Caves Culture Cuisine

Duration: 14 Nights / 15 Days
Destinations: Hyderabad - Gulbarga - Bijapur - Badami - Hospet - Hassan - Mysore - Bangalore - Mumbai - Aurangabad - Mumbai

Day 01
Hyderabad:

Reach Hyderabad and proceed to the hotel.

It is the capital of Andhra Pradesh and is the fifth largest city in India, being the former seat of one of the world's richest monarchs namely the Nizams. It is a major centre of Islamic culture and is a harmonious amalgam of the South and the North.

Hyderabad became famous when the fourth Qutb Shahi ruler, Quli Qutb Shah created this new capital and named it after his Begum- Hyder Mahal. Before the founding of Hyderabad, the Qutb Shahi kings ruled from the fortress of Golconda - 11 kms to the west. Today, the extensive ruins of the fort, with Qutb Shahi's tomb, have become principal attractions for tourists.

The twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad are separated by the Hussain Sagar Lake.

Eleven kilometers from the city, this fort was originally built by the Kakatiya rulers of Warangal in the 13th century. It became the capital of Qutb Shahi rulers from 1518 A.D. to 1687 A.D. They laid out splendid monuments and parks and designed wonderful accoustical systems. Such is the ingenuity of the system that a clapping of the hand sounded at the entrance gate is echoed in the Durbar hall of the citadel at the very top of the hill. The tombs of Qutb Shahi kings are nearby.

Relax in the evening and overnight will be in Hyderabad.


Day 02
Hyderabad:

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and proceed for sightseeing.

Golconda was once famous for its flourishing trade in diamonds, which has now become a legend of the past. Today tourists visit this palace only to see the ruins.

The Salar Jung Museum - This treasure house of art is located on the bank of the river Musa. Acclaimed as one of the finest one-man collections in the world, this museum is named after Mir Yusuf Ali Khan- Salar Jung III- the prime minister of the Nizam, who was a great connoisseur of art. It houses 35,000 exhibits collected from all corners of the world including illuminated manuscripts, bejewelled armories, wood carvings, exquisite cut glass collections etc. Of the many artifacts, some of the sculptures in marble like the "Veiled Rebecca", "Mestophiles" and the "Lady with the lamp" are some irresistible pieces of art with classic workmanship. The oil paintings acquired from France, an array of vases and pewters, numerous watches and clocks, rich Persian silks and wall hangings, floor coverings, and Chinese tapestry are some of the prize exhibits.

The Charminar situated in the heart of the old walled city, this edifice is the best known land mark with bustling bazaars all round, where a variety of articles like pearls, jewellery, bangles, chandeliers, silks are displayed. It was built in 1591 A.D. by Quli Shah, as a form of talisman to ward off the dreaded epidemic that was ravaging the city. As the name suggests, Charminar has four minarets rising 49 metres high, typical of Qutb Shahi architecture.

Mecca Masjid - It is the largest mosque situated close to Charminar. It was begun by Qutb Shah in 1614 A.D., but was completed only in1687 A.D. by the Moghul Emperor - Aurangazeb. Granite has been used in the construction of colonnades and door arches.

Naubat Parbhat - Popularly called Birla Mandir this temple built of pure white marble atop a hill and dedicated to Lord Balaji is a very popular tourist attraction. One can get an excellent view of the twin cities and the lake joining them.

Enjoy the HYDERABADI CUISINE in the city.

Overnight will be at Hyderabad.


Day 03
Hyderabad - Gulbarga:
By Road
265 km in 6 hr
Via Bidar

Breakfast will be at the hotel.

Drive to Gulbarga.

On your way, visit Bidar - The second Capital of Bahamani Kings with Its splendid fort ruins, colourful palace, complex of unique tombs and a living gurudwara.

Reach and relax at the hotel. This will be a basic hotel. Enjoy the dinner at the hotel.

