01 Day: Arrival Mumbai
Meeting and assistance on arrival at the International airport, our representative welcome and escort you by a private car and transfer to the hotel, whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our representative would hand over the documents and brief the tour programme to you. Overnight at the hotel.
02 Day: Mumbai:
Today morning after breakfast take a sightseeing tour of Mumbai drive to Gateway of India and from here cruise by motorboats to Elephanta Caves. A flight of 100 steps takes you to the top of the hill where it is set. The caves houses large pillars that seem to hold the ceiling, which is made, have crossbeams. The picturesque presentations of the 9 marvelous sculptured panels, set on the walls are awe-inspiring. The most famous of the panels is the Trimurthi, or triple-headed Shiva, where the God is depicted as the destroyer, the preserver and the creator. Later in the afternoon cruise back to Gateway of India, one can have lunch at the hotel or other several good Restaurants like Leopold & Mondegar serving continental cuisines. Later visit Prince of Wales Museum, Taraporewala Aquarium, Parliament House, Marine Drive, Jain Temple, and Hanging Garden. Return back to the hotel for overnight.
Note: Elephanta Caves and Prince of Wales museum are closed on every Monday.
Mumbai, is a cluster of Seven Islands and derives its name from Mumbadevi, the patron goddess of the koli fisher folk, its oldest inhabitants. Mumbai pulsates with activity. It is a city that is disciplined by no time frame neither day nor night. It is also the country's financial powerhouse, the nation's industrial heartland, and its economic nerve center. Dazzling shopping arcades, exciting sport activity, nightclubs & discotheques, theatre & music, gourmet restaurants and interesting sightseeing. It offers visitors a heady mix of all this and more.
03 Day: Mumbai – Goa (By Air)
After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to the airport. On arrival transfer to the hotel. After rest and relaxation rest of the day is free to explore the beaches of Goa. Overnight at the hotel.
Goa: A Portuguese explorer, Afonso de Albuquerque sailed up the river Mandovi, defeated the Bijapuri army and rode into the capital triumphantly bearing a Portuguese Standard in one hand, and a Gold Crucifix in the other. A curious blending of cultures took place, affecting every sphere of Goa life, from religion to architecture, cuisine to art. The chapter of Goa's history ended 451 years later when Goa ceased to be a Portuguese colony, and became a part of the Indian Union. Parasailing, yachting, windsurfing, and deep sea diving are some of the more popular water sports, facilities for which are available. 451 years of Portuguese rule has imbued Goa’s towns and villages with a unique culture. Whitewashed chapels and churches that dot the landscape are surrounded by sleepy villages and rice fields.
04 Day: Goa:
After breakfast, the day is free to enjoy the beaches and amenities available at the resort. You can take a sightseeing tour of Old Goa -10 km from Panjim, the basilica of Bom Jesus, the 16th century church dedicated to infant Jesus and enshrining the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, is one of the most important sight of Goa. The other Churches in the same area are St. Cathedral, with its vaulted interior, Church of our Lady of Rosary and Nunnery of St. Monica. The Aguada Fort built by the Portuguese commands the mouth of the Mondovi River and houses a lighthouse. And in the evening enjoy Cruise over Mondovi River. Overnight stay at hotel.
Pondicherry: This attractive, former French colony exudes a Mediterranean aura with its sophisticated streets, elegant houses, ornamental gardens and the Hotel de Ville. History of Pondicherry: A former French colonial cit, located along the Bay of Bengal didn't come under Indian rule until 1954. You can still hear a fair bit of French being spoken as you stroll along its remaining seaside villas and cobblestone streets. The city is really two towns in one: La Ville Blanche, the colonials' former playground, and La Ville Noire, the crowded inland area where the native Indian population was forced to live.
05 Day: Goa:
After breakfast the day is free for rest and relaxation and to enjoy the activities at the beach. Overnight at the hotel.
