Arrival in Hyderabad, our representative will meet and welcome you at the lounge and provide transfer assistance from airport to hotel. Upon reaching your hotel, you will be handed over the travel documents with a complete briefing of tour by the representative. Check-in and proceed to your room. Overnight stay at hotel.

Breakfast at hotel, this morning proceed for the full day city tour and visit the Charminar, Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah, the founder of Hyderabad, built Charminar in 1591 at the centre of the original city layout. Four graceful minarets soar to a height of 48.7 m above the ground. It has 45 prayer spaces and a Mosque in it and it is illuminated in the evenings.

Visit the Chowmahalla Palace, the Asif Jahi dynasty made this palace as their seat. Salabat Jung in 1750 initiated its construction but it was completed in 1869 during the period of Nizams.

Visit Falaknuma Palace, this palace is located on a 2000-foot-high hill. Nawab Vikar-ul-Umra built this palace and Nizam VI purchased this palace from Nawab Vikar-ul-Umra in 1897. The latter used this palace as a royal guest house. With lavishly decorated interiors and built by an Italian architect, this palace stands as a witness to the late 19th century architectural taste of Hyderabad. (Prior permission is a must to visit this exotic palace)

Visit Golconda Fort, the origins of the fort can be traced back to the Yadava dynasty of Deogiri and the Kakatiyas of Warangal. Golconda was originally a mud fort, which passed to the Bahmani dynasty and later to the Qutb Shahis, who held it from 1518 to 1687 A.D. The first three Qutb Shahi Kings rebuilt Golconda, over a span of 62 years. The fort is famous for its Acoustics, Palaces, Ingenious water supply system and the famous Fateh Rahben Gun, one of the cannons used in the last siege of Golconda by Aurangzeb, to whom the fort ultimately fell. Golconda was once the market city for its diamond trade. Darya-e-Nur, meaning 'sea of light', measuring 185 carats and housed now in Iran, was mined here. Many other famed diamonds - including the Koh-I-Noor Diamond, Nur-Ul-Ain Diamond, the Hope Diamond, and the Regent Diamond are believed to belong to the mines in this region.

Salar Jung Museum - This museum houses one of the biggest one-man collections of antiques of the world by Mir Yousuf Ali Khan, Salar Jung III. The objects d'art include Persian carpets, Mughal miniatures, Chinese porcelain, Japanese lacquerware, famous statues including the Veiled Rebecca and Marguerite and Mephistopheles, a superb collection of Jade, Daggers belonging to Queen Noor Jehan and the Emperors Jehangir and Shah Jahan, Aurangzeb's sword and many other fabulous items.

The Nizam's Silver Jubilee Museum - The stately Purani Haveli, the palace acquired around the year 1750 by the second Nizam, is now converted into a museum with a fascinating collection. The museum exhibits the gifts and mementos presented to the last Nizam on the occasion of the silver jubilee celebrations in 1937. A 1930 Rolls Royce, Packard and a Mark V Jaguar are among the vintage cars displayed. There is an interesting collection of models made in silver of all the prominent buildings of the city and citations in Urdu about H.E.H. Mir Osman Ali Khan, gold burnished wooden throne used for the silver jubilee celebrations, Gold Tiffin box inlaid with Diamonds, and a gold model of Jubilee Pavilion.
Return to hotel for overnight stay.

Early breakfast at hotel and later check-out. This early morning drive to Gulbarga (211 Kms). En-route you will visit Bidar, which was the capital of the Bahmani Kings from 1428 till it later passed into the hands of the Barid Shahi dynasty. There are some beautiful specimens of typical Muslim art and architecture.

Fragments of old colourful mosaics, grand old tombs of the Bahmani and Barid Kings and an impressive 15th century fort that still encircles the town. Bidar Fort was built by Sultan Alla-Ud-Din Bahman of the Bahmani Dynasty, when his capital was moved from Gulbarga to Bidar in 1427. Architecturally, the fort is a specimen of the Persian architectural style which is 1.21 kms in length & 0.80 kms in breadth, this fort has a haphazard quadrangular layout. Surrounded by three miles long walls and, comprising 37 bastions, this fort has five imposing entrances. Within the fort complex, there is an old city, which comprises monuments and structures that belong to the Bahamian era. Among these monuments, the Gagan Mahal, Rangin Mahal - Royal tomb composed of glazed mosaics imported from Kashan in northern Persia and Takhat Mahal are most popular. Jami Masjid and Solah Khamba Masjid are the two notable mosques constructed within the fort.

