DECCAN ODYSSEY

Departure Date

Monday

Duration

17 DAYS & 16 NIGHTS

Views

1070

Maximum Seats

15

17 DAYS & 16 NIGHTS

BANGALORE I MYSORE I KABINI I HASSAN I HAMPI I HUBLI I GOA I BANGALORE

 

Deccan Odyssey will take you through the Silicon Valley of India – Bengaluru. Visit the historic world heritage sites at Hampi; seek blessings at the holy shrines of Aihole and Pattadakal; enjoy sightseeing at Badami cave temples; relax at the beaches of Goa and visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Ajanta and Ellora Caves. Get an insight into India’s glorious history and rich culture with this royal journey.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1Arrive/Bangalore (Bengaluru) by International flight

Arrive Bangalore International airport

Meet & assistance on arrival by our travel executive

Transfer to your Hotel.

Briefing of the tour by the executive

The Silicon Valley and IT Capital of India, Bangalore is popularly known as the Garden City and derives its name from 'Bendakaaluroo,' a name fondly given by King Ballala of the Hoysala dynasty. The name went through a number of transformations, before it landed in its present form. This hip cosmopolitan city has grown in leaps and bounds in the last couple of years however has maintained its essence and roots, adapting well to the needs and norms of growth and culture. The pulse of the city can be felt along the upmarket streets of Mahatma Gandhi Road (M.G.Road), Brigade Road and Commercial Street.

Overnight at hotel

Day 2Bangalore

Breakfast in the hotel

Depart for sightseeing tour of Bangalore visiting:

Vidhana Soudha - The legislative House of the State of Karnataka. This granite building was built by Sri K. Hanumanthaiya, Chief Minister of the then Mysore state 1951 to 1956. The Prime Minister Sri Pandit Jawaharalal Nehru laid the foundation on 13th July 1951. It was built at an expenditure of Rs 1.84 crores (1 crore = 10,000,000 Indian Rupees). This is a marvel of neo-Dravidian architecture and one of the most imposing buildings not only in Bangalore but in all India. The grand entry stairs has a flight of forty-five steps 62 m (204 ft) wide & 21 m (70 ft) deep giving direct access to the foyer of first floor leading to an Assembly Chamber. The architecture of the building is based on Dravidian style, comprising richly carved bases and capitals for pillars, deep friezes, kapotha cornices, chaithya arches, heavy pediments domical finials, etc. At the same time, the construction has been on modern designs, making use of the present-day materials like steel, reinforced cement, concrete, glass, plastic, etc.

The Bull Temple, located in Basavanagudi, is a typical Dravidian style temple and is famous for its mammoth bull statue that was carved from a single boulder. Legend has it the temple was built to appease a marauding bull, that stole local crops, and that the offering was effective with the bull subsequently leaving the area. Since then local farmers have held an annual festival to express their gratitude.

Also visit Viswesevariah Memorial Museum-Industrial & Technological.

This afternoon is free to relax

Overnight at hotel
Day 03Bangalore/Mysore via Srirangapatna by road (140 kms/4 hrs)

Breakfast in the Hotel.

Depart for Mysore en route visiting Srirangapatna – situated on the Cauvery River, the island-fortress of Srirangapatna is famous as the former capital of the great kings, Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan - the 'Tiger of Mysore'. The ruins of the magnificent fortress that stands here is the main tourism attraction. The small size of this island greatly belies its immense historical significance as it was the site of several battles fought against the British. The island was initially named after the Srirangapatna Temple, one of the many ancient structures found here.

Continue your drive to Mysore and check in at the hotel.

Mysore is famous for the festivities that take place during the Dasara festival when the city receives a large number of tourists. Mysore also lends its name to the Mysore mallige, Mysore style of painting, the sweet dish Mysore Pak, Mysore Peta (traditional silk turban) and the garment called the Mysore silk saree.

The rest of the day is free to relax

Overnight at hotel

Day 04Mysore/Kabini by road (85 kms/1.5 hrs)

Breakfast in the hotel

Depart for half day tour of Mysore visiting:

Mysore Palace

The Palace of Mysore is the official residence of Wodeyar's - the erstwhile royal family of Mysore, and also houses two Durbar halls (ceremonial meeting hall of the royal court). Mysore has a number of historic places, and is commonly described as the City of Palaces. However, the term "Mysore Palace" specifically refers to one within the old fort. The palace was commissioned in 1897 and its construction was completed in 1912. It is now one of the most famous tourist attractions in Mysore.

Also visit Mysore Art & crafts center & The Nandi Bull, mount to the God Shiva and guru to 18 Masters.

