During the next 14 days discover some of the hidden architectural jewels of the Deccan. From cosmopolitan Bangalore, whose modern tempo coincides with ancient traditions to historic Mysore, a city of palatial buildings and towering temples, your world expands as you visit other great statues plus the stunning sculpted temples of Belur and Halebid. Then learn about one of the richest Hindu Kingdoms under the Raya rulers when you visit the ruins of Hampi. Next see the astonishing beauty of the 6th-8th century carvings in the Badami Caves, depicting gods and goddesses of Hinduism and Jainism. And there is more as you marvel at the blending of temple architecture from North and South India in the Pattadakkal temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Before experiencing the excitement of exhilarating Mumbai, for a perfect finale, spend few days in Goa, arguably the most popular beach destination of India!
Day 1
Arriving at Bangalore’s International Airport you are greeted by our staff who will transfer you to your hotel. The balance of the day is free to relax.
Overnight at your selected hotel
Day 2
Following breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of Bangalore City, the IT hub of India, visiting Lal Bagh Gardens, Bull temple, the Tipu Palace with a drive passed the iconic Vidhan Soudha, the state’s legislative assembly building.
We then head out to Mysore, better known as the cultural capital of Karnataka and once a princely state ruled by the Wodeyar dynasty and en route visiting the famous Shiva temple at Somnathpur. On arrival, check in to the hotel, where the balance of the day is at leisure
Overnight at your selected hotel – 2 nights
Day 3
Our day starts with a visit to Rangnathittoo Bird Sanctuary where you will enjoy a boat ride getting close enough to see the birds perched on the leaning trees. Besides having more than 150 species of birds including some migratory birds, the sanctuary has several species of mammals as well as large number of crocodiles. We will also visit Sri Rangapatnam, the summer capital of Tipu Sultan as we well as Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple.
In the afternoon we visit Mysore Palace, Nandi Hills and the Chamundeshwari temple.
Day 4
Today, we drive to Hassan with en route visiting Srvanabelagola, to see gigantic statue of Lord Bahubali, the son of 1st Jain Tirthankar, Rishabdev.
Upon arrival at Hassan, check into the hotel.
In the afternoon take an excursion to Belur and Halebid and be amazed by the beautiful carvings on the temple considered to be the masterpieces of Indian art and architecture built during Hoysala dynasty.
Overnight at your selected hotel
Day 5
After breakfast this morning, we drive further north to arrive Hampi, the capital of Vijayanagar Kingdom under Raya rulers, and one of the richest Hindu Kingdoms of the medieval period, where gold is said to be have been sold in the open markets.
On arrival in Hospet, check into the hotel where the balance of the day is at leisure
Accommodation at your selected hotel either in Hampi or Hospet – 2 nights
Day 6
Today, enjoy a full day guided tour of the ruins of Hampi, a famous World Heritage Site. It is full of awesome architectural wonders of stone-carvings such as seen in the Virupaksha, Vittala, Pampavati, Krishna and Pattabhirama Temples as well as the Zenana enclosure. Also visit Lotus Mahal and the nearby Elephant Stable before spending some time on the banks of Tungbhadra River.
Day 7
Today we set off to Badami, the capital of Chalukya kingdom. On arrival check into the hotel.
This afternoon visit the temple complex at Aihole followed by the Pattadakkal Group of Temples, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for their fabulous carvings on exteriors and interiors of the temple walls and ceilings including the 1,000 year old Virupaksha Temple which is simply beyond one’s imagination.
Accommodation at your selected hotel – 2 nights
Day 8
Following leisurely breakfast , enjoy a guided tour of Badami to see the Badami Caves. This is a feat of astonishing ancient Indian engineering as seen in the cave’s exquisite sculptures carved out of gigantic rocks and the rust red sandstone cliffs. We then visit nearby Badami Fort followed by the Museum and Art Gallery. The balance of the day is free to relax.
Day 9
This morning, travelling west, we arrive at India’s most popular beach destination, Goa: famous for its sun, sand and serene beaches!
The smallest state of India, Goa has a long coastline with some amazingly beautiful beaches, where the footprints of the early colonial Portuguese rule are still visible.
On arrival at Goa, check in to the hotel where the balance of the day is at leisure.
Accommodation at your selected hotel – 4 nights
Days 10-12
The next three days will be at leisure on your own to relax by the beach, enjoy sun bathing and water sports or take a full day optional sightseeing tour of Old Goa and its capital Panjim including a visit to Goa’s famous Basilica of Bom Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 13
Enjoy the morning relaxing at the hotel or by the beach before being transferred to the airport for a short flight to Mumbai. Lying on the west coast of India by Arabian Sea, Mumbai is capital of Maharashtra. It is also the commercial and entertainment capital of India. The balance of the day is at leisure.
Accommodation at your selected hotel – 2 nights
Day 14
This morning we will take a ferryboat to visit the Elephanta Caves, which are dedicated to Lord Shiva. The cave has exemplary Hindu and Buddhist rock cut-stone sculptures.
This afternoon, our city tour includes visits to the Gateway of India, Victoria Terminus, Dhobi Ghat (an open air “Laundromat”) and Crawford market.
Day 15
Today we will transfer you to the airport for a flight home or, you may extend your stay, visiting more of India.
Explore your TRAVEL DESTINATION like never before.
