01 Day: Arrival Chennai:
Meeting and assistance on arrival at the Chennai 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.
Chennai (Madras): the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu is the most convenient point of entry. Chennai has an international airport, a seaport and a rail and road network that links it to all major towns and cities of the region. Tamil Nadu is a bastion of Hinduism, whose past endures into the present. Temples with towering spires called gopurams are a common feature of this state, seldom seen anywhere else in the country. Temples in Tamil Nadu were the fulcrum of society and even today art forms that have their origin in religious worship continue to colour daily life. Notable among these are splendid bronzes of deities, painting on glass and Bharatnatyam, and an evocative dance form.
02 Day: Chennai
Chennai is the gateway of South India will put you in touch with a different phase of India - Classical, Ancient, Gentle. Chennai is the 4rth largest city in India. Spread over 50 miles and features a large and beautiful waterfront on the Bay of Bengal. The British East India Company established its first trading post at Chennai, and in 1653 the company built Fort Saint George to protect its position. After breakfast, take a sightseeing tour of Chennai visiting Marina Beach, the second longest beach in the world. The St. George Fort, built in 1653, is currently used as the state government’s secretariat, Santhome Cathedral was built around 14th-15th century and is another colonial structure worth visiting. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Kapaleeswara Temple is the oldest temple in Chennai. Another important temple in the city dedicated to Lord Krishna is Parthasarthy Temple. The Snake Park has a large collection of snakes and many other reptiles. Evening optionally you can visit flower and fruit market. Overnight at the hotel.
03 Day: Chennai – Tirupati (140 kms - 2 ½ hours)
After breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Tirupati. A temple and pilgrim town located at the foot of the Tirumala Hills on which the ancient and beautiful temple of Lord Venkateshwara stands. Spread over seven hills, this township is the most picturesque pilgrimage centre in the south. One must see the favour with which the devotees stand in long queues for a glimpse of their Lord. Masses of coins, jewellery & hair are received as offerings. On arrival, check in at hotel. In the afternoon proceed for Darshan of Lord Balaji. Overnight at Tirupati.
Tirupati: The presiding deity, Lord Venkateswara, is famous all over the world as the giver of boons, and is paid homages by people from all religions and races. Nestled cozily among seven hills of the Eastern Ghats, Tirupati is the destination divine for the pilgrims in search of God. The sublime seven hills of Lord Venkateswara beckon you to a stimulating experience in the divine destination of Tirupati. Picturesque locations, gorgeous valleys, ancient temples, and enthralling historic places. You will be awe-struck by the sparkle of the exquisitely carved Golden gopurams of this ancient Dravidian temple of Lord Venkateswara, giver of boons, the richest of all deities. The premises of the temple and the sanctum sanctorum will lure you back again and again.
04 Day: Tirupati – Mahabalipuram (160 kms – 3 hour):
After breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Mahabalipuram, The city, built in the 7th century, this ancient city is said to be a sculptor's delight, boasting of some of India's most sublime rock-cut art, for which it is now a World Heritage site, visit the seven pagoda-style Shore temples, lashed by the waves of the sea and the seven rathas or temple chariots, a group of monolithic monuments & animal figures carved out of solid rock, the earliest known examples of Dravidian architecture. They were constructed in a single century-long burst of creative enthusiasm. Later in the evening drive back to hotel for overnight stay.
Mahabalipuram with its picturesque location on a rocky outcrop between the beach and a lagoon is a happy combination of history, good beaches, hassle-free tourism and fabulous fish and lobster! Despite the many visitors, drawn by the former Pallava dynasty town, the place is friendly, relaxed, and the villagers are remarkably unperturbed by their crowds of visitors. Mahabalipuram is renowned for its series of charming rathas and the spectacular carved relief depicting Arjuna's Penance. The magnificent Shore Temple, built by king Rajasimha in the seventh century, is a unique temple that houses the shrines of both Shiva and Vishnu while the Varaha Cave is one of the many rock-cut caves in Mahabalipuram. The Krishna Mandapam has a bas-relief of Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan hill in his fingertips.