Overnight will be at Gulbarga.


Day 04
Gulbarga - Bijapur:
By Road
160 km in 4 hr

Breakfast will be at the hotel.

Visit Gulbarga - the origins of the bahamanis rulers. The main attractions are the sacred Darga of Bande Nawaz Chisti & the majestic ramparts of the fort.

Enjoy visit to the fort and then drive to Bijapur.

Reach and overnight will be at Bijapur.


Day 05
Bijapur - Badami:
By Road
180 km in 5 hr

Breakfast will be at the hotel.

Visit Gol Gumbaz - the 03 biggest domes in the world. Ibrahim Rouza, the Jama Masjid with its Unique Painted Mihrab & the Great Canon Malik- e-Maidaan.

Drive to Badami in the afternoon - Capital of the ancient South Indian Kingdom of the Chalukyas after breakfast.

On arrival check in to hotel and proceed for sight seeing of Badami.

Badami, more than anything else, it is known for its rock-cut cave temples. They have been carved out of the red sandstone hills surrounding Badami. Apart from rock-cut temples, the town also has some other temples and a beautiful tank. Finally, the Badami Fort is a good place to view the entire Badami ruins.

Overnight will be at Hotel in Badami.


Day 06
Badami:

Breakfast will be at the hotel.

Proceed for sight seeing of 'AIHOLE & PATTADAKAL'.

'Pattadakal' was the second capital of the mighty Chalukyans and a place that hosted important state functions of the time. It is also a centre of Chalukyan architectural extravaganza. There are many temples here, mostly dating back to 6th and 7th centuries AD. 'Aihole' completes the third dimension of Chalukyan architectural centers. This place had an important position during the rule of the Chalukyas. There are a number of richly carved Hindu temples constructed in the 6th and 7th centuries. The small museum run by the archaeological department that showcases objects found in Aihole, mostly of the Chalukyan era is worth a visit too. Later drive to reach Hospet. On arrival check-in to the hotel and after refreshment we proceed for the sightseeing of Daroji bear sanctuary - only special Sanctuary in India for Bears.

A short drive of 20 km will reach you to this sanctuary where you drive though the Shrubby forest looking out for Bears. You also have a great chance to view the bears from the view-point at a good height.

If you are lucky it's the best place to see & enjoy the activities of bears in wild (untamed)

Overnight will be at Badami.


Day 07
Badami - Hospet:
By Road
180 km in 4 hr

Check out after early breakfast from the hotel.

Drive to Hospet. This is the best place to explore Hampi - the seat of the erstwhile VIJAYANAGARA EMPIRE.

Overnight will be at Hotel in Hospet.


Day 08
Hospet:
(Excursion to Hampi / Lunch under the Mango Tree)

Breakfast will be at the hotel.

Start the day excursion to HAMPI.

HAMPI, the seat of the famed VIJAYANAGARA Empire was the capital of the largest empire in post-mogul India, covering several states. The empire reigned supreme under Krishnadevaraya, the Emperor. The Vijayanagara Empire stretched over at least three states - Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh. Although in ruins today, this capital city once boasted riches known far beyond the shores of India. The ruins of Hampi of the 14th Century lie scattered in about 26 sq. km area, amidst giant boulders and vegetation and silently narrate the story of grandeur splendour and fabulous wealth.

Every rock, every path and every monument at Hampi speaks the same language; a language of glory and beauty.

In the afternoon enjoy you lunch at a specialty restaurant "Under the Mango Tree" Restaurant - The small sign tacked to a tree is the only indication that the narrow path through a banana plantation leads to a lovely outdoor restaurant. The best thing about the Mango Tree is the surroundings: on a packed-earth bank under a giant mango tree (with a swing!), looking out over the Tungabhadra River.

Later return to hotel. Overnight will be at Hotel in Hospet.


Day 09
Hospet - Hassan:
By Road
340 km in 7.5 hr

After early breakfast drive to Hassan, enroute visit the famous Hoysala temples of "Belur & Halebid".