This afternoon drive to Kabini National Park and check in at hotel

Kabini: A World of Wildlife

Rajiv Gandhi National Park, Nagarhole (Kabini), the hunting retreat of the Mysore Maharajas, is the perfect destination for wildlife lovers in South India. The excitement starts with a safari into the heart of the park, where you witness wild animals in their natural habitat. Some of the popular sightings are elephant, gaur, sambar, chital, wild boar and the more exclusive predators like tiger and leopard.

Overnight at hotel
Day 05Kabini

Morning & late afternoon Jungle safari into the park and the day at leisure in between.

Overnight at hotel

Day 06Kabini/Hassan by road (170 kms/5 hrs)

Breakfast in the hotel

Depart for Hassan and check in at hotel

Hassan is a picturesque town in the heart of Malnad area with a pleasant climate. It is about 180 km from Bangalore, the capital city of Karnataka. The Hoysalas brought worldwide acclaim to the district through their unique style of temple architecture. It is surrounded by 6 districts namely Chikmagalur, Mangalore, Madikeri, Mysore, Mandya & Tumkur

This afternoon you will be taken to visit the ancient temples Belur and Halebid - once the capital of Hoysala Kings.

The twin temple towns of Belur and Halebid offer a glimpse of Hindu temple art at its glorious best. In the 16th century, Belur-Halebid (both towns are spoken of in the same breath) were at the heart of the throbbing Hoysala empire. The Hoysalas were huge patrons of art and architecture and built massive temples that have survived the ravages of time. Some of the sculptures are so exotic, erotic and eloquent - that you expect them to speak or move.

The most outstanding temple in Belur is the Chenakeshava, a monumental edifice that took 103 years to build, possibly because of the intricate details and the myriads of friezes and sculptures that embellish the temple walls. Scenes from the epics, elephants in battle and sensuous dancers come alive in stone. The 42 'madanikas' or celestial dancers were inspired by Queen Shantaladevi, who is said to have epitomized beauty. The Hoysala architects had an eye for detail and such wizardry with their chisels that the earrings on the lobes of the dancers can rotate and beads of perspiration glisten in the hair of some.

Two other minor temples from the Hoysala dynasty are the Virnarayanand the Chennigaraya temples - smaller, but as intricately sculpted as the Chenakeshava.

About 16 km away from Belur is Halebid, the other temple town, equally magnificent but not as well preserved. Halebid was the capital of the Hoysalas until it was destroyed in the early 14th century after attacks by the Delhi Sultanate. The Hoysaleshwara temple survived the pillage however it somehow managed to remain incomplete even after 87 years of uninterrupted construction. The temple is dedicated to Shiva and has two enormous Nandi bulls at the entrance.

The temples of Belur and Halebid were made of steatite, a material that is easy to work on, soft initially but hardening after prolonged exposure. The Hoysalas promoted temple art to such a degree that the artists actually left their signatures on their work. The sculptures are unparalleled in their beauty; in fact, as a challenge to their art, the sculptors left a small blank space on the revolving Narasimha pillar, to be filled in by anyone who has the talent. The space remains blank to this today.

Overnight at hotel

Day 07Hassan/Hampi by road (350 kms/7-8hrs)

Breakfast in the hotel

Depart for Hospet – the base for visiting Hampi ruins and check in at hotel

Overnight at hotel
Day 08Hampi

Breakfast in the hotel

Today you will be taken to visit Hampi.

Hampi, as it is popularly known today, was the medieval capital of the Hindu empire Vijayanagara (the City of Victory) and is listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Hampi is charismatic even in its ruined state and attracts thousands of tourists and pilgrims every year. Vast stretches of boulder-strewn hills make the backdrop of Hampi unique and dotted around the hills and valleys are 500 plus monuments. Among them are beautiful temples, basements of palaces, remains of aquatic structures, ancient market streets, royal pavilions, bastions, royal platforms, treasury buildings ..... the list is practically endless.

In Hampi at every turn there is a surprise. Every monument hides more than what they reveal. As an open museum, Hampi has numerous popular (100 plus!) locations visitors are attracted to.

Overnight at hotel
Day 09Hampi/Hubli via Aihole & Pattadakal by road (270 kms/7-8 hrs)

Breakfast in the hotel

Depart for Badami en route visiting Aihole & Pattadakal

Aihole

Famous as the "Cradle of Indian Architecture", Aihole has over a hundred temples scattered around the village. The oldest temple here is perhaps the Lad Khan temple dating back to the 5th Century. The Durga (Fort) Temple is notable for its semi-circular apse, elevated plinth and the gallery that encircles the sanctum. The Hutchimalli Temple out in the village has a sculpture of Vishnu sitting atop a large cobra. The Revalphadi Cave - dedicated to Shiva - is remarkable for its delicate details. Not to be missed is the Konthi Temple Complex (Kwanthi Gudi), the Uma Maheswari Temple with a beautifully carved Brahma seated on a lotus, the austere Jain Meguti Temple and the two storyed Buddhist Temple.