05 Day: Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry (135 kms – 3 hours):
After breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Pondicherry, on arrival transfer to the hotel. After relaxation take a sightseeing tour of Pondicherry visiting Sri Aurobindo Ashram and the Ecole Françoise d’Extreme Orient, which is nearly 100 years old, with programs in Sanskrit, Tamil and Archaeological studies. The French Catholic influence is evident in a number of churches, notably the Jesuit Cathedral (Notre Dame de la Conception’ 1691-1765), The Church of Our Lady of Angels (1855), famous for an oil painting of Our Lady of Assumption given to the Church by King Louis Napoleon III, and the 17th century Chapel of Our Sisters of Cluny. Evening you can visit local market and colonies. Overnight at the 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.
06 Day: Pondicherry – Trichy (203 kms - 4 hrs)
After breakfast checkout the hotel and drive to Trichy enroute visit Chidambaram, known for its Natraj temple. The Nataraja is dedicated to Shiva in various aspects. The temple is made up of 04 halls. The nritta sabha, the hall of dances, the deva sabha, the hall of festivals, the kanaka sabha, and the raja sabha. The raja sabha is by far the most spectacular with 1000 pillars and here the pandyas celebrated their victory. Later you will stopover at Tanjore to visit the famous Brihadeshwara temple, which was built by Raja and is termed as the crowning glory of Chola temple architecture. This temple is one of the monuments in India with World Heritage listing. Also visit the Thanjavur Palace, which was constructed in 1550 and has huge corridors, spacious halls, observation and arsenal towers. After visit continue to drive to Trichy on arrival transfer to the hotel for overnight.
Tanjore or Thanjavur as it was earlier called, was the capital of the chola empire from the 10th century to the 14th century A.D. later is become part of the Vijayanagar kingdom political. Literary and religious centre of the South. The celebrated temple Brihadeshra built by the Chola King during the 11th century is its major attraction. The Saraswati Mahal library, dating back from the time of the Marathas, containing rare collections of books and manuscripts on paper and palm leaves.
Trichy: the rock fort surrounds the city. On the top of the rock there is a fort and a temple. After crossing 434 rocks cut steps, there is a temple called Mathrubhutewarar temple, which is dedicated to lord Siva. There is another temple called Ucchi Pillar temple, which is dedicated to lord Ganesh and located at the top of the rock. The entire city can be seen from this place. Srirangam temple and Sri Jambukeswarar temple are famous in Trichy.
07 Day: Trichy – Madurai (130 kms - 3 hours)
Take a sightseeing tour of the Rock Fort Temples: The land mark of Trichy, 83 meters high rock is the only outcrop in the otherwise flat land. This rock is one of the oldest in the world, almost 3,800 years old, as old as the rocks of Greenland and older than the Himalayas. Trichy is a collection of three temples - the Manikka Vinayakar temple at the foot of the hill, the Uchhi Pillayar Koyil dedicated to Lord Ganesha, at the top of the hill and the Taayumaanavar Koyil (Shivastalam) on the hill. Also visiting Sri Ranganathaswami Temple, the abode of the Supreme Lord, Sri Ranganatha, the reclining form of Lord Vishnu. The temple of Ranganatha, the largest in India representing the nine planets of our solar system. Later drive to Madurai, on arrival transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Madurai, the cultural capital and second largest city of Tamil Nadu is one of the oldest cities of southern India. Madurai has been a centre of learning and pilgrimage, for centuries. It is believed that, the divine nectar falling from Lord Shiva's locks, gave the city its name - Madhurapuri, now known as Madurai. Known as the temple city, Madurai is situated on the banks of the River Vaigai. Madurai is also an important pilgrimage center. The 985 beautiful pillared Meenakshi Amman Temple is the major attraction of Madurai. The city is also renowned for its textile mills, engineering industries and large university areas.
08 Day: Madurai
After breakfast, visit to Meenakshi Sundareshwar, one of the largest temple complex in India built between the 16th and 18th centuries. Apart from the estimated 33 million sculptures there, the temple is absolutely absorbing with the endless rounds of ceremonies, prostration of countless devotees and glittering market stalls, later visit Tiruparankundram Murugan Temple and Palamuthirsolai Murugan Temple. In the evening visit to the spice and vegetable market. Overnight at Madurai.
