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Pristine
rhododendron forests, Majestic Tea gardens, unpolluted air,
old monasteries and majestic views of of the east ridge of
Kanchanjunga and to add, The unique culture of local
residents - all is there while you are on following Trekking
mission:
Delhi - Bagdogra -
Gangtok
Arrive Bagdogra, on arrival transfer to hotel in Gangtok.
Day free to relax. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02 - Gangtok
Early
morning visit Tashiview point. Afternoon visit Phudong
Monastery, Orchid, Sanctuary the Government Institute of
cottage industry. Overnight at hotel.
 Day 03 - Gangtok -
Khandong
Leave for Rumtek Monastery, after visiting monastery begin
trek to sang of Khandong. Overnight at camp.
Day 04 - Khandong - Tarku
Trek to Tarku (Tea Garden). Overnight at camp.
Day 05 - Tarku -
Rabongola
Trek to Rabongola a monastery though small but being sacred
is worth visiting. Overnight at camp.
Day 06 - Rabongola -
Legship
Trek to Legship. Overnight at camp.
Day 07 - Legship -
Pemayangtsee
An ideal base for those who like to explore the unspoilt
charm of the neighbouring spots, Pemayangtse monastery is
the second oldest monastery in Sikkim. Overnight at camp.
Day 08 - Pemayangtse -
Yuksom (2135 metres)
Trek to Yuksom : a historical spot, trek takes 6 hrs.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 09 - Yuksom -
Bakhim (2135 to 2175 metres)
Trek to Bakhim, which may stretch upto 06hrs, amidst
beautiful lush green surroundings. Overnight at hotel.
Day 10 - Bakhim -
Dzongri
Trek upto Dzongri is strenuous as you will climb from 2750
metres to 4250 metres. Overnight at camp.
Day 11 - Dzongri
Morning free to see sunrise, day free to relax. Overnight
stay at camp.
Day 12 - Dzongri - Yuksom
Trek down to Yuksom. Overnight at camp.
Day 13 - Yuksom - Darjeeling
Morning drive to Darjeeling. On arrival transfer to hotel.
Rest of the day free to relax. Overnight at hotel.
Day 14 -
Darjeeling
Morning excursion to Tiger H ill. Afternoon city tour
including visit to Ghoom monastery. Overnight at hotel.
Day 15 - Darjeeling -
Bagdogra - Delhi
Transfer to Bagdogra Airport for flight to Delhi for
connecting International flight back home.
Top
Southern Splendours
Destinations covered:
Tour Destinations: Chennai - Mahabalipuram - Kanchipuram -
Trichy - Tanjore - Madurai - Periyar- Cochin - Mysore -
Bangalore - Hassan - Belur - Halebid - Hospet - Hampi -
Badami - Aihole - Pattadakal - Goa - Mumbai
Duration: 18 Nights / 19
Days
Day 01 : Arrival at
Chennai (Earlier named Madras)
Highlights:
• Received at the airport with absolute customized
assistance.
• Warm welcome at the hotel reception.
• Lavish Dinner at hotel premises - the highlight of the
evening.
The day first will be your arrival at the Anna International
Terminal at Chennai. Received by our representative with a
fabulous traditional welcome as soon as you step down the
airport.
You will be given absolute customized assistance at the
airport and thereafter escorted safely to your hotel
accommodation. Your stay tonight is arranged with Welcome
Group Chola Sheraton - a deluxe hotel quite centrally
located. Within no time we will be reaching the hotel. A
warm welcome awaits at the hotel reception. Greeted in most
traditional Indian way by the garlands and a welcome drink.
After fresh-up, join for the most relishing cuisine at the
dining restaurant of the hotel premises. There will be a
small introduction with the other fellow members of our team
as well as with your other tour accompanies. Enjoy your
dining course along with the beverages of your choice, after
dinner retreat back to your hotel room for over night stay.
Day 02 :
Chennai Sightseeing
Highlights:
• Chennai Sightseeing Tour.
• Visit Government Museum and National Art Gallery, Fort St.
George and St. Mary's
Church
• Visit Crocodile Breeding Farm.
• Adventure Sports Activities on Marina Beach.
• Overnight stay at your hotel.
