Wonder of South - West India

DAY 00 / 10 NOV 2019 / SUNDAY: ARRIVE MUMBAI ( Check in 1200 Hrs)

On arrival at Mumbai International airport, meet and greet by our representative. Later, assistance and transfer

to hotel.

Mumbai (Bombay) is the vibrant and pulsating

capital of Maharashtra. For over a century, Mumbai

has been a commercial and industrial centre of India

with a magnificent harbour, imposing multi-storied

buildings, crowded thoroughfares, busy markets,

shopping centers and beautiful tourist spots. The

British acquired Mumbai from the Portuguese in

1665 and handed it over to the East India Company

in 1671 for a handsome annual rent of Sterling

Pounds 10 in gold! Later, these seven islands were

joined together by causeways and bridges in 1862. Overnight at Mumbai

DAY 01 / 11 NOV 2019 / MONDAY: MUMBAI (Bollywood and City Tour)

After breakfast we proceed for half day Bollywood tour.

Meet your guide to the Bollywood film studio. En route, your guide will inform you about what to expect on

your Bollywood tour at Film City, also called Dadasaheb Phalke Nagar in honor of the father of India’s film

industry.

When you arrive at the Film City complex, head to one of the Bollywood studios for a brief introduction about

the origin and evolution of India’s film industry,

which has produced more than 67,000 films in at

least 30 languages! Learn about the silent film era

and the ‘talkies’ – first introduced to India in the

early 1930s – as well as the increasing popularity

of Bollywood cinema, which incorporates Hindi

storytelling through dance, music and song.

Next, your Film City guide will escort you to

various movie sets, where you can observe the

shooting of feature films, TV serials or ads

(depending on the day). Here, experience the

action of a set production as you see directors

rehearsing dance choreography and hear sound mixers matching background music with sound effects.

With this up-close view, you’ll gain insight into the everyday mechanics of moviemaking – from set creation,

animation, stunt doubles and special effects to dubbing, editing, film processing and publicity. You may even

get a chance to pose for a photo with the film stars themselves (subject to availability or at the star's approval; if

shooting is in progress, you will only be allowed to view it from a certain distance to avoid disturbance).

After visit return back to hotel for lunch.

After lunch proceed for sightseeing tour of Mumbai, visiting the 19th century Jain Temple with its silver doors,

the Kamala Nehru Park and the Ferozshah Mehta Gardens known as the Hanging Gardens of Bombay and the

Towers of Silence where the Parsis dispose of their dead. Visit Mani Bhavan where Mahatma Gandhi spent 17

years of his life working for the freedom of India. Overnight at Mumbai (B / L)

DAY 02 / 12 NOV 2019 / TUESDAY: MUMBAI

After breakfast we proceed to visit the Elephanta Caves (closed on Mondays), 9 km off the coast of Mumbai

and an hour’s ride by motor launch from the

Gateway of India. The cave temples of Elephanta

date back to the 7th Century. Four rows of massive

columns cut into solid rock form three magnificent

avenues, which lead to the outstanding three-headed

sculpture representing Brahma the Creator, Vishnu

the Preserver and Shiva the Destroyer. Dedicated to

Shiva, the beauty and power of these phenomenal

sculptures depicting the various manifestations of

Shiva is overpowering.

Rest of the day is free. In the evening we provide

dinner at world famous Taj Mahal Hotel, offering a

true taste of the Raj. After dinner return back to our

hotel. Overnight at Mumbai (B / L / D)

DAY 03 / 13 NOV 2019 / WEDNESDAY: MUMBAI / AURANGABAD (By Flight)

After breakfast provide in-time transfer to airport to board the flight to Aurangabad. In Aurangabad assistance

on arrival followed by transfer to hotel.

Later you will proceed to visit Ellora Caves. Situated

30 km from Aurangabad, these fine rock cut cave

temples date from the 10th & 11th Centuries and

encompass three religions - Hinduism, Buddhism

and Jainism. Of the 34 caves that are both

monasteries and temples, the most remarkable is the

magnificent Kailasa temple. The entire structure

was carved out of a monolith and took over 100

years to complete. The temple itself is decorated

with themes and incidents from the puranas, sacred

Hindu texts, in a manner that leaves one in

rapturous delight.

Daulatabad Fort: (Distance – 7 km): Originally

the mountainous Deogiri fortress, it was an old Hindu stronghold, finally captured and plundered by deceit in

the 13th Century. Made the capital of the Delhi Sultanate 100 years later by Tughlaq, it was the prime fortress

of many successive dynasties in the Deccan. Daulatabad is famous for its series of trick defences, secret escape

routes, etc. Important monuments within the fort include the Jami Masjid – now the Bharat Mata Mandir, the

Chand Minar, Elephant Tank and Chini Mahal or Chinese Palace. After visit return to hotel. Overnight in

Aurangabad (B / L)

