alila Diwa Goa Day 12 Fri 3 March: Goa to Bangalore Welcome to India and Bangalore (officially known as Bengaluru). Over 8 million people call this mega city home with a large majority of them being students or employees in the booming IT sector. It is not your typical Indian city with a big emphasis placed on dining, shopping and socialising. This evening will be at your leisure to continue exploring the city or to relax in preparation for the all important 2nd Test Match beginning tomorrow Overnight: JW Marriott Bangalore Days Sat 4 - Wed 8 March: 2nd Test, India v Australia at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore Before each day s play our Tour Host Merv Hughes will provide the group with an insight as to how he sees the days play unfolding in our daily briefing. Following breakfast we make our way to the stadium for what promises to be 5 days of absorbing cricket action. During this Test Match, Merv Hughes and a special guest speaker will host an all inclusive dinner. Overnight: JW Marriott Bangalore Day 18 Thu 9 March: Bangalore to Delhi For the next 6 days we will have a break from cricket and experience some of the best sightseeing India has to offer. Today we depart Bangalore and make our way to the country s capital Delhi. A combination of the country s rich past and thriving present, Delhi is a melting pot where ancient and modern blend together. It moves at a thousand miles an hour, but amongst the hustle and bustle visitors have the chance to explore all the wonders of the city, be it its heritage, the art & crafts or the diverse cuisine and culture. Overnight: The Lalit Delhi continued overleaf... 13

14 $ 5,490 * * Single twin/double share supplement $ 1,900 1 st, 2 nd & 3 rd Test Tour...continued astsports.com.au Day 19 Fri 10 March: Delhi Sightseeing This morning we head out on a guided sightseeing tour to experience firsthand some of the city s most celebrated sites and spectacular architecture. There is a massive contrast between old & new in Delhi, but the most famous stops centre around the historic sites including Qutub Minar, the Red Fort, India Gate and Lotus Temple. Overnight: The Lalit Delhi Day 20 Sat 11 March: Delhi to Agra Today is a travel day which starts after breakfast when we farewell Delhi and travel by coach to Agra where tomorrow we will get to experience the UNESCO World Heritage Site the Taj Mahal. Overnight: Courtyard by Marriott Day 21 Sun 12 March: Taj Mahal / Agra to Jaipur It s an early start this morning as we make the short drive to one of the world s most famous buildings - the Taj Mahal. The best time to see this monument is at dawn when the sun hits the marble and changes it to amazing colours. Built by Shahjehan following the death of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, it took 20,000 men a total of 17 years to complete this amazing white marble memorial with the attention to detail unbelievable. Following the Taj Mahal visit we depart Agra and make our way to Jaipur where once we arrive, the remainder of the day will be at your leisure. Overnight: Marriott Jaipur Day 22 Mon 13 March: Jaipur Sightseeing / Jaipur to Amritsar We start today with a visit to one of the most famous monuments in Rajasthan, Amber Fort. Amber Fort is a honey coloured fortress-palace in the Aravalli Hills just 15 kilometres north of Jaipur. It has been described as the sleeping beauty of Rajasthan. The sombre exterior belies the richness of the royal apartments, which open to striking views of the gorge. It also possesses a Chamber of Mirrors and the Hall of Victory presents a galaxy of decorative art. You will also have the opportunity to travel around the Fort on the back of an elephant. Following this sightseeing tour, we make our way to the airport for our flight to Amritsar Overnight: Hyatt Amritsar

