12 DAYS ~ FROM £1,755
This tour, just off the beaten tourist trail, highlights some of the finest architecture in India. Astonishing Temples with ornate filigree stonework, dignified Forts and some of the finest cave paintings – all sprinkled with an amazing history. This is the magic of the Deccan – a wild land with hidden treasures waiting to be explored.
Bangalore • Mysore • Chikmagalur • Belur • Halebid • Hospet • Hampi • Badami • Aihole • Pattadakal • Bijapur • Gulbarga • Hyderabad
 Day 1. To Bangalore
Fly direct from Heathrow to Bangalore on British Airways.
Day 2. To Mysore via Srirangapatna
Arrive Bangalore early in the morning. Stay at Hotel Laika, relaxing for a few hours, before an early lunch. Then drive to Mysore, via Srirangapatna Island Fortress on the River Cauvery. High walls enclose the many Temples, Palaces and great Mosque. The legendary Tipu Sultan – Tiger of Mysore – lived there until his death: betrayed by a confidant. Two nights stay at the Windflower Spa and Resort Hotel.
Day 3. Mysore
Morning sightseeing tour of the delightful green city of Mysore includes the hilltop Sri Chamundeswari Temple, the vast monolithic Nandi, Mysore Palace and the bustling Devraja market. Afternoon excursion to the outstanding Temple at Somnathpur built to extol Hoysala craftsmanship.
Day 4. To Chikmagalur via Shravanabelagola
Morning drive to Chikmagalur en–route visiting Shravanabelagola one of the most sacred Jain centres. See the superb 57 foot tall statue of Lord Bahubali Gomateshwara. Two nights stay at The Gateway Hotel KM Road.
Day 5. Full day excursion to Belur and Halebid
The 12th c. Hoysala Temples are masterpieces; the ornate filigree stonework is unsurpassed. The marvellous Shiva Temple, in Halebid is quite breathtaking – fantastic frieze cover the entire exterior of the star shaped Temple with elephants, horses and mythical beasts. The Chennakesava Temple at Belur built 900 years ago, is an exquisite example of Hoysala art.
Day 6. To Hospet
Drive to Hospet. The magical Deccan: wild and evocative, strewn with monolithic granite boulders, is a fitting backdrop for the World Heritage Site of this great Vijayanagar ruined city. The sightseeing can only give a mere hint of the glorious past of Hampi: a wonder of architecture and incredible carvings. Two nights stay at Hampi’s Boulders.
Day 7. Full day Hampi sightseeing
Visit the many Temples including the spectacular Vittala, with its 56 musical pillars, and the Hazara Ramaswami Temple with scenes from the Ramayana carved on two inside walls. Also visit the Queen’s swimming pool and King’s balance scale, where the King was said to be weighed, perhaps against grain or gold - the proceeds would be distributed among the poor.
 Day 8. To Badami via Aihole and Pattadakal
Drive to Badami en–route visiting Aihole and Pattadakal. Virupaksha is the main Temple at Pattadakal with lifelike statues of subjects from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Aihole is considered to be the birthplace of Hindu architecture. The site is said to be developed over 600 years. Afternoon visit the four astounding caves of Badami with their wonderful paintings going back to 578 AD. One of the finest depicting a stunning 18 armed dancing Nataraja, striking 81 dance poses. Overnight stay at Badami Court.
Day 9. To Bijapur
Morning drive to Bijapur. Afternoon sightseeing includes – the Gol Gumbaz, the Tomb of Mohammed Adil Shah and the world’s largest medieval cannon “The Mailk–e–Maidan”. It took over 400 oxen, 10 elephants and countless men to bring the 55 ton war trophy to Bijapur. Overnight at the Hotel Madhuvan International.
Day 10. To Hyderabad via Gulbarga
Drive to Hyderabad en–route visiting Gulbarga Fort. Also visit the unique Jama Masjid Mosque and a number of imposing Royal Tombs built for Bahmani Kings. Two nights stay at the Taj Banjara.
Day 11. Hyderabad
Morning sightseeing of the impressive 13th c. Fortress of Golconda. Later visit the beautiful Charminar built by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah between 1591 and 1612. Also visit the Salar Jung Museum and the famous Laad Bazaar.
Day 12. To Heathrow
Fly to Heathrow on direct British Airways flight.
If you wish to travel from any other country outside UK please contact us and we will give you the cost of the holiday without international flights relevant to your travel dates.
With love from India....Mysore
Mysore Sandalwood is famed throughout the world for its quality and fragrance. Incense, medicinal products, beautiful handicrafts, perfume, essential oils and soaps are all made from this versatile tree.
Suggested extensions: Goa, Swasara– Gokarana, Beach Extension to Covelong & Mammalpuram
(Various other extensions are available on request)
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