06 Day: Goa - Dandeli (125 kms – 2 hours)
After breakfast drive to Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, the largest wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka that provides shelter to many exotic animals and birds. Be captivated by the richness and diversity of the flora and fauna here. On arrival transfer to the jungle resort, in the evening you may enjoy a jungle safari . Overnight at the resort.
Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary; Regarded the largest wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka, the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is located 485 km from Bangalore. The serpentine tributaries of River Kali fork through the lush forests and breathtaking valleys of the sanctuary. Syntheri rocks, an awesome monolithic granite structure, is located 35 kms. from the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary. Dandeli is a heaven for nature enthusiasts with an abundance of trekking trails and fishing spots.The magnificent Virnoli Rapids, the Supa Dam, Nagajhari Viewpoint, the Kulgi Nature Education Camp, the Kavla Caves with their Shivling-like stalagmites, and Sykes Point which offers a stunning view of the Kalinadi Valley are other major attractions of the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary.
07 Day: Dandeli:
After breakfast take a trek to Cavla Caves. Later you may opt for nature walk along the banks of the river spotting birds and animals on the way. Later leave for a Coracle ride on the river just alongside the resort. Spot birds or try your luck at fishing whilst on the river. Evening audio visual on Indian wildlife followed by a nature talk around the bonfire. Overnight at the resort.
08 Day: Dandeli – Badami (230 kms – 5 hours)
After breakfast you may opt for an elephant safari at the park. Later drive to Badami. On arrival transfer to the hotel. Rest of the evening is free for rest and relaxation. After relaxation take a sightseeing tour of Badami, visiting Gateways, Forts, inscriptions, Sculptures that seem to come alive under your eyes…Overnight at the hotel.
Badami: The capital of the early Chalukyas, Badami is picturesquely situated at the mouth of a ravine between two rocky hills. It has four rock-cut cave temples, the largest being the third cave dedicated to Vishnu. Overlooking the temples is a reservoir, its banks dotted with temples dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva. The Bhutanatha Temples and the Museum set up by the Archeological Survey of India, are the other attractions
09 Day: Badami – Hospet (170 kms – 4 hours)
After breakfast check out from the hotel and take a short sightseeing trip of Badami. Climb a flight of steps to reach the ancient caves - all hewn out o sand stone on the precipice of a hill. There are four caves here. The first three belong to the Vedic faith and the fourth cave is the only Jain Temple in Badami. The first cave temple - past Shiva's door Keepers - and there he is the eighteen-armed Nataraj striking 81 dance poses. The largest and most ornamental is the third Cave temple dedicated to Vishnu. Here are some splendid carvings of the Hindu Pantheon, Narasimha - the half man and half lion avatar of Vishnu, Hari Hara, the composite god who is half Shiva a half - Vishnu. Return to the hotel for overnight. After visit drive to Hospet. Enroute stopping at Aihole and Pattadakal. Aihole is the cradle of stone temple architecture of the southern Dravidian School. The oldest temple, Lad Khan goes back to the 5th century A.D. There are 70 temples in this group. The Durga temple is noted for its sculptures. The Meguti temple is built of 630 small stone blocks. The Ravanaphadi Cave has some beautiful carvings. Pattadakal, referred to as Petrigal, reached its pinnacle of glory under the Chalukya kings from 7th to 9th centuries. The oldest in this group is the Sanghameswara Temple. The Mallikarjuna Temple has pillars depicting life of Krishna. Virupaksha temple has sculptures and panel scenes from the epics, the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The Papanatha Temple has impressive carvings on pillars and ceiling. After sightseeing continue to Hospet. Overnight at the Hotel.
