The Deccan Nostalgia (Hyderabad – Bijapur – Badami – Hampi – Hassan – Belur – Hassan – Mysore – Bangalore – Chennai)

Duration: 14 Days and 13 Nights

Description: This trip takes you into a world of magnificent castles, friendly people and colorful markets. Stroll among centuries-old temple ruins, enjoy the tranquility of tropical gardens and revel in vibrant cities.

Day 01: Arrival In Hyderabad (-/-/-)
Upon arrival at the airport you are met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. On the way, experience the city of smiles, of lights, with a thousand faces. After resting, we invite you to take a city tour. You will discover the Charminar, this magnificent building with four minarets, which has almost become a synonym for the city of Hyderabad. The Salarjung museum, one of the largest private collections of artifacts in the world, is a prime tourist attraction. The fort of Golconda is known for its magical acoustic system.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 02: Hyderabad – Bijapur (B/-/-)
Enjoy a cozy breakfast included on the journey to the fascinating city of Bijapur. On the way, visit the town of Gulbarga. Enjoy the view over the vast plains on the way.

Day 03: Bijapur (B/-/-)
Be impressed by Gol Gumbaz, the second largest dome in the world after St. Peter’s in Rome. This huge dome, not supported by pillars, is constructed so that even the quietest whisper can be heard over a long distance. The gallery around the dome offers fantastic views across the city overnight.

Day 04: Bijapur – Badami (B/-/-)
Enjoy your breakfast in the hotel and then proceed on a short drive that brings you to picturesque Badami, situated in a valley at the foot of red sandstone cliffs. Proceed on a tour by the shore of Lake Agastya, where you will experience the Jain temple, the fort, the treasury and the watchtower.
Overnight at hotel in Badami.

Day 05: Badami – Hampi (B/-/-)
Today we proceed to Hampi, en route visit the fascinating temples at Pattadakal and Aihole. On arrival, check-in at hotel. Soak in the splendor of Hampi’s rich and glorious past. Overnight at hotel.

Day 06: Hampi (B/-/-)
After a hearty breakfast, explore the enchanting ruins of the once flourishing town of Hampi. Vithala, the temple with a stone chariot, is famous throughout the world. You will also visit the Lakshmi Narasimha – one of the finest examples of sculpture in Hampi – and the stables, which once housed the royal elephants. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 07: Hampi – Hassan (B/-/-)
Proceed to Hassan today, and en route enjoy the sights and sounds of Bellary, a picturesque town with a pleasant climate. Hassan is known for its unique style of temple architecture. On arrival, check in at hotel.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 08: Hassan – Belur – Hassan (B/-/-)
Embark on a pleasant excursion to the world famous tourist destination of Belur whose splendid temple ranks as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy the special atmosphere on the banks of the river Yagachi. Also visit the Chenna Kesava Temple built 900 years ago and other temples belonging to the 12th century. Overnight at hotel.

Day 09: Hassan – Mysore (B/-/-)
After breakfast, drive to Mysore and on the way visit Srirangapatnam, which is surrounded by the picturesque river Cauvery. The town derives its name from the famous Ranganathaswamy temple. Also worth a visit is the Fort of Colonel Bailey’s Dungeon. On arrival in Mysore, check in at hotel.
The rest of the day is free at your disposal.

Day 10: Mysore (B/-/-)
The city of Mysore offers everything your heart desires. After breakfast, we invite you to a tour capturing the best the city has to offer. See the Palace of Mysore, one of the largest in the country, and the Chamundeshwari temple atop a hill. Enjoy Brindavan Gardens next to the Krishnarajasagara, the confluence of three rivers – Cauvery, Hemavathi and Lakshmanateertha.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 11: Mysore – Bangalore (B/-/-)
After a hearty breakfast, we proceed to the vibrant city of Bangalore. It is the most important center of the IT industry in India, popularly known as the Silicon Valley of India. In the afternoon, enjoy the sights of the city, including the Lal Bagh, a beautiful garden with old trees, lotus pools and tropical and subtropical plants. The Maharaja’s palace awaits you: a smaller replica of the Windsor Castle in England. The Vidhan Soudha houses the State Legislature and the Secretariat. The massive sandalwood door is a spectacular feature of this imposing building which is opened only after 15.00 hrs.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 12: Bangalore – Chennai (B/-/-)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Chennai. Enjoy your first look of this vibrant city, in which tradition and modernity co-exist in vivid contrast. Upon arrival, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 13: Chennai (B/-/-)
Look forward to a visit of Chennai city. The mighty Fort St. George is now a museum that exhibits belongings from the colonial period. Kapaleeswarar temple is ideal to admire the delicate and intricate carvings. Explore DakshinaChitra — an exciting cross-cultural living museum capturing the life and arts of India’s southern states. Make yourself familiar with the classical Indian arts in Kalakshetra and then enjoy the famous Marina Beach, the second longest sand beach in the world. A visit to the Guindy Snake Park is provided, and then dive into the world of colors and scents of the flowers and fruit market. Overnight at hotel.

Day 14 Departure from Chennai (B/-/-)
After breakfast, transfer to airport for your onward flight.