Culture and Beach Holiday

Arrival Note: Welcome to India! Upon arrival, our representative will greet you at the Bangalore Airport and our private car with chauffeur will be ready to transfer you to the hotel for check-in. For the rest of the day, you can rest in the hotel to beat jet lag or take a walk around the area.

Morning Sightseeing in Bangalore: After breakfast, your guided tour will start from the Cubbon Park, a landmark situated at the heart of Bangalore. Founded in 1870, this picturesque 'green lung' of the city is not only rich in plants, but also has a long history. Next, we will visit the Lal Bagh, a botanical garden with more than 1,800 species of plants. Then we will head to the Nandi Temple (Bull Temple), a Neo-Dravidian-style temple built in 1537. You will see a huge statue finely carved in the shape of the sacred bull. In the noon, our Bangalore tour will end at the Vidhana Soudha, an ornate white building that houses the offices of the State Legislature.

Afternoon Drive to Mysore (185 km; 3.5 hours): After lunch, we will set off to Mysore by our private car. Before dark, we will arrive at the local hotel to check in and rest.

Meals: Breakfast

Sightseeing Activities: This morning, our guide will first lead you to visit the Mysore Palace, one of the largest palaces in India. This Indo-Saracenic palace is a combination of Hindu, Muslim, Rajput, and Gothic architectural styles. We can see a lot of treasures and various iron decorations inside. Next, we will proceed to the Chamundi Hill, one of the eight holiest hills in South India. On the top of the Chamundi Hill, you will be guided to visit the Chamundeshwari Temple dedicated to the Goddess Chamundeshwari. From here you will get a panorama of the picturesque hill. On our way back to downtown Mysore, we will stop to see the massive Nandi Bull statue carved out of a piece of granite.

In the afternoon, the guide will accompany you to visit the Srirangapatna, a historic town located on a river island. We will first visit the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, a Vaishnavite shrine of significance in South India. Later, we will head to the Gumbaz, a magnificent mausoleum built by Tipu Sultan in 1792 for his parents. It is located in the center of a cypress garden. Our last stop today will be the Daria Daulat Bagh, an 18th-century summer palace featuring Indo-Saracenic structures and housing the famous painting ' Storming of Srirangapatna'.

Meals: Breakfast

Sightseeing Activities: Today, we will take a road trip to Hassan by our private car. On the way, we will stop at Belur and Halebidu, twin towns reputed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. First, we’ll visit Belur from its 13th-century Chennakeshava temple complex, which perfectly exhibit the Hoysala architecture. The complex includes many exquisitely-carved temples, such as the Chennakesava Vishnu Temple, built to commemorate a battle victory. Next, we will drive to Halebid to visit the Kedareshwara Temple, as well as the Hoysaleshawara Temple which houses two stupas dedicated to Shiva lingas. After the visit, we will continue our drive to Hassan and check into the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Let's move on to Hosapete, and visit Chitradurga Fort on the way. It is a stone fort built from the 17th century when Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan ruled this region. If you want to try some local food, your driver will give you some suggestion. Continue driving for 25 minutes to Hampi and stay at the hotel for two nights.

Meals: Breakfast

Hampi Ruins is another UNESCO World Heritage Site, where full of old temples and ancient buildings. First, visit Virupaksha Temple, it is the oldest temple of Hinduism and the most representative one. Then we will move to the 16th-century Vittala Temple featuring a Garuda shrine in a form of stone chariot. Later, you will continue to Hazara Rama Temple to view the relief and carvings portraying the legends of the epic Ramayana. We will also see the 15th-century Elephant Stables, a rectangular building in Indo-Islamic style, the Queen's Bath with a history of more than 500 years, and the Ramachandra Temple. Then final stop for today is the Lotus Mahal.

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, we will drive to Badami and visit Aihole on the way, it is an ancient temple complex. With your guide, you will see the 7th-century Kontigudi Group with Trimuty idols and the Galaganatha Group with the statues of Lord Shiav. We will also visit the 5th-century Lad Khan temple carved with floral elements, Durga temple aka, the cave temple Ravana Phadi and the Jyothirlinga Group. Next we will stop for a guided tour at Pattadakal, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring the Hindu and Jain temple complex from the 7th and 8th centuries. There are many famous temples like Virupaksha Temple, Sangameshwara Temple, Chandrashekhara temple, etc. Stay at a nice hotel at Badami.

Meals: Breakfast

Take a visit to Badami Cave Temples, Badami Fort and Sri Bhootanaatha Gudi after breakfast. Then drive for Hubballi. On the way, you can ask for stops at places you are interested. Upon arrival, visit Indra Gandhi Glass House, Unkal Lake and finally get to Nrupatunga Betta, a serene hill place for watching birds and sunset. Stay overnight at Hubballi.

Meals: Breakfast

Goa brings the whole journey to a higher climax. After breakfast, a driver will drive you to Goa and check in at the hotel. Then you will be free to enjoy your leisure time. The city has been ruled by Portugal for hundreds of years so that the buildings are full of European style. In addition, there are a lot of beautiful beaches around the city.

Meals: Breakfast

Sightseeing Activities: After breakfast, our guide will take you to the North Goa, where we will first visit the 16th-century Basilica of Bom Jesus, which preserves the mortal remains of a famous missionary, St. Francis Xavier. Next, we will proceed to the Se Cathedral dedicated to St Catherine of Alexandria. Built in the 16th century, it is believed to be the largest church in Goa. After that, we will continue to visit Panjim, the state capital of Goa, and then enjoy the beautiful landscape of the Altinho Hill. Our final stop today will be the Dona Paula, a famous film set.

► For the rest of the day, you can spend on your own near the Dona Paula Beach, where you can enjoy views of the Arabian Sea from the jetty, watch the sunset from the beach, or explore the city as much as you like.

Meals: Breakfast

You can enjoy a full day of undisturbed vacation. Goa’s white sandy beaches make it one of the most popular destinations in southern India. You can spend the whole day at the best beaches like the Baga Beach, Candolim Beach, or Anjuna Beach, to enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and playing a variety of exciting water sports such as parasailing, jet ski, banana boat, and snorkeling.

Meals: Breakfast

This is another full day that you are free to do what you like. You can rent a scooter to explore the rich flora and fauna of the Goa rainforest. In the evening, you can go to the night market and have a delicious seafood dinner.

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, our driver will escort you to the Goa Airport for a flight to Mumbai. Upon arrival, our tour guide and driver will pick you up and then transfer you to visit the Dharavi slum, Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and then Gateway of India. Check in at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

A driver will pick you up at the hotel and according to your departure flight time, send you to airport to catch your flight. If you would like an extension trip in India, please feel free to contact us. Wish you a nice journey!

Meals: Breakfast