Aihole, a tranquil village on the banks of the Malaprabha river, Aihole is acclaimed as the cradle of Hindu temple architecture. There are hundreds of temples in the villages and fields nearby. The most impressive one is the Durga Temple with its semicircular apse, elevated plinth, and the gallery encircling the sanctum. The Lad Khan Temple, which is one of the earliest temples, was originally a royal assembly hall and marriage mantapa chosen as the abode of a Muslim prince, Lad Khan. The Huchimalli Temple with a sculpture of Vishnu sitting atop a large cobra, the Ravalphadi Cave Temple celebrating the many forms of Shiva, the Konti Temple Complex, the Umamaheswari Temple, the Jain Meguti Temple, and the twostoried Buddhist Temple are other sights worth seeing.
Pattadakal, with its beautifully chiselled temples, this World Heritage Site on the banks of the Malaprabha River bears testimony to the richness of Chalukyan architecture. Pattadakal reached its pinnacle of glory under the Chalukya kings and was once used as a ceremonial centre where kings were crowned and commemorated. It has a cluster of 10 major temples, each displaying interesting architectural features. At the entrance of the site, you can see the 8th century temples of Jambulinga, Kadasiddeshvara, and Galaganatha with their curvilinear shikaras or spires. The biggest temple, dedicated to Virupaksha, has a huge gateway, several inscriptions, and a profusion of friezes from the epics. Facing the temple is a pavilion containing a massive nandi. The Mallikarjuna Temple is similar in design to Virupaksha Temple, but smaller in size. The ornate Papanatha Temple is yet another impressive piece of architecture, with delicately chiselled ceilings and a 16-pillared main hall. The Sangameshwara Temple dating from the reign of King Vijayaditya (696–733 AD) is the earliest temple in this complex.
10 Day: Hospet - Hampi – Hospet (13 kms ½ hours excursion)
Early morning trek up to sunrise point on Matanga Hill, which is to the east of Hampi ... It’s beautiful and not to be missed if you ever visit Hampi. Return to the hotel for breakfast later take an exursion to Hampi, Hampi the once beautiful capital city of Vijaynagar Empire was greater than Rome and had palaces; Hampi ruins spread over an area of more than 26 sq. kms. protected by the tempestuous river Tungabhadra in the north and by rocky granite ridges on the other three sides, visit at Some of the interesting ruins remaining Hazara Rama Temples, huge Ganesha & Narasimha images, the elephant stables, the queen's bath, and carvings on the Ramachandra Temple & Lotus Mahal. There are a number of temples in Anegondi, which is a fortified area on the northern side of Hampi Bazaar. A terrain such as this was excellent for a capital city that needed to be vigilant and spend a further day in the heart of the lost empire. Explore Hampi at your own pace. Its monuments- like its centuries- old patience & wisdom- most is savoured bit by bit. Overnight stay at the hotel
Hampi was once the glorious capital of mighty Vijayanagar Empire (1336-1565), from the Deccan Plateau to the tip of the Peninsula. Founded in the middle of the 14th century by two local princes, Hukka & Bukka, the Vijayanagara Empire came to be celebrated for its might and wealth and as a showpiece of imperial magnificence. The emperors of this dynasty were great patrons of art and architecture, which can still be seen in the vast ruins of Hampi. In an effort to resurrect this abandoned capital, the government has been involved in the restoration, excavation and protection of the ruins which spread over an area of 26 sq. kms. The terrain is dominated by rocky hills and the mighty Tungabhadra river which flows through this rugged landscape.
11 Day: Hospet - Hassan (355 kms - 7 hours):
After breakfast optionally you can visit once again to Hampi to see any places, which has been dropped yesterday. Later drive to Hassan, Optionally, if not too tired from the long journey, you can enjoy the splendor of Shravanbelgola. 51 kms south - east of Hassan, one of most important Jain Pilgrim centre. Here is the 17m high monolith of Lord Bahubali - the world’s tallest monolithic statue. Rest of the day you will remain free to explore the surroundings. Overnight at Hassan
Hassan is a convenient base to visit Shravanabelagola, Belur and Halebid. The District Museum here has a collection of sculpture, paintings, weapons, coins and inscriptions. The temples of Halebid - like those of Belur - bear mute testimony to the rich cultural heritage of Karnataka. The Hoysaleshwara Temple, dating back to the 12th century is astounding because of its wealth of sculptural details. The walls of the temple are covered with an endless variety of gods and goddesses, animals, birds and dancing girls. Yet no two facets of the temple are the same. This magnificent temple, guarded by the Nandi Bull was never completed.