Bidar is famous for being the place where Bidriware, a form of silver filigree art originated. Bidriware is silver filigree done in Islamic motifs and set against a dark background of blackened zinc, tin, copper and lead to create the most striking ashtrays, boxes, bangles and such objects.

Afterwards, continue your drive to Gulbarga. Upon arrival proceed to hotel for check-in.
Overnight stay at hotel.

Breakfast and check-out from hotel. In the morning, proceed for the sightseeing and visit following places of interest:

The Gulbarga Fort, built in 1347, is located in Gulbarga district of Karnataka State. The massive Gulbarga fort is part of the earliest examples of Islamic architecture in Karnataka spawned by the Bahmani Sultanate. The fort was originally built by Raja Gulchand, a feudatory of the Orangal Kakatiyas. As Gulbarga gained prominence as the Bahmani capital, the fort was fortified by Alauddin Bahman with a deep moat and massive walls.

Malik-e-Maidan and Upri Buruj are both sites where watchtowers guarded Bijapur against attackers. In both places you can find huge Cannons and large guns that were in use during the Mughal regime in Bijapur.

Malik-e-Maidan : It literally translates to The Monarch of the Plains, the largest medieval cannon in the world. Being 4 meters long, 1,5 meters in diameter and weighing 55 tons, this gun was brought back from Ahmadnagar in the 17th century as a trophy of war and drawn by 400 oxen, 10 elephants and hundreds of men.

It was placed on the Sherza Burj (Lion Gate) on a platform especially built for it. The cannon's nozzle is fashioned into the shape of a lion's head with open jaws. It is said that after igniting the cannon, the gunner would remain underwater in a tank of water on the platform to avoid the deafening explosion. The cannon remain cool even in strong sunlight and if tapped, tinkles like a bell.

Upri Burj : Uplri Burj was built around 1584 by Hyder Khan, is an 80 ft high tower standing to the north of Dakhani Idgah in Bijapur (Vijapura). This is a spherical structure with stone steps winding round the outside. The top of the tower offers a commanding view of the city. This is also known as Hyder Burj or Upli Burj. On top of Upli Burj there are two guns of huge size. One needs to climb the stairs to reach the top.

Jumma Masjid : Nestled within the ramparts of the Gulbarga Fort, the Jumma Masjid bears a striking resemblance to the great mosque of Cordova in Spain. Built by Muhammed Bahmani in 1367, the Persian architecture of the mosque features stilted domes and narrow entrances. The mosque's unique feature is the roof which contains 68 domes that resemble a collection of gigantic pots. Historians reckon that the Jumma Masjid was built to commemorate Gulbarga's status as the Bahmani capital and is one of the earliest mosques in South India.

Khwaja Bande Nawaz Dargah : The Khwaja Bande Nawaz Dargah, the tomb of the great Sufi saint Syed Mohammad Gesu Daraz (1320-1422), is another major tourist attraction of Gulbarga. One of South India's holiest Muslim shrines, the Dargah is a unique example of communal harmony. The annual Urs held at the Dargah is attended by thousands of devotees including both Muslims and Hindus. The Dargah library contains nearly 10,000 books in Urdu, Persian and Arabic on subjects ranging from history and philosophy to religion and literature.

Royal Tombs : Gulbarga features a profusion of royal tombs and mausoleums. A complex of seven royal tombs known as the Half Gumbaz lies to the west of the Khwaja Bande Dargah. Among the royal mausoleums, the one resting Firoze Shah Bahmani is the largest and the most elaborate.

After the sightseeing, drive to Bijapur (157 Kms). Arrive and check-in at hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.