The 12th century temples of Belur and Halebid stands the most beautiful for its most beautiful sculptures when compared to any other temples in south India. Typically these temples are squat & star shaped. Its outstanding sculptures all over the walls and pillars state the stories from the old epics of Ramayana, Mahabharatha & Bhagavath Geetha enabling to know of Hindu culture. It also describes the story of the rulers of Karnataka and their interest in dance and music.

Later drive to reach HASSAN. Check in and rest as this would be a long day.

Overnight will be at Hotel in Hassan.


Day 10
Hassan - Mysore:
By Road Sravanbelagola
140 km in 3 hr

Check out from the hotel after breakfast and drive to Mysore.

Enroute visit Saravanabelagola, the famous Jain pilgrim center & one of the oldest in India. The place is known as one of the greatest monuments of Jain art. The collosul statue of Gomateswara with a height of 57 feet is situated on the summit of Indragiri hill. It is one of the two giant sculptures in the world, after the Collosus Ramses II in Egypt. After visiting in here we drive further to reach the hotel at "Mysore" - the palace city of South India.

On arrival at Mysore check in to hotel and Later proceed for sight seeing tour of Mysore.

Visit the Maharaja's Palace built as recently as 1897, which is one of the biggest in India; St Philomena's Church etc; Sri Jauyachamarajendra Art Gallery housed in the Jagmohan Palace, which has a collection of exquisite paintings.

In the evening visit the Chamundi hill temple and Bull temple.

Overnight will be at Hotel in Mysore.


Day 11
Mysore:
Sight seeing of Somnathpur & Srirengapatnam

Morning after breakfast, drive to Somnathpur - a tiny village on the banks of the Kaveri. Here in this everlasting rural stillness, like a milestone to eternity, stood one of the last and the grandest of Hoysala monuments - the Kesava Temple built 740 years ago.

Later return to Srirengapatnam - a place with Ancient history is an Island fortress. We visit Tippu's Summer Palace & the Fort. Later drive to Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary - on one of the three islands in the Cauvery River.

It's a good place to see Storks, Ibis, Egrets, Darters, Spoonbills and Cormorants round the year.

Return to hotel late afternoon and leisure.

Overnight will be at Hotel in Mysore.


Day 12
Mysore - Bangalore:
By Road
130 km in 3 hr
Bangalore - Mumbai:

Check out after breakfast from hotel and drive to Bangalore.

Reach and take flight to Mumbai. Take connecting flight from Mumbai for Aurangabad.

Reach and check in at hotel.

The city of Aurangabad was founded in 1610, on the site of a village, Khirki by Malik Ambar - the Prime Minister of Murtaza Nizam Shah II. When Fateh Khan, Malik Ambar's son turned successor in 1626, he gave the city the name 'Fatehpur'. Later in 1653, when Prince Aurangzeb became Viceroy of the Deccan, he made the city his capital and called it Aurangabad. Aurangzeb added the walls that enclose the central part of the city in 1686 in order to withstand attacks from the Marathas. There are four principle gateways to the city - the Delhi Darwaza, the Jalna Darwaza, the Paithan Darwaza and the Mecca Darwaza. Nine secondary gateways also formed a part of the defensive system of this city.

Aurangabad district has always been a prominent region on the Deccan plateau. Having been inhabited since the Stone Age, it has a long artistic and cultural history - to which several dynasties have made major contributions over the years. Maurya rule marked the arrival of Buddhism in Maharashtra.

Aurangabad today is a bustling city of Maharashtra with diverse big and small industries, fine silken textiles, and exquisite hand woven brocades of silver and gold fabrics, Himroo of world frame. To scholars and lovers of art and culture the city is more familiar as the gateway to the ancient caves of Ajanta and Ellora, both famous as treasure houses of Indian Art and Sculpture.