Get up early as its going to be a bit hectic day. There is
lot to reveal from beneath the folding times of Dravidian
culture. A comfortable tourist deluxe bus will take you for
entire day sightseeing trip. Our first destination will be
Government Museum and National Art Gallery. Pay attention to
the magnificent bronze artifacts specially the famous icon
of 'Naatraja'. From here straight drive to Fort St. George
and St. Mary's Church, here you will be visiting the
colossal fort encompassing the divine church. Walk at the
ramparts and look around the entire periphery of the fort to
feel the mightiness and the vigor of the first fortress of
British power in India.
Our next destination will be Crocodile Bank; the distance
will be covered in almost one and a half-hour. Throughout
the way enjoy the busy street life of Chennai, you will
wonder - the same main road catering the local buses,
tourist buses, a vendor running fast for his daily sales and
those loaded bullock-carts bearing ten times more then their
own weight, isn't all mesmerizing, after all it can only
happen in India. Enjoy these memorable views. Here comes the
breeding farm of crocodiles. Watch these predators lying in
the lakes and know more about the breeding and thereafter
releasing them in their natural surrounding. Also see the 26
species of turtles, the authorities will rightly tell you
about the endangered species among them. We will also be
visiting Gandhi Memorial, Kala Kshetra and Mylapore Temple
on our way.
Now its time for beach hunt, heading towards the famous
Marina Beach. A spectacular extension of 13 km offers a
unique splendor of sea sand and surf. We will not recommend
bathing and swimming in the sea, as the tides are little
rough here. We have other options for you to enjoy the beach
mosaic, indulge into para-sailing, gliding, windsurfing,
cruising, etc. Or just walk on the soft wet sand watching
the golden sun baptizing into the horizon, the sea in its
sapphire hue suddenly caste into gold that shimmers the
whole environ around and the cool gentle breeze flirt with
your hair and cheeks. We are sure you may not have witnessed
such a romantic vista before. Enjoy some of the local
delicacies on the beech from the local vendors or just pick
up few artifacts made of shells and coral from any of the
beach strolls, a good choice for gifting.
Your dinner will be hosted at your hotel premises, enjoy the
Indian or continental cuisine at your dinning table.
Overnight stay at your hotel.
Day 03 :
Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram
• Visit Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram Town.
• Visiting Mahabalipuram Shore Temple.
• Exploring 124 rock shrines and other monuments.
• A Visit to Silk Sari Weaving Center at Kanchipuram.
• Overnight Train to Trichy.
Today we will be visiting the beautiful town of
Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram. We will be covering the
distance in almost one and a half-hour as Mahabalipur is
60km form Chennai. The road along seaside will offer you
beautiful view full of natural splendors. Read through the
brochures about these glorious towns, listen to your guide
on board about every niche of this World Heritage Site. We
will be visiting the most famous Shore Temple. Watch the
exquisite rock-cut monolithic stunning rock carving of
Mahabalipuram depicting the typical Dravidian art. The
chariots, sculptures and cave temple found here will
definitely cast a spell on you. Your lunch will be at Comet
- A Quality Inn Beach, enjoy its beach location as well as
the continental cuisine.
We will continue our journey towards Kanchipuram famous for
its more then 1000-temple shrines. Here, explore the magic
of 124 rock shrines, the temples of Ekambareswara,
Kailasanatha and Varadarajaswamy. Note the architectural
pulchritude of the seven pagodas that will leave you aghast.
Later we will be visiting the silk sari-weaving center in
Kanchipuram, here watch, how this fine silk thread turns
into exorbitant and fabulous silk designs. We recommend,
shopping for the silk items, as Kanchipuram silk is a world
famous for its fine quality. In evening, transferred to the
railway station for an overnight train to Trichy. Dinner and
night stay on board. It will be a real relaxing journey
after a tiresome day of temple exploration. Sleep well and
recharge your mind and body for another ordeal.
Day 04 : Arrival at Trichy (Tiruchirapalli)
Highlights:
• Arrival at Trichy Railway Station.
• Sightseeing Tour of Trichy City.
• Excursion to Viralimalai Town.
• Visit Murugan Temples, Peacock sanctuary.