09 Day: Madurai – Periyar (140 Km - 4 hours):
After breakfast check out the hotel and drive Periyar through tranquil countryside, rich plantations & thick jungles. On arrival transfer to the jungle resort. Afternoon free for relaxation, later early evening take A cruise through the waters of Periyar lake around which the wild -life sanctuary is situated, offers a soul - stirring pleasant experience, The Lake in its center adds to the charm of the park. Periyar is the only sanctuary in India where you can enjoy wildlife viewing at close quarters from the safety of a boat on the Lake. At Periyar you can see, herds of elephants bathing and playing on the Periyar Lake. Later return to the resort for overnight stay.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of India's biggest wildlife sanctuaries covering 777 sq. Km (300 Sq.miles) is a Tiger Reserve. Its centerpiece, the man-made Periyar Lake at the height of 2000 ft. covers 26 sq.km, running through the forests of the Western Ghats in Kerala. The lake is an important source of water for the many wild animals. The Best time to visit Periyar is between OCTOBER and MAY. The best chance of watching animals is during the hot months of march, April and May, when water gets low and the grass dries out, animals especially elephants come down to the Periyar lake to bath & frolic in the water with the young ones.
10 Day: Periyar - Alleppey (114 kms - 2 ½ hours) Backwaters tours through sailing boat to Kumarakom.
Early morning visit at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary one of India's biggest wildlife sanctuaries covering 777 sq. Km (300 Sq. miles) is a Tiger Reserve. Its centre piece, the man-made Periyar Lake at the height of 2000 ft. covers 26 sq. km, running through the forests of the Western Ghats in Kerala, discover the park, animals found here include elephant, sambar, gaur and wild boars and birds like ibis and grey heron. Later after breakfast check out the hotel and drive drive for Alleppey, on arrival embark at the houseboat. The day for the journey of backwaters in the boat, through the tropical countryside enchanting backwaters of Alleppey by regattas (snake boats) for which Kerala is very famous, while sailing enjoy palm fringed narrow canals winding through the vast expanse of paddy fields and the neat tiny hamlets lined up along either side of the canals are panoramic sights one can never forget. The Chinese fishing nets, the reminiscent of our past trade links, are also found on the way. Flocks of duck swimming around the banks and tiny birds flying across the sky remains as enduring pictures reflecting the charm of this tourist land, you also enjoy fishing from the houseboats, evening enjoy sunset from the sun-deck of the houseboats, moving towards Kumarakom. Overnight at the houseboat.
Note: The Houseboats have generated electricity; sitting cum dinning area, separate bedroom with attached English toilets, sun deck and fully loaded kitchen with a Chef, and Srank (Driver)
Alleppey situated in south of Cochin, is the centre for backwater cruises in Kerala. It has a large network of canals, which passes through the town, provides its lifeline & has a long sandy beach. It is also the center of the famous coir products of Kerala. Nehru Trophy Boat Race - the most colourful snake-boat race in Kerala - is held here on the second Saturday of August every year.
Houseboat: A glide in a "Kettuvalam" (Houseboat) through the enchanting backwaters of Alleppey is sure to rob your heart. Palm fringed narrow canals winding through the vast expanse of paddy fields and the neat tiny hamlets lined up along either side of the canals are panoramic sights one can never forget. The Chinese fishing nets, the reminiscent of our past trade links, are also found on the way. Flocks of duck swimming around the banks and tiny birds flying across the sky remains as enduring pictures reflecting the charm of this tourist land.
11 Day: Kumarakom - – Cochin (92 Kms - 2 hours)
After breakfast disembark from the houseboat. And drive to, Kumarakom for a short tour – the town is for the nature-lover, visit at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, to see bird viewing where numerous species of birds, including Darters, Bitterns, Brahminy kites, Marsh Harries, Teals and several varieties of Herons roost are found. Afterwards drive to Cochin, on arrival transfer to the hotel. After relaxation take a sightseeing of Cochin includes Jewish synagogue, which contains beautiful Belgian glass chandeliers and is paved with hand painted tiles from China. Visit the Dutch Palace with its wonderful murals depicting the entire story of the Ramayana on its walls. See St. Francis Church - the first European church built in India. In the afternoon take Backwaters cruise visiting the Bolghatty Palace the beautiful Dutch colonial mansion. We will pass islands with their traditional fishing hamlets and the fisher flock in their colourful costumes and the Chinese fishing nets are huge cantilevered fishing nets believed to have brought to Kochi by Chinese traders. Return to the hotel. In the evening visit to see Kathakali Dance. Return to the hotel for check out the hotel and transfer to the airport to board the scheduled flight to your hometown. On departure the tour concludes with happy memories.
