Duration: 13 Nights – 14 Days
Destination Covered: Mumbai – Bangalore – Mysore – Hassan – Hospet – Badami – Hubli – Goa – Mumbai
| Tour Highlights | |
| Mumbai | Gateway of India, Elephanta Caves boat cruise, Prince of Wales Museum & Marine Drive. |
| Bangalore | Tipu Sultan’s Palace & Museum, ISKCON Temple & Lal Bagh Garden. |
| Mysore | Srirangapatnam & Tipu’s Summer Palace, Maharaja’s Palace & Chamundi Hill. |
| Hassan | Chennakeshawa Temple at Belur & Hoyasaleshwara Temple at Halebidu. |
| Hampi | Vittala Temple, Queen’s Bath & Lotus Mahal. |
| Pattadakkal & Aihole | World Heritage temples, inscriptions and the cradle of Indian temple architecture. |
| Badami | Rock-cut cave temples, gateways & inscriptions. |
| Goa |
Beaches Optional: Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, Church of St. Francis of Assisi & Our Lady of the Rosary Church. |
Day 01: Arrive Mumbai
Arrive in Mumbai by international flight. After a traditional ‘Swagat’ (welcome), our representative will assist you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for check-in. Mumbai, originally an archipelago of seven islands, has been inhabited since the Stone Age, with documented history dating back to 250 BC. The islands formed part of the Maurya Empire in the 3rd century BC. In 1534, they were acquired by the Portuguese from the King of Gujarat and later ceded to Charles II of England in 1661 as part of Catherine de Braganza’s dowry. Subsequently, the islands were leased to the British East India Company in 1668.
Overnight Hotel – Mumbai (B)
Day 02: Mumbai – Bangalore (Evening Flight)
Today, enjoy a city tour of Mumbai visiting the iconic Gateway of India, built to commemorate the visit of King George V in 1911. Across the road, visit the Prince of Wales Museum, an architectural blend of Gothic and Moorish styles, housing priceless collections including Indus Valley artefacts dating back to 2000 BC, along with Tibetan and Nepali art.
Later, take a boat cruise from the Gateway of India to the Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring rock-cut temples dating back to the 5th century CE. The caves were named by the Portuguese after a stone elephant statue found near the island’s landing area. Drive along the scenic Marine Drive, stretching from Nariman Point past Chowpatty Beach to the foothills of Malabar Hill.
In the evening, fly to Bangalore, the Garden City, known for its blend of historic and modern architecture. Admire the majestic Vidhana Soudha, an impressive post-independence structure housing the State Legislature and Secretariat.
Overnight Hotel – Bangalore (B)
Day 03: Bangalore – Mysore (135 km / 3 hrs)
Half-Day City Tour
Begin with a guided tour of Bangalore, visiting Tipu Sultan’s Palace, a fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture reflecting the Mughal lifestyle. The palace was begun by Hyder Ali and completed by Tipu Sultan and now serves as a museum. Continue to the ISKCON Temple, a harmonious blend of Dravidian and modern architectural styles, featuring a Vedic cultural centre and library.
Next, visit the historic Lal Bagh Garden, initiated by Hyder Ali in 1760, famous for its lush greenery and year-round blooming flowers.
Later, drive to Mysore, the former capital of the Wodeyar dynasty, renowned for its royal heritage, grand palaces, landscaped gardens, wide boulevards and timeless charm.
Overnight Hotel – Mysore (B)
Day 04: Mysore
Today, explore Mysore starting with Srirangapatnam, the historic capital of Tipu Sultan, dotted with monuments reflecting his resistance against British rule. Visit Dariya Daulat Bagh, Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, set amidst scenic surroundings on an island formed by the River Cauvery.
Continue to the magnificent Mysore Palace (Amba Vilas Palace), designed by British architect Henry Irwin and completed in 1912. Later, ascend Chamundi Hill, crowned by a 12th-century Durga Temple and home to a colossal monolithic Nandi statue carved in 1659.
In the evening, visit the beautifully illuminated Brindavan Gardens, famous for its musical fountains set against the backdrop of the Krishnarajasagar Dam.