15 Day 23 Tue 14 March: Amritsar Sightseeing Today s sightseeing in Amritsar is all about the Golden Temple as part of the Harmindar Sahib (gurdwara complex), the spiritual heart of the Sikh faith. Built in the 16th-century, its dome is richly gilded in shimmering gold, the lower level built from elegant marble all while floating on the sacred waters of Amrit Sarovar. Pilgrims come from across the world to bathe in its purifying waters. Overnight: Hyatt Amritsar Day 24 Wed 15 March: Amritsar to Ranchi Today we fly to Ranchi (via Delhi) where we will be based for the last 6 nights of our tour. Ranchi is not your typical large Indian city as the district is home to many waterfalls and has a more relaxed vibe, or as relaxed as an Indian city can feel. The afternoon is yours to explore the city or relax in preparations for tomorrow s 3rd Test Match. Overnight: BNR Chanakya Days Thu 16 Mon 20 March: 3rd Test, India v Australia at JSCA International Cricket Stadium, Ranchi It s the 3rd Test of this Series and we find ourselves at another venue playing host to its first ever Test Match which no doubt will be special to a lot of fans attending. Before each day s play our Tour Host Merv Hughes will provide the group with an insight as to how he sees the days play unfolding in our daily briefing. The 3rd Test of our last visit to India was played at Chandigarh and we suffered another loss after another reasonable start. Again we batted first and posted a good total of 408 with Mitchell Starc falling agonisingly short of his maiden Test century on 99. In reply the Australian bowlers did exceptionally well to restrict India to 499 after their opening partnership of 289. Peter Siddle did the damage with the ball taking 5 wickets as the hosts took a 91 run lead into the 2nd innings. Unfortunately the Aussies couldn t put enough runs on the board in their 2nd dig being bowled out for 223 and India chased down the runs with 6 wickets in hand. During this Test Match, you will once again be our guest at our Test Match Dinner hosted by Merv Hughes which includes dinner, drinks and a special guest speaker. Overnight: BNR Chanakya Day 30 Tue 21 March: Depart Ranchi Today sees our tour of India come to an end. Following check out of the hotel you will make your own way to the airport for the flight home or continue on with your travels. 15

16 1 st Test Mumbai & Goa // 20 February - 3 March 2017 // 12 Days/11 Nights You will be there to see this series kick off as the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune plays host to its very first Test Match. The Aussies have played here once in an ODI back in 2013 which resulted in an easy win for the visitors and we will be hoping for a similar result here. Since its inauguration in 2012, the stadium is a regular host of top class cricket with IPL team Rising Pune Supergiants based here. Day 1 Mon 20 Feb: Arrive Mumbai Welcome to India and Mumbai! Upon arrival into Mumbai make your own way to the Tour hotel where this evening you will meet your AST tour leader & fellow travelers. Accommodation: Intercontinental Marine Drive Mumbai or similar Day 2 Tue 21 Feb: Mumbai Sightseeing Tour Today is an opportunity to explore the city and its people as you embark on a fully guided half-day city tour. This morning we will visit Mumbai s premier tourist attraction, Elephanta Island and its rock cut temples. Boarding a boat from the Gateway of India we will cruise out through Mumbai harbour to the island. Little is known about the origin of the temples but are thought to have been created between AD 450 and 750 when the island was known as Gharapuri (Place of Caves). We will also get to see other sights such as the Dhobi Ghat, Hanging Garden, Prince of Wales Museum and the Tower of Silence. Overnight: Intercontinental Marine Drive Mumbai or similar astsports.com.au

17 Day 3 Wed 22 Feb: Mumbai to Pune We depart Mumbai today and make our way to the venue of the all important first Test Match Pune. This is a unique city made up of old and new world India with some colonial-era charm retained amongst the modern buildings. The Aga Khan Palace, Pataleshvara Cave Temple and Gandhi National Memorial are just some of the local landmarks known throughout the city. Overnight: JW Marriott Pune Days 4-8 Thu 23 Feb - Mon 27 Feb: 1st Test, India v Australia at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune This will be the first ever Test Match staged in this city so it is bound to be a massive occasion for the locals and visiting fans alike. Australia has played one ODI here back in 2013 which resulted in an easy win for the Aussies. The first Test will set the tone for the remainder of the series and the Aussies will be hoping for a better start to the tour than on their previous visit to India in In this Test Australia started well enough making 380 in their 1st innings as Michael Clarke top scored with 130 and Ravi Ashwin took Our bowling attack was then plundered in India s 1st innings as they made 572 thanks to a double century from MS Dhoni and century from Virat Kohli. It was all uphill work from there as the hosts only required 50 runs in their 2nd innings to take an early scalp in this series. Overnight: JW Marriott Pune Day 9 Tue 28 Feb: Pune to Goa This morning after breakfast, we will depart today on our economy flight to the beautiful beachside destination of Goa. The magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendours of its temples, churches and old houses have made Goa a firm favourite with travellers around the world. Goa has much more to offer than its beaches with a unique history and rich culture that has tourists coming back time and time again. Overnight: Alila Diwa Goa Day 10 Wed 1 Mar: Goa Sightseeing Today we will embark on a guided tour of Goa and its surrounds. We will explore parts of Old Goa with its magnificent cathedrals and history, travel through the Old Portuguese quarter of Panaji and also take in some of the world s most beautiful beaches. After the tour concludes you will have the opportunity to try your hand at haggling at some of the regions flea markets. Overnight: Alila Diwa Goa Day 11 Thu 2 Mar: Goa Free Day Today is a free day to further explore the region of Goa or simply relax on one of their world famous beaches and watch the world go by. There is ample shopping with markets aplenty and for the foodies amongst us, much like the rest of India, Goa is an absolute haven full of tremendous dishes especially fresh seafood. Overnight: Alila Diwa Goa Day 12 Fri 3 Mar: Depart Goa This morning after breakfast your Mumbai, Pune and Goa experience comes to an end. Thanks for travelling with AST and we look forward to seeing you on tour again soon. 17

