Hidden Treasures of South India

Start the tour of the city after breakfast. Begin at the 16th century blackened Dodda Ganeshana Gudi (Bull Temple) dedicated to the sacred bull Nandi. Next, stop at the imposing Vidhana Soudha, a Neo-Dravidian building that houses the seat of state legislature. Tour Bangalore Palace, still owned and inhabited by the erstwhile royal family of Mysore. Also visit Bangalore’s British colonial gardens – Lal Bagh, which includes a Victorian glasshouse replica of London’s original Crystal Palace, and Cubbon Park. These are the ‘green lungs’ of the city and popular with tourists and locals alike. In the afternoon explore Tipu Sultan’s Fort and Palace, and then the Government Museum, one of the oldest museums in India and home to many artifacts from the Neolithic period. The evening is at leisure Overnight at hotel.

Your destination today is Mysore. The drive takes approx. four hours so after a leisure breakfast you set out by road aiming to arrive by lunch time. Mysore provides you with an opportunity to step back in time into a world of regal opulence, and is often described as the City of Palaces. En route to Mysore, take a detour and spend time in Srirangapatna, which was once the historic capital of a powerful empire and dates back to around 9th century. The island fortress town offers plenty of attractions for history buffs, from temples and mosques, to palaces and cenotaphs (tombs). Explore the exquisite three-layered stone wall of the fort with its bastions and gates, which protected the rulers from many an invasion and is still an emblem of a glorious bygone era. Stop by the banks of Cauvery River and witness stunning views of the natural landscape. After this stop continue your drive and on arrival in Mysore check in to your hotel. This evening meet you guide for a fascinating walk through the Devraja market. As you stroll through the many lanes, you pass traders selling fruits, vegetables, bangles, flower garlands, spices and conical piles of kumkum (coloured powder used for bindi dots), incense, household items and everything in-between. The wafting sweet smell of flowers, the heady aroma of ripe fruits mixed with the smoky sandlewood incense smoke, the bright saris of local women, the colourful variety of flowers and mutli hued bangles all make for some great photo opportunities. It is also a wonderful way to meet locals and interact with them. Overnight at hotel.

Enjoy a full day tour that includes a visit to the Maharajah’s Palace which artistically blends Indo-Saracenic style with foreign elements such as Scottish steel and Victorian-Edwardian era furniture. Drive up to the Chamundi Hills to be blessed alongside hundreds of jubilant pilgrims at the Chamundeshwari Temple. On your way back, visit Sri Nandi Temple to be blessed by Hindu God Lord Shiva’s faithful gatekeeper Nandi, the decorated bull. At the famous Jagmohan Palace admire the exquisite artwork at the Raja Ravi Verma Gallery and then take a break from the sites and temples with a relaxing stroll through the scenic Brindavan Gardens built alongside a dam on the Kaveri River. This evening enjoy a hands on cooking demonstration followed by dinner with local family before returning to your hotel. The traditional way of eating a South Indian meal involves being seated on the floor, having the food served on a banana leaf and using clean fingers of the right hand. After the meal, you wash your hands and the easily degradable banana leaf is discarded or becomes fodder for cattle. Locals believe that eating on banana leaves imparts a unique flavor to the food. You can be the judge of this is yourself, but know that you might run the risk of disagreeing with a tradition that is thousands of years old! Overnight at hotel.

