Architectural Delight
08 Days / 07 Nights
Goa | Badami | Hampi (Badami) | Hassan (Belur &
Halebid) | Mysore | Bangalore
Day 01 : Arrive Goa - Badami

Upon
arrival at Goa airport drive to Badami - set in a beautiful countryside
amongst red sandstone hills, rock hewn tanks & farmlands. Badami was
once the capital of the mighty Chalukya Empire that ruled vast parts of
central & south India from 4th - 8th century. At Badami, you will see
the finest examples of Dravidian cave temples. Check in late evening &
relax. Overnight stay at Badami.
Day 02 : Excursion to Aihole & Pattadakal
From Badami, you will take a full day excursion to Aihole and Pattadakal.
Aihole is where you will witness the evolution of Hindu temple architecture
from the early shrines of the Lad Khan Temple to more complex structures
like that of the Meguti Temple. In the centre of the village is the famous
Durgigudi temple, known for its semicircular apse and the outstanding
carvings that crowd the colonnaded passageway. Pattadakal, another
developing ground for Hindu temple architecture, was the second capital of
the Badami Chalukyans, used specially for royal coronations. Evening is at
leisure. Overnight stay at Badami.
Day 03 : Drive Badami - Hampi Ruins - Hospet
After breakfast drive to Hospet. Enroute visit one of the most fascinating
historical sites of South India, the ruins of Vijaynagar at Hampi, set amid
a strange & beautiful older-strewn landscape. Once the capital of the
largest empire in post-mogul India, covering several states. The empire
reigned supreme under Krishnadevaraya, the Emperor. In ruins today, this
capital city once boasted riches known far beyond the shores of India. The
ruins of the 14th Century lies scattered in about 26 sq. km area, silently
narrate the story of grandeur splendor and fabulous wealth. The splendid
remains of palaces and gateways of the broken city tells a tale of men
infinite talent and power of creativity together with his capacity for
senseless destruction. Continue your drive to & check in. Evening is at
leisure in Hospet.
Day 04 : Drive Hospet - Hassan
After breakfast we drive to Hassan where you will visit Belur & Halebid
situated on the banks of the Yagachi River and the Chennakesava Temple basks
in the glory of one of the greatest monuments of medieval art in India.
Evening is free at leisure. Overnight stay in Hassan.
Day 05 : Tour Belur & Halebid
After breakfast we proceed on full day excursion to Belur - was the early
capital of the Hoysala Empire. Belur is considered as the Banaras of South
and is thus also known as Dakshina Varnasi. The main attraction is the
Chennakeshava temple complex dedicated to Lord 'Chennakeshava' (handsome
Vishnu) temple. It was built by King Vishnuvardhana of Hoysala Dynasty in
the Dravidian Style. It is about one hundred feet high and has a magnificent
gateway tower. There are many subsidary shrines around the main temple. They
conceived their shrines as star-shaped structures and not the usual cubical
form. An outstanding example of Indian temple architecture is found in
Halebid. The Hoysaleshwara Temple's entire surface is covered with a
succession of friezes running its entire length, featuring elephants, lions,
horsemen, and an incredible display of celestial beasts and birds. Return to
the base Hassan & check in. Overnight stay in Hassan.
Day 06 : Drive Hassan - Mysore

After
breakfast we will drive you to sandalwood city of Mysore. Upon arrival visit
to City Palace, Chamundi Hill (where Nandi, a huge monolithic image of
Shiva's Bull, is always garlanded with flowers and held in high esteem by
Hindus), and the colorful and aromatic spice markets. Your afternoon is at
leisure. This evening drive 10 miles from Mysore to enjoy the beautiful and
exquisitely illuminated Brindavan Gardens, sprawling amid gorgeous cascading
fountains. Rest of the evening is at leisure. Overnight stay in Mysore.
Day 07 : Drive Mysore - Srirangapatnam - Bangalore
Today we drive to Bangalore - popularly known as Garden city & Silicon
Valley. The capital of the state, with a finely balanced mix of natural
attractions & superb historic architecture. Enroure visit
Srirangapatnam, the place from where Haider Ali & Tipu Sultan ruled much
of southern India during the 18th century. Built in long island in the
Cauvery river, the crumbling fort stands as testimony to their historic
resistance to the British. Continue your drive & check in. Evening is at
leisure. Overnight stay in Bangalore.
Day 08 : Tour Bangalore & depart
After breakfast proceed on a guided tour of Bangalore, explore the Lal Bagh
Botanical Garden on a fascinating horticultural odyssey. Continue on visit
to Tipu Sultan Palace & Bull Temple. Late evening we transfer to
Bangalore International airport for your flight to onward destination.
End of a memorable tour !!!
TOUR QUOTATION
| Validity : Apr - Aug 2009 |
Min 02 person |
Min 04 person |
| Per Person Twin Sharing |
USD 675 |
USD 575 |
| CITY |
HOTEL CATEGORY : 3 * |
| Badami |
Badami Court |
| Hospet |
Malligi |
| Hassan |
Southern Star |
| Mysore |
Sandesh De Prince |
| Bangalore |
The Mapple |
Package Includes :
- Accommodation for 08 days / 07 nights in a well appointed room
- Daily breakfast during your stay
- All transfers & sightseeing excursions by private air-conditioned car
- Services of local English speaking guide during sightseeing tours
- Driver allowances, interstate permits, parking & toll charges
- Current applicable taxes
Package Excludes :
- Any air / train fare to any destination on tour
- Meals other then specified
- Entrance fees
- Items of personal nature viz, laundry, tel, travel insurance, camera
fees, mineral water, etc
- Anything not specifically mentioned under package includes section