South India Cave Temples and Beaches
Trip Info
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Trip Overview
Mumbai - Aurangabad - Hyderabad - Bidar - Gulbarga - Bijapur - Badami - Hampi - Goa
Let's immerse ourselves in an unforgettable journey through the treasures of South India, which will take us on a fascinating journey of discovery through history, culture and nature. We begin our journey in the vibrant metropolis of Mumbai, where modernity and tradition merge. The next stop is Aurangabad, the gateway to the mystical Ajanta and Ellora caves. In the depths of these ancient caves we discover a rich collection of Buddhist, Hindu and Jain art carved into the rock. We admire the impressive craftsmanship of bygone times. We continue to Hyderabad, a city with a royal heritage and modern flair. The magnificent Charminar Mosque and the famous Golconda Fort tell of the glorious history of this region. In Bijapur, the impressive ruins of past civilizations captivate us. The Gol Gumbaz Mausoleum with its gigantic dome and the Ibrahim Rauza complex are masterpieces of architecture. Badami awaits us with fascinating caves carved into the rocks and in which magnificent temples are located. A true place of spirituality and beauty. In Belur, magnificent temples rise up with intricate carvings that reflect the craftsmanship of times gone by. Hampi, on the other hand, delights with its impressive ruins and temple sites that once formed the center of the mighty Vijayanagara Empire. Finally, we reach picturesque Goa, where we deserve to relax on the golden beaches and enjoy the lively mix of Indian and Portuguese culture. This trip through South India promises a unique mix of history, architecture, spirituality and natural beauty.
Trip Highlights
- Our new trip in southern India
- Through the culturally and historically interesting Deccan with the highlights Belur and Hampi
- Detailed tours of the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Ajanta and Ellora Caves
- The vibrant mega-metropolis of Mumbai and a day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Elephanta Caves
- Getting to know Hyderabad
- Detailed tour of Old Goa with its Portuguese buildings
- Relaxing on the dream beaches of Goa at the end of the trip
Itinerary
Our arrival in Mumbai and transfer to our hotel. After enough time to rest, we start with a detailed tour of Mumbai. The tour begins at the "Prince of Wales Museum", which was built to commemorate King George V's first visit to India in 1905. The museum, designed in the Indian-Saracen style, has departments for art, paintings, archaeological exhibits and natural history. Later we drive to Dhobi Ghat, the largest open-air laundry in India. We also visit the "Gateway of India", Mumbai's most important landmark, overlooking the harbour. Before we return to our hotel, we drive along Marine Drive and up Malabar Hill, where the Hanging Gardens offer a panoramic view of the city and the bay.
Meals: Breakfast, & dinner included
After breakfast, transfer to the Gateway of India. Here we take the motorboat ferry to Gharapuri Island (approx. 1 hour). A detailed tour of the Elephanta Caves awaits us. The caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, were probably built in the 9th to 13th centuries AD and are used to worship Shiva. The main deity of the temple is Ardhanarishwara, a mixture of half man and half woman, who represents Shiva and Parvathy. The sculptures carved into the stone are among the most important works of Hindu sculpture.
Meals: Breakfast, & dinner included
Today we start the day very early, our train to Aurangabad leaves at 5:30 a.m. Arrival in the afternoon and transfer to our hotel. Aurangabad, the tourist center of Maharashtra, is surrounded by many historical monuments. The most famous of these are the Ajanta and Ellora caves, which are also UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Meals: Breakfast, & dinner included
We set off on our trip to the Ajanta Caves. It takes about 2.5 hours each way. The first Buddhist cave monuments in Ajanta date back to the 2nd and 1st centuries BC. During the Gupta period (5th and 6th centuries AD), many more ornate caves were added to the original group. The Ajanta Caves are an architectural marvel of their time and are now a World Heritage Site. The rock-cut cave monuments with their masterfully carved sculptures are known for bridging the flow between Buddhist and Hindu beliefs.
Meals: Breakfast, & dinner included
Today we can expect another architectural masterpiece: the Ellorah Caves, a monastery temple carved into the rock. The Buddhist, Hindu and Jain monuments and works of art in the cave complex date from 600 to 1000 AD. It is also home to the world's largest monolithic rock excavation, the Kailasha Temple, a chariot-shaped monument dedicated to Shiva.
Meals: Breakfast, & dinner included
Transfer to the airport and flight to Hyderabad in the morning. In the afternoon we visit Charminar, built in 1591 by Sultan Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah. It is said that this square structure with four pillars and intricate carvings was built in honour of his wife Bhagmati.