Overnight will be at Aurangabad.


Day 13
Aurangabad:

Breakfast will be at hotel.

Proceed for a full day sightseeing with excursion to AJANTA Caves.

Ajanta caves: Nestling in an inner fold of the Sahyardi hills, 100 km from Aurangabad in the shape of a mammoth horse- shoe, are the 30 rock-hewn caves of Ajanta. The Caves date from the 2nd century BC. Discovered in 1819 by a group of British army officers, these startling achievements took around 600 years to create. Carved with little more than a hammer and chisel, Ajanta, once the retreat of Buddhist monastic orders features several 'chaityas' (chapels) and 'viharas' (monasteries). The exquisite wall and ceiling paintings, panels and sculptures of Buddha's life are famous throughout the world as the earliest and finest examples of Buddhist pictorial art.

Overnight will be at Aurangabad.


Day 14
Aurangabad:

Proceed for breakfast at hotel.

Visit the Ellora Caves, Daulatabad Fort and Aurangabad Caves.

Ellora Caves: Impressive in their own right is the rock-hewn temples and monasteries of Ellora that lie just 30 km away from Aurangabad city. In all, there are 34 cave temples, 12 Mahayana Buddhist caves (550-750 AD), 17 Hindu caves (600-875 AD) and 5 caves of the Jain faith (800-1000 AD) 22 more caves, dedicated to Lord Shiva, were recently discovered. Kailas Temple (cave16), the central attraction at Ellora, is the most remarkable. Chiseled by hand from a single massive rock, it includes a gateway, pavilion, courtyard, vestibule, sanctum, sanctorum and tower which bear testimony to the excellence of Dravidian art. It is believed to have taken 7000 laborers, working in continuous shifts and 150 years to build the structures. Ever since the first European visitors in 18th Century, Ellora has attracted chroniclers, antiquarians, scholars and in more recent years, ever- increasing number of tourists.

Aurangabad Caves: The almost forgotten caves of Aurangabad lie just outside the city. Excavated between the 2nd and 6th century AD, they reflect TANTRIC influences in their iconography and architectural designs. In all there are nine caves which are mainly VIHARAS (monasteries).

The most interesting among these are Caves 3 and 7. The former is supported on 12 highly ornate columns and has sculptures depicting scenes from the legendary 'Jakata' tales. Cave 7 with its detailed figures of bejeweled women also has a dominating sculpture of a 'Bodhisattva' praying for deliverance.

Daulatabad Fort: Once known as 'Devgiri', this magnificent 12th century fortress stands on a hill just 13 km. from Aurangabad. It was given the name Daulatabad, the 'city of fortune', by Muhammad Tughlaq, Sultan of Delhi. Initially a Yadav stronghold, it passed through the hands of several dynasties in the Deccan. One of the world's best preserved fort of medieval times, surviving virtually unaltered, Daulatabad yet displays the character that made it invincible.

This is a fortress that was conquered only by treachery. A series of secret, quizzical, subterranean passages lie coiled like a python amidst the fort. Here flaring torches were thrust upon an unwary enemy. Or hot oil poured down his path, as he deliberated in the labyrinth. Also the heat from a brazier was blown into the passage by a process of suction suffocating the entire garrison within. The Fort itself lies in the body of an isolated hill; the steep hill - sides at the base falling so sharply to the moat that no hostile troops could scale the height.

The moat, 40 ft. deep with mechanical drawbridges teemed with crocodiles. A 5-kilometer sturdy wall, artificial scarping and a complicated series of defenses made Daulatabad impregnable. The 30-meter high Chand Minar (Tower) built much later with 3 circular galleries had a defensive and religious role in the fortress.

Overnight will be in Mumbai.


Day 15
Aurangabad - Mumbai:

Breakfast will be at the hotel.

Transfer to airport for flight to Mumbai.

Reach and take connecting flight home with sweet memories of Classical India.

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