Cultural South India Tour With Goa

Day 1: Arrival at Mumbai

Welcome India, You will be received by Premium India Tour representative at international airport and assisted to your hotel. In the Hotel you will have a brief description of your tour and the representative will hand over your documents regarding the tour, Overnight in Hotel.

Day 2: Mumbai

After breakfast takes a sight seeing tour of Bombay, drive to Gateway of India and from here cruise by motorboats to Elephanta Caves. A flight of 100 steps takes you to the top of the hill where it is set. The caves houses large pillars that seem to hold the ceiling which is made of cross beams. The picturesque presentations of the 9 marvelous sculptured panels, set on the walls are awe-inspiring. The most famous of the panels is the Trimurthi, or triple-headed Shiva, where the God is depicted as the destroyer, the preserver and the creator. Later visit Prince of Wales Museum, Parliament House, Marine Drive, Jain Temple, Hanging Gardens and Colorful Crawford Market. Overnight in Hotel.
Note: Elephanta Caves and Prince of Wales museum are closed on every Monday.

Day 3: Hyderabad

Breakfast at Hotel, in time transfer to Airport for flight to Hyderabad. City was founded in the late 6th century by Qutab Shahi dynasty line of Kings known for their beautiful monuments and mosques, Medieval Indian, Saracenic, Mughal and Colonial architecture which, create an architectural richness rarely found in other parts of the country.

On arrival meet and transfer to Hotel. Later enjoy city tour including visit at Charminar- rectangular four arched monumental gate often described as "The Arch of Triumph of the East", the Mecca Mosque and Salar Jung Museum - one man's collection of manuscripts, ancient weapons, costumes and curios. Later drive past the High Court buildings. Evening at Leisure. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 4: Hyderabad

Breakfast at leisure, Full day excursion to Golconda Fort. Golconda, once famed for its diamond mines (from which the famous Kohinoor diamond of the British crown was mined), is the site of a strategic fort dating back to the 13th century. This invincible fort has an extraordinary acoustical system and massive battlements. Later visit the Usmansagar Lake- one of the most beautiful man-made lakes. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 5: Chennai

From Hyderabad board the flight for Chennai. Arrive and check in hotel. Chennai, the capital city, popularly regarded as the 'Gateway to the South' represents a culture that is distinctly different from that of northern India. Later in the day enjoy sightseeing tour of Chennai by visiting Kalakshetra, a school of art and music that encourages exponents of Bharatnatyam, Carnatic music, traditional weaving and designing; Fort St. George built in 1653 during British reign in India, - now houses the Secretariat and Legislative Assembly of Tamil Nadu; St. Mary's Church, the oldest Anglican Church in India with its premises; Sri Parthasarathy Temple built by Pallavas in the 8th century AD; Kapaliswara Temple, Mylapore also an eighth century Pallava Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva; San Thomas Cathedral Basilica rebuilt in 1606 as a cathedral and in 1896 it was made a basilica; and Theosophical Society - the world headquarters of the Theosophical Society formed to encourage the study of comparative religion philosophy and science. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 6: Chennai. (Day Excursion to Tirupati)

After breakfast, enjoy full day excursion of Tirupati- one of the most important & the richest temple of the world. It is famous for the shrine of "Seven hills" of Tirumala which attract millions of pilgrims from all over India. Picturesquely situated amidst sacred waterfalls and tanks, the shrine presents a fine example of early Dravidian art. In front of it is the "Hall of Pillars" from where an attractive stepped way leads to the temple. Return back to Chennai for Overnight at Hotel. .

Day 7: Mysore

Early morning board the train for Mysore. From Railway station, you will be transferred to hotel. After lunch we take half-day sight seeing tour of Mysore visiting the palace of the Maharaja built in 1911-12. The palace is a harmonious synthesis of the Hindu and saracenic styles of architecture with magnificent Archways, Domes, Turrets, Colonnades and Sculptures. Also visit the Art Gallery, drive upto Chamundi hill to see Chamundeshwari Temple & panoramic view of Mysore. On your way back see the Nandi Bull -a monolith structure. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 8: Mysore (Excursion to Sarvanbelagola)

Breakfast at Hotel, later enjoy excursion to Sravanbelagola, Belur and Halebid. At Sravanbelagola, hewn out of a single rock and visible from a distance of 25 kms is the statue of Lord Gomteshwara, which is bathed with milk , sandalwood, saffron once every 12 years. The Chennakesava temple of Belur built 900 years ago is an exquisite example of Hoysala art. Halebid 's 12th century Hoysaleswara and Kedareswara temples are masterpieces of Hindu art. In the evening return back to Mysore. Overnight at Hotel.

Days 09: Bangalore

After breakfast drive to Bangalore. On the way we visit Srirangapatnam ,16 kms from Mysore. This fort was the stronghold of Tippu Sultan, son of Hyder Ali. Tippu fought a valiant battle against the British in 1799 before laying down his life. Among the many fort buildings till intact are Tippu 's airy summer palace and his tomb at the Darya Daulat Bagh (Garden). Also visit Sri Ranganatha Temple. On arrival check in your hotel. Rest of time at leisure. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 10: Bangalore

Breakfast at Leisure. Later enjoy sightseeing tour of the "Garden City" which covers the Lal Bagh having variety of old Trees, Fountains, Lotus, Pools, Terraces and an assortment of Tropical Herbs and Sub - Tropical Herbs. Also see the Government Buildings and the Maharaja's Palace. Utilise rest of the day free for personal activities. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 11 : Hampi

Breakfast at hotel, then drive to Hampi- the erstwhile capital city of Vijayanagar Empire which had Palaces, Temples and sculptures spread all over. The city was razed to the ground by the Sultanates of South in 1565. on arrival at Hospet (12 km from Hampi) Check in your hotel. Day is free to enjoy as per your own activities. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 12 : Hampi

Breakfast at leisure. Later visit wealthy monuments of Hampi. Evening return back to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 13: Bijapur

Bijapur was the capital of the Adil Shah Kings who left a wealth of monuments. The most famous is the Gol Gumbaz whose dome is the second largest in the world. A whisper into the dome on one side gets magnified 12 times and on the other side of the dome is an amazing acoustical phenomenon. Other buildings to see are Ibrahim Rauza, Gagan Mahal, Bara Kaman etc. Rest of the time at leisure. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 14: Goa

After breakfast drive to Goa. On arrival, check in hotel. For the day you are free to relax. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 15: Goa

Breakfast at leisure, later enjoy half-day sightseeing tour from the slopes of Altinho Hill for a breathtaking view of Panjim and river Mandovi. Then to Dona-Paula for a view of India's largest natural harbour-Mormugao. Afterwards we visit old Goa and see the Basillica of Bom Jesus which contains the tomb & mortal remains of St. Francis Xavierh housed in a silver ornate casket , Se. Cathedral- the biggest Church in the East, St. Cajetan- built like St. Peter (Rome), Church of Our Lady Rosary and St. Monica. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 16: Goa

Whole day free to explore its beaches or to relax.

Day 17: Mumbai

Morning at leisure, in time transfer to airport for your flight to Mumbai. At Mumbai, meet and assistance, in time you will be transfer to International Airport for your flight back to home.