• Visiting Sittanavasal town for Cave Paintings.
• Overnight stay at Trichy.
Mornings the train will arrive at Trichy railway station.
Indian railway stations are the most lively bustling
junctions of the world, feel it yourself, we are sure you
may not have ever seen such a melodrama at a single point.
Our representative will be right there for your assistance
on your arrival. Get transfer to your hotel Jenneys
Residency, a good deluxe hotel with all the modern
facilities. Through with your breakfast at the hotel and get
set for another mesmerizing day tour of Trichy City. Listen
to your guide on board who has some gratifying epitome of
this legendary town, a perfect amalgamation of tradition and
modernity.
Foremost cover on our itinerary is the glorious Rock Fort.
Perched on the massive rock with few local hamlets dispersed
distantly and against the black-drop of the long hill range
to tell you the tales of the days gone by. You climb the 434
steps and reach the ancient temple of Ganapati on top and a
further climb to a Shiva temple. Wonder around inside the
fort, you will feel as if wandering in a time wrap. The
guide inside the fort will tell you about the impressive
tales of blood-curdling battles (of 18th century). You'll be
also see Lord Robert Clive's house and the Danish Church.
After lunch we will head towards Viralimalai, a small town
situated about 30 km from Tiruchirappalli. The route chosen
will give you the splendorous and lively window view.
Visiting the famous Murugan Temples, gaze at the stunning
temple architecture carved by those magical hands that have
scrupled the human imagination into a reality. We will also
visit the beautiful Peacock sanctuary located near the
temple, watch the numerous species of peacocks and know much
about these most gorgeous birds from the authorities, pick
few of the royal features scattered all around the bird
sanctuary. If time permits we will also covering
Sittanavasal town much famous for its fine fresco paintings
in a rock cave - another hour drive from here. Your dinner
and over night stay will be at your hotel.
Day 05 : Trichy - Tanjore -
Madurai
Highlights:
• Starting for Madurai
• En-route visiting famous Chola Temple and monuments.
• Watch artists at work at Thanjavur Painting School.
• Overnight stay at Hotel Taj Garden Retreat.
• Evenings at leisure.
On fifth day we will start for Madurai, the most beautiful
temple town of South India. In the morning we'll drive to
Madurai visiting Tanjore en-route. At Tanjore, see the
beautiful Chola Temple of Brihadeeshwara, wonder at the
monolithic cupola chiseled out of a single granite block
weighing 80 tons. Spend time here photographing unique
creation of art and listing to your guide. He will justify,
how this 'World Heritage Site' also has a remarkable
architectural grandeur similar to Egyptian Pyramids. We will
also be covering Thanjavur Palace in our tour.
Next head towards the unique and colourful world of
Thanjavur paintings. Visit with us the famous school of
Tanjavur paintings, watch the dedicated artists at work who
have kept alive this traditional art by many centuries,
mainly figuring Lord Krishna adorned with gold leaves and
gems of varied hues. Shop here, for some of these unique
paintings, the shines and glean of the gold leaves will
lasts forever on your living walls. Next is Madurai, we will
cover the journey in about two and a half hours. So relax
well in your comfortable coach seats enjoying the window
view of typical South Indian City life and its people. Well
adjust and recharge your cameras for an unexpected vista on
your way. If you have spent few days in northern part of
India then definitely able to structure out the remarkable
contrast between the two zones the culture, the people and
their lifestyle.
Here comes Madhurai, check in your hotel Taj Garden Retreat,
a famous heritage hotel of the city. Evenings are at
leisure, you are free to spend your evenings in your own
way. You can indulge in recreational activities offered by
the hotel, relax your self in the well-maintained swimming
pool or get refresh over a glass of beer in the bar
restaurant. Other option is to hang around the nearby
shopping arcades on foot, as it is the best means to explore
the city with your own pace. People in South India are quite
courteous, they will go out of way to help you in finding
your way and routes, reciprocate them with sweet smile or a
word of thanks, they will be highly pleased, as Indian get
satisfy even with the smallest peace of cake if given with
love. Retreat back to your hotel room for an overnight stay.
Day 06 :
Madurai Sightseeing
Highlights:
• Madurai Whole day Sightseeing Tour.