Overnight Hotel – Mysore (B)
Day 05: Mysore – Hassan (150 km / 3 hrs)
Drive to Hassan, founded in the 11th century by Channa Krishnappa Nayaka and named after the presiding deity Hasanamba, the smiling goddess.
Later, visit the magnificent Chennakeshawa Temple at Belur, built in 1117 AD to commemorate Hoysala military victories, renowned for its intricate sculptures depicting scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranas. Continue to the Hoyasaleshwara Temple at Halebidu, built in 1121 AD and dedicated to Lord Shiva, featuring twin sanctums connected by richly carved pillared halls.
Overnight Hotel – Hassan (B)
Day 06: Hassan – Hospet (150 km / 3 hrs)
Drive to Hospet, once a flourishing city of the Vijayanagara Empire, earlier known as Nagalapura. The city was destroyed in 1565 following the Battle of Talikota.
Overnight Hotel – Hospet (B)
Day 07: Hospet – Excursion to Hampi
Enjoy a full-day excursion to Hampi, the former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire founded in 1336 by Harihara and Bukka. After its defeat in 1565, the once-glorious city fell into decline, leaving behind a haunting yet magnificent landscape of ruins.
Visit the Virupaksha Temple, still an active place of worship, noted for its nine-storeyed gopuram and richly painted ceilings. Explore the Vittala Temple complex, famed for its musical pillars and the iconic Stone Chariot. Continue to the Elephant Stables, Queen’s Bath and the elegant Lotus Mahal, an air-cooled summer palace blending Hindu and Islamic architectural styles.
Overnight Hotel – Hospet (B)
Day 08: Hospet – Badami via Pattadakkal & Aihole (180 km / 4 hrs)
Drive to Badami, founded by Pulakesi I of the Chalukya dynasty, situated amidst dramatic red sandstone cliffs surrounding the Agastya Tirtha reservoir. The town is renowned for its rock-cut cave temples dating from the 6th to 8th centuries AD.
En route, visit Pattadakkal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring ten major temples representing early Chalukyan architecture, and Aihole, known as the “Cradle of Indian Architecture,” with over a hundred ancient temples including the Lad Khan Temple, Durga Temple, Meguthi Jain Temple and a two-storeyed Buddhist shrine.
Overnight Hotel – Badami (B)
Day 09: Badami – City Tour
Explore Badami’s remarkable cave temples carved into sandstone cliffs. The four main caves date from the Chalukyan period, with exquisite carvings of Shiva as Nataraja, Vishnu in his Varaha and Trivikrama incarnations, and inscriptions dating back to 578 CE. Higher up is a Jain cave dedicated to Tirthankara Adinatha, dating to the 12th century.
Also visit the star-shaped Mallikarjuna Temple, dating back to the 11th century.
Overnight Hotel – Badami (B)
Day 10: Badami – Hubli
Drive to Hubli, historically known as Raya Hubli, which later emerged as a major commercial centre for cotton and iron during the Vijayanagara Empire.
Overnight Hotel – Hubli (B)
Day 11: Hubli – Goa (210 km / 4 hrs)
Proceed to Goa, a former territory of the Maurya Empire in the 3rd century BC and later ruled by the Chalukyas of Badami. Known for its stunning beaches, rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats and remarkable Portuguese-era architecture, Goa is home to UNESCO-listed monuments such as the Basilica of Bom Jesus.
Overnight Hotel – Goa (B)
Day 12: Goa
Day at leisure to relax and enjoy the beaches.
Overnight Hotel – Goa (B)
Day 13: Goa
Day at leisure or opt for a full-day sightseeing tour of Goa, including Old Goa churches such as the Basilica of Bom Jesus, housing the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, the Se Cathedral and the Church of St. Francis of Assisi. Visit Sri Manguesh Temple at Ponda, dedicated to Lord Shiva, followed by Dona Paula and Miramar Beach, where the Mandovi River meets the Arabian Sea, offering spectacular sunset views.
Overnight Hotel – Goa (B)
Day 14: Goa – Mumbai (Afternoon Flight)
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Mumbai. Tour concludes.
