Ruins of South India & GOA

Upon arrival at Chennai airport, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax and enjoy the hotel or explore this capital city of Tamil Nadu state on your own.

 

This city was named by the British settlers as Madras.

Let’s take the Peacock Trail through Mylapore, a town that predates Chennai by at least 2,000 years and is the religious and cultural epicenter of the Tamil people. Visit the Kapaleeshwarar temple, rebuilt 300 years ago and is a fine example of the pure Dravidian style with gopurams and mandapams. The original Kapaleeshwarar (dedicated to Shiva) was demolished in the mid-sixteenth century by the Portuguese. The Portuguese built a colony on the shore and pushed Mylapore inland where it still stands today.

 

The Kapaleeshwarar temple is surrounded by jewelers, silk merchants, fruit and vegetable sellers, flower vendors in the bazaars.  You will also find stores selling music and religious memorabilia in this neighborhood.

 

Sri Parthasarathy Temple, an 8^th century Hindu temple. The Chennai Government Museum (Madras Museum) is the second oldest museum in India and opened in 1851. This complex includes an impressive Bronze Gallery, Archaeological Gallery, National Art Gallery and more.

 

Valluvar Kottam, a monument dedicated to a classical poet.

 

St Thomas Cathedral Basilica, built in the 16th century by Portuguese explorers over the tomb of St Thomas. Then rebuilt by the British in 19th century.

 

Marina Beach is 4 miles long along the Bay of Bengal, one of the longest beaches in the world. Near the north of Marina Beach is Fort St George, the first English fortress in India. The fort also houses St Mary's Church, the oldest Anglican church and the oldest British building in India.

 

This evening, enjoy a local dance performance with your welcome dinner.

 

Breakfast        Welcome Dinner

Fly to Bangalore today.

 

A half-day sightseeing tour of Bangalore's important destinations - Tipu's Palace, Nandi Bull Temple, photo op Vidhan Sabha, Government Museum, Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple.

 

Breakfast

Today we drive to Mysore, ‘The City of Palaces’.

 

Mysore is one of South India's most enchanting cities, famed for its glittering royal heritage and magnificent monuments and buildings. Rich in tradition with a deeply atmospheric bazaar district littered with spice stores and incense stalls. This city is home to many acclaimed yoga schools that draw Ashtanga yogis from around the world.

 

Mysore Palace (Amba Vilas Palace). This former residence of Wodeyar Maharaja of Mysore has been converted into a museum displaying paintings, jewelry, royal costumes and other items that were once owned by the Wodeyars. Hear stories of the royal families who ruled Mysore for more than seven centuries! The impressive 3-story granite palace boasts several important halls and chambers under pink marble domes and expansive arches. Enter the Ambavilasa hall through a rosewood doorway inlaid with ivory to view stained glass ceilings and a mosaic floor of semi-precious stones. See Indian and European sculptures and ceremonial objects as well as 19^th and 20^th century dolls on display in the Gombe Thotti (Doll’s Pavilion). You’ll gaze in wonder at the marriage hall (Kalyana Mantapa) where peacock motifs decorate an octagonal-shaped pavilion in geometric patterns. Admire the intricate and richly carved interior as you explore the palace and marvel at its opulence. Your guide will point out features of this fine example of Indo-Saracenic architecture – a blend of Hindu, Muslim, Rajput and gothic styles – and help you appreciate the artistic heritage of this important monument.

 

Inhale the fresh air among the orchards and water fountains in Brindavan Gardens (Vridavan Gardens).

 

Enjoy high tea at the Lalita Mahal Palace Hotel, the second largest palace in Mysore. The palace was built in the Renaissance architectural style with a central dome inspired by St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.

 

Breakfast     High Tea

Check out of the hotel and drive to Hassan for a half-day city tour.

 

Breakfast

Check out of the hotel and drive to Hospet for a half-day city tour.

 

Breakfast

Hampi was once the beautiful capital city of the Vijaynagar Emire. The magnificent ruins of Hampi dot an unearthly landscape that has captivated travelers for centuries. Heaps of giant boulders perch precariously over miles of undulating terrain, their rusty hues offset by jade green palm groves, banana plantations and paddy fields.

 

We will explore the ruins and the famous temples such as The Group of Monuments (UNESCO World Heritage Site) with Virupaksha Temple, its most famous temple.

 

Breakfast

After hotel check out, drive to Bijapur for a half-day tour.

 

A historic city and a perfect example of the Deccan’s Islamic era, Bijapur (Vijapura) tells a glorious tale dating back some 600 years. Blessed with a heap of mosques, mausoleums, palaces and fortifications, it was the capital of the Adil Shahi kings from 1489 to 1686.

 

Overnight in Bijapur.

 

Breakfast

After hotel check out, drive to Aihole.

 

Aihole is the cradle of stone temples with the Dravidan style of architecture. The oldest temple Lad Khan goes back to the 5th century A.D. There are 70 temples in this group. The Durga temple is famous for its sculptures. The Meguti temple is built of 630 small stone blocks. The Ravanaphadi Cave has some beautiful carvings.

 

Visit Pattadakal, referred to as Petrigal in the past, reached its pinnacle of glory under the Chalukya kings from 7th to 9th centuries. The oldest in this group is the Sanghameswara Temple. The Mallikarjuna Temple has pillars depicting life of Krishna. Virupaksha temple has sculptures and panel scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata epics. The Papanatha Temple has impressive carvings on pillars and ceilings.

 

After sightseeing, continue to drive to Badami.

 

Breakfast

Let’s drive to fabulous beach town of Goa. A kaleidoscopic blend of Indian and Portuguese cultures, sweetened with sun, sea, sand, seafood and spirituality. Nowhere in India is quite like Goa.

 

After arrival, relax on the virtually uninterrupted string of golden sand beaches.

 

Breakfast

Goa stands out in India for its Portuguese colonial architecture and heritage. The Portuguese arrived in Goa in 1510, lured by the exotic East and the promise of lucrative spice routes. Their indelible mark is still evident in the state’s baroque architecture, whitewashed churches, crumbling forts, colorful Catholic ceremonies, mournful fado music and the stunning cathedrals of Old Goa.

 

Today, we will tour Goa and sample Indo-Portuguese cuisine.

 

Breakfast      Farewell Dinner

A free day to be a beach bum. Watch the shimmering sandy beaches along the Arabian Sea. You can explore the many beaches or just relax in the resort.

 

Breakfast

The tour comes to an end after breakfast. Hotel check-out and transfer to Dabolim airport in Goa for your flight home.

 

Breakfast