Hampi & Deccan
Plateau
Duration – 12 Days
Destinations: - Bangalore,
Mysore,
Hassan,
Hospet,
Badami,
Goa,
Mumbai
Day 01: -
Arrive Bangalore, India
Arrive at Bangalore International Airport.
Bangalore - Bangalore, also called the Silicon Valley of
India, is the principal administrative, cultural, commercial
and industrial centre of the state of Karnataka. Bangalore
enjoys a pleasant and equable climate throughout the year.
Tree-lined streets and abundant greenery made it the 'Garden
City' of India. Bangalore is one of Asia's fastest growing
cities and now reputed for its booming software industry.
Bangalore has seen a major technology boom and is now home
to more than 250 high-tech companies, including homegrown
giants like Wipro and Infosys. Not to say that it has nothing
for the people interested in history. But along with the modern
day pubs, discos and hangouts, one can still see remnants
of the older Bangalore. All in all, a lovely city to visit.
Upon clearing Customs and Immigration, you are met by our
representative who will present you with a welcome pack including
all necessary documentation and arrange for your transfer
to your hotel for check-in.
Afternoon you are collected from your hotel for a half-day
tour of Bangalore.
This tour includes a visit to The Bangalore Fort - The Fort,built
in the late 18th century, is noted for its beautifully carved
Islamic-style arches on the gate walls, and for the well-preserved
Ganesha Temple within its precincts.
The Bull Temple – situated south of Bangalore, is the
Bull Temple,the deity is a massive 15-foot Basava or bull,
which is the vehicle of Lord Shiva. The cause for wonder about
this Nandi is that it has been carved from a single boulder.
Cubbon Park - planned and laid out in 1864, this beautiful
300-acre park contains the public library and the museum.
Lal Bagh - These 240-acre gardens contain the largest collection
of rare tropical and sub-tropical plants with many awesome
century-old trees. Fountains, terraces, lotus pools, rose
gardens and a deer park surround the magnificent glass house
built in 1840, on the lines of London's Crystal Palace.
Vidhana Soudha - Bangalore’s most majestic looking landmark,
with a total plinth area of over 5, 00, 000 sq. ft is built
in a neo-Dravidian style. It houses the Secretariat, the State
legislature and several other Government offices.
Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02: - Bangalore
- Mysore
This morning you drive to Mysore (140-kms/03 hrs.).
Mysore: - Mysore “city of Palaces” is in the
hill country of southwestern India, this region is cooler
than the coastal cities - one of the reasons so many maharajahs
chose to live here and given 17 palaces to this city. It still
retains its old charm and many buildings are adorned with
domes, turrets and impressive archways. . Also know as "Sandalwood
City", it is a major center for the manufacture of incense.
The city is a legacy of the famous warrior king Tipu Sultan,
known for his victories over the Imperial British Armies.
The city is also known for its silk processing and is a major
center for nurturing silkworms. Hence, Mysore is more than
palaces, parks and temples … traditional carvings on
fragrant sandalwood … the rustle of rich silks …
mouthwatering Mysore Pak, a traditional sweetmeat …
It is a gourmet's delight and a Shopper's paradise.
Upon arrival check-in to the hotel. Afternoon you are collected
from your hotel for a half day tour of Mysore.
This tour includes a visit to The Mysore Palace - Built in
1912 in the Indo Saracenic style. , former residence of the
Wodeyars, this structure is one of the largest of its kind
in India. The Jaganmohan Palace - this is a converted art
gallery that houses paintings that date back to the late 19th
century.
Chamundi Hill - perched atop a hill is a 12th century temple
of Chamundershwari. The gigantic 4.8 meter tall monolith of
Nandi the sacred vehicle of Lord Shiva is a marvel to watch.
Also close to the temple stands gigantic statues of the demon
Mahishasura.
St. Philomena's Church - this beautiful Cathedral was built
in 1956 and is one of the largest churches in the country.
It has been built in the Gothic style with beautiful stain
glass windows and lofty towers.
Brindavan Gardens - Adjacent to the dam is the beautiful Brindavan
Garden. With lighting and musical fountains this place transforms
it self into a fairy land in the evenings.
Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03: - Mysore
- Hassan
This morning you drive to Hassan (140-kms/03 hrs.) enroute
visiting - Saravanabelagola, the famous Jain pilgrim center
& one of the oldest in India. The place is known as one
of the greatest monuments of Jain art. The collosal statue
of Gomateswara with a height of 57 feet is situated on the
summit of Indragiri hill. It is one of the two giant sculptures
in the world, after the Collosus Ramses II in Egypt.
Later continue your drive to Hassan.
Hassan: A quiet and peaceful town, with a variety of accommodations,
is a convenient base from which to explore the ruins, sculptures
and monuments at the ancient cities of Belur and Halebid.
Upon arrival check-in to the hotel. Afternoon you are collected
from your hotel for an excursion to Belur & Halebid.
Belur – Belur was the Hoysala capital prior to Halebid,
during the eleventh and twelfth centuries. The Chennakeshava
temple is a fine and early example of the Hoysala style. It
is one of the three major Hoysala sites still in daily use.
Construction begun in 1116 to commemorate the Hoysala’s
victory over the Cholas at Talakad and took almost a century
to complete. The facade of the temple which is covered with
intricate sculptures, frescoes, elephants and episodes from
the epics, sensuous dancers - all these are awe-inspiring
in their intricate workmanship. Inside the Temple are hand-lathe
turned filigreed pillars.
