Rocks of Deccan
Duration : 17
Days - 16 Nights
Destination : Mumbai - Aurangabad - Bijapur
- Aihole - Pattadakal - Hampi - Bellary - Bidar - Hyderabad
The Deccan Plateau is a dominant geographical entity of South India. For miles
the amazing scenes of large boulders carefully kept over smaller rocks form
the landscape. The rocky terrain has been witness to fiercely fought battles
of supremacies. Through the rocks rose the fabled kingdoms of Vijaynagara and
Hyderabad. The granite rocks formed most extraordinary architectural pieces
as temples, forts, caves and palaces; some excelled in craftsmanship and others
in sheer size. And one of the rocks unearthed here is the famed diamond- Kohinoor
(Mountain of light)! The tour moves through some of the unexplored fabled sites
of the Deccan.
Day 01 : Bombay (Mumbai)
Arrive at the commercial capital of India and check in. Rest of the day free
for leisure.
Day 02 : Bombay
Half day trip to Elephanta cave island for astonishing ancient sculptures. Later
during the day visit notable attractions of the city which includes Dhobi Ghat,
Crawford market, Marine drive and old mansions of Colaba area.
Day 03 : Aurangabad
From Mumbai fly to Mumbai. After checking in keep the evening at your discretion.
Day 04 : Aurangabad
Excursion to Ajanta caves site, a scenic gorge having a series of caves. The
caves have ancient sculptures and some of the most stunning murals of Buddhist
era. Visit the Ellora caves that are famed for their extraordinary sculptures.
Noteworthy is the unbelievably sculptured Kailasnath Temple.
Day 05 : Pune
Driving through well cultivated rural landscape of Maharashtra reach Pune, the
Maratha heartland. Take a sightseeing tour of this vibrant cosmopolitan town
that includes visits to Raja kelkar museum and Agha Khan Palace (Gandhi National
Memorial). If interested you may also visit the International Osho Commune.
Day 06 : Chiplun
Drive through some of the most spectacular natural scenery of India full of
evergreen jungles. After crossing the Western Ghats reach the attractive resort
of Chiplun. This place offers magnificent views of forested hills, rapid rivers
and beautiful coastline. You may trek in the forests or have a relaxed time
enjoying the scenery.
Day 07 : Goa
Drive through India's beautiful western coastline and reach Goa- the exotic
tropical beach destination. Day free to walk around the beaches.
Day 08 : Goa
Sightseeing tour of Old Goa and Panjim for beautiful churches and cathedrals.
Mandovi River cruise.
Day 09 : Goa
Day completely at discretion in the tropical paradise known as Goa.
Day 10 : Badami
Driving towards central Karnataka reach the little town of Badami. Badami was
once the capital of Chalukyan empire and today it boasts some of the most beautiful
rock cut temples of that period.
Day 11 : Badami
Sightseeing of Badami's temples. Also visit the Virupaksha temple at Pattadakal
(Extraordinary for its sculptures, a World Heritage site) and a few remarkable
temples at Aihole.
Day 12 : Hampi
Reach Hampi in a short drive. Visit Hampi that has extraordinary remnants of
once great city Vijayanagara. The sheer size and majestic appearance of this
historical site is amazing! Day free to explore around the great monuments that
dot the whole area. Take a walking tour of the Hampi bazaar and temples. Cross
the picturesque Tungabhadra River on a primitively designed corracle- a very
different experience!
Day 13 : Bijapur
Drive to Bijapur and on arrival check in. Bijapur was once the center of most
distinguished Muslim empire of the Deccan, hence it has abundance Muslim architectural
marvels. Visit Gol Gumbaz (World's second largest dome), Ibrahim Roza and various
palaces in the town.
Day 14 : Bidar
Drive to Bidar and check in. Visit the still intact Bidar Fort- once the stronghold
of Bahmani kingdom, the fort is still impressive in its sheer size and expanse.
Later visit the Mahmud Gawan madarsa and Bahmani Tombs. In the bazaar visit
some craftsmen working on silver filigree known as Bidri (The name derived from
Bidar).
Day 15 : Hyderabad
Reach Hyderabad and check in. In sightseeing tour of the city visit the Salar
Junf Museum, Birla Temple, Hussain Sagar Lake (Buddha Statue), Osmania University
and the Historic Charminar. Evening free to explore and shop in the bustling
and extremely interesting old bazaars around Charminar.
Day 16 : Hyderabad
Visit the Golconda Fort, a massive fort having a long history behind its existence.
Also visit the impressive tombs of Golconda kings. Rest of the day free at your
discretion to spend in the charming city of Hyderabad.
Day 17 : Departure
Morning at leisure. At appropriate time transfer to airport to board your onward
flight. The tour ends.