• Visiting Meenakshi Temple, Tirumala Nayak Palace, Museum.
• Evenings indulge in Shopping.
• Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel.
Good Morning Madurai, day sixth of your tour is going to be
little hectic as Madurai has plethora of charms to entice
you. Enjoy a typical South Indian breakfast comprising of
idli, vara, dosa, sambar, chatni ( stuff made of rice and
pulses), definitely the dishes will set new flavor in your
mouth. Finish-up with your breakfast and tread with us
towards the most famous Meenakshi Temple. Pay a special
attention to the 1000-pillared hall and those stone
sculptures carved on the pillars, try hitting gently at the
pillar, you will be amazed at the metallic sound echoed from
a stone pillar.
Enjoy a cup of hot coffee just outside the temple premises
from any of the roadside 'bistros' offering the tourist a
quick trembler of steaming filter coffee. Your eyes cannot
skip those gorgeous ladies with long dark hair reaching
right up to their knees well tucked with the soothing
fragrance of jasmine bunch.
Later on, we will be visiting the Tirumala Nayak Palace - a
splendiferous complex well erected in the Indo-Saracenic
style of architecture. Notice the Stucco-work on its domes
and arches, worth a site. Gandhi Museum will be our next
destination, watch the pictures highlighting the freedom
struggle and the blood stained dhoti (long unstitched cloth)
worn by the Mahatama Gandhi at the time of his
assassination. Also visit its handicraft section of Khadi
and Village industries. Alagar Hills and Tirupara Kundran
Rock temple are some of the other attractions included in
the tour. Evenings are exclusively kept for your shopping
prerequisites. The area around Madurai temple showcases the
retail outlays specializing in cotton and silk saris. Shop
for these some of the exclusive items, here wood-crafted
items and jewelry can be excellent gifts for your dear ones.
Your dinner will be in your hotel. Relax in your cozy beds
enjoying any of the entertaining stuff over the television
gently retreating to the fairy dreamland.
Top
Day 07 : Periyar-
160km
Highlights:
• Starting for Kerala State.
• Visiting Periyar Wild Life National Park.
• Boat Cruise over the Lake Periyar.
• Sighting of Wildlife like Tigers, Elephnat and Bird
Population.
• Lakeside Barbecue Dinner.
• Overnight at Periyar Jungle Resort.
From day 7, your tour will tread you to the extrinsic
adventures of Kerala. After the divine journey to the temple
towns of Tamil Nadu, get ready to baptize into natures
bountiful of charisma in 'God's Own Country'. Your first
destination will be Periyar which is around 160 km away. It
will take us around 3 hours to cover the distance. Our super
deluxe buses are specially designed to undertake the
hardships of the journey.
We have taken special care in choosing our travel routes,
enjoy the morning glory of the rising sun that keeps
spreading its heavenly charms by every changing scenic
splendor. The green paddy fields, the lush green vegetation,
the inland waters are all worth a view from your coach
window.
In Periyar your stay is in KTDC's Lake Palace, you will be
transported by a boat cruise to your accommodation as the
hotel is nestling amidst the pristine blue lake also a
paradise for bird population. Rest in your hotel suit or
just hang around the lake to be a part of natural vista.
After lunch get ready for a jungle trial in the great wilds
of Periyar Wildlife National Park housing numerous wildlife
including great Indian tiger, Indian elephant, sloth bear,
barking deer, reptiles, app. 320 species of bird population.
In afternoon we have chosen a boat cruise on Periyar Lake as
it is the best means to penetrate in the domain of the
jungle king, who knows, the royal clan might be quenching
its thrust on the lake bank. You will also be rendezvousing
the numerous aerial population from a close quarters, be
ready with your camcorders and binoculars to capture some of
the live moments of the wild. Late evening enjoy a lakeside
barbecue and dinner in your hotel complex under a silvery
moonlight, where the tranquil water rappels down the narrow
alleys with a musical tone creating a perfect environ for an
artist to create its lifetime chef d'oeuvre. Overnight at
the hotel.
Day 8 : Periyar- 160km
Highlights:
• Jeep Safari in Periyar Wildlife
• Going for Bamboo Rafting Trip.
• Meeting Mannans Tribe and Museum.