Pattadakal

Pattadakal saw the Badami Chalukya art in its full bloom. It is 22 km away from Badami. Here the best temples of the styles Virupaksha and Mallikarjuna are seen. These were built by the queens of Vikramaditya II (734-44) in memory of his victorious march against Kanchi, the Pallava capital, and the temples were named after themselves as the Lokeshwara (by Lokadevi) and Trailokeshwara (by Trailokadevi), which came to be known as the Virupaksha and the Mallikarjuna respectively. The two magnificent temples have engraved lively figures on walls and the massive square pillars are in sand stone. Pattadakal itself was known as Kisuvolal (`Red Town') as the sand stone here is reddish in colour. The Sangameshwara, Chandrashekhara, Jambuling and Kadasideeshwara are the other major temples here, and Pattadakal has also a Jaina basadi of Rashtrakuta times with two beautiful elephants in the front. The Galaganath here which is dilapidated, has caurvilinear (rekhanagara) shikhara.

Continue your drive to Hubli and check in at hotel

Overnight at hotel

Day 10Hubli/Goa by road (180 kms/4 hrs)

Breakfast in the hotel

Depart for Goa and check in at hotel

The evergreen destination of Goa is a holidaymaker's paradise. Breathtakingly beautiful blue beaches, sensuous silvery sands, fabulous flora and fauna, rich cultural heritage, captivating churches, and terrific temples, Goa has it all. The feasts and festivals of Goa are the other things not to be missed.

This afternoon is free to relax

Overnight at hotel
Day 11Goa

Breakfast in the hotel

Half day guided tour of Goa visiting Old Goa & Panjim city.

Basilica of Bom Jesus

The Basilica of Bom Jesus is a World Heritage Monument as well as one of the finest baroque churches of Goa. The Church was built between 1594-1605 and dedicated to Bom Jesus (Good Jesus). The name of Jesus is symbolically represented by the letters ‘IHS’ and is found embellished throughout the Basilica. The IHS is also the monogram of the Society of Jesus, popularly known as the Jesuits, who usually stamped their churches with this insignia. The sacred relics of the patron saint of Goa St. Francis Xavier are kept here.

Se Cathedral

This is the largest cathedral in Asia. The Se Cathedral has five bells & one being the famous Golden Bell which is one the largest in the world.

Panaji, which means "the land that does not flood" is the state capital of Goa. Unlike many capital cities, Panaji has a distinct unhurried character. It is situated on the southern banks of the Mandovi River, which makes this town all the more charming.

Afternoon is free to relax

Overnight at hotel
Day 12Goa

Breakfast in the hotel

Full day free to explore & enjoy the beach on your own

Overnight at hotel
Day 13Goa/Mumbai by flight Depart/Mumbai by international flight

Breakfast in the hotel

Transfer to Goa airport in time to connect flight to Mumbai

Meet/Assist on arrival and transfer to Mumbai International airport

in time to connect your onward flight to next destination.

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5D/4N EXTENSION - AURANGABAD & MUMBAI

Day 13Goa/Mumbai by 9W 2385 at 1640/1755hrs Mumbai/Aurangabad by 9W 2511 at 1945/2100hr s

Breakfast in the hotel

Morning is free to relax

Transfer to Goa airport in time to connect flight to Aurangabad (change of plane in Mumbai)

Meet/Assist on arrival and transfer to hotel

Overnight at hotel
Day 14Aurangabad

Breakfast in the hotel

Depart for full day tour of Ajanta & Ellora Caves

Ajanta Caves (note closed on Monday)

AJANTA is one of the world's greatest historical monuments (UNESCO) near Jalgaon city of Maharashtra, India. There are 30 caves in Ajanta of which 9, 10, 19, 26 and 29 are Chaitya-grihas and the rest are monasteries. These caves were discovered in AD 1819 and were built up in the earlier 2nd century BC. Most of the paintings in Ajanta are from 2nd century BC and some of them about the fifth century AD and continued for the next two centuries. All paintings show heavy religious influence and are about the life of Buddha. The paintings are executed on a ground of mud-plaster in the tempera technique.

Ellora Caves (closed on Tuesday)

ELLORA is another of the world's great historical UNESCO monuments. Ellora represents the epitome of Indian rock-cut architecture and the 34 "caves" actually are structures excavated out of the vertical face of the Charanandri hills. These Buddhist, Hindu and Jain rock cut temples and monasteries were built between the 5th and 10th century. The 12 Buddhist (caves 1–12), 17 Hindu (caves 13–29) and 5 Jain (caves 30–34) caves, built in proximity, demonstrate the religious harmony prevalent during this period of Indian history.