12 Day: Hassan - Belur - Halebid - Mysore (170 km 3- 4 hours):
After breakfast check out and drive to Mysore en route through picturesque hilly landscape and stopover in Halebid, which is the ancient capital of Hoysala Empire. In Halebid we visit the Hoysalesvara Temple of 12th century where we see half-life size statues of Hindu deities, with minute details of each, all around the temple. After the visit in Halebid we proceed to Belur. At Belur we visit the group of Chennakesava Temples, which are famous for its architecture and sculptures. After visit continue to drive to Mysore, on arrival check in to the hotel. Overnight at the Mysore.
Belur: Situated about 38 km from Hassan, Belur is a picturesque town at a distance of 187 km from the capital Bangalore. The Channekeshava Temple at Belur is the only one of the three major Hoysala sites still in use. Construction of this temple commenced in AD 1116 to commemorate the Hoysala's victory over the Cholas at Talakad.
Halebid: About 27 kms northwest of Hassan and 17 kms east of Belur, the temples of Halebid are the silent witness to the rich cultural heritage of Karnataka. The 12th century Hoysaleswara Temple is impressive for its awesome sculptural profusion. The walls of the temple are covered with an endless variety of gods and goddesses, animals, birds and dancing girls. This splendid temple - guarded by a Nandi Bull - was never completed, despite 86 years of hard labour. The Jain basadis located nearby are equally rich in sculptural detail.
Mysore, the capital city of the Wodeyars has always enchanted its admirers with its quaint charm, rich heritage, magnificent palaces, beautifully laid-out gardens, imposing buildings, broad shady avenues and sacred temples. Mysore races its history back to the mythical past, when Goddess Chamundeshwari of Chamundi Hills killed the wicked buffalo-headed demon, Mahishasura. Mysore Dasara is the celebration of this victory of good over evil. Mysore also has associations with the Mahabharata and King Ashoka of the 3rd century B.C. During the Wodeyars rule Mysore reached the Zenith of its glory as a fabled centre of oriental splendor.
13 Day: Mysore (Excursion to Ranganthitu bird sanctuary and Srirangapatinam (25 kms kms one way)
Today early morning take an excursion to Ranganthitu bird sanctuary, an excellent picnic rendezvous, you may also visit Balmuri Falls the primary attraction at the Ranganthittu Sanctuary. Later visit to Srirangapatinam the once capital of legendary warrior Hyder Ali and his son, Tipu Sultan. The highlights are the fortress boasting of Tipu's Mosque with slender twin minarets and the famous Ranganathaswami temple. After visit return to Mysore. After some relaxation you may opt for local sightseeing of Mysore visiting Palace of the Maharaja (Emperor) built in 1911 - 1912. The palace is of harmonious syntheses of the Hindu and saracenic styles of architecture with archways, domes, turrets, colonnades and sculptures which are magnificent followed by visit at St. Philomenas cathedral - folklore museum - visit the Art Gallery; drive up to Chamundi hill to see Chamundeshwari Temple and a panoramic view of Mysore. On the way back, see the Nandi Bull. Overnight at the hotel.
Ranganthitu Bird Sanctuary is an island created by river Cauvery near Srirangapatna is the nesting & breeding place for various migratory species of birds from all over the world. A perfect feast to eyes who love watching birds caressing and floating in the air that create a heavenly view. Ranger-guided boat tours of the isles are available throughout the day, and are a good way to watch birds, crocodiles, otters and bats. a myriad of bird species such as cormorants, darters, white ibis, storks (spoonbilled, openbilled, painted, white necked), egrets, herons, terns, swallows, streaked weavers, ducks, teals, sandpipers, kingfishers, and other exotic bird species that fly to the sanctuary in large flocks. The mammal population consists of fruit bats, bonnet macaques, palm civets, common mongoose and common otters. Best time to visit this Bird Sanctuary is during the months of July - September. The best time to watch migratory birds is in December.