Start after breakfast as you continue your journey by surface to Chikmaglur via Shravanbelagola, Belur and Halebid. It is a full day’s journey but very rewarding with stops that showcase rich history and stunning architecture. Shravanabelagola is famous for its great statue of Lord Gomateswara, situated in Manjunath Temple in Dharmasthala. The statue symbolizes renunciation, self-control, and subjugation of ego as the primary steps towards salvation. From here you continue to Belur, located in Hassan district. In Belur you visit the Chennakeshava temple which is a fine example of Hoysala architecture. It was consecrated by the famous Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana to mark his victories in 1116 AD against the Cholas. Your last stop is Halebid, the ancient capital of Hoysala dynasty. 'Halebeedu' (the original name) actually means 'ruined city' as it was ruined by the Moghul sultanate twice. Here, you visit the famous Hoysaleshwara temple which is comprised of two shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. The walls of the temple have carvings of different deities of Hindu mythology and stories from Mahabharata, Ramayana and Puranas. Lunch today is at a local restaurant and you arrive into Chikmaglur by evening. Transfer directly to your hotel and check-in. Overnight at hotel.

The stunning rolling hills of Chikmaglur and the coffee plantations are a welcome respite. Today, enjoy leisurely strolls and treks through rugged mountain trails and verdant coffee plantations. Guided by experts, your nature walks will give you an insight into local life, as this charming town’s economy exists on its natural wealth. Discover information about various species of indigenous trees and wildlife and spend your time looking for exotic birds and large butterflies as they flitter through tree tops. If you are lucky, the night skies may even be lit up by fireflies! Overnight at hotel.

Another long drive await you as you set off by surface to Hampi. For the journey you carry a packed lunch. The drive time is a little over seven hours. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hampi is India’s Angor Wat before the tourists descended. In its heyday, Hampi was the rich and powerful capital of the Vijayanagar Empire, one of the largest and most important in Indian history. But all this came to a destructive end in 1565 when the Deccan sultanates razed Vijayanagar to the ground leaving just the fascinating tales, legends and atmospheric ruins that stand today. On arrival you drive directly to your hotel and check-in. After your long day on the road the evening is at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast your tour starts at Virupaksha Temple. This temple is the major attraction of Hampi and the oldest structure of the city dating back to the 15th century. As the name suggests, the temple is dedicated to Virupaksha, a form of Shiva. The main tower of the structure is over 50 metres tall. From here a short drive brings Vithala Temple. Halfway into the drive first stop at Queen's Bath. It is a rectangular building with a square tank of depth of 6 ft. It is known that the Royal family used to take bath here with the servants showering flowers and fragrances through small window-like openings. Though its exterior may not look like much, it is truly beautiful from the inside. Unarguably, Vithala Temple is the most impressive structure of the city Hampi. It is believed to be made in the early 16th century. The Temple is now officially a World Heritage Site. At the entrance of the temple, you will find a famous stone chariot with an image of Garuda. It is known that the stone chariot was just carved out of one stone. You will also be astonished to see the 56 musical pillars inside the hall - which when struck make musical sounds. Finally explore the Zenana Enclosure. Zenana Enclosure was an area reserved specially for the royal women. The major attraction in Zenana Enclosure is the Lotus Mahal which is considered to be the Queens' recreational zone. In the middles of the area, you will also find Queen's Palace. Other nearby major attractions include Elephant Stables and Guard Quarters. Return to your hotel by evening. Overnight at hotel.

It is a bit of an adventure that lies ahead of you this morning. After breakfast you venture out in a coracle ferry across the river. Rest assured this coracle ferry ride will be one of the most memorable activities of the trip! As you cross the river do not overlook the many shivalings along the river. Your destination is Anegundi and apart from its many temples there is also a popular hike up Anjaneyadri Hill. On the top of the Hill you will find a Hanuman Temple for which you will need to climb around 600 steps so be prepared! On your return back to Hampi, the rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

The drive to Badami talks approximately five hours. You start after breakfast. Picturesquely situated at the mouth of a ravine between two rocky hills, the exquisite structures and Badami’s rust red sandstone cliffs tell many a tale of yore. Famous for its four ancient rock-cut caves replete with carved pillars and bracket figures, hewn from red sandstone on a hill. This afternoon in the company of your guide discover the impressive architecture, the ancient art and culture scene and rich history of this erstwhile regal capital. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the four famous temples of Badami are considered stellar examples of Indian rock-cut architecture. The famous Bhutanatha group of sandstone shrines are worth a visit. Witness a rugged landscape stretched out before the manmade Agastya Lake at the base of the temple complex. The grand Badami Fort is perched atop a hill, just a short climb from the lake, where you will discover intricate cave temples and religious figures carved into the red sandstone. The evening is at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

