HISTORICAL SOUTH

DAY 01: ARRIVE AT MUMBAI

On arrival at Mumbai Airport, meet and transfer to hotel for 2 nights' stay. A melting pot of cultures, Mumbai is a city where modern skyscrapers stand alongside Victorian Gothic buildings. Afternoon, proceed for a city sightseeing tour including the Prince of Wales Museum, the Jahangir Art Gallery, the Mahalaxmi Temple, the Hanging Gardens and the Crawford Market. At night stay in hotel at Mumbai.

DAY 02: MUMBAI

Morning, enjoy a boat cruise to the Elephanta Caves. Rest of the day you are free to relax at the hotel. At night stay in hotel at Mumbai.

DAY 03: MUMBAI - AURANGABAD (Fly)

After early breakfast, transfer to Mumbai Domestic Airport for your flight to Aurangabad. On arrival, meet and transfer to hotel for 03 nights' stay. Rest of the day you are free to relax. At night stay in hotel at Aurangabad.

DAY 04: AURANGABAD

After breakfast proceed for a full-day sightseeing trip to Ajantha Caves (Closed on Mondays). Nestling in the inner fold of the Sahyadri Hilts, 100 km from Aurangabad, are the 30 rock-hewn caves of Ajantha dated from the 2nd century. Ajantha was once the retreat of Buddhist monasteries and the exquisite wall and ceiling paintings, as well as the panels and sculptures of Buddha's life are famous throughout the world as the earliest and finest examples of Buddhist pictorial art. At night stay in hotel at Aurangabad.

DAY 05: AURANGABAD

After breakfast, get ready to enjoy a visit to Ellora Caves (Closed on Tuesdays). The World Heritage-listed cave temples of Ellora, located 30 km away from Aurangabad, are the pinnacles of Deccan rock cut architecture. In all, there are 34 cave temples. The masterpiece of Ellora is the astonishing Kailasa Temple, which has the world's largest monolithic sculpture. In the evening return back to hotel. Rest of the day you are at leisure. At night stay in hotel at Aurangabad.

DAY 06: AURANGABAD - BIJAPUR

After an early breakfast, proceed to Bijapur. Bijapur has the feel of a North Indian Muslim city with its array of mausoleums, mosques and Mughal palaces. On arrival, check into hotel for 02 nights’ stay. Evening, explore the nearby places. At night stay in hotel at Bijapur.

DAY 07: BIJAPUR

Bijapur was a part of the kingdom of the erstwhile Chalukyas of Badami till the end of the 12th century and later came under the rule of Bamani Sultans. After breakfast, go for sightseeing including Gol Gumbaz, the second largest dome in the world; Citadel, which contains the ruins of the palaces and durbar halls of the Adil Shah dynasty. Also visit Jama Masjid and Ibrahim Rauza. At night stay in hotel at Bijapur.

DAY 08: BIJAPUR - BADAMI

After breakfast, drive to Badami, picturesquely situated at the mouth of ravine between two rocky hills. Badami is famous for its cave temples-all hewn out of sand stone on the rock face of a hill. On arrival at Badami, check into hotel for 02 nights' stay. Later, explore the Badami Caves. At night stay in hotel at Badami.

DAY 09: BADAMI

After breakfast, go for a visit to Aihole and Pattadakkal. Aihole was the ancient capital of Chalukyan. Famous as the cradle of Indian Architecture, Aihole has over a hundred temples, built between the 6th and 8th centuries. Situated on the left bank of the Malaprabha River, Pattadakkal is a World Heritage Centre. The town has 10 major temples representing early Chalukyan architecture. In the evening return back to hotel for night stay in hotel at Badami.

DAY 10: BADAMI - HOSPET

After breakfast, drive to Hospet, the satellite town built during the reign of Krishnadevaraya. This is a typical country town of Karnataka and is frequented by visitors to the Vijayanagar ruins. On arrival, check into hotel for 02 nights' stay. Rest of the day you are free to relax. At night stay in hotel at Hospet.

DAY 11: HOSPET – HAMPI - HOSPET

Morning proceed for a full day excursion to Hampi to visit the ruins and temples. Once the flourishing capital of the Vijayanagar Empire, Hampi was abundant in wealth, military prowess and culture. The Pampati Swami Temple, the Queen's Bath, the Lotus Mahal, the King's Balance and the musical pillars of the Vittala Temple evoke memories of bygone Splendour. Other main attractions here are the temple complex of Lord Virupaksha, Ugra Narasimha, Matanga Hill and the Vittala Temple Complex. In the evening return back to hotel for the night stay.

DAY 12: HOSPET - HASSAN

After breakfast, drive to Hassan. On arrival, check into hotel for 02 nights. Hassan is a picturesque town in the heart of Malnad and has a pleasant climate. Rest of the day you are free at the resort. At night stay in hotel at Hassan.

DAY 13: HASSAN

Morning proceed for a day visit to Belur and Halebid. Belur is known as Dakshina Varanasi or Banaras of the South. The serenity of Belur is attributed to the celebrated temple of Chennakeshava belonging to 1117 AD. Halebid has several strikingly beautiful Hoysala temples and Jain shrines. In the evening return back to hotel for night stay.

DAY 14: HASSAN - MYSORE

After breakfast, proceed to Mysore. En route, visit Shravanabelagola. This was the legendary pilgrim centre and shrine of the Jains since early times. On arrival at Mysore, check into hotel for 02 nights' stay. Afternoon, visit the Durga Temple and the statue of Nandi bull on Chamundi Hills. Also visit the Mysore Maharaja's Palace, which is one of the biggest in India. At night stay in hotel at Mysore.

DAY 15: MYSORE

The capital of a former princely state, Mysore is a city of palaces and gardens and is famous for its silk, sandalwood and jasmine. In the morning visit the summer Palace of Tippu Sultan, Srirangapatnam and Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary. Also enjoy an excursion to Somnathpur to see the HoysalaTemple. At night stay in hotel at Mysore.

DAY 16: MYSORE - BANGALORE

After breakfast, proceed to Bangalore by road. On arrival check in to your hotel for one night stay. The capital of Karnataka, Bangalore, often referred to as the 'Garden City', is known for its numerous parks and avenues. Afternoon, sightseeing tour of Bangalore including Tippu Sultan's Palace, Bull Temple, Lalbagh Gardens, Cubbon Park & Museum and Vidhana Soudha building. At night stay in hotel at Bangalore.

DAY 17: BANGALORE – ONWARD DEPARTURE

Transfer to the airport at the time of your flight to home.