Meals: Breakfast, & dinner included
Today's sightseeing includes the Golconda Fort, a former diamond trading center, and the Qutb Shahi Tombs. Seven rulers of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, as well as their family members and courtesans, rest in these mausoleums, a collection of twenty-one beautifully domed granite tombs set in tranquil landscaped gardens. We also visit the Salar Jung Museum with its extraordinary collection of rare art objects of the Nizam, who was once the richest man in the world. In the afternoon we visit Pochampally, the silk village. It is the largest center for Ikkat, a complicated tying and dyeing process for silk and cotton.
Meals: Breakfast, & dinner included
We commence the tour for Bidar (150 km, approx. 3.5 hours). Here we visit the fort and the palace ruins with its magnificent tombs and monuments. Afterwards we drive to Gulbarga (115 km, approx. 2.5 hours), the first capital of the Bahamani kingdom. Here we visit the Bahami Fort and Khawja Bande Nawaz Dargah.
Meals: Breakfast, & dinner included
Drive to Bijapur (152 km, approx. 4 hours) in northern Karnataka. After our arrival we visit the tomb of Mohammad Adil Ahah, Gol Gumbaz, the second largest tomb in the world after St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. The structure of the tomb is unique: a huge dome is "framed" at the corners by four pagoda-like stair towers that lead to the upper part of the tomb. Gol Gumbaz is best known for the "whispering gallery".
Meals: Breakfast, & dinner included
An early start to the day awaits us. Continue to Badami (120 km, approx. 3.5 hours). Badami is famous for its four cave temples - all built from sandstone on the edge of a hill. After our arrival we will have a detailed tour of the caves dedicated to the deities Shiva and Vishnu. If time permits, we will visit the nearby Badami Fort.
Meals: Breakfast, & dinner included
On our way to Hampi (175km, approx. 4.5 hours) we will visit Pattadackal, a world heritage site of early Chalukian architecture. The temple town of Aihole is considered the cradle of Indian temple architecture.
Meals: Breakfast, & dinner included
After breakfast we set off to explore the archaeological treasures of Hampi. We have the whole day to marvel at the world heritage site and visit the Virupaksha Temple, the Krishna Temple excavation site, Queens Bath, Royal Enclosure, the Hazara Rama Temple and Zenana Enclosure, among others. On our way back to the hotel we will stop at the underground temples of Danaik's Enclosure.
Meals: Breakfast, & dinner included
Early in the morning we will be transferred to Hospet train station and take the train to Goa (6:20 a.m. - 2:20 p.m.). The state of Goa is located on the west coast of India in the coastal belt known as Konkan. This tourist paradise is very popular with travelers from all over the world due to its scenic beauty and the architectural splendor of its temples, churches and old houses. Transfer to our hotel and time to relax.
Meals: Breakfast included
In the morning, we will have a guided tour of Old Goa with its Portuguese buildings, St. Catherine's Cathedral and the Basilica of Bom Jesus. The Portuguese influence is still clearly visible.
Meals: Breakfast included
The day is at our leisure, for example for a beach stay or for other optional activities.
Meals: Breakfast included
Another day to relax on the beautiful beaches or explore on your own. Our rooms are available until late in the evening. Transfer to the airport
Meals: Breakfast included
After breakfast transfer to Goa Airport & connect flight to Mumbai or Delhi.
Trip Cost Includes
- Traditional welcome on arrival at New Delhi International airport by our representative.
- Assistance & support 24x7
- All in-out transfer, sector drive and city sightseeing.
- Activities as per mentioned in the detailed program
- Train, ferry, rickshaw ride, etc (as per program)
- Train Mumbai to Aurangabad in Ac Chair Car
- Mineral water bottle (1lt) per guest per day.
- Overnight stays in hotels of the same standard (national category) as per the tour itinerary or equivalent
- Transfers, sightseeing, round trips and adventure program including entrance fees
- A travel guide of your choice
- English speaking city guide
- Car with English speaking chauffeur
- Flight Aurangabad – Hyderabad in Economy Class
- One Time monument entrance
Trip Cost Excludes
- Any Personal expenses
- Any International flight
- Accompanying Tour escort
- Any extra meal except mentioned above in the program
- Table drinks, laundry,
- Tip to driver, guide, hotel staff or temple etc.
- Anything else that is not mentioned in the “Price Includes” section.
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