Deccan Discovery

Duration: 13 Nights / 14 Days
Route: Hyderabad, Bidar, Sholapur, Bijapur, Badami, Ailhole, Pattadakal, Hospet, Hassan, Coorg, Mysore, Bangalore

Tour Description:

Slightly off the beaten track, this tour is for someone who has already been to India and seen some of its varied sights and now wants to explore further. The journey starts in Hyderabad with a visit to the imposing Golconda Fort and takes one to Bijapur to marvel over one of the largest domes in the world of the Gol Gumbad. See the beautiful tomb of Ibrahim Roza, the intricate temples at Ahihole and Pattadakal - a World Heritage site. Spend an entire day at the exceptional ruins of the Vijaynagar empire at Hampi, also a World Heritage site. Finally enjoy the misty hills, lush forests, acres and acres of tea and coffee plantations of Coorg.

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive Hyderabad

Arrive Hyderabad, India’s IT Hub, where you are greeted with a traditional Indian welcome on arrival at the airport and escorted to the hotel for overnight stay.

Day 02 Hyderabad

The day is devoted to the city visiting the Golconda Fort in the morning. In the afternoon tour Charminar, a masterpiece of theQutub Shahis, Salar Jung Museum and Laad Bazaar, where everything and anything can be purchased.

Day 03 Hyderabad – Bidar – Sholapur

In the morning drive to Bidar to visit the imposing bastions of the Bidar Fort, an important centre of power of the Bahamanis. Time permitting visit the tombs of the Bahamani rulers. After the visit of the fort and its attractions drive on to Sholapur where you check-in into the hotel for overnight stay.

Day 04 Sholapur – Bijapur

An early morning drive takes us to Bijapur. The entire afternoon is spent visiting the fortified capital city of the Adil Shahi rulers. Visits include various monuments inside the fortified city and the Gol Gumbaz (meaning ‘round dome’) - the tomb of Mohammad Adil Shah, its central dome only surpassed in size by St Peter’s Basilicia in Rome. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 05 Bijapur – Badami

In the morning drive to Badami, once the capital of the mighty Chalukyas and a shining jewel of art and architecture. In the afternoon visit the Badami Cave complex dating back to the 6th Century AD. After visiting the cave complex visit the nearbyBhutanantha Lake and some of the unique temples dotting its shore. Stay overnight at Badami. .

Day 06 Badami – Ailhole – Pattadakal – Hospet

After breakfast leave for Hospet. En-route stop to visit Ailhole, a quaint little village famed for its numerous 6th century temples which are some of the most beautiful ones that one can come across. Later visit the World Heritage Site atPattadakal before driving on to Hospet. Overnight stay in hotel at Hospet.

Day 07 Hospet

After breakfast spend the entire day exploring the nearby World Heritage Site of Hampi, capital of Vijaynagar Kingdom, situated about 15 kilometers from Hospet. A full day visit alivens the golden age of Hampi at its height in the 16th Century. At its peak the city rivaled Rome in splendor and controlled almost all of South India. Overnight at hotel.

Day 08 Hospet – Hassan

After breakfast leave for Hassan. It is a long drive and the better part of the day is spent driving. Check-in into the hotel at Hassan upon arrival. The rest of the evening is at leisure to relax and unwind after the long drive. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 09 Hassan – Coorg

In the morning, after breakfast, visit the 12th Century Hoysala temples at Belur and Halebid. Belur, referred as Dakshin Varanasi or Southern Varanasi, was the capital of the Hoysala Empire. After the visits drive to the green verdant city of Coorg or Kodagu which, when translated, means a dense forest on steep hill. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10 Coorg

Day at leisure to explore the tranquil surroundings of Coorg. Coorg, a tiny area in the hills of the Western Ghats has an ancient history. It was ruled by the Kadambas, Gangas, Chengalvars, Cholas, Hoysalas, Vijaynagara, etc. and finally the British. The region, however, retains its rich, distinctive cultural heritage to this day. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11 Coorg - Mysore

Leave for Mysore in the morning after breakfast. En-route stop at a small Tibetan settlement to get a flavour of the Tibetan way of life. After the visit continue drive to Mysore. Overnight stay at hotel in Mysore.

Day 12 Mysore

Spend the entire day visiting Tipu Sultan’s Palace, Chamundi Hill, Somnathpur Temple, and the colorful vegetable and fruit markets. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 13 Mysore – Bangalore

Leave for Bangalore (Bengaluru) in the morning. Time permitting visit Srirangapatanam on the way while driving from Mysore to Bangalore. Upon arrival transfer to the international airport in time for your onward flight.

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