• Sighting of Wildlife on Cruise.
• Overnight at Periyar Jungle Resort.
Morning in Periyar is a bliss! Where one can have such a
panoramic view of nature, the gushing water flows at your
side and the lush green patches at the backdrop. Enjoy your
morning coffee engrossing in the nature's beauty. It is just
a subliminal image of your day, there are myriad of
temptations Periyar has to offer you today.
Our day will start with a jungle safari on a jeep. The herds
of elephant bypassing your jungle treks is a common
phenomenon in the Periyar National Park, get ready with all
your sighting equipment, you might capture one of the
lifetime moments in your camera.
We have also arranged Bamboo rafting trip in Periyar jungles
that involves trekking. The jungle guides will take you to
the interiors of the wild through different habitats for
trekking. You will be rafting on the gushing lake,
definitely it is a most adventurous jungle trial, where you
encounter with the great jungle life. Evening, we will
rendezvous you with the Mannans Tribe, one of the oldest
groups to inhabit the forest. Observe the tribal life of
these jungle people, these tribe unlike other tribes in
India are quite friendly and will receive you with warmth.
Watch the Mannans Museums and get a glimpse of a tribal
culture. As you cruise on a motor boat along the Periyar
Lake, catch sights of the varied wildlife inhabiting the
park, invariably coming across elephants, wild boars,
sambars, tigers, leopards, langur and varied number of
aerial population. Overnight at your hotel accommodation.
Day 09 : Cochin
(190 kms)
Highlights:
• Start for Cochin Tour.
• Unwind The Travel Tiredness Though Ayurveda and Spa.
• Rejuvenate in Hotel Ayurveda Spa.
• Ferry Ride from Ernakulam to Kumbalangi Village.
• Shop at Mattancherry and Jew Street for Spices, Tea, and
Coffee.
We will start our day early for Cochin tour also known as
Kumarakom. It will take us about three-and-half hours to
cover 190 - km distance. We have made sure that the journey
is hassle free and comfortable choosing the most lively
routes that gives you the maximum of South India's rich
cultural heritage and the synopses of rural village life. If
interested we can stop the coaches at particular
destinations to capture the enthralling scenes of the rural
India. After checking in the hotel, we move to the
rejuvenation houses of Ayurveda in the morning. After the
completin of the mix of Medicated Baths and Herbal therapy
we go back to the hotel for lunch.
Your stay is arranged in Casino Hotel on Willingdon Island.
Enjoy the unmatched views of the harbor from your hotel
rooms. To rejuvenate yourself, indulge into some Ayurvedic
messages or Spa facilities offered by the hotel. There is
other option as well, chill yourself in the hotel bar, try
out the cocktails based on home grown Kerala liquor and
health drinks based on Ayurvedic concepts. Believe us, the
result will be remarkable.
After lunch we will proceed for a magnificent ferry ride
from Ernakulam's main jetty to the Kumbalangi Village in the
south. You will enjoy the special view of this great harbor
that the ferries afford over centuries. Capture the last
shine of the glorious sun while it is all set to baptize
into the horizon, an idle sight for photography. Evening,
head for a leisure walk and shopping at Mattancherry and Jew
Street. Shop for antique items, spices, coffee and tea. The
whole area is soaked with the redolence of aromatic spices
wheeled in and out of go-downs. Overnight stay and dinner at
your hotel.
Day 10 :
Cochin Sightseeing Tour
Highlights:
• Half Day Sightseeing Tour the city.
• Visiting the Portuguese Monumental Heritage.
• Watch the Working of Chinese Fishing Nets.
• Backwater Cruise Tour.
• Exploring the Backwater Village.
• Overnight stay at the Hotel.
After breakfast we'll go about to explore the port city.
We'll take you to the Jewish synagogue, Portuguese churches,
mosques and Hindu temples. Look at those ancient Chinese
fishing nets that certainly deserve your attention. Watch
closely the working of these nets, which requires absolute
co-ordination of many people together.
Afternoon awaits a thrilling excitement. Its time for a
backwater cruise on the luxury wooden houseboats. As the
cruise starts, golden rays over the harbor and the seafront
start twinkling with a welcome note, almost fairytale like
atmosphere.