18 2 nd Test Bangalore + Golden Triangle // 3-18 Mar 2017 // 13 Days/12 Nights astsports.com.au The 2nd Test Match will be played at the world renowned M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore where Australia hold a great winning strike rate. To compliment the cricket there is the endless list of sights to take in throughout our 6 night stay in the famed Golden Triangle. Day 1 Fri 3 Mar: Arrive Bangalore Welcome to Bangalore (officially known as Bengaluru). It is not your typical Indian city and has a big emphasis placed on dining, shopping and socialising. This evening is yours to relax in preparation for the allimportant 2nd Test Match beginning tomorrow. Accommodation: JW Marriott Bangalore Days 2-6 Sat 4 - Wed 8 Mar: 2nd Test, India v Australia at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore Before each day s play our Tour Host Merv Hughes will provide the group with an insight as to how he sees the days play unfolding. Following breakfast we transfer to the stadium for what promises to be 5 days of absorbing cricket action. We have a pretty successful strike rate at M Chinnaswamy Stadium playing 5 times, winning twice, losing once and drawing twice. Our only loss came in 2010 where the little master Sachin Tendulkar led his side to a 7 wicket victory with a double century in his 1st innings and an unbeaten half century in their 2nd innings run chase. During this Test Match, Merv Hughes and a special guest speaker will host an all inclusive dinner. Overnight: JW Marriott Bangalore

19 Day 7 Thu 9 Mar: Bangalore to Delhi For the next 6 days we will have a break from cricket and experience some of the best sightseeing India has to offer. Today we depart Bangalore and fly to the country s capital, Delhi, where will be staying for the next two nights. Overnight: The Lalit Delhi Day 8 Fri 10 Mar: Delhi Sightseeing Tour This morning we head out on a guided sightseeing tour to experience firsthand some of the city s most celebrated sites and spectacular architecture. There is a massive contrast between old & new in Delhi, but the most famous stops centre around the historic sites including Qutub Minar, the Red Fort, India Gate and Lotus Temple. Overnight: The Lalit Delhi Day 9 Sat 11 Mar: Delhi to Agra Today is a travel day which starts after breakfast when we farewell Delhi and travel by coach to Agra where tomorrow we will get to experience the UNESCO World Heritage Site the Taj Mahal. Overnight: Courtyard by Marriott Day 10 Sun 12 Mar: Taj Mahal / Agra to Jaipur It s an early start this morning as we make the short drive to one of the world s most famous buildings - the Taj Mahal. The best time to see this monument is at dawn when the sun hits the marble and changes it to amazing colours. Built by Shahjehan following the death of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, it took 20,000 men a total of 17 years to complete this amazing white marble memorial with the attention to detail unbelievable. Following the Taj Mahal visit we depart Agra and make our way to Jaipur where the remainder of the day will be at your leisure. Overnight: Marriott Jaipur Day 11 Mon 13 Mar Jaipur Sightseeing / Jaipur to Amritsar We start today with a visit to one of the most famous monuments in Rajasthan, Amber Fort. Amber Fort is a honey coloured fortresspalace in the Aravalli Hills just 15km north of Jaipur. It has been described as the sleeping beauty of Rajasthan. The sombre exterior belies the richness of the royal apartments, which open to striking views of the gorge. It also possesses a Chamber of Mirrors and the Hall of Victory presents a galaxy of decorative art. You will also have the opportunity to travel around the Fort on the back of an elephant. Following this sightseeing tour, we make our way to the airport for our flight to Amritsar. Overnight: Hyatt Amritsar Day 12 Tue 14 Mar: Amritsar Sightseeing Today s sightseeing in Amritsar is all about the Golden Temple as part of the Harmindar Sahib (gurdwara complex), the spiritual heart of the Sikh faith. Built in the 16th-century, its dome is richly gilded in shimmering gold, the lower level built from elegant marble all while floating on the sacred waters of Amrit Sarovar. Pilgrims come from across the world to bathe in its purifying waters. Accommodation: Hyatt Amritsar Day 13 Wed 15 Mar: Amritsar to Delhi We make our way to the airport this morning for our flight to Delhi. The tour ends upon arrival at Delhi airport where you are free to continue your own onward travels with your amazing memories of India locked away. Thanks for travelling with AST and we look forward to seeing you on tour again soon. 19