Overnight at hotel
Day 15Aurangabad/Mumbai by flight AI 441 at 1720/1820 hrs

Morning is free to relax

Transfer to Aurangabad airport in time for your flight to Mumbai

Mumbai – earlier known as Bombay, is the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra. The city is the second most-populous in the world; with approximately 14 million inhabitants. Along with the neighbouring cities of Navi Mumbai and Thane it forms the world’s 4th largest urban agglomeration, with around 19 million people. Mumbai lies on the west coast of India and has a deep natural harbour.

Meet/Assist on arrival and transfer to hotel

Overnight at hotel
Day 16Mumbai

Breakfast in the hotel

Morning excursion to Elephanta Island

Elephanta Cave

Excursion by motor launch to Elephanta Island - 9 kms on the sea. These 7th century rock cut cave temples dedicated to Lord Shiva are situated on top of a hill on the Island.

These caves contain Shaivistic high reliefs in stone of Hindu deities important to worshipers of Shiva. The sculptures were created beginning in the late Gupta Empire, or sometime after, and at later dates. Elephanta Island was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 to preserve the artwork. The original name of this epitome of temple art is Agraharpuri, Agrahar. Agrahar is the necklace or most important neck ornament. The Agraharpuri slowly became Gharapuri; still retaining the original meaning as the focal point of Gharapuri Island, which was renamed Elephanta Island by the Portuguese.

Afternoon half day sightseeing tour of Mumbai visiting:

Gateway of India

Mumbai's most famous monument in the city was built as a triumphal arch to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary, complete with four turrets and intricate latticework carved into the yellow basalt stone. Ironically, when the Raj ended in 1947, this colonial symbol also became a sort of epitaph: the last of the British ships that set sail for England left from the Gateway.

Drive along Marine Drive, a 3 kilometre long boulevard in South Mumbai around a natural bay. This is a windswept promenade, flanked by the sea and a row of art deco buildings. Looped between the concrete jungle of Nariman Point (Mumbai's Manhattan), and the leafy green slopes of Malabar hill, Marine Drive was once called the Queen's Necklace, strung with glittering street lights like an enormous strand of imperious jewels.

Mani Bhavan in Mumbai was the temporary residence of Mahatma Gandhi – the Father of the Nation, who stayed here between 1917 and 1934 during India's freedom struggle. The house comprises his personal clothes, glasses and office furniture etc. The visit to Mani Bhavan gives a serene feeling.

Dhobi Ghat The Dhobi is a traditional laundryman, who will collect your dirty linen, wash it, and return it neatly ironed to your doorstep. The "laundries" are called "ghats", row upon row of concrete wash pens, each fitted with its own flogging stone. The clothes are soaked in sudsy water, thrashed on the flogging stones, then tossed into huge vats of boiling starch and hung out to dry. Next they are ironed and piled into neat bundles.

Hanging Garden (Kamala Nehru Park) Perched at the top of Malabar Hill, where the elite have built their plush modern palaces, is Kamala Nehru Park - the hangout of the bourgeois middle class. It has little to offer by way of entertainment, apart from a "Old Woman's Shoe" relegated to a distant corner, but the view of the city is spectacular and should not be missed. For most Mumbaiites, Kamala Nehru Park is to Mumbai what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris - a vantage point that casts a proud eye on the entire city.

Overnight at hotel
Day 17Depart/Mumbai

Transfer to Mumbai International airport in time to connect with your onward flight .

Hotels Considered

City 5 Star Hotels 4 Star Hotels
Summer  US$2740 US$2510
Winter  US$3020 US$2763
Bangalore  ITC Windson St. Marks
Mysore Wildflower Fortune JP
Kabini Orange County Orange County
Hassan Hoysala Village Hoysala Village
Hampi Hampi's Boulders Hyatt
Hubli The Gateway Hotel The Gateway Hotel
Goa Taj Fort Aguada Novotel 
Aurangabad  Vivanta by Taj Lemon Tree
Mumbai ITC Grand Central Fariyas

The above rates are valid from

Summer: 16th April 2020 – 30th Sep 2020

Winter: 1st Oct 2020 – 15th April 2021

Based on Minimum 2 persons traveling together.

Note:The above rates are not valid for:-

Christmas & New Year Period: 20th December, 2020 till 10th January, 2021

Tour Inclusions

 

Share twin room with breakfast;
Transfers & sightseeing tours by private air conditioned vehicle;
Lunch & Dinner during stay in Kabini
Services of English speaking local guides for sightseeing tours;
Jeep Safari in Kabini;
Present Applicable taxes as on 15th, Jan 2020

Tour Exclusions

 

Entrance tickets to Monuments;
International & domestic Airfare;
Visa fee & Insurance;
Items of personal nature i.e. laundry, telephone, camera fee, drinks & tips etc;

END OF SERVICES

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