Watch the aerial population at the close quarters flying low
on the surface of the blue waters. A halt at the backwater
village will be quite exciting, enjoy fresh coconut water
directly coming down from the long flanged coconut trees.
Mingle with the village people and listen to their
interesting tales. The magic of setting sun will leave you
spellbound. This panoramic vista is exhilarating enough to
stimulate your thoughts and write a romantic poetry over the
gushing blues of tranquility as our boat cruises through it.
After this fabulous trip on the backwaters you will be
retreated to your hotel accommodation, enjoy a sumptuous
dinner and refresh yourself over a cup of hot filter coffee.
Stay overnight in Kumarakom.
Day 11 -
Cochin - Mysore (578 km)
Highlights:
• Flying to Mysore in Karnataka State.
• Sightseeing Tour of Mysore City.
• Visit Mysore Palace, Chamundi Davi.
• Shop For Mysore Silk and Sandal Wood Products.
• Overnight Stay at the Hotel.
Morning enjoy the typical Kerala Breakfast from one of the
famous restaurants in the town. The hot and little spicy
flavor of Samber - Dosa (lentil curry with rice chappatti
filled with potato) really mouth watering. Today we will be
heading for yet another state of India - Karnataka. The
578-km distance will be covered by flight, within an hour we
will be reaching Mysore - the capital of Karnataka.
On arrival check in the hotel. Relax in your hotel room or
at the opulent bar over a chilled beer or just indulge into
some recreational activities offered by the hotel. Entire
afternoon is at the disposal of Mysore City also known as
the 'Sandalwood City' of India. We will bypass the sandal
wood forests through a placid green hilly terrain all
showcasing the picturesque splendid vista. We will be
visiting the Mysore Palace built in 1911 at the cost of 4.2
million Rupee. Pay attention to the harmonious synthesis of
Hindu and Saracenic styles of architecture. Then we will
head for Chamundi Davi Temple nestling on a hilltop, enjoy
the scenic splendor of Mysore town from the temple site.
Later in evening we will take to the famous Mysore market,
shop here for sandal wood items or precious Mysore silk
fabric famous all over India as well in abroad. Night at
your hotel premises.
Day 12 :
Bangalore (Entire Day Sightseeing)
Highlights:
• Starting For Bangalore City.
• Visiting Bull Temple, Tipu Sultan Palace.
• Evenings For Shopping.
• Overnight stay at the Hotel.
Today after breakfast we will be driving to Bangalore, the
capital city of Karnataka State. It will be a two and a
half-hour drive through the green fields where the hilly
terrain, cool breeze and the extended tea states at the back
drop will engross you so much that by the time you realize,
you sojourn in a paradise. Check-in your hotel and get
refresh for an exciting day tour of the city of gardens.
Famous Bull temple will be our first destination. Look at
the huge Bull sculpture measuring 4.57 m in height and 6.10
m in length carved out of a single granite rock. Visit with
us the Tipu Sultan's Palace built of teakwood. Pay a special
attention to the inlay designs, the floral patterns on the
walls and ceilings of the fort, they are really unique.
We will continue our sightseeing to Lal Bagh - a botanical
garden. See those red roses laid in thousands casting a
magical spell on their visitors. Also see the rare century
old trees, tropical and sub-tropical plants, luxuriate on
the green bed lawns embellished with fountains and lotus
pools. Evenings we will take you to the famous market
junction at M.G. Road, here you can shop for some exclusive
artifacts and decorative items made of bullhorns. After a
sumptuous dinner at the dinning hall of your hotel, retreat
to your most luxurious cozy bed all set to transverse you
into the arms of sleep.
Day 13 : Hassan,
Belur and Halebid 222 Km
Highlights:
• Visiting Hassan Town for Jain Sculptures and Sculptures
• Excursion to Belur and Halebid for temple architecture.
• Overnight stay at Hassan Ashok at Hassan.