DAY 04 / 14 NOV 2019 / THURSDAY: AURANGABAD

After breakfast visit Ajanta, 110 km from Aurangabad. Ajanta’s wondrous cave temples are cut into the rocky

sides of a dramatic crescent-shaped gorge, at the head of which is a waterfall that drops over the mountain rim

in a series of seven steps to a pool far below – the

Saptakund. Dating back to the 2nd Century B.C.,

deep inside the mountain are the Buddhist chaitya

– vihara prayer and monastery caves. They cover a

span of 800 years when under the royal patronage

of ruling dynasties, professional artists helped

Buddhist monks to create magnificent murals

narrating the story of Buddha in his cycle of

incarnations, while simultaneously creating a

painted record of the panorama of life in ancient

India. Etched and painted in mineral dyes, the

paintings have a langourous stylised beauty and

magical eloquence. The Ajanta Caves are a

UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Also visit Bibi ka Maqbara: (Distance – 6 km), the tomb of Begum Rabia Durani, wife of Emperor

Aurangzeb. Due to its similar design, it is popularly known as the mini Taj of the Deccan. The Maqbara stands

in the middle of a spacious and formally planned Mughal garden with axial ponds, fountains, water channels,

broad pathways and pavilions. Frequent visitors are flights of chattering parrots. (The Maqbara can be viewed

from the gardens of The Meadows.) After visit return back to hotel. Rest of the day is free.

Overnight in Aurangabad (B / L)

DAY 05 / 15 NOV 2019 / FRIDAY: AURANGABAD /BANGALORE(Flight via Mumbai) / MYSORE

(approx. 150 Kms / 03 Hrs drive)

After breakfast provide in time transfer to airport to

board the flight to Bangalore via Mumbai. In

Bangalore assistance on arrival followed by drive

to Mysore

Mysore has always fascinated people by it’s quaint

charm, rich heritage, magnificent palaces,

beautifully laid-out gardens, imposing buildings,

broad shady avenues and sacred temples. Mysore

was ruled by the Wodeyars since the 14th century

except for a brief period of 40 years in the later

18th century when Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan ruled

over the city. The city has pleasant weather

throughout the year. On arrival check into Hotel.

Rest of the day is free.

Overnight in Mysore. (B / L)

DAY 06 / 16 NOV 2019 / SATURDAY: MYSORE

After Breakfast full day sightseeing of Mysore. Places to visit are CHAMUNDI HILLS - The backdrop of the

city is the 1,100-feet-high Chamundi Hill. On the top of the hill stands the temple dedicated to the Goddess

Chamundeshwari, the royal family’s patron deity. To reach the temple one can either drive through the 13-km

stretch up or climb the 1,000 stone steps. Halfway

up along the stone steps stands the majestic 4.8-

metre monolith of Nandi the Bull, Lord Shiva’s

chosen mount. The statue is believed to be 300

years old and itschief attraction , apart from its

size, is the meticulous craftsmanship of its

ornaments.

MYSORE PALACE - Built in around AD 897 in

Saracenic style, the Mysore palace has both

Hindu as well as Muslim influences. The palace,

designed by an English architect and completed in

1912, was built in place of an earlier palace which

was burnt down in 1897. The central hall,

incredible in its beauty, was used for marriages

and other major gatherings. The Dussehra procession, starts from here. The palace also houses a museum which

has a collection of musical instruments, children’s toys, many paintings, costumes, weapons, etc., belonging to

the Maharaja’s family.

BRINDAVAN GARDENs: This beautiful garden is spread over an area of approximately 150 acres and is

situated below the Krishna Raja Sagara Dam. It was constructed in the year 1932 with a botanical park and

several musical fountains that are created in different shapes and designs. These colorful fountains are major

attractions here. After visit return to hotel. Rest of the day is free. Overnight in Mysore (B / L)

DAY 07 / 17 NOV 2019 / SUNDAY: MYSORE / BELUR / HELIBID / HASSAN (approx. 150 Kms /

03 Hrs drive)

After breakfast drive to Hasaan en route visit of Belur & Helibid. BELUR - Situated on the banks of the

Yagachi River, Belur was the first capital of the Hoysala dynasty. The Channekeshava Temple here is one of

the three major Hoysala sites still in daily use. One

of the earliest structures of its type, the construction

of the temple was started in 1116 and took almost a

century to complete. The Hoysalas built it to

commemorate their victory over the Cholas. The

temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. At the centre of

the hall stands the Narasimha Pillar whose

astonishing details are worth a look. To the west of

the Channekeshava Temple lies the Viranarayana

Temple.

HALEBID - Founded in the early 11th century as

Dvarasamudra, this ancient capital of the Hoysala

empire was destroyed by the armies of the Delhi Sultanate in 1311 and 1327. The famous Hoysaleswara temple,

which today is the centre of attraction, however survived the destruction. The history of the Hoysaleswara

temple dates back to around AD 1121The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. A Nandi bull faces the each shrine.

The Jain bastis nearby form another major attraction in Halebid. These 12th-century temples stand in a garden

enclosure. After visit continue drive to Hassan. On arrival check into Hotel. Overnight in Hassan (B / L/ D)

DAY 08 / 18 NOV 2019 / MONDAY: HASSAN / CHITRADURGA / HOSPET (approx. 323Kms /

06-07 Hrs drive)

After breakfast drive to Hampi enroute visit ruins of Chitradurga fort.