20 4 th Test Add On Dharamsala & Varanasi // March 2017 // 10 Days/9 Nights With the Himalayas setting a back drop to this amazing venue that rivals Newlands and the Adelaide Oval for its beauty, the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala will host an historic first ever Test Match as the 4th Test in this series. Dharamsala is one of the most unique venues in world cricket and has the potential to be one of the most popular as crowds discover not only this picturesque ground, but also everything that the home town of the Dalai Lama has to offer. Day 1 Tue 21 Mar: Ranchi to Varanasi We depart Ranchi today and fly via Delhi to the sacred Hindu city of Varanasi. This city is located on the banks of the River Ganges and locals will tell you its the oldest city in the world, dating back some 3000 years. Known for its final quality silks, Paan and being a pilgrimage point for Hindus the world over, this city will be unlike anything you have experienced before. Accommodation: The Gateway Hotel Varanasi or similar Day 2 Wed 22 Mar: Varanasi Sightseeing Today we will embark on a guided sightseeing tour of this amazing place. We ll wander through the Old City with its maze of narrow alleyways packed full of small shops and stalls. See pilgrims bathing in the Ganges River and performing rituals and ceremonies that have remained unchanged for hundreds of years; temples full of bells chime and the smell of incense; the dhobi wallahs and the burning ghats. Overnight: The Gateway Hotel Varanasi or similar astsports.com.au

21 Day 3 Thu 23 Mar: Varanasi to Delhi We depart Varanasi today and take the flight to Delhi where we will transit in a luxury airport hotel tonight before flying out to Dharamsala tomorrow. Overnight: JThe Lalit Delhi or similar Day 4 Fri 24 Mar: Delhi to Dharamshala We make our way to Dharamsala today and upon arrival you will feel a million miles away from most of India s busy cities. Strung with prayer flags and busy with robed monks strolling between monasteries, this hilltop retreat is home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile. Many people from around the world travel here to learn the ways of the Dalai Lama and Buddhism and with a backdrop such as the Himalayas, its any wonder they leave. Overnight: Fortune Moksha or similar Day 5-9 Sat 25 - Wed 29 Mar: 4th Test, India v Australia HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala One of the most picturesque cricket grounds in world cricket plays host to their first ever Test Match today as this 4 Test Series between India and Australia draws to an end. The 4th Test in 2013 saw the Aussies end their tour on a sour note as India won by 6 wickets. After a lack lustre opening innings of 262 runs by the Aussies, Nathan Lyon kept the visitors in the game taking an amazing 7-94 in India s 1st innings restricting them to 272 runs. Unfortunately the turning wicket in Delhi proved our undoing as we were bundled out for 164 with Peter Siddle top scoring on 50, before India cruised to victory on the 3rd day. Overnight: Fortune Moksha or similar Day 10 Thu 30 Mar: Depart Dharamshala Today sees our 2017 Tour of India come to an end. Following check out of the hotel you will make your own way to the airport for the flight home or continue on with your travels. 21

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