South India with Goa Tours

Day 2: Mumbai
This morning after breakfast proceed on a city tour of Mumbai- The city of dreams.
Visit Gateway of India, Prince of Wales Museum, Hanging Gardens on the slopes of Malabar Hills offering nice view of Marine Lines & Chowpatty Beach, Kamla Nehru Park, Mani Bhawan (where Mahatma Gandhi used to stay) and then to Dhobi Ghat. Also visit Afgan Church, Flora Fountain (Bombay nerve centre), Colourful Crawford Market and Marine Drive.
Overnight : Hotel

Day 3: Mumbai-Hyderabad
Half day Excursion to Elephanta caves.
These caves are situated at the Elephanta Island, which lies at a distance of approximately 10 km from the Gateway of India. These caves basically comprise of rock cut temples. The name of the caves has been kept after the island's name on which they are situated. The island in turn was named so by the Portuguese, after the massive elephant statue that stands majestically near its landing area of the island. Elephanta Caves have been found to date back to as far back as the 5th century CE. These caves have been beautifully adorned with Lord Shiva sculptures, to whom they are dedicated. They were chiseled out of a rock, leading to the creation of the columns, the internal spaces and the images.
Later in the afternoon transfer to the Mumbai airport to catch flight to Hyderabad. On arrival, you will be met by our representative at the airport and you will be transferred to your pre-booked hotel for an overnight rest.
Hyderabad: The City of Nizams, has all charms to keep people engaged in its vividness. The 'Biryani City' has a royal legacy of more than 500 years. Its picturesque beauty appears incredible in the evenings, when the sun sets and the whole city gets illuminated.
Overnight: Hotel

Day 4: Hyderabad
On the day 4 of your tour proceed to visit the 'City of Pearls' which is the boasts of marvelous historical monuments and hi-tech buildings as well.
Birla Temple
Birla Mandir is a structural wonder that dominates the skyline of Hyderabad. It is a fine specimen of man-made marvel, dedicated to the spiritual powers of Lord Venkateshwara. Perched on the Kala Pahad (Black Hill), the temple offers a panoramic view of the twin cities of Andhra Pradesh.
Charminar
Perhaps Charminar is the pictogram of Hyderabad. Rising to the astounding height of 180 feet, the monument lies centrally in the old city. This marvelous monument is a true picture of elegance, a great tribute to the fighting spirit of human race. Charminar was built by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah.
Mecca Mosque
Mecca Masjid is one of the oldest and biggest mosques of not only Anhdra Pradesh, but the whole of India. In the year 1617, Mohammad Quli Qutub Shah started the construction of the mosque, whereas it was completed by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1694.
Botanical Gardens
Spread over an area of 120 acres, Botanical gardens are the first of its own kind in Andhra Pradesh. These gardens embrace numerous varieties of herbs, plants and trees. The serenity and quietude appear charismatic with presence of water bodies, meadows and rich grasslands.
Uncovering the Mysteries of Golconda.
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 Osman Sagar Lake- one of the most beautiful man-made lakes. Situated 20 kms away from the city of Hyderabad, popularly known as Gandipet. This water body was formed by constructing a dam on the river Moosi in 1920 by Mir Osman Ali Khan. The twin city of Hyderabad and Secunderabad receive water supply from this lake. It is spread over an area of 46 square kilometers. The surroundings here are very pleasant and landscaped gardens with a swimming pool are added attractions.
Overnight: Hotel

Day 5: Hyderabad-Chennai
This morning after breakfast transfer to the Hyderabad airport to catch flight to Chennai- Dravidian Citadel. On arrival, you will be met by our representative at the airport and you will be transferred to your pre-booked hotel. Relax for a while and later visit Chennai.
Chennai, the scion of Dravidian movement, is a vibrant city that keeps on reinventing itself. During your tour to Chennai you will get an opportunity to explore the distinct and vibrant culture of Chennai that is so different from the one you experience in North India. Everything, right from music to cuisine, is distinct in itself. Chennai travel will help you understand a new city and a new culture in itself.
Visit the Fort St George, Government Museum, Valluvar Kottam, Snake Park, Kapaleeshwarar Temple,High Court, Fort Museum, Marina Beach, San Thome Cathedral, The Theosophical Society and Snake Park. Evening is free to relax or go for shopping.
Overnight: Hotel

Day 6: Chennai-Tirupati-Chennai
Sacred journey to Tirupati.
Early morning proceed for a 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.
The term 'Tirupati' is made of two words, where 'Tiru' means 'Sri' and 'Pati' means 'Husband'. Thus, 'Tirupati' suggests 'Maha Vishnu' or 'Lord of Maha Lakshmi'. Dotted with several temples and immersed in the divine aura in conjunction with scenic beauty, Tirupathi appears truly charismatic. Apart from Sri Venkateswara Temple, there are many famous shrines here, like those of Govindaraja, Rama, Mallikarjuna, etc.
Evening return back to Chennai hotel for an overnight rest.
Overnight: Hotel

Day 7: Chennai-Mysore
Silk & sandalwood.
Early morning board the train for Mysore. Arrive Mysore Junction railway station and then you will be transferred to hotel. Relax for a while and then proceed on a 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: Hotel

Day 8: Mysore
Full day excursion to Sravanbelgola, Belur and Halebid.
At Sravanbelgola, 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.
Return back to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Overnight: Hotel

Day 9: Mysore-Bangalore
After breakfast drive towards Bangalore-India's silicon valley. On the way visit Srirangapatnam, 16 kms from Mysore.
Srirangapatnam: This fort was the stronghold of Tipu Sultan, son of Hyder Ali. Tipu fought a valiant battle against the British in 1799 before laying down his life. Among the many fort buildings till intact are Tipu 's airy summer palace and his tomb at the Darya Daulat Bagh (Garden). Also visit Sri Ranganath Temple.
Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Relax for the remaining part of the day.
Overnight: Hotel

Day 10: Bangalore
For the first half of the day proceed for the 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. Utilize rest of the day in shopping or personal activities.
Overnight: Hotel

Day 11: Bangalore-Hampi
On the day 11 of your tour drive towards 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.
Upon arricval, check into your hotel at Hospet (12 km from Hampi). Rest of the day at your discretion or you can explore group of monuments at Hampi.
Overnight: Hotel

Day 12: Hampi
Whole day free to explore the wealthy monuments of Hampi.
The landscape of Hampi was dotted with magnificent palaces, sacred temples, massive fortifications, baths, markets, pavilions, and stables for royal elephants. The Vijayanagara kings were great patrons of art and Hampi became the epicenter of a flourishing indigenous culture. The sprawling city was planned in such a way that the important structures are located in two areas, referred to as the Royal Centre and the Sacred Centre. The Royal Centre contains remnants of opulent palaces, baths, pavilions, royal stables, while the Sacred Centre locates holy temples. The Sacred Centre is situated on the northern edge of the city along the banks of the holy Tungabhadra River.
Evening return back to hotel for overnight stay.
Overnight: Hotel

Day 13: Hampi-Belgaum
Early morning drive toward Blegaum. Enroute visit Badami.
Badami: Derived its name from the legend of Batapi, the demon who was devoured by Agastya the sage. The cave temples of Badami came up due to the efforts of the latter. Travel to Badami for a glimpse of these temples. Among the four cave temples, three are Brahmanical temples while the fourth cave is a Jain temple dating back to the 7th century. The cave temples are an integral part of Badami tourism.
Upon arrival transfer to your hotel for an overnight rest.
Overnight: Hotel

Day 14: Belgaum- Goa
This morning after breakfast drive to Goa. Arrive and check in hotel. Relax for remaining part of the day.
Overnight: Hotel

Day 15: Goa
Rome in India.
Start your 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 Basilica of Bom Jesus, which contains the tomb, & mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier 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: Hotel

Day 16: Goa
Whole day free to explore Goa beaches.
Overnight: Hotel

Day 17: Goa-Mumbai
On the last day of your tour you will be transfer to Goa airport to board flight for Mumbai. On arrival at Mumbai Airport transfer to Mumbai international airport to board flight for onward journeys with sweet and pleasant memories of your "South Inida with Goa Tour" escorted by Vardhman Vacations.
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