Through the pandemic, Dr DeCaroli kept the E.Y.H.O. community engaged with his virtual lectures on the world's most celebrated historical sites. With clarity and humour, he transported us back in time for the why's and how's of ancient civilisations. Imagine being physically and intellectually immersed on location with Dr DeCaroli, with access to his vast store of knowledge that makes him such a renowned scholar. 

In exciting Mumbai with its first-rate dining, museums, shopping, and UNESCO Art Deco sites, the past is never far away: 5-6th C. UNESCO Elephanta Island and the sprawling Buddhist cave site of Kanheri, longest consistently-inhabited rock-cut sites (1st-10th c. CE). Explore over 100 caves connected by ornamental waterways and deep cisterns. The perfect place to learn about Buddhist art and architecture.  

Nearly impregnable Mughal-era fortress of Daulatabad to famous UNESCO Caves of Ajanta (2nd c. BCE - 5th c. CE), among the finest examples of rock-cut architecture ever created. Get an in depth understanding of vaulted devotional spaces (chaitya or stupa halls) and monastic residences (viharas) with rare examples of early South Asian painting which depict scenes of the Buddha’s past lives.

Few structures in the world can match UNESCO Ellora, where Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism converge. Seemingly impossible feats achieved by the teams of ancient engineers, architects, sculptors, and artists who learned from earlier generations to produce marvels such as Kailashanath Temple, a massive multi-story temple carved entirely from one piece of stone. 

Switch the north's grey basalt temples for Karnataka's reddish-brown sandstone. Beautiful Badami's 6th-8th c. Hindu/Jain caves lined by mountains surrounding scenic, still-in-use Agastya Tank. Unforgettable ruins of UNESCO 14th c. Hampi nestled among mammoth boulders, hailed by medieval Europe and Near East as a marvel of abundance and beauty. Massive temples, ancient market places, and elephant stables. 

Wrap up in beautiful Portuguese colonial era coastal Goa. Stay in Old Goa for an intimate communion with ornate UNESCO churches and quaint market squares atypical for South Asia. Heritage homes, typical Goan laissez-faire, some of the best seafood in India, and a chance to explore India's diverse identities. 

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The route we have mapped is unconventional and non-touristy. Few tours strike this deep into the heartlands of India. Expect stupendous, yet uncrowded, monuments. Savour stops at towns with lots of local flavour, culture, and traditions. You will experience the real India -- genuine smiles and renowned hospitality, without tourist trappings, commissioned shopping, big box hotel and restaurant chains.  

It's no secret: we are huge foodies! Every tour is infused with sampling all types of local cuisine, and no place delivers quite like India. From street food in Mumbai, seafood in Goa to thalis (eat all you can) of regional Maharashtra and Karnataka, you will be invited to partake in a safe and hygienic way of India's seemingly endless culinary diversity.