Places Covered : Mumbai -
Hyderabad - Chennai - Mysore - Bangalore - Hampi - Bijapur -
Bangalore - Goa - Mumbai
Day 1: Mumbai
A fitting place to start.
On arrival - met, assisted and transferred to your hotel. Rest
of the day at your discretion.
Day 2: Mumbai
The city of dreams.
For the day visit Gateway of India, Prince of Wales Museum,
Hanging Gardens on the slopes of Malabar Hills offering nice
view of Marine Lines & Chowpatty Beach, Kamla Nehru Park, Mani
Bhawan (where Mahatma Gandhi used to stay) and then to Dhobi
Ghat. Also visit Afgan Church, Flora Fountain (Bombay nerve
centre), Colourful Crawford Market and Marine Drive.
Day 3: Hyderabad
Nijams rich legacy.
You will be transferred to Hyderabad by flight. After lunch,
we visit the Charminar- rectangular four arched monumental
gate often described as "The Arch of Triumph of the East", the
Mecca Mosque and Salar Jung Museum - one man's collection of
manuscripts, ancient weapons, costumes and curios. Later drive
past the High Court buildings.
Day 4: Hyderabad
Uncovering the Mysteries of Golconda.
Full day excursion to Golconda Fort. Golconda, once famed for
its diamond mines (from which the famous Kohinoor diamond of
the British crown was mined), is the site of a strategic fort
dating back to the 13th century. This invincible fort has an
extraordinary acoustical system and massive battlements. Later
visit the Usmansagar Lake- one of the most beautiful man-made
lakes.
Day 5: Chennai
Dravidian Citadel.
From Hyderabad board the flight for Chennai. Arrive and check
in hotel. For the day visit Museum to see the Art & Bronze
Gallery. Drive through the Flower and Fruit Markets, High
Court, Fort Museum, Marina Beach, San Thome Cathedral, The
Theosophical Society and Snake Park.
Day 6: Chennai
Sacred journey to Tirupati.
After breakfast, we take full day excursion of Tirupati- one
of the most important & the richest temple of the world. It is
famous for the shrine of "Seven hills" of Tirumala which
attract millions of pilgrims from all over India.
Picturesquely situated amidst sacred waterfalls and tanks, the
shrine presents a fine example of early Dravidian art. In
front of it is the "Hall of Pillars" from where an attractive
stepped way leads to the temple. Evening return back to hotel.
Day 7: Mysore
Silk & sandalwood.
Early morning board the train for Mysore. From Railway
station, you will be transferred to hotel. After lunch we take
half-day sight seeing tour of Mysore visiting the palace of
the Maharaja built in 1911-12. The palace is a harmonious
synthesis of the Hindu and saracenic styles of architecture
with magnificient Archways, Domes, Turrets, Colonnades and
Sculptures.Also visit the Art Gallery, drive upto Chamundi
hill to see Chamundeshwari Temple & panoramic view of Mysore.
On your way back see the Nandi Bull -a monolith structure.
Day 8: Mysore
Sublime expressions of stone.
Full day excursion to Sravanbelagola, Belur and Halebid. At
Sravanbelagola, hewn out of a single rock and visible from a
distance of 25 kms is the statue of Lord Gomteshwara, which is
bathed with milk , sandalwood,saffron once every 12 years. The
Chennakesava temple of Belur built 900 years ago is an
exquisite example of Hoysala art. Halebid 's 12th century
Hoysaleswara and Kedareswara temples are masterpieces of Hindu
art.
Day 9: Bangalore
Passing through history.
After breakfast, we drive towards Bangalore. On the way we
visit Srirangapatnam ,16 kms from Mysore. This fort was the
stronghold of Tippu Sultan, son of Hyder Ali. Tippu fought a
valiant battle against the British in 1799 before laying down
his life. Among the many fort buildings till intact are Tippu
's airy summer palace and his tomb at the Darya Daulat Bagh
(Garden). Also visit Sri Ranganatha Temple.
Day 10: Bangalore
India's silicon valley.
For the first half we take day sightseeing tour of the "Garden
City" which covers the Lal Bagh having variety of old Trees,
Fountains, Lotus, Pools, Terraces and an assortment of
Tropical Herbs and Sub - Tropical Herbs. Also see the
Government Buildings and the Maharaja's Palace. Utilise rest
of the day in shopping or personal activities.
Day 11: Hampi
A city that was.
Proceed to Hampi- the erstwhile capital city of Vijayanagar
Empire which had Palaces, Temples and sculptures spread all
over. The city was razed to the ground by the Sultanates of
South in 1565. We Check in hotel at Hospet (12 km from Hampi).
Rest of the day at your discretion or you can explore group of
monuments at Hampi.
Day 12: Hampi
Conversation with the monuments.
Whole day we explore the wealthy monuments of Hampi. Evening
return back to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 13: Bijapur
Gol Gumbaz - where the silence screams.
Buildings to see are Ibrahim Rauza, Gagan Mahal, Bara Kaman
etc. Transfer to Airport for onward flight to Bangalore for
onward journey.
Day 14: Goa
Baywatch.
After break fast we proceed to Goa. Arrive and check in hotel.
For the day you are free to relax.
Day 15: Goa
Rome in India.
We start our half-day sightseeing tour from the slopes of
Altinho Hill for a breathtaking view of Panjim and river
Mandovi. Then to Dona-Paula for a view of India's largest
natural harbour-Mormugao. Afterwards we visit old Goa and see
the Basillica of Bom Jesus which contains the tomb & mortal
remains of St. Francis Xavierh housed in a silver ornate
casket , Se. Cathedral- the biggest Church in the East,St.
Cajetan- built like St. Peter (Rome), Church of Our Lady
Rosary and St. Monica. Rest of the day at leisure.
Day 16: Goa
Time out for leisure.
Whole day free to explore its beaches or to relax.
Day 17: Mumbai
A fitting finale.
From Goa board the flight for Mumbai. Day will be kept free at
your discretion till the time of your departing flight. You'll
be transferred to the Airport for onward flight.