Day 01
Arrive Mumbai
Arrive
Mumbai, the gateway of India. On
arrival transfer to the hotel to relax. Later in the evening proceed
for a half-day sightseeing of the city. Visit Gateway of India,
Hanging gardens, Crawford Market, Marine Drive, Coloba causeway, Kamala
Park.
Day 02
Mumbai / Hyderabad
Today you will visit Elephanta Caves.
Leave by motor launch and go across the harbour to the world famous
Elephanta Caves, 1200 years old and dedicated to Lord Shiva. The famous
sculpture signifying the Trinity of the Creator, the Preserver and the
Destroyer is situated here.
In the afternoon take a flight to Hyderabad. On arrival transfer to
the hotel & check-in. Visit Golconda Fort.
Day 03
Hyderabad
Morning sightseeing of Hyderabad. Visit
Salarjung Museum, Mecca Mosque, Bangle Bazaar, Chowmohollo Palace and
Charminar. In the evening if interested one can visit Sound and
Light show.
Day 04
Hyderabad / Bijapur
Breakfast at Hotel. Check-out and
drive to Bijapur. check-in at hotel and rest of the day free to
relax.
Day 05
Bijapur / Badami
Morning visit to Bijapur Dome, one of the 2nd
largest in the world. In the afternoon drive to Badami.
Day 06
Badami
Breakfast at Hotel. Today you'll
have a day excursion to Patadakal & Aihole. They were built in
the early years of Chalukya's dynasty.
Aihole is the cradle of stone temple architecture of the Southern Dravida School. The oldest temple, Lad Khan goes back to the 5th century A.D. There are 70 temples in this group. The Durga temple is noted for its sculptures. The Meguti temple is built of 630 small stone blocks. The Ravanaphadi Cave has some beautiful carvings.
Pattadakal, referred to as Petrigal, reached its pinnacle of glory under the Chalukya kings from 7th to 9th centuries. The oldest in this group is the Sanghameswara Temple. The Mallikarjuna Temple has pillars depicting life of Krishna. Virupaksha temple has sculptures and panel scenes from the epics, the Ramayana & Mahabharata. The Papanatha Temple has impressive carvings on pillars and ceiling.
Day 07
Badami / Hospet
Drive to Hospet. Rest
of the day free to relax
Day 08
Hospet
The
once beautiful capital city of Vijayanagar Empire - greater than Rome, had
palaces, temples & sculptures, spread all over. The city was razed to the
ground by the Sultanates of South in 1565. Some of the interesting ruins
remaining are the Virupaksha, Vittala and Hazara Rama temples huge Ganesha
and Narasimha images, the elephant stables, the Queen's Bath, carvings on
the Ramachandra temple & Lotus Mahal.
Day 09
Hospet / Hassan
Drive
to Hassan. Visit Belur and Halebid temples.
There are more than 150 temples, each bearing a masterpiece of sculpture, mainly based on Chalukyan style, but enriched with decorative creation. They are built on a star shaped pedestal and one centered around a pillared hall. The walls and niches are filled with genius and delicate work. The Chenna Kesava temple of Belur built 900 years ago is an exquisite example of Hoysala art showing variety of ornamental details and minute delicate carvings on the pillars and panels. Halebid's 12th century Hoysaleswara and Kedareswara temples are masterpieces of Hindu art.
Day 10
Hassan / Mysore
Drive
to Mysore, the sandalwood city enroute visit Shravanabelagola, a Jain
pilgrim centre. In the Afternoon proceed for a sightseeing of
Mysore. Visit the Palace, Chamundi Hills, Devraj market and the
beautiful Brindavan Gardens.
Day 11
Mysore
Day excursion to
Srirangapatna and Somathpur.
Day 12
Mysore / Bangalore
Drive
to Bangalore, the garden city and now know for Information Technology
Park. In the afternoon proceed for a half-day sightseeing of
Bangalore.
Day 13
Bangalore Departure
Breakfast at hotel.
Later check-out of the hotel and transfer to the Airport to connect flight
to onward destination.
"All Tours can be tailor-made to your needs "