Chitradurga gets its name from Chitrakaldurga (or Picturesque castle) as defined in Kannada language. The

Chitradurga fort was built and developed over a

period of time (10th - 18th C)

Chitradurga fort is mainly famous for Madakari

Nayaka (The king of the last dynasty) and the

legend of Obavva during his reign. "Onake

Obavva's" story is a highlight in the history of

Chitradurga fort. The legend is about a woman

called Obavva, wife of a soldier. Obavva upon

seeing Hyder Ali's soldiers entering the fort

through a secret hole, kills them one by one with

her Onake ( masse or pestle). Her husband,

shocked to see dead bodies, alerts the other

soldiers. However, both Obavva and her husband

die during the battle. Chitradurga Fort is also

called as 'Kallina Kote' (Stone Fort) is a popular tourist spot in Karnataka.

After visit continue drive to Hampi. Hampi is an ancient village situated on the banks of Tungabhadra River in

northern Karnataka. Hampi is a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site. The village stands within the ruins of

the city of Vijayanagara, the former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire.

It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South India. Hampi, also known as Pampa-kshetra,

Kishkindha-kshetra or Bhaskara-kshetra, is derived from Pampa, which is the old name of the Tungabhadra

River. Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple and Hampi Bazaar are among the must include places in your visit

of Hampi. Overnight in Hampi. (B / L)

DAY 09 / 19 NOV 2019 / TUESDAY: HAMPI

After breakfast go for local sightseeing of Hampi. Hampi is an extremely significant place in terms of history

and architecture. The first settlement in

Hampi dates back to 1st century AD and a

number of Buddhist sites belonging to that

time have been found nearby. The seat of the

Vijayanagara Empire was established by Saint

Vidyaranya in 1336 AD with the help of two

of his disciples, Hakka Raya and Bukka Raya.

Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagara

Empire and was an extremely important part

of the Empire from 1343 to 1565. It

maintained a huge army to protect it from

other kingdoms. As a capital of the

Vijayanagar Empire, Hampi grew as a trade center for cotton, spices, and gem stones. It was one of the richest

and largest cities in the world during 15th and 16th centuries. After the death of Krishnadevaraya, the invading

Deccan Sultanate forces destroyed Hampi and the rampage was continued for one year.

The main tourist spots in Hampi can be divided into two broad areas; the Hampi Bazaar area and the Royal

center near Kamalapur. Hemakuta Hill, south of the main Hampi temple, contains early ruins, Jain temples and

a monolithic sculpture of Lord Narasimha. The famous Vittala Temple is located 2 km east of the Hampi

Bazaar. After visits return back to Hotel for Overnight. Overnight in Hampi. (B / L)

DAY 10 / 20 NOV 2019 / WEDNESDAY: HOSPET / GOA (By Train Departs 0630 Hrs / Arrives 1355

Hrs)

Provide early morning transfer to Hospet railway station to board the train to Goa. Assistance on arrival at the

airport and transfer to hotel

Goa conjures up a land of scenic beauty with

abundant sun, sand and sea. On the west coast,

half way between Mumbai in the North and

Cochin in the south, Goa was under Portuguese

rule till 1961 and hence has a very striking and

interesting atmosphere.

Goa is also famous for its magnificent churches

including the Basilica of Bom Jesus, built in the

16th Century with the mortal remains of St.

Francis Xavier, a great saint. His remains are

preserved intact in a silver casket and there is an

exposition of his body once every 12 years. This

church is dedicated to Infant Jesus. The Se Cathedral has superb architecture with intricately carved altars fitted

with gold. Dinner this evening will be on your own, so that you can experience Goa’s famous cuisine according

to your own taste and budget. Overnight in Goa (B / L)

DAY 11 / 21 NOV 2019 / THURSDAY: GOA

Morning after breakfast, spend the day sightseeing around North Goa. You can begin with the Basilica Bom

Jesus, which is dedicated to Infant Jesus. The

church has the sacred remains of St Francis

Xavier. Also, visit other churches of North Goa

including St Cajetan, St Francis of Assisi, Se

Cathedral and Church of St. Monica. All the

churches feature a unique architectural style

which speaks much about the heritage and

craftsmanship of those times.

Visit the Museum of Christian Art, which is the

only one of its kind in Asia. The museum is

best known to house a collection of items like

gold and precious stones and rosaries. You can

also visit Archeological Museum. Return to

Panjim, the capital of Goa, and as you drive

through the city enjoy viewing its unique

colonial architecture. Walk through the city and flip back the pages of the Portuguese days. Do visit the bustling

markets of Goa and shop for gifts and souvenirs. Post lunch, head to Baga Beach, which is one the most

popular, happening and beautiful beaches of Goa. Later, you will be returned to hotel. Get ready for Farewell

Gala Dinner. Overnight in Goa (B / L/ D)

DAY 12 / 22 NOV 2019 / FRIDAY: GOA DEPARTS (CHECK OUT 1200 HRS)

Full day at leisure at the beach or free for optional activities. Assistance on check-out and transfer to airport to

board the flight for onwards journey. (B)

TOUR END