DECCAN DELIGHTS

This two weeks trip showcases some of the hidden architectural jewels of the Deccan built by the different rulers. Explore the “City of Pearls” Hyderabad where you will find the locals being nostalgic about their culture and age-old traditions and especially for its delicious cuisine. Take a note of perfect bonhomie between two great religions Hindu and Muslim of the region. Visit the monuments of Hyderabad built during Qutb Shahi dynasty before entering into the state of Karnakata. Explore the architectural wonders of Bidar and Kalaburagi (formerly Gulbarga) built during Bahamani rulers. Marvel at the architectural prominence in the monuments built by Adil Shahi dynasty at Bijapur including Gol Gumbaz. Admire the beautiful carvings in the caves built between 6th – 8th Century depicting traces of Hinduism and Jainism and discover the fine blend of temple architecture from North and South India in the likes of Pattadakkal group of temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Get amazed to learn about one of the richest Hindu Kingdoms under Raya rulers in the ruins of Hampi. Enjoy a cup of coffee in Chikmaglur, the coffee capital of India, then marvel at the skilled craftsmanship to be seen in the sculpted temples of Belur and Halebid. Get mesmerized to see the world’s largest monolithic statue of Lord Gomateshwar at Sravanbelagola. Discover the depth of the Karnataka’s rich history and great culture and see its palatial buildings and towering temples in Mysore. We finish this extraordinary trip at Bangalore with fond memories from different places singing the glorious past of Deccan in its prime!

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Day 1

ARRIVE HYDERABAD

Arriving at Hyderabad’s International Airport you are greeted by our staff who will transfer you to your hotel. Capital of erstwhile Andhra Pradesh and now Talangana, also known as city of peals, is known for its distinctive culture where you find a perfect blend of traditional and a modern outlook.

Accommodation at your selected hotel – 2 nights

Day 2

HYDERABAD

Today enjoy a full day guided tour of Hyderabad visiting some of its highlights such as the iconic Charminar and Salarjung Museum. Later visit Golkonda Fort and nearby Qutab Shahi Mosque while absorbing the unique culture of the city. Before returning to the hotel, explore the local Laad market famous for colourful bangles, pearl artifacts, bridal costumes and jewelry.

Day 3

HYDERABAD -BIDAR

Following breakfast, we head off north-west to arrive at Bidar, the capital of Bahmani dynasty and on arrival, check into the hotel.

Afternoon enjoy the sightseeing tour visiting Bidar Fort including some of its attractions such as Gumbaz Darwaza, Rangeen Mahal, Solah Khamba mosque and Barid Shabi Tomb. Also to visit are Basavakalyan & Jalsanghi temple built by Chalukyan dynasty. You may also wish to buy some souvenir from this town known for its famous Bidri Ware and silver art.

Overnight at your selected hotel

Day 4

BIDAR – KALABURAGI (GULBARGA)

This morning we set off to Kalaburagi (formerly known as Gulbarga), yet another capital of Bahmanis and later came under control of Asif Jah of Hyderabad.

On arrival at Kalaburagi, check into the hotel.

In the afternoon visit Gulbarga Fort and see the second largest single dome mosque in the world Jumma Masjid besides Khwaja Bandanawaz Dargah and Basaveshwar temple.

Overnight at your selected hotel

Day 5

KALABURAGI – VIJAYAPURA (BIJAPUR

After breakfast we drive to Vijayapura (formerly Bijapur), the capital of Adil Shahi dynasty, who took the power after fall of Bahmani kingdom.

On arrival at Vijayapura check into the hotel

This afternoon explore the rich history of Adil Shahi dynasty while visiting some of its notable places such as Gol Gumbaz, the 2nd largest dome in the world after St. Peters Basilica in Vatican City; Jami Masjid, one of the finest mosques in India; Malik-e-Maidan, Bara Kaman, and Ibrahim Rouza.

Overnight at your selected hotel

Day 6

VIJAYAPURA-BADAMI

Today we drive southwards to Badami, the capital of Chalukya kingdom with en route visiting temples complex at Aihole and then visit Pattadakkal Group of Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for their fabulous carvings on exteriors and interiors of the temple walls and ceilings. Among many of its temples. Virupaksha Temple is simply beyond one’s imagination built over a thousand years ago.

