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Southern Splendor: Monuments & Temples Tour

0/5
Duration

9 Nights / 10 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

Embark on the Southern Splendor: Monuments & Temples Tour, a journey through the rich heritage and architectural marvels of Southern India. Begin in Bangalore, exploring its lush gardens, royal palaces, and ancient temples before heading to Hassan to marvel at the intricate carvings of the Belur and Halebidu Temples. Continue to Hampi, where the majestic ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire await, offering a glimpse into a glorious past. Fly to Hyderabad to discover its iconic landmarks and historic forts. Journey to Puri, home to the revered Jagannath Temple and serene beaches, with a visit to the enchanting Chilika Lake and the stunning Konark Sun Temple. Conclude your tour in Bhubaneshwar, exploring its ancient temples and rock-cut caves, for a truly unforgettable experience of India’s cultural and historical grandeur.

Highlights

  • This is a private tour/activity only for your group.
  • Enhanced cleaning/ traveler safety.
  • In-depth cultural experience.
  • Flexible sightseeing & stopover.
  • Most travelers can participate.

Bulk discount (by Percent)

Bulk discount adult
# Discount group From adult To adult Value
1 Discount on 2-person group 2 2 %
2 Discount on 3-person group 3 3 %
3 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 %
4 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 %
5 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 %
6 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 %
7 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 %

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Bangalore

Arrive at Bangalore airport and transfer to the hotel. Check-in and relax at the hotel after your journey. Start the day with breakfast at the hotel. Visit Lalbagh Botanical Garden, a 240-acre garden featuring rare plants, centuries-old trees, and the iconic glasshouse inspired by London's Crystal Palace. Visit Bangalore Palace, a Tudor-style palace showcasing opulent interiors, gothic windows, and furniture that brings a royal charm, reflecting the grandeur of the Wodeyar dynasty. Visit Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace, a beautiful example of Indo-Islamic architecture with ornate arches, balconies, and intricate frescoes. Visit ISKCON Temple, a grand temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, offering a peaceful spiritual experience with its impressive architecture and serene surroundings. Visit Bull Temple, a historic temple featuring a massive monolithic statue of Nandi, the sacred bull, carved out of a single granite rock. Visit Government Museum, one of India's oldest museums, showcasing a vast collection of artifacts from ancient and medieval periods, including sculptures, inscriptions, coins, and paintings.

Day 2: Bangalore - Hassan (200km)

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Hassan. Enroute visit Sravanabelagola, a prominent Jain pilgrimage site with a massive monolithic statue of Lord Gomateshwara. The 57-foot statue is one of the largest free-standing statues in the world, accessible via a steep climb of 614 steps, offering a spiritual and physical challenge (visit only for those who are fit and can walk on a rough path for approx. 1 km each way). After sightseeing, drive to Hassan and check-in at the hotel.

Day 3: Hassan - Hampi (330km)

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Hampi. Visit Belur Temple, famous for its intricate sculptures and detailed carvings on the exterior and interior walls. This 12th-century temple is dedicated to Lord Chennakesava and is an outstanding example of Hoysala architecture. Visit Halebidu Temple, another masterpiece of Hoysala architecture known for its stunningly detailed carvings, sculptures, and friezes that depict scenes from Hindu mythology. This temple complex, which includes the Hoysaleswara and Kedareswara temples, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. After sightseeing, drive to Hampi and check-in at the hotel.

Day 4: Hampi

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel. Visit Virupaksha Temple, one of the oldest functioning temples in India, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple features a towering gopuram, elaborate carvings, and is part of the Hampi UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit Vijaya Vittala Temple, renowned for its iconic stone chariot and musical pillars that produce musical notes when tapped gently. This temple complex is a testament to the architectural brilliance of the Vijayanagara Empire. Explore the Royal Enclosure, a fortified area housing several ancient structures including the Mahanavami Dibba, where the king once sat to watch processions and ceremonies, and the Queen’s Bath, a grand bathing area. Visit Lotus Mahal, an elegant pavilion with a unique blend of Islamic and Hindu architectural styles, known for its lotus-shaped arches and serene atmosphere. Visit Elephant Stables, a large and impressive structure with a series of interconnected chambers that once housed the royal elephants. Visit Hampi Bazaar, a historic market street that once served as a bustling trade center, now lined with ancient pavilions and temples. Visit Achyutaraya Temple, known for its grand architecture, detailed carvings, and serene surroundings, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Visit Hemakuta Hill Temples, a cluster of ancient temples offering panoramic views of Hampi, perfect for sunset viewing. Return to the hotel after a day of exploration.