Morning we will leave for Hassan, en-route visiting
Sravanabelagola Jain Temples, quite visible from a distance
of 25 km. Climbing up the 500 steps cut out of rock to seek
the blessing of Lord Gomateswara 17.5 m high perched on the
summit. We continue our drive to Hassan. Check-in your hotel
accommodation. After lunch we will start for nearby
excursion tour to Belur and Halebid. We'll take you to the
900 year old Chenna Kesava temple of Belur. You'll be
impressed by the Hoysala art of the temple. Thereafter you
are to visit Halebid's the 12th century Hoysaleswara and
Kedareswara temples, much known for their architecture and
carvings. The splendor of the city is attested by its
magnificent monuments which still rank among the
masterpieces of the Hindu art. Have a glance at the walls of
the Hoysaleawara temple and reveal the sculptures of
goddesses, animals, birds and dancing girl, in fact this
small town is wrapped with many such wonders of past. Enjoy
the typical Karanataka food delicacy comprising of Ragi
balls with mutton or vegetable stew quite different from the
Keralite versions. For your overnight stay, we have booked
hotel Hassan Ashok, quite a comfortable accommodation with
shopping arcade, coffee shop and sumptuous dinning hall.
Day 14 : Hassan
/ Hospet / Hampi (325 Km / 07 hrs)
Highlights:
• Visiting Hampi.
• Sighting of Famous Monumental Heritage.
• Visit Museum on the Matangi Hill.
• Adventurous Trial up to the Matangi Hill.
• Overnight Stay at Hospet.
After breakfast we'll drive to Hospet. You must visit Hampi
- the ruins of this once beautiful capital city of
Vijayanagar Empire can easily be compared to the Roman
imperial splendor. The monumental ruins visited are the
Virupaksha, Vittala and Hazara Rama temple's huge Ganesha
and Narasimha images, the elephant stables, the Queen's
Bath, carvings on the Ramachandra temple, Lotus Mahal and
many other ruins. We will also be visiting the museum on the
foothills of Matangi Hill, look at those rare enlarged
pictures of Hampi Town taken during 1853 by British
photographer and pictures taken 130 years later from the
same angle by an Australian, the change is quite noticeable.
Try out your adventurous skills by climbing up the rugged
slopes of Matangi Hill, we are sure you will love this
adventurous trial. We will continue out journey to Hospet
for your overnight stay at Hotel Malligi equipped with all
the necessary facility to make your stay quite a comfortable
one.
Day 15 - Badami
- Aihole - Pattadakal (200 Km / 04 hrs)
Highlights:
• Starting for Badami.
• En-route Visit Aihole for its 125 temple treasure.
• Visit Pattadakal Famous for its temple architecture and
Carvings.
• Visit Pattadakal Famous for its temple architecture and
Carvings.
• Overnight stay at Badami.
Today it's going to be a little hectic day, as we will cover
many travel attractions. In the morning we'll drive to
Badami and en-route visit Aihole and Pattadakal. The Aihole
is the cradle of 125 temples, watch those intricately carved
Durga Temple, Buddhist Temple for its sculptures and the
Meguti temple, built of 630 small stone blocks, a perfect
specimen of ancient stone temple architecture of the
southern Dravida School. At Pattadakal, you will visit the
Sanghameswara Temple and the Mallikarjuna Temple, watch
those designed pillars carefully you can trace out the
synopses of Lord Krishna's life carved out in most
magnificent way. At the Virupaksha temple the sculptures and
panel scenes from the epics, the Ramayana and Mahabharata,
will amuse you. The carvings on the pillars and ceiling of
the Papanatha Temple are quite impressive. If interested
take a refreshing bath at the natural spring near
Mallikarjuna temple, believe us it will be really
rejuvenating. We continue our journey to Badami for
overnight stay.
Day 16 -
Tour of Badami
Highlights:
• Badami Sightseeing Tour.
• Visit Hindu and Jain Temples, Rock Caves, Image of
Nataraja.
• Visit Tipu Sultan Fort.
• Overnight stay at Badami.
After a rejuvenating night another sculpture feast awaits
you at Badami. We will leave for a Badami city tour, also
known as Vatapi. You will reveal the rich land of Badami is
dotted with Hindu and Jain temples carved out of sand stone
hill, well maintained by the archaeological survey of India.