Balmuri Falls It is a man-made reservoir few kilometers away from Ranganthittu. If you were expecting a huge water fall then you are going to be disappointed as it is just a few feat fall that tantalizes your senses when you sit underneath it. Let the falling water give a sensual massage with soft showers. Good time to visit this place is in winter season when there is just enough water in the river.
Srirangapatna (Srirangapatnam) is an island town on the Bangalore-Mysore Highway The town obtained its name from a 1000 year old temple of Lord Sriranganatha. This history-rich town was the capital of Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan - The Tiger of Mysore. Tipu Sultan, the eldest son of Haider Ali, was born on December 10, 1750 at Devanhalli. On his father's death in 1782, Tipu Sultan assumed power in Mysore. He continued fighting the British and defeated them in 1783. Tipu Sultan was a far-sighted person who could foresee East India Company's design to get entrenched in India. He negotiated with the French for help and also sought assistance from the Amir of Afghanistan and the Sultan of Turkey. However, in the Third Anglo-Mysore war, he was defeated in his capital, Srirangapatna, and was forced to sign a humiliating treaty on March 22, 1792 as per which he had to concede half of his kingdom and pay an indemnity of 33 million rupees to the British. He died fighting during the storming of Srirangapatna on 4th May 1799 in the fourth Anglo-Mysore war.
14 Day: Mysore to Bangalore via Sivasamudram (200 kms – 5 hours)
After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Bangalore, En route stop over at Sivasamudram Waterfalls to enjoy the scenic beauty and nature. After visit drive to Bangalore. On arrival transfer to the hotel. In the evening you can visit Ulsoor Lake. Overnight at the hotel.
Shivasamudram: The Shivasamudram falls is a segmented waterfall since the river Cauvery branches into two separate falls - the western falls known as Gaganachukki and the eastern falls, Bharachukki. Shivasamudram falls is the second biggest waterfall in India and the sixteenth largest in the world. Gaganachukki on the left is a large horsetail waterfall and Bharachukki on the right is a jagged crashing cascading waterfall. With the onset of the monsoon season, the Sivasamudram waterfall runs amok with enormous energy and the Cauvery River tumbles headlong in a wonderful cascade, sending up dense clouds of mist. In 1902, on the left waterfall, the Gaganachukki, the first hydro-electric power station of Karnataka was constructed by Sheshadri Ayyar, a dewan of Mysore. This is regarded the first hydro power station in Asia and from here power was supplied to Bangalore -- the first city to get power in India - in 1906.
Bangalore: Bangalore, the capital city of Karnataka is called the Garden City for it's fascinating blossoms and luxuriant greenery that renders an unique beauty to this charming city. Bangalore is India's 5th largest city and the momentum of its industrial and commercial growth unequalled in the country. The city, where different cultures and customs exist. Today, this is a bustling and diverse city, with ancient arts that flourish alongside the Silicon Plateau of India. With profusion of greenery, splendidly laid out colorful garden, the city is a sheer delight to simply walk around. Weather being the best feature, Bangalore with pleasant summers and bearable winters is the best option for the tourist in India.
15 Day: Bangalore – Hometown (By Air)
After breakfast opt for the half day sightseeing tour of the city visiting the Bull Temple - The 4.57 m high and 6.10 meters long image is carved out of single granite rock, Bangalore Palace - Built in the Tudor style and inspired by the Windsor palace, Vidhan Soudha - the Vidhan Soudha houses the state legislative assembly of state government, later followed by visit to Sri Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple - The temple is natural monolith carved cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Later drive to the airport to board the scheduled flight for hometown. On departure tour concludes with happy memories.