Day 5: Hampi/Vijayanagar - Hyderabad (flight)

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Hyderabad. Arrive at Hyderabad airport and transfer to the hotel.

Day 6: Hyderabad

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel. Visit Charminar, a symbol of Hyderabad, this iconic monument features four grand arches and a mosque on the top floor. Built in 1591, it stands at the heart of the old city and offers a glimpse into the city’s rich history. Visit Mecca Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India, constructed with bricks brought from Mecca. The mosque’s vast courtyard can accommodate over 10,000 worshippers, and its impressive architecture is a blend of Qutub Shahi and Mughal styles. Visit Golconda Fort, a historic fort known for its acoustic marvels, majestic palaces, and stunning architecture. The fort complex includes royal apartments, halls, temples, mosques, and the famous Fateh Rahben gun, one of the cannons used in the last siege of Golconda. Visit Qutub Shahi Tombs, a complex of beautifully preserved tombs of the Qutub Shahi dynasty. The tombs feature exquisite architecture, blending Persian, Pathan, and Hindu styles. Explore Salar Jung Museum, one of the largest museums in India, housing an extensive collection of art and artifacts from around the world, including Persian carpets, Japanese swords, Chinese porcelain, and European paintings. Return to the hotel after a day of exploration.

Day 7: Hyderabad - Puri (65km)

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Puri. Visit Jagannath Temple, a revered Hindu temple in Puri, famous for its annual Rath Yatra and unique Kalinga architecture. The temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu, and is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites. Explore Puri Beach, a popular destination known for its golden sands, roaring waves, and vibrant local culture. It’s an ideal spot for relaxation and experiencing the coastal life of Odisha. After sightseeing, drive to Puri and check-in at the hotel.

Day 8: Puri - Chilika - Konark - Puri (130kms round)

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel. Depart for a round trip to Chilika and Konark. Visit Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, known for its rich biodiversity and birdwatching opportunities. The lake is home to a variety of migratory birds, especially during the winter season. Take a boat ride on Chilika Lake to spot migratory birds and visit the Nalabana Bird Sanctuary, a haven for bird watchers. Visit Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, this 13th-century temple is shaped like a giant chariot and dedicated to the Sun God. The temple is renowned for its intricate carvings, architectural grandeur, and historic significance. Explore the Konark Beach, known for its scenic beauty, serene environment, and the annual Konark Dance Festival held in December. Return to Puri after sightseeing and relax at the hotel.

Day 9: Puri - Bhubaneshwar (65km)/ Bangalore

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Bhubaneshwar. Visit Lingaraj Temple, an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, exemplifying Kalinga architecture with its towering spire, intricate carvings, and elaborate rituals. Visit Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, historic rock-cut caves that served as Jain monastic complexes, featuring intricate carvings and inscriptions from the 2nd century BCE. Visit Mukteshwar Temple, known for its exquisite carvings and beautiful architecture, often referred to as the "Gem of Odisha." The temple is a significant example of the Somvanshi period and features a unique blend of architectural styles. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Bangalore. Arrive at Bangalore airport and transfer to the hotel.

Day 10: Bangalore - Departure

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Included/Excluded

  • Assistance on arrival at airport.
  • 9 Nights' accommodation in 4-star hotels.
  • Daily breakfast and meal as per day plan.
  • Private air-conditioned deluxe car for airport transfer, sightseeing and excursion as per program.
  • English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per program.
  • Monument entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Bottled drinking water in car.
  • Government taxes.
  • Vijayanagar - Hyderabad & Bhubaneshwar - Bangalore flight fare approx INR 10,500 per person in economy class.
  • Camera charges at monuments.
  • Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc.
  • Gratuities & optional activities.
  • Anything not mentioned in inclusions.

Tour's Location

FAQs

What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

Hotels used or similar for 9 nights accommodation

3 Star Hotels
Bangalore x 1 night: Royal Orchid Central/ Ramada Bangalore
Hassan x 1 night: The Ashhok/ Pearl Hotel
Hampi x 2 nights: Malligi Hotel/ Clarks Inn
Hyderabad x 2 nights: Hotel Abode/ Aditya Park
Puri x 2 nights: Toshali Sands/ The Hans Coco Palms
Bangalore x 1 night: Royal Orchid Central/ Ramada Bangalore

Can travelers upgrade the accommodation to 5-star hotels?

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