It is another long day today as you drive approximately eight hours to Goa. The drive takes you through the Western Ghats is some of the most scenic in all of India. You carry a packed lunch on the drive and en route you will stop for refreshing tea or coffee breaks. On arrival in Goa you drive to your hotel and check-in. Overnight at hotel.

Spend the day at the beach. You have the option of a half day tour to Old Goa famous for its churches and cathedrals where the influence of Portuguese rule in India is most evident. In Old Goa, explore the Se Cathedral, one of the largest churches in Asia. Discover the Basilica of Bom Jesus, the first minor basilica of the country, home to the mortal remains of Saint Francis Xavier. Walk around the Latin Quarter of Fontainhas. Dating back to Portuguese rule, the narrow and winding streets are similar to those found in many old European cities comprising old villas and buildings with red-tiled roofs and colourful balconies. Overnight at hotel.

Another full day for rest and relaxation. You can also enjoy water sports like yachting, swimming, para-sailing and wind surfing. Goa is also famous for its cuisine and nightlife and are certainly worth an exploration. Overnight at hotel.

The day is at leisure. Later you take to the Indian skies today as you bid goodbye to the sun-drenched golden beaches of Goa and fly to the vibrant city of Mumbai. Formerly known as ‘Bombay’, Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra, is India’s giant commercial and institutional hub, a melting pot of cultures and communities and home to Bollywood, the world’s most prolific film industry. The city also has fabulous colonial-era architecture, world class hotels, superb restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife. You are met on arrival and assisted with your transfer to your hotel. Overnight at hotel.

After a relaxed morning, your guide meets you in the lobby of your hotel and you set out to explore the city’s classic sights. Start at the Gateway of India an 85-foot-high arch whose design reflects India’s Muslim and Hindu traditions before driving Churchgate station to see one of Mumbai’s greatest and most successful entrepreneurial ventures – the Dabbawallas . The Mumbai Dabbawallas are international figures now thanks to Forbes Global. The Forbes story details the efficiency with which they deliver the dabbas or tiffins of their customers. Working without any holidays (except Sunday when offices are closed), the courier service hires 4,500 dabbawallas delivering an astonishing 200, 000 lunch boxes every day. Their operations have a six-sigma performance rating (a term used in quality assurance if the percentage of correctness is 99.999966%). This means there are 3.4 errors for every 1 million transactions – the kind of performance that has made companies like Motorola and GE world famous for their quality! Next, tour Kala Ghoda, the culture and heritage hotspot. Apart from its phenomenal Victorian neo- Gothic architecture, Kala Ghoda is also home to cafes, restaurants, fine shops, and boutiques. Then, see the extraordinary Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, a UNESCO World Heritage monument. Built between 1878 and 1888, the Terminus is delicately carved and richly sculpted, with stained-glass windows. Later, you visit Dhobi Ghat, a sight unique to Mumbai. ‘Dhobi Ghat’ (‘washer folks’ place’), is the world’s largest outdoor laundry, where Mumbai’s traditional dhobis provide a wonderful service – collecting dirty laundry, washing it, and returning it neatly ironed, all for a very small fee. Your last stop is Mani Bhavan, the place where Gandhi used to stay when he used to visit the city. Overnight at hotel.

Today your tour comes to an end. We arrange your drop to Mumbai’s international airport, from where you will board your flight back home. We suggest you to arrive at the airport at least 3 hrs. prior to departure and keep your passport and printout of airline ticket handy to avoid last minute hassles. This itinerary is only a slice of the wonderful diversity and beauty that India has to offer and we hope that you will return soon to discover more.