Helebid – Founded in the early 11th century as Dvarasamudra,
this ancient capital of the Hoysala empire was destroyed by
the armies of the Delhi Sultanate in 1311 and 1327. The famous
Hoysaleswara temple, which today is the centre of attraction,
however survived the destruction. Construction of the Hoysaleswara
Temple at Halebid began around 1121 but despite more than
80 years of labour, it was never completed. Nevertheless.
It is easily the most outstanding example of Hoysala art.
Every inch of the outside walls and much of the interior is
covered with an endless variety of Hindu deities, sages, stylized
animals and birds and friezes depicting the life of the Hoysala
rulers.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 04 – Hassan
- Hospet
This morning you drive to Hospet (340 kms / 7˝ hrs.).
Hospet - Hospet, a small dusty town in central Karnataka,
was once the seat of the powerful Vijayanagar Empire. Though
the town does not have much to offer the visitors, its importance
lies in its nearness to Hampi, the erstwhile capital of the
Vijayanagar rulers.
Upon arrival check-in to the hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 05: - Hospet - Badami
This morning you are collected from your hotel for an excursion
to Hampi.
Hampi – The seat of the famed Vijayanagar empire, was
the capital of the largest empire in post-mogul India, covering
several states. Although in ruins today, this capital city
once boasted riches known far beyond the shores of India.
The ruins of Hampi of the 14th Century lie scattered in about
26 sq. km area, amidst giant boulders and vegetation and silently
narrate the story of grandeur splendour and fabulous wealth.
Every rock, every path and every monument at Hampi speak the
same language; a language of glory and beauty. Hampi is a
world Heritage Site.
The sightseeing tour is followed by a drive to Badami (180
kms/04 hrs.).
Badami – once the capital city of the Chalukyan Empire,
rulers of the central Deccan from 4th - 8th centuries AD.
Set in a ravine, the surrounding hills are dotted with temples,
fortifications, carvings and inscriptions dating not just
from the Chalukyan period, but from the other time when the
site was occupied as a fortress. After the Chalukyan, it fell
into the hands of various other rulers and all these have
left their mark at Badami. But more than anything else, it
is known for its rock-cut cave temples.
Upon arrival check-in to the hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 06: - Badami
This morning you are collected from your hotel for a full
day tour of Badami.
This tour includes a visit to Melegetti Shivalya Temple and
four carved caves in the Southern Hill. First three caves
dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu and fourth one to Jainism. These
caves has been cut into the cliff face of a red sandstone
hill and display India’s range of religious sects. These
caves are dated back to 6th – 8th century.
Aihole - a village near Badami was the regional capital between
the 4th – 6th centuries, is famous for its group of
70 temples. These temples are the first examples of Dravidian
architecture, like Ladhan Temple, built during 450, Gaudare
building, Ladkhan Temple, Durga Temple, Huchchappaya Temple
and Meguti Temple. These monuments have been extremely well
preserved and restored.
Pattadakal- 22kms from Badami, on the Malaprabha river. Well
known for the 10 temples built between 700 and 750, including
the Galaganatha Temple, Kashai Vishveswara Temple, Mallikarjuna
Temple, and the masterpiece - Virupaksha Temple. An inter
mingling of Chalukya and Pallava styles of architecture can
be seen.
Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Day 07: - Badami –
Goa
This morning you will drive to Goa (320kms – 6˝hrs).
Goa - Goa, the crown jewel in the treasure trove that is
India, is a masterpiece of nature. Stretches of pristine white
sand wetted by rushes of azure blue water, the sky mirrored
in the sea below, mesmerizing palm trees, white churches resting
against lush green paddy fields and the strumming of guitars
from distant taverns make Goa the perfect hideaway for those
seeking respite from the concrete jungles of civilization.
Other than its golden sand beaches, Goa also has several places
of Historic and cultural importance. The Churches of Old Goa,
and the Old Portuguese quarters in the city are definitely
worth a visit.
Upon arrival you will be met and escorted to your hotel for
check-in etc. Overnight at hotel.
Day 08: - Goa
Day at leisure to explore the beaches; enjoy the beer &
wine and hospitality of Goan. Overnight at hotel.
Day 09: - Goa
Day at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Day 10: - Goa -
Mumbai
Morning at leisure. Afternoon met by our representative and
escorted from your hotel to the Goa airport intime to connect
with the flight for Mumbai.
Mumbai: Mumbai or Bombay as it was known earlier, is the
commercial capital of India, a city of entrepreneurs, concrete
towers, clubs and discos, cricket, Bollywood and more. In
1661, Charles II of England received the islands of Bombay
as dowry when he married Princess Catherine of Braganza. The
British Government leased the islands to the East India Company,
who developed it into a thriving trading port.
Today, Mumbai is the country's financial and cultural capital.
It is also home to India’s thriving film industry. It
is seen, to the teeming masses that flock there to live and
work, as a place where opportunities abound. Its inhabitants,
an amalgam of great wealth and abject poverty, are swept into
the endless maelstrom of activity that characterises this
city of dreams.
Upon arrival you will be met and escorted to your hotel for
check-in etc. Overnight at hotel.
Day 11: - Mumbai
This morning you are collected from your hotel for half-day
tour of Mumbai. This tour includes a visit to the Gateway
of India -- a grand ceremonial arch built to commemorate the
visit of King George IV, Mani Bhavan – where the father
of our Nation resided for 15 years, the Marine drive, the
Prince of Wales museum -- considered as one of the best museums
in the country, the Hanging gardens & Victoria rail station.
Rest of the day at leisure to perhaps venture out and discover
the city or its many restaurants on your own. Overnight in
Mumbai.
Day 12: - Depart Mumbai
Met by our representative and escorted from your hotel to
the Mumbai airport in time for your flight home.
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