On arrival check into the hotel, where the balance of the day is at leisure

Accommodation at your selected hotel – 2 nights

Day 7

BADAMI

Following leisurely breakfast this morning, enjoy a guided tour of Badami visiting Badami Caves. Explore the richness of ancient Indian engineering in the cave’s exquisite sculptures carved out of gigantic rocks and the rust red sandstone cliffs. We then visit nearby Badami Fort followed by Museum and Art Gallery. The balance of the day is free to relax.

Day 8

BADAMI- HAMPI

After breakfast this morning, we drive further south to arrive Hampi, the capital of Vijayanagar Kingdom, one of the richest Hindu Kingdoms ruled by Rayas of medieval period, where gold is said to be have been sold in the open market.

On arrival in Hampi or Hospet , check into the hotel where the balance of the day is at leisure

Accommodation at your selected hotel in Hampi – 2 nights

Day 9

HAMPI

Today, enjoy a full day guided tour of Hampi exploring the ruins of Hampi, another World Heritage Site. Be in awe at the architectural wonders of stone-carving in the temples such as Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple, Pampavati,, Krishna temple, Pattabhirama temple and Zenana enclosure. Also visit Lotus Mahal and nearby Elephant Stable before spending some time on the banks of Tungbhadra River.

Day 10

HAMPI -CHIKMAGALUR

Following breakfast, drive to Chikmaglur, a hill station and the coffee capital of India. Lying in the foothills of Mullayanagiri Range of Western Ghats, Chikmagalur offers spectacular natural vista.

On arrival at Chikmagalur, check in to the hotel, where the balance of the day is at leisure or you could take an optional walking tour to nearby coffee plantation and learn about the different species of coffees grown in the region namely Arabica and Robusta and their harvesting time, processing etc.

Accommodation at your selected hotel – 2 nights

Day 11

CHIKMAGLUR-BELUR-HALEBID-CHIKMAGALUR

This morning take an excursion to to Belur and Halebid and get amazed to see the beautiful carvings on the temple considered to be the masterpieces of Indian Art & Architecture built during Hoysala dynasty.

Return to the hotel by the afternoon, where the balance of the time is free to relax and experience the amenities of the hotel.

Day 12

CHIKMAGLUR-SRAVANBELAGOLA-MYSORE

Today, we drive to Mysore with en route visiting Sravanabelagola, to see gigantic statue of Lord Bahubali, the son of 1st Jain Tirthankar, Rishabdev.

Upon arrival at Mysore, check into the hotel.

In the afternoon visit one of the most beautiful palaces of India Mysore Palace followed by  Nandi Hills and the Chamundeshwari temple. Also enjoy the spectactular view of Mysore city from a top of Chamundi Hills.

Accommodation at your selected hotel – 2 nights

Day 13

MYSORE

Our day begins with a visit to Rangnathittoo Bird Sanctuary with an expert naturalist where you will have option to take a boat ride for getting close enough to see the birds perched on the leaning trees, a nesting ground for Spot-billed Pelicans, Painted Stork. The sanctuary is winter home to more than 150 species of birds besides few mammals as well as large number of crocodiles. We will also visit Sri Rangapatnam, the summer capital of Tipu Sultan as we well as Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple.

The balance of the day is at leisure or you can go for shopping bargaining for its famous Mysore Silk, souvenir made of sandalwood and rosewood.

Day 14

MYSORE -BANGALORE

Following breakfast, we drive off to Bangalore with en route visiting Somnathpur temple, an exquisitely carved, star-shaped temple with triple towers and is among one of the best examples of Hoysala temple architecture.

On arrival at Bangalore, check into your hotel for a final night’s stay. where the balance of the day is on your own. Take a stroll in its popular market, spend time in bargaining for some last minute shopping or just relax at your hotel.

Overnight at your selected hotel

Day 15

BANGALORE-ONWARD DESTINATION

Today we will transfer you to the airport for a flight home or, you may extend your stay, visiting more of India.

Explore your TRAVEL DESTINATION like never before.