The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and this small water world is part of the Kuttanad region. The bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres, is a favorite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian stork that live there in flocks is a fascination for visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands.
Kochi (colonial name Cochin) is a vibrant city situated on the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula in the breathtakingly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala, hailed as 'God's Own Country'. Its strategic importance over the centuries is underlined by the sobriquet Queen of the Arabian Sea. Informally, Cochin is also referred to as the Gateway to Kerala. From time immemorial, the Arabs, British, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese have left indelible marks on the history and development of Cochin. Over the years, Cochin has emerged as the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala and is perhaps the second most important city on the west coast of India (after Mumbai/Bombay). Cochin is proud of its world class port and international airport that link it to many major cities worldwide. This lovely seaside city is flanked by the Western Ghats on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west. Its proximity to the equator, the sea and the mountains provide a rich experience of a moderate equatorial climate. Cochin is situated in Ernakulam district in the state of Kerala. Kochi is the arguably the ideal starting point for exploring the unfathomable diversity and beauty of Kerala, rated in the top three tourist destinations by the World Travel & Tourism Council and featured in National Geographic Traveler's '50 greatest places of a lifetime'.
12 Day: Cochin – Bangalore (By Air)
Meeting and assistance on arrival at the Bangalore airport, our representative welcomes and escorts 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.
Bangalore: Capital of Karnataka State, Bangalore is famous as the city of gardens. It is one of the most attractive cities in India with its beautiful parks avenues and impressive buildings. Bangalore is renowned as much for its industrial plants as for its silk saris, and for the sprawling Cubbon Park, which lies at the heart of the city, as also its prestigious race course. It is now part of the great Silicone Valley, is a beautiful city filled with the tranquillity of its greenery. The Lalbagh garden is particularly beautiful and well laid out. It has one of the largest collections of exotic Indian Tropical and Sub-tropical vegetation, Lakes and Lotus-filled pools. Cubbon park, Bull temple, Mysore arts & crafts centre are worth visiting.
13 Day: Bangalore
After breakfast take the sight seeing tour of the city visiting Lal Baug – one of the many gardens in the city; it derives its name from the profusion of Red roses which are in bloom here, Cubbon Park – a garden laid down by Lord Cubbon in 1864. The ambience of the city is broken with such a large park in the center of the city. The Bull Temple – 4.57 m high and 6.10 m long image is carved out of a large granite rock, Bangalore Palace – Build in the Tudor style and inspired by the Windsor Palace, Vidhan Soudha – the Vidhan Soudha houses the state legislative assembly of the state government, Tipu’s Palace – the summer palace of Tipu Sultan later followed by visit to Sri Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple – the temple is a natural monolith carved temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. In the evening you can visit the Ulsoor Lake, overnight at the hotel.
14 Day: Bangalore – Puttaparthi –(120 Kms: 2 ½ Hrs one way) – Bangalore
After breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Puttaparthi, on arrival visit the ashram of Satya Sai Baba and museum, which is located on the nearby hillock. The museum contains models of various temple structures including the Golden Temple of Amritsar, the Mecca mosque, etc. The main attraction of Puttaparthi is the Prashanthi Nilayam. This is an ashram where Sri Sathya Sai Baba used to stay and blesses his followers. His disciples constructed the Prashanti Nilayam meaning the abode of peace. A large number of devotees attend his birthday celebrations in Puttaparthi, where he delivers his teachings of Sathya (truth), Dharma (righteousness) Santhi (peace), Prema (universal love) and Ahimsa (non violence) to his devotees. Later in the evening drive back to Bangalore. Overnight at the hotel in Bangalore.
