UNESCO’s prestigious recognition has elevated Karnataka’s heritage to new heights. The Belur, Halebeedu, and Somanathapura Temples now stand as World Heritage Sites, showcasing the magnificent architecture and rich history of ancient India.
The Karnataka Travel Forum (KTF), with support from the Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka, the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, and Evolve Back Resorts, has organized an orientation trip titled ‘Romancing the Stones’. This trip aims to showcase the wonders of North Karnataka, particularly Hampi & Beyond, to 30 leading tour operators from across India.
The familiarization trip takes place from October 11th to 14th, 2023 and the event led by Mr. Sanjar Imam, President, and Mr. Ravindran, Vice President of KTF, commenced from Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore on October 11, 2023, and covered Hampi, Badami, AIhole, Halebeedu, Belur, and Pattadakal until October 14, 2023.
Experience History Unfold: The ‘Romancing the Stones’ destination showcase tour focuses on Hampi & Beyond, a 3-night, 4-day journey that encompasses the Belur, Halebeedu, Pattadakkal, and Somanathapura Temples. These sites have earned UNESCO’s prestigious recognition as World Heritage Sites due to their magnificent architecture and the rich history of ancient India. Explore the intricate carvings at Belur, the celestial beauty of Halebeedu, and the tranquil charm of Somanathapura on this cultural voyage. UNESCO’s acknowledgment has added a fresh luster to Karnataka’s heritage. To bring these destinations to the global stage, tourism stakeholders have organized this unique orientation trip called ‘Romancing the Stones,’ stated Mr. Ravindran. He also emphasized the importance of collaboration, asserting that together, the tourism industry can achieve great things. Karnataka Tourism Forum, as a tourism industry organization, consistently strives to put Karnataka on the global tourism map.
Karnataka Tourism Forum, founded in 2001, has a mission to unveil the untapped potential of tourism attractions in Karnataka. Under the leadership of President Mr. Sanjar Imam, the forum continues to spearhead dynamic initiatives in this endeavor.”
According to Mr. Sejoe Jose, Managing Director of Marvel Tours (P) Ltd. Kochi and Southern Chapter Chairman of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), who was part of the group, commented on the experience they had during the trip, “We had a great time and learned a lot about the destination and as always everything was perfect and big thanks to team KTF. The drivers from Arjun Tours are truly professional, courteous, and the biggest asset of the state’s tourism sector.
Mr. Chaman Thakur, Managing Director, Discovery Full Circle Tours, New Delhi said, ‘It was a great educational trip and we will be able to sell the region more comfortably from now onwards. I appreciate your hard work in making the trip successful and comfortable. He also thanked Mr. Ravindran and his team for arranging well-maintained cars and instructing staff for their polite behavior and soft-spoken nature. The drivers are very knowledgeable and an asset to our industry. At Evolve Back Resort, we felt at home and our 4 days at the resort were like 4 hrs. Many of us will be working together in the future and we in the tourism industry feel more comfortable and confident working with known faces.
Ms. Shobha Chadda, Director at Red Coral Travel Experiences, a well-reputed tourism professional from Gurgaon, Haryana, explained about her experience, that the destination is stunning and the whole FAM so well organized. Everything was perfect right from the stay to the monument visits and the food. A special Shout out to the chauffeurs and the well-maintained cars.
She also added that I’m sure I can speak for everyone in the group that we loved your cars, the spick and span condition, the snacks and goodies, and the ever-smiling, multilingual chauffeurs. The trip wouldn’t have been as much fun if not for the fabulous set of people. Thank you, Ramya, Sanjar, Sandeep, Patrick, Ravi, and the KTF team for the invite.
Mr. Manish Maheshwari, Mr. Atul Singh, Mr. Shantanu Trivedi, Mr. Nalinesh Sharma, and Mr. Manish Sharma, the leading tour operator from Indore, described that the whole trip was an enriching educational experience and we have learned so much over the 3 days during the memorable trip. We are thrilled and are geared up to promote the Hampi, Badami circuit to our clientele shortly. They also specially mentioned the royal hospitality at Evolve Back resort and the team of chauffeurs was amongst the best we have seen in our so many years in the trade. I go back with many fond memories and hope our paths cross again sometime soon. Thank you KTF for organizing such an acknowledgeable trip, it will help us to pitch Hampi much more confidently.
“I was wondering about the unusual name of the trip,*Romancing The Stones*, however, I realized the depth of the title when I visited Hampi, Aihole, Pattadakal & Badami and fell in love with the stones. The journey ended before the commencement of the Romance. It has been said that a true love story doesn’t have a happy ending and experienced it today, narrated by Ms. Meena Panchal, Roundabout Tour Planner, with full of excitement. She expressed her big thank you to Ramya, Sanjar, Sandeep, Patrick, Ravi, and the entire KTF team for organizing such a wonderful trip to the stunning destination, which recently got the much-awaited UNESCO heritage tag.
Ms. Meeta Kothari, Frangipani Voyages expressed her excitement and gratitude for organizing such a knowledgeable trip by KTF and it helped to pitch Hampi much more confidently in the coming days. She especially thanked Sanjar, Ravi, Ramya, Patrick, and Sandeep for considering her and giving her a great opportunity to meet many trade partners in Pan India.
Mr. Ravindran, Managing Director of Arjun Tours, expressed his gratitude to Mr. Sanjar Imam, President, and other colleagues at the Karnataka Tourism Forum for allowing his company to render their services for the recently concluded, “Romancing the Stones” – Hampi & Beyond tour. He extended sincere thanks to Evolve Back Resorts, the Government of India Tourism, and the Government of Karnataka Tourism for their support and the participants’ initiative to travel to Bengaluru and spend their valuable time and sharing their experience to make the destination much better and beautiful in the future.
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