Visit the magnificent cave temples climb those flight of
stairs, look at the stunning Shiva and Vishnu emerging out
from one body and the remarkable carved 18 hands Nataraja
sculpture, the guide will show you the 81 different poses of
dancing Shiva. Apart from the temples, the you'll visit the
Tipu's Fort, perched atop a hill, watch the mighty cannons
at the vintage points to fight the Marathas. The fort
encloses large granaries, treasury and a watch tower.
Climbing up the hill fort is worth for the panoramic view of
Badami city. The Malegitti Shivalaya temple, which is built
of stones without mortar will also impress you. Evenings
stay in your hotel accommodation and enjoy the local
delicacies like fried 'Avalakk' ( soaked and dried rice,
spiced and mixed with fried groundnuts). Overnight at the
hotel.
Day 17 Goa
Highlights:
• Flying to Goa.
• Stay at Gao Beach Resort.
• Leisure Activities at the Goa Beach.
• Visiting Goa Pub, Bar and Discotheque.
In the morning we'll fly to Goa and on arrival you'll be
transferred to a Victorian Heritage Beach Resort. As you lie
leisurely on the soft sands of the palm fringed beach soak
yourself into the Goan lifestyle and charm. Goa rises up to
greet its visitors holding the treasures of Old Villas,
churches, heritage mansions preserve the elegance of this
old colonial town. There is always something to discover in
Goa where every beach every village is a holiday destination
in its own way. Evenings are at leisure, indulge into
recreational activities offered by the hotel or just relax
at the swimming pool over a fresh lime juice the specialty
of the hotel. The sea activities will certainly thrill you.
At night you may visit a tavern, a pub, a bar, or unleash
yourself at a discotheque. Overnight at the resort.
Day 18 - Goa
City Tour
Highlights:
• Sightseeing Tour of Goa City.
• Explore Old Goa, Churches, Fort.
• Explore Old Goa, Churches, Fort.
• Visiting the Rural Fishing Villages of Goa.
• The Exotic Sea Food Delight.
• Goa Shopping Bonanza.
• Overnight stay at Goa.
Be quick on your breakfast, Goa is all set to embrace you
with all its charms, a treasure trove ride to explore the
vast treasures of Goa City. Mornings will be occupied in
exploring the Old Goa charms, We'll take you to visit the
World Heritage site of the Churches and Convents. The Church
of Bom Jesus, containing the tomb of St. Francis Xavier,
will impress you. We'll also take you to the fishing
villages to watch fishing nets. Afternoon a boat cruise to
the island in Mandovi River will definitely enthralls you.
The sun setting at the backdrop of the golden horizon will
prove to be out of the world charm added with the mount
watering seafood delicacies on the beach restaurant. Be the
part of beach sharks that play some of the most enthralling
musical notes on famous Goan tunes. Shopping in Goa is the
most integral part on your holiday trip in Goa. Shop for
some famous Goan artifacts, Feni - the erotic local drink is
also a right choice besides shopping for cashew nuts and
spices. Finally, you are back in the resort to rest for the
night.
Day 19 - Mumbai
- The Last Day of Your Tour
Highlights:
• · Flying to Mumbai.
• Visiting Gateway of India, Museum, Juhu Beach.
• Cruise to Elephanta Caves.
• Enjoy the spicy Mumbai Snacks.
• Transfer to International Airport for Your On-words
Flight.
Morning you will be flying to Mumbai. On your arrival at
Mumbai, you'll be transferred to the city center. Mumbai is
a dreamland for many as their dreams get fulfill here and
destiny shows turn. First we will head towards 'Gateway of
India'- an arch way, a colonial structure. If time permits
we will take you to the most elegant Elephanta Caves through
motor boat depending on your flight schedule. We will also
be covering the Mumbai museum, a treasure trove of many
unique and exclusive artifacts that need your attraction.
Evenings are the perfect blend for beach and sunset at Juhu
Beach, enjoy the mouth watering spice snacks like 'Pani Puri',
'Bhel Puri' and the most refreshing coconut water, the
lively environment at the beach will magnetize you and pulls
you back to stay for some more time. Then this is Mumbai -
enclosing a new world in its periphery. Later, in the
evening we'll arrange for your transfer to the international
airport to board departure flight for your onwards
destination with most precious memories that you have woven
with us in these 19 days itinerary. |