Puttaparthi: It was residence of Puttaparthi Sri Satya Sai Baba. An important tourist attraction of Ananthapur district, Puttaparthi is surrounded by the arid and rocky hills bordering Karnataka. There are several tourist attractions in Puttaparthi .The most often-visited place in the ashram of Satya Sai Baba is the museum, which is located on the nearby hillock. The museum contains models of various temple structures including the Golden Temple of Amritsar, the Mecca mosque, etc. The museum also depicts the story of Satya Sai Baba, right from his birth to the time he attained 'Nirvana.
15 Day: Bangalore – Mysore (140 kms: 3 hrs)
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to Mysore. En route visit the Srirangapatnam (20 kms from Mysore) to visit Fort and Sri Ranganathaswami Temple. Later proceed to Mysore. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Later take a sight seeing trip to visit the 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.
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.
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.
16 Day: Mysore – Belur – Halebid – Hassan (170 kms: 4 hrs)
After breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Hassan en route through picturesque hilly landscape and en route 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. In Belur we visit the group of Chennakesava Temples, which are famous for its architecture and sculptures. After visit drive to Hassan for overnight stay.
Halebid is 27 kms northwest of Hassan and 17 kms east of Belur. The temples of Halebid - like those of Belur - bear mute testimony to the rich, cultural heritage of Karnataka. The Hoysaleswara Temple, dating back to the 21th century, is astounding for its wealth of sculpture 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 a Nandi Bull - was never completed despite 86 years of labour. The Jain basdis nearby are equally rich in sculpture detail.
Belur, this quaint hamlet - 38 kms from Hassan - is located on the banks of the river Yagachi. It was once capital of the Hoysala Empire, today made unforgettable for its exquisite temples. The Chennakesava temple is one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture. It took 103 years to complete this architectural marvel. The facade of the temple is filled with intricate sculptures and frescos, with no portion left blank. Elephants, episodes from the epics, sensuous dancers.. they are all there - awe-inspiring in their intricate workmanship. Hand-lathe-turned filigreed pillars support the temple. The Veeranarayana Temple and the smaller shrines are worth a visit.
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
17 Day: Hassan – Hospet (280 kms: 7 hrs)
After breakfast check out of the hotel and drive to Hospet. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Rest of the evening is free for leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
18 Day: Hospet – Hampi – Hospet ( 15 kms ½ hour one way)
After breakfast excursion again to 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. 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.
19 Day: Hospet – Aihole – Pattadakal – Badami (190 kms: 5 hrs)
After breakfast take a scenic journey by road to Badami set in beautiful countryside's of the four of a red sanstone ridge the small rural town of Badami was once the capital of the Chalakyan empire which covered much of central Deccan between the 4th and 8th centuries. En route visit to nearly Pattadakal - a world heritage center, it has 10 major temples representing early chaluyan architecture, where coronations took place and where most of the temples were built between the 7th and 9th centuries. The Virupaksha, Malikarjuna and join Temples are quite marvellous to behold included are a visit to Aihole where the Hindu temples architecture can be seen in its embryonic stage -50 temples within the fort wall and 50 outside. After visit continue to drive to Badami. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
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.
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 assemblyhall 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.
20 Day: Badami
After breakfast take a sightseeing tour of Badami - Rock-cut cave temples, Gateways, Forts, inscriptions, Sculptures that seem to come alive under your eyes…. Badami has to be seen to be believed. Climb a flight of steps to reach the ancient caves - all hewn out o sand stone on the precipice of a hill. Three 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 Nataraja 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.
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
21 Day:Badami – Goa (190 kms: 4 hrs)
After breakfast check out of the hotel and drive to Goa. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day is free for rest and relaxation and for individual activities. 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.
22 Day: Goa
After breakfast 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.
23 Day: Goa
After breakfast morning is free for leisure. Rest of the day for leisure at the beaches and free for individual activities. Overnight at hotel in Goa.
24 Day: Goa – Home Town (BY Air)
After breakfast morning is free for leisure. Later check out of the hotel and drive to the airport to board the flight for home town.
