12 Nights & 13 Days Hyderabad – Bidar & Gulbarga – Bijapur – Badami – Hospet – Hampi – Hassan – Halebidu & Belur – Mysore – Bangalore
12 Nights & 13 Days Hyderabad – Bidar & Gulbarga – Bijapur – Badami – Hospet – Hampi – Hassan – Halebidu & Belur – Mysore – Bangalore
Gracing the Deccan with a glorious slice of history are stalwart cities like Hyderabad, Bangalore, Hampi and Mysore. With this, add the draw of the lesser known Gulbarga, Bidar and Badami for a wholesome trip themed around forts and palaces. The extravagance of Nizams of Hyderabad cast a surreal sheen as one starts the trip. The hypnotic beauty stays with the traveller as he makes his way through Bidar and then crossing over to the state of Karnataka, known for its array of rulers, who left an inedible imprint on the land. Of these impressions, the Vijaynagara Kingdom’s ruins at Hampi are unmatchable. The pale brown bouldery sprawl, when pitched against Mysore’s rich cultural fabric, the result is a deep influence on the travellers’ minds.
Charminar | Bahamani Kingdom Fort | Gol Gumbaz | Badami Caves | Pattadakal | Hampi’s ruins | Halebidu & Belur Temples | Maharaja Palace
Arrive in Hyderabad on Day 1. Check in and prepare for days of sinking your mind into the Deccan history of India.
Charminar is as much the signature of Hyderabad as is Taj Mahal of Agra. It will be difficult to tear yourself away from the halls, to visit the Mecca Masjid, one of the largest mosques in the world, Hussain Sagar Lake and the Golconda Fort are added highlights of the day.
The Fort with tombs of the Bahamani and Barid Shahi Kings in Bidar start the day, as you drive to Gulbarga to see the Bahamani Kingdom Fort with its citadel Mosque and the great Tomb in the eastern quarter.
Drive to Bijapur on this day.
Bijapur, or the city of victory has an array of monuments in store- Gol Gumbaz, Jama Masjid, Azar Mahal, Mehtar Mahal, Ibrahim Rauza, Malik-I-Maidan, Bara Kaman and Gagan Mahal.
Drive to Badami. Nestled in a canyon, this was the Chalukyan capital from 543 – 757 A.D. The ancient city is dotted with Hindu and Jain temples along with Buddhist caves temples, four of which are cut out of the hillside in the second half of the 6th century.
On day 7th visit the satellite towns of Aihole and Pattadakal – the cradle of Hindu Temple architecture. Rashtrakuta and late Chalukyan temples of Aihole are dedicated to Hindu, Buddhist and Jain divinities. Pattadakal lies on the banks of the Malprabha River and is a World Heritage Site.
Drive to Hospet and check –in at the hotel.
Hampi, the glorious capital of Vijaynagara Empire spreads over an area of 26 kms. Once thriving with temples and living quarters, now the city lies in ruins – though not any less spectacular.
Travel to Hassan, the base town to explore Halebidu and Belur Temples.
Hoysalesvara Temple at Halebidu is perched on a star-shaped base with every centimeter of the walls covered in endless intricate details of Hindu deities, sages and animals. Just a few kms away the Chennakesava Temple of Belur is equally exquisite.
Visit the Maharaja Palace built in 1857 in Indo-Saracenic style and Chamundi Hill, where a temple commemorates Goddess Chamundeshwari celebrating her victory over the buffalo demon. Srirangapatnam and The Summer Palace of the Tipu Sultan are also part of the plan.
Travel to Bangalore for onward flight.
