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HIDDEN TREASURES OF SOUTHERN INDIA
Day 1 London Heathrow to Bangalore
Depart London Heathrow Terminal on the non-stop British Airways flight to
Bangalore.
Day 2 Bangalore to Mysore – 145kms
Arrive into Bangalore where you will be met and transferred to a nearby hotel
for an early breakfast. Later, leave Bangalore, driving to Mysore and the
Regaalis Hotel where you will stay for the next two nights. Surrounded by
fertile farmland, Mysore was once the seat of the Maharajas of Mysore, a
princely state covering about a third of present day Karnataka, and is today
noted for its sandalwood carvings, incense manufacture, silk weaving and
coffee. (N)
Day 3 Mysore
Visit the City Palace, one of the largest in India, built by Henry Irwin
in 1897 and Chamundi Hill to view the Chamundeswari Temple and the famous
Nandi Bull. Also drive out of the city to Somnathpur to see the exquisite
Keshava Vishnu temple constructed by the Hoysalas in 1268 and the ruins
of Tipu Sultan’s capital at Srirangapatnam. (B)
Day 4 Mysore to Bangalore – 240kms
This morning visit the Jain pilgrimage temple at Sravanabelagola, noted for
its 17 metre high image of Lord Gommateshwara which is cut into the rock at
the top of Indragiri hill. Seven hundred steps, carved into the steep slope,
lead to the statue and the path provides wonderful views of the surrounding area.
In the afternoon return to Bangalore and stay overnight at the LaLit Ashok
Hotel. (B)
Day 5 Bangalore to Hubli – by air
Hubli to Hospet – 160kms
This morning transfer to Bangalore Airport for the flight to Hubli. On your arrival drive
to Hospet a small market town and your base from which to visit Hampi. Stay for three nights
at the Royal Orchid Hotel.
Day 6 Hampi
to
Day 7 Hampi
Over the next two days explore the exceptional ruins of the Vijayanagar Empire
at Hampi – one of the largest Hindu empires ever to have existed in Indian history.
Evidence of the city’s greatness is still very noticeable – the Vittala Temple,
the stone chariot, Lotus Mahal and Queen’s Bath remains intact along with a
plethora of other buildings, ruins and paved causeways. (B)
Day 8 Hospet to Bijapur – 285kms
After breakfast leave for Aihole, the first Chalukyan capital, and regarded as
the birthplace of Indian temple architectural styles with over 140 temples illustrating
a range of differing styles from Hoysala, Dravida, Jain, Buddhist, Nagara and Rekhanagara.
In the afternoon continue to Bijapur and stay for two nights at Madhuvan International
Hotel. (B)
Day 9 Bijapur
This morning start your tour of Bijapur. This town is very distinct from the surrounding
area and has an exceptional and beautiful collection of Mughal, Islamic, architecture.
Visit the Golgumbaz, a towering mausoleum which has one of the largest unsupported domes
in the world as well as the Ibrahim Rauza, a 17th Century mausoleum built of marble and
which has more than a passing resemblance to its more famous cousin the Taj Mahal. Also
explore the citadel, home to one of the original canons that at one time used to protect
Bijapur and the Jama Masjid – one of the region’s finest mosques. (B)
Day 10 Bijapur to Gulbarga – 160kms
Today continue on to Gulbarga, the first capital of the Bahmanis from 1347 to
1525 AD. Noted for its fort, Gulbarga is also home to an old mosque – the Jami Masjid –
and many great tombs. Visit the fort, Jami Masjid – built in the 15th Century with architectural
similarities to the mosque at Cordoba, Spain – and the tombs of the Bahmani sultans with the
Hazrat Gesu Nawaz, Haft Gumbaz and the striking, highly decorated Taj–ud–Din Firuz the best
examples. Stay overnight at the Sun International Hotel. (B)
Day 11 Gulbarga to Hyderabad – 250kms
via Bidar
This morning continue to medieval Bidar – a town which retains much of its old charm
and heritage. Ahmad Shah, who expanded Bidar in the 15th Century left an indelible mark
on the town significantly rebuilding the old Hindu fort as well as enriching the town with
beautiful palaces and gardens of which many still remain. On your arrival visit the palaces,
harem and mosques of the Inner Fort. In the afternoon continue to Hyderabad to stay for three
nights at the Taj Falaknuma Palace.
The Taj Falaknuma Palace offers a unique glimpse into the extravagant lifestyle of the Nizams who once governed the city of Hyderabad. Completed in 1893, the Falaknuma, or ‘Mirror of the Sky’, became the royal guesthouse of the Nizams and was once the sole preserve of visiting royalty from King George V to the last Russian Tsar, Nicholas II. Today, this sixty room private palace offers a glimpse into the imperial lifestyle of the Nizams. Private chambers are now rooms and suites and the palace is also home to priceless art and artefacts including ornate inlaid furniture from Kashmir, rich handcrafted tapestries from France, Venetian chandeliers and intricate frescos. (B)
Day 12 Hyderabad
to
Day 13 Hyderabad
Founded in 1589 by the fifth Sultan of Golconda, Hyderabad was ruled by a succession of Muslim
Nizams from 1724 when the Nizam–ul–Mulk Asaf Jah seized power from the Mughal Governor. Many of
the city’s monuments date from this period and are testament to their wealth and vision. Places
of interest in Hyderabad include the Mecca Masjid Mosque built by Sultan Abdulla Qutb Shah,
Char Minar which dates from the early 17th Century, Lad Bazaar and Salar Jung Museum. Also
visit Golconda Fort – one of the most impressive citadels in India, nearly 700 years old
and site of the diamond vault which once held the Koh–i–noor and Hope diamonds. (B)
Day 14 Hyderabad to London
Today leave your hotel and transfer to the airport in good time to catch your non-stop British Airways
flight to London Heathrow Terminal Five. (B)
STAYING ON
Relax on the beaches of Goa or Kerala – both easily reached by air direct from Hyderabad. With a range of hotels to choose from both locations offer something for everyone and are an excellent way to end a tour. Time in Kerala could also be extended with a houseboat cruise on the backwaters.
Discover two magical retreats in the heart of Rajasthan. Chhatra Sagar, located on a dam overlooking a lake, or Shahpura Bagh, a colonial ancestral home offer a unique insight into the true India far removed from the hustle and bustle of the cities.
Extend your stay in South India by travelling by air from Hyderabad to Chennai. The state of Tamil Nadu is a fascinating and diverse region of India highlighted by the French architecture of Pondicherry, Hindu temples of Tanjore and Chettinad merchant mansions which you will pass en–route.
Planning your journey: We can design a unique journey to suit you as our tours are totally tailor made. By combining your own ideas with our knowledge and experience we can help you to create your own journey tailored exactly to your requirements Once you have formulated your ideas, or if you require some general or specific advice, please call us on 01892 515966 or simply send your ideas to pettitts@btconnect.com. On receipt of your enquiry we will provide you with a full written quotation together with our suggestions and recommendations.
A Guide to Price – HIDDEN TREASURES OF SOUTHERN INDIA
Prices vary according to selected airlines, hotels and season, however, an indication to the current cost of this itinerary is from £3,200.00 All prices are per person and are based on a minimum of TWO persons travelling together and sharing a twin bedded room with meals as indicated. If you wish to travel alone we will be pleased to assist you with your arrangements and can provide a proposal on request.
Note: Meal Basis (N) = No Meal; (B) = Breakfast; (L) = Lunch; (D) = Dinner
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