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Timeless Temples & Deccan Splendor: A South Indian Grand Tour

0/5
Duration

9 Nights / 10 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

Embark on a captivating journey through South India’s architectural and cultural splendor with the “Timeless Temples & Deccan Splendor: A South Indian Grand Tour.” Starting in the bustling city of Mumbai, explore its colonial landmarks and the awe-inspiring Elephanta Caves before flying to Bangalore. Discover the lush landscapes and historical treasures of Bangalore, Mysore, and Hassan, including majestic temples and palaces. Travel through the ancient ruins of Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunning temples and royal heritage. Continue to Badami, with its exquisite cave temples and surrounding historical sites. Conclude your grand tour with a visit to Hubli or a return to Mumbai, leaving with unforgettable memories of South India’s rich legacy.

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 46.6%
2 Discount on 3-person group 3 3 48.2%
3 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 54.9%
4 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 57.0%
5 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 60.6%
6 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 61.3%
7 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 65.3%

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Mumbai

Upon landing at Mumbai airport, our representative warmly welcomes you and facilitates your transfer to your hotel. Mumbai, India's vibrant financial capital, offers a blend of colonial charm and modern-day hustle. Take some time to relax and acclimate to the city's energy. Explore the bustling local markets of Colaba, where you can experience Mumbai's lively street culture and local cuisine.

Day 2: Mumbai

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel. Set out for a scenic ferry ride to the Elephanta Caves. These rock-cut temples, carved between the 5th and 8th centuries, are dedicated to Lord Shiva and feature intricate sculptures and carvings. Return to the mainland and visit Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing Victorian Gothic architecture. Explore the Gateway of India, a grand archway overlooking the Arabian Sea, and take a stroll around the historic Leopold Cafe, a famous Mumbai landmark. Enjoy a walk along Marine Drive, known as the "Queen's Necklace" for its curved shape and evening lights. Visit Dhobi Ghat, an open-air laundry where Mumbai's washermen work with traditional methods, and then explore the nearby Mahalaxmi Temple, a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to the goddess Mahalaxmi.

Day 3: Mumbai - Bangalore (flight)

After breakfast at the hotel, head to the airport for your flight to Bangalore. Upon arrival, visit Lalbagh Botanical Garden, known for its vast collection of exotic plants, serene lakes, and the Glass House, inspired by London's Crystal Palace. Explore Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace, an Indo-Islamic architectural marvel with ornate wooden pillars and intricate frescoes depicting historical events. Continue to the Bull Temple, dedicated to Nandi, Lord Shiva's sacred bull, featuring a colossal statue carved from a single granite block. Visit Bangalore Palace, inspired by England's Windsor Castle, showcasing Tudor-style architecture and beautiful interiors. Conclude your day with a visit to the Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, an art complex that exhibits traditional and contemporary Indian art.

Day 4: Bangalore - Mysore (150kms)

Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel before driving to Mysore. En route, visit the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangapatna. This ancient temple, dating back to the 10th century, showcases Dravidian architecture with towering gopurams and intricate sculptures. In Mysore, tour the Mysore Palace, an Indo-Saracenic architectural gem with richly decorated interiors, including the grand Durbar Hall and the royal private quarters. Ascend Chamundi Hills to visit the Chamundeshwari Temple, offering panoramic views of Mysore city and the surrounding landscape. Explore the Mysore Zoo, one of the oldest and most well-maintained zoos in India, known for its conservation efforts and diverse animal species. Conclude your day with a visit to St. Philomena's Church, a Gothic cathedral with beautiful stained-glass windows and impressive twin spires.

Day 5: Mysore - Shravanabelagola - Hassan (140kms)

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before driving to Hassan, with a stop at Shravanabelagola. Ascend Vindhyagiri Hill to see the monumental statue of Lord Gommateshwara, a 57-foot-tall monolithic figure. This 10th-century statue is an iconic symbol of Jainism, surrounded by beautiful carvings and serene natural settings. Explore the nearby Chandragiri Hill with its ancient Jain temples and historical inscriptions. Arrive in Hassan, known for its historic and architectural splendor, and check in to your hotel. Visit the Hoysala Museum in Hassan to view artifacts and sculptures from the Hoysala period.

Day 6: Hassan - Hampi (330kms)

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Hampi. Along the way, visit the Belur temple complex, renowned for the Chennakesava Temple with its intricate Hoysala architecture, including detailed sculptures of gods and mythological scenes. At Halebidu, explore the Hoysaleswara Temple, celebrated for its elaborate sculptures and friezes depicting scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Continue to Hampi and check in to your hotel, set amidst boulder-strewn landscapes and ancient ruins. Explore the Tungabhadra River banks and take a leisurely boat ride to appreciate the surrounding landscape and historical remains.

Day 7: Hampi

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before exploring Hampi's historical wonders. Visit the Virupaksha Temple, one of the oldest functioning temples in India, dedicated to Lord Shiva and known for its stunning architecture and vibrant festivals. Explore the Vittala Temple, famous for its Stone Chariot and musical pillars that produce melodic sounds when tapped. Discover the Elephant Stables, an impressive structure with domed chambers once used to house royal elephants. Tour the Queen's Bath, an ornate bathing chamber reflecting Vijayanagara's architectural brilliance with decorative pillars and water channels. Finish with a visit to Hazara Rama Temple, known for its exquisite bas-reliefs illustrating the Ramayana epic and serene surroundings.

Day 8: Hampi - Lakkundi - Gadag - Badami (150kms)

Begin with breakfast at the hotel before traveling to Badami, with stops at Lakkundi and Gadag. In Lakkundi, admire the intricate step wells and ancient temples, including the impressive Siddheshwara Temple with its detailed carvings. At Gadag, visit the Kirtinarayana Temple, a splendid example of Chalukyan architecture with detailed carvings and sculptures. Explore the historic temples of the nearby village of Dambal, featuring exquisite carvings and architectural styles. Arrive in Badami, nestled among sandstone cliffs, and check in to your hotel. Explore the local markets of Badami to experience the vibrant local culture and cuisine.

Day 9: Badami, Aihole & Pattadakkal

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before exploring Badami, Aihole, and Pattadakkal. In Badami, visit the rock-cut cave temples featuring Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist influences with intricate carvings and stunning views. Explore Aihole, known as the "Cradle of Indian Architecture," with its diverse collection of ancient temples, including the Lad Khan Temple and the Durga Temple. Conclude your tour at Pattadakkal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a blend of Dravidian and Nagara architectural styles and intricate stone carvings, including the Virupaksha Temple and the Jain Narayana Temple.

Day 10: Badami - Hubli (110kms)/ Mumbai (flight)

After breakfast, transfer to Hubli airport for your flight back to Mumbai. Conclude your grand architecture tour of Mumbai, Bangalore, Mysore, Hassan, Hampi, and Badami.

Included/Excluded

  • 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.
  • Mumbai - Bangalore, & Hubli - Mumbai flight tickets approx. ₹10500 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
Mumbai x 2 nights: Hotel Godwin, Colaba/ Hotel Suba Palace
Bangalore x 1 night: Royal Orchid Central/ Ramada Bangalore
Mysore x 1 night: Sandesh The Prince/ Regenta Central Herald By Royal Orchid Hotels
Hassan x 1 night: The Ashhok/ Pearl Hotel
Hampi x 2 nights: Malligi Hotel/ Clarks Inn
Badami x 2 nights: Badami Court/ Clarks Inn

Can travelers upgrade the accommodation to 5-star hotels?

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