Overview:

The Hampi & Deccan Plateau tour begins in the former princely city of Hyderabad, a predominantly Islamic city offering a compelling combination of monuments, museums and lively bazaars. It’s endless lively bazaars, eclectic Salar Jung Museum and the mighty Golconda Fort nearby make it an enticing place to spend a day or two. Continue your journey to see the 15th to 17th century mosques and mausoleum complexes of Bidar, Bijapur and Gulbarga, which are regarded as some of the best examples of Islamic architecture in South India. After travelling through some of the cities rich in Islamic history in South India, the second phase of the journey takes you to the intrinsically Hindu collection of temples at Badami, Aihole, Pattadakal and on to Hampi and the ancient Vijayanagar Empire to see some of India's most intricate historical stone carvings. After exploring through regions rich in history, unwind awhile in Goa, renowned for its endless beaches, places of worship and world heritage architecture.

Day 01

Hyderabad

On arrival, in Hyderabad, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Stay at Taj Krishna for 03 nights. Remainder of the day at leisure.

Day 02

Hyderabad

Your sightseeing tour starts with a visit to the Golconda Fort and Qutub Shahi tombs.No place can give you a glimpse of Hyderabadi life like the Charminar area can. After lunch, walk through Laad Bazaar and get dazzled by the shiny lac bangles that Hyderabad is known for and take the by-lanes to meet the master craftsmen behind this. Walk into the chaos of fluttering pigeons in the Mecca Masjid courtyard and then onto the simplicity of the Nizam's tombs.

Day 03

Hyderabad

Visit the Chowmahalla Palace and take a walk around the palace complex to see the opulence with which this Nizams of Hyderabad lived and ruled. Walk through the imposing Durbar Hall and the various rooms where the family has recreated a slice of life from the past.Also visit the Salar Jung Museum which houses an extensive art collection.

Day 04

Hyderabad – Bidar - Gulbarga

Drive to Bidar, hidden away in Karnataka’s far north eastern corner, to see the amazing ruins and monuments of the once mighty Bahmani Kingdom. This old-walled town being the first capital of the Bahmani kingdom and later the capital of the Barid Shahi dynasty, is a city with rich past of Islamic Indian history. Visit the impressive ruin of Mahmud Gawan’s Madrassa, or theological college, whose single minaret soars high above the city centre, which is the highlight of this predominantly Muslim quarter that holds many Bahmani-era mosques, havelis and monasteries. Following this continue on to Gulbarga for and stay at Citrus Hotel Gulbarga for the night.

Day 05

Gulbarga – Bijapur

The morning is set aside to explore the fort and the tombs of the Bahmani kings. Drive on this afternoon through rural India to Bijapur. Stay at Hotel Basava Residency for 02 nights.

Day 06

Bijapur

Bijapur also known as Vijaypurura is a historic city epitomising the Deccan’s Islamic era. Boasting some of the Deccan’s fines Muslim monuments, Bijapur is often referred as ‘The Agra of the South’. Enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of this town. Visit Gol Gumbaz, housing the tomb of Mohammad Adil Shah is among the most impressive structures built during the era. Continue to the beautiful tomb named Ibrahim Rouza which was built by Adil Shah II for his queen. Gagan Mahal, the impressive Sky Palace is an architecture marvel. You will also visit the Sat Manzil (seven-storied palace), Jala Manzil (water pavilion), Bara Kaman (twelve arches) and Jama Masjid, the mosque built by Ali Adil Shah I.

Day 07

Bijapur - Badami

This morning drive to Badami. This former Chalukyan capital is best known for its Hindu and Jain cave temples that occupy a spectacular setting cut into the cliff-face of a sandstone hill that looks over this ancient village. Stay at Badami Court for 02 nights.

Day 08

Badami

Visit the Badami Cave Temples in the morning which are thought to date from the second half of the 6th century AD. Later continue to the nearby village of Pattadakal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to an impressive 8th century temple complex. End the day in Aihole which is regarded as the birthplace of Indian temple architectural design.

Day 09

Badami – Hampi

Morning drive to Hampi, an erstwhile capital city of Viyanagara empire, now a UNESCO world heritage site. Stay at Heritage Resort for 03 nights.

Day 10 & 11

Hampi

Over the next two days visit the ruins and monuments in Hampi,once the capital city of the Vijayanagara Empire, an Imperial city to rival Rome with its palaces, temples and sculptures.As one of the largest Hindu empires to have ever existed, the ruins at Hampi are extensive and, in many cases, exceptionally well preserved. Established in the early 1300s, there is an impressive array of palaces, temples, structures and ruins to visit including the Vitthala Temple, Stone Chariot, Lotus Mahal and Queen's Bath.

Day 12

Hampi - Goa

A long full day drive will take you to the final destination of Goa, with its endless beaches and swaying palms. Stay at Coconut Creek Resort for 03 nights.

Day 13 & 14

Goa

Full day at leisure to relax by the beach or you have the option to visit Old Goa to see the towering churches and cathedrals and majestic convents.

Day 15

Goa Airport Drop

In good time you will be transferred to Trivandrum International Airport to connect your flight home.