Wonders of South India
Duration: 16 Nights / 17 Days
Places Covered: Mumbai - Hyderabad - Chennai - Mysore -
Bangalore - Hampi - Bijapur - Goa - Mumbai
Day 01: Mumbai
On arrival - met, assisted and transferred to your hotel. Rest of the day
at your discretion.
Day 02: Mumbai
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 and then to Dhobi Ghat. Also
visit Afgan Church, Flora Fountain, Colourful Crawford Market and Marine
Drive.
Day 03: Hyderabad
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 04: Hyderabad
Full day excursion to Golconda Fort. Golconda, once famed for its diamond
mines, 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 05: Chennai
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 06: Chennai
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 07: Mysore
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 08: Mysore
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 09: Bangalore
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
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
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
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.
Bijapur was the capital of the Adil Shah Kings who left a wealth of monuments.
The most famous is the Gol Gumbaz whose dome is the second largest in the
world.A whisper into the dome on one side gets magnified 12 times and on
the other side of the dome is an amazing acoustical phenomenon.Other buildings
to see are Ibrahim Rauza, Gagan Mahal, Bara Kaman etc.
Day 14: Goa
After break fast we proceed to Goa. Arrive and check in hotel. For the day
you are free to relax.
Day 15: Goa
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
Whole day free to explore its beaches or to relax.
Day 17: Mumbai
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.
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