Breakfast and check-out from hotel. Visit the following places of interest:

Gol Gumbaz - The most important attraction of Bijapur is Gol Gumbaz, the largest dome in the world. The dome dominates of the entire area by its sheer size. With a diameter of 37 mt and height of 51 mt, the entire structure is raised on # mts thick wall. The commemorative plaque of Muhammad Adil Shah (1627-56) is placed under the dome. Without any pillar for support, the dome is an engineering marvel. The acoustical echos the slightest whisper over several times. The structure also has a mosque, guesthouses and a drum house.

Ibrahim Rauza - The most impressive structure in Bijapur is the Ibrahim Rauza and the associated mosque. Tomb of the famous Adil Shahi Sultan Ibrahim II (1580-1627), the structure has attracted lavish praises of the art historians and common tourists alike. Referred as"the Taj Mahal of the Deccan", the monument is built to perfection and with unstinting technical care and unparallel skilled artistry. The tomb has remarkable proportionate with elegant cupolas and slender minarets. The parapets cornices further add to the decorative touches.

Jama Masjid - Built in 1686, under Adil Shah I, the Jama Masjid of Bijapur is a sober and massive stately structure. The huge onion shaped dome of the Masjid rests on the beams of a majestic hall, divided into 45 compartments. The Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb added corridors on the northern and southern sides and a gateway on the eastern side.

Gagan Mahal - Built by Adil Shah I (1561), is a palace-cum-audience hall. The central arch of Gagan Mahal is the tallest and widest in entire Bijapur. Mostly in ruins, the structure is still magnificent and impressive and is now part of a beautiful park.

After the sightseeing, drive to Badami (117 Kms), upon arrival proceed to hotel for check-in. Overnight stay at hotel.

Breakfast at hotel. This morning undertake an excursion to Aihole. Aihole a town in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka, has its own historical significance and is called as cradle of Hindu rock architecture. Early inscriptions call this town "Ayyavole" and "Aryapura". Aihole was the first capital of the early Chalukyas and they built over 125 temples in various styles and is said to be a laboratory of experiments in rock cut architecture.

Visit the Lad Khan temple, it consists of a shrine with two mantapas in front of it is one of the major attractions. The shrine bears a Shiva lingam (Idols of Lord Shiva). The Mukha mantapa in front of the sanctum has a set of 12 carved pillars. The Sabhamantapa in front of the Mukha mantapa has pillars arranged in such a manner as to form two concentric squares. The temple is named after a Muslim prince who turned this temple into his residence. There are also stone grids on the wall carrying floral designs. The temple was built in late 7th or early 8th century. Visit Durga temple or fortress temple, the best known of the Aihole temples. It is apsidal in plan, along the lines of a Buddhist chaitya, a high moulded Adisthana and a tower - curvilinear Shikhara. A pillared corridor runs around the temple, enveloping the shrine, the Mukhamantapa and the Sabhamantapa. All through the temple, there are beautiful carvings. The temple appears to be of the late 7th or early 8th century.

Visit Ravana Phadi which is one of the oldest rock cut cave temples in Aihole, dating back to the 6th century. It is located to the south-east of the Hucchimalli Temple. Consisting of large carved pillars and a veranda, this temple houses a Shiva Linga in the inner sanctum. It features a rectangular shrine with two Mantapas and its sanctum is inclusive of an entrance hall with three entrances. Its walls are also covered with various carvings of Lord Shiva. The carvings mainly depict the dancing postures of Shiva as Nataraja, surrounded by the Saptamatrikas.

Later visit the Huchimalligudi temple, built in 7th century shows an evolution in the temple plan, as it shows an Ardhamantapa or an ante-chamber annexed to the main shrine. Huchimalligudi Group of Temples, to the north of the village behind the travelers' bungalow is this beautiful temple. The sanctum here has a Pradakshinapatha and its external walls contain lattices. The sanctum has a northern style Rekhanagara tower. It is in this temple the Shukanasa or the vestibule was introduced for the first time.

Afterwards drive to Pattadakal, Pattadakal is an UNESCO World Heritage site which lies on the banks of Malaprabha River in Bagalkot district. It is 22 Kms from Badami and about 10 Kms from Aihole. Pattadakal represents the high point of an eclectic art which, in the 7th and 8th centuries under the Chalukya dynasty, achieved a harmonious blend of architectural forms from northern and southern India. An impressive series of nine Hindu temples, