South Deccan Tour
Duration : 16 Nights
/ 17 Days
Destination : Mumbai, Aurangabad, Bijapur,
Hampi, Bidar, Hyderabad.
Day 01: Mumbai:
Arrive at the commercial capital of India and check in. Rest of the day free
for leisure.
Day 02: Mumbai:
Half day trip to Elephanta cave island for astonishing ancient sculptures. Later
during the day visit notable attractions of the city which includes Dhobi Ghat,
Crawford market, Marine drive and old mansions of Colaba area
Day 03: Aurangabad:
From Mumbai fly to Aurangabad. After checking in keep the evening at your discretion.
Day 04: Aurangabad:
Excursion to Ajanta caves site, a scenic gorge having
a series of caves. The caves have ancient sculptures and some of the most stunning
murals of Buddhist era. Visit the Ellora caves that are famed for their extraordinary
sculptures. Noteworthy is the unbelievably sculptured Kailasnath Temple.
Day 05: Pune:
Driving through well cultivated rural landscape of Maharashtra reach Pune, the
Maratha heartland. Take a sightseeing tour of this vibrant cosmopolitan town
that includes visits to Raja kelkar museum and Agha Khan Palace (Gandhi National
Memorial). If interested you may also visit the International Osho Commune.
Day 06: Chiplun:
Drive through some of the most spectacular natural
scenery of India full of evergreen jungles. After crossing the Western Ghats
reach the attractive resort of Chiplun. This place offers magnificent views
of forested hills, rapid rivers and beautiful coastline. You may trek in the
forests or have a relaxed time enjoying the scenery.
Day 07: Goa:
Drive through India’s beautiful western coastline and reach Goa- the exotic
tropical beach destination. Day free to walk around the beaches.
Day 08: Goa:
Sightseeing tour of Old Goa and Panjim for beautiful churches and cathedrals.
Mandovi River cruise.
Day 09: Goa:
Day completely at discretion in the tropical paradise known as Goa.
Day 10: Badami:
Driving towards central Karnataka reach the little town of Badami. Badami was
once the capital of Chalukyan empire and today it boasts some of the most beautiful
rock cut temples of that period.
Day 11: Badami:
Sightseeing of Badami’s temples. Also visit the Virupaksha temple at Pattadakal
(Extraordinary for its sculptures, a World Heritage site) and a few remarkable
temples at Aihole.
Day 12: Hampi:
Reach Hampi in a short drive. Visit Hampi that has extraordinary remnants of
once great city Vijayanagara. The sheer size and majestic appearance of this
historical site is amazing! Day free to explore around the great monuments that
dot the whole area. Take a walking tour of the Hampi bazaar and temples. Cross
the picturesque Tungabhadra River on a primitively designed corracle- a very
different experience!
Day 13: Bijapur:
Drive to Bijapur and on arrival check in. Bijapur was
once the center of most distinguished Muslim empire of the Deccan, hence it
has abundance Muslim architectural marvels. Visit Gol Gumbaz (World’s
second largest dome), Ibrahim Roza and various palaces in the town.
Day 14: Bidar:
Drive to Bidar and check in. Visit the still intact Bidar Fort- once the stronghold
of Bahmani kingdom, the fort is still impressive in its sheer size and expanse.
Later visit the Mahmud Gawan madarsa and Bahmani Tombs. In the bazaar visit
some craftsmen working on silver filigree known as Bidri (The name derived from
Bidar).
Day 15: Hyderabad:
Reach Hyderabad and check in. In sightseeing tour of
the city visit the Salar Jung Museum, Birla Temple, Hussain Sagar Lake (Buddha
Statue), Osmania University and the Historic Charminar. Evening free to explore
and shop in the bustling and extremely interesting old bazaars around Charminar.
Day 16: Hyderabad:
Visit the Golconda Fort, a massive fort having a long
history behind its existence. Also visit the impressive tombs of Golconda kings.
Rest of the day free at your discretion to spend in the charming city of Hyderabad.
Day 17: Departure:
Morning at leisure. At appropriate time transfer to airport to board your onward
flight.
