Destinations Covered: Mumbai - Aurangabad - Mumbai - Hyderabad - Hospet - Hampi - Hospet – Chikmagalur – Belur – Halebid - Chikmagalur - Shravanabelagola - Mysore - Srirangapatnam - Bengaluru
Most of the central region of India is covered by the vast Deccan Plateau. During the course of its history, this region has been under the rule of several rulers who during their reign, had built several architectural wonders. The region is dotted with marvellous temples, museums, forts etc. This architectural and cultural legacy is worth exploring by opting for the well-planned ‘Exploring the Deccan Plateau’ tour package. Expanded in a duration of 15 days, you visit popular destinations of India including Aurangabad, Hyderabad, Hampi, Chikmagalur, Shravanabelagola, Mysore, Srirangapatnam and more. Some of the highlights are world heritage sites of Ellora and Ajanta caves, monolithic statue of Shravanabelago, the heritage ruins of Hampi, and Salarjung Museum in Hyderabad.
As you arrive in Mumbai, the 'Commercial Capital of India', get transferred to the hotel. Complete the check-in formalities. The day is free for leisure activities. Explore the place on your own. The capital city of Maharashtra state, Mumbai has several allures including beaches, fashionable bazaars, various monuments, ancient caves, lush jungles and so on. Do not miss savouring finger-licking street food of Mumbai.
Stay overnight.
In the morning, head to the Mumbai Airport to board a flight to Aurangabad. Transfer and Check-in at the hotel. Later, visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ellora Caves. Belonging to Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism, these rock-cut caves date to the 4th and 9th centuries AD. These caves are locally known as 'Verul Leni'. Enjoy a late afternoon visit to Bibi Ka Maqbara- Tomb of Rabia Durani, this Mughal structure is known as the 'Taj of Deccan' and Panchakki Water Mill- founded in the 17th by Baba Shah Musafir, Nehar-e-Panchakki is also his tomb.
Overnight in Aurangabad.
Day 3 is scheduled for exploring another World Heritage Site near Aurangabad, the Ajanta caves, decorated with Buddhist sculptures and frescoes. These 30 rock-cut caves were carved between 2nd century BCE to around 480 or 650 CE. The site is around 107 km northwards of Aurangabad.
Stay overnight.
Today, transfer to the Aurangabad airport to board a flight to Mumbai from where you continue your journey to Hyderabad. The rest of the day is free. The beautiful, bustling and colourful capital of Telangana, Hyderabad has imbibed modern nuances, along with keeping its rich culture intact. The city is a pure delight for the visitors.
Overnight stay in Hyderabad.
The day is scheduled for sightseeing in Hyderabad including wonders like the Charminar- global landmark of Hyderabad, this is a monuments-cum-mosque that was constructed in 1591 CE and the Mecca Masjid- one of the oldest mosques of the city. The next visit is to the Salarjung Museum is a treasure house with 38 galleries, 9000 manuscripts, 43000 art objects, and 47000 printed books. Later, explore the magnificent Golconda Fort. This hilltop mud fort was originally erected in 1143 under the reign of Raja of Warangal.
Stay overnight.
Whole of the day 6 is for road journey from Hyderabad to Hospet. As you reach, complete the check-in formalities at the hotel. Relax and enjoy the facilities in the hotel. If time and energy permit, you can explore the place.
Overnight stay.
In the morning, travel to Hampi. Today, explore the ruins of Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hampi has several amazing structures that were built during the Vijayanagar empire rule. Though the structures are in ruins but they haven't lost their charm. Later, hop into a private coracle to cruise across River Tungabhadra to explore more of such splendours. Return to Hospet.
Stay overnight.
8th day of the tour is for visiting the remaining ruins of Hampi, including the beautifully-carved Ramachandra temple and Lotus Mahal. Ramchandra or Hazara Ram temple complex has beautiful frescoes as well as carvings on Hindu philosophy, and landscaped gardens. Lotus Mahal or Chitragani Mahal is popular for its elaborate and distinctive architecture.
Stay overnight.
The day is booked for road journey across the Southern tip of the Deccan Plateau to arrive at Chikmagalur. As you reach, complete the check-in formalities at the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Chikmagalur is a beautiful hill town that has lush ambiance, exotic wildlife, mist-clad hills and a number of wonderful sites.
Overnight in Chikmagalur.
Today, get ready for an excursion to the captivating early Hoysala temples, built in Belur. Later on, visit the tranquil Halebid, which is located nearby. Return to Chikmagalur in the evening. The temples at Belur and Halebid are wonderful pieces of South Indian architecture. There are beautiful carvings related to Hindu mythology and dancing figures.
Overnight stay.
Today, continue your road journey towards the south side, which brings you to Mysore, the 'Sandalwood City'. On the way, halt to visit the imposing monolithic statue at Shravanbelagola. This is also an important Jain pilgrim site. The place has the world's tallest monolithic status of Lord Bahubali Statue, which is 58 feet high and has been carved out of a single block of granite. Later, continue to Mysore. On arrival, check into the hotel.
Stay overnight in the hotel.
In the morning, embark on a city tour of Mysore. Explore the magnificent Amba Vilas Palace, one of India's most beautiful palaces. Also known as Mysore Palaces, it is an Indo-Saracenic Revival architecture. Later, savour wonderful views of the surroundings from the top of Chaumundi Hills. While returning back to the city, visit the Nandi bull statue. The temple lies at an altitude of 300 feet and is dedicated to Nandi bull- the vehicle of Lord Shiva. Afternoon is scheduled for a visit to the Hoysala Temple in Somnathpur.
Overnight in Mysore.
Today, start driving to Srirangapatnam, located nearby. This place is popularly known for housing Tipu Sultan's summer palace- a beautiful Indo-Islamic architecture. Later on, continue you road journey to the bustling capital of Karnataka, Bengaluru. On arrival, check-in is followed by resting time.
Stay overnight.
In the morning, get ready for a sightseeing of Bangalore or Bengaluru, also known as 'the Garden City'. Bangalore city is a wonderful mix of modern and old historical structures, including gardens, zoos, temples, palaces, amusement parks etc. The afternoon is at leisure.
Stay overnight.
Early morning transfer to the airport/railway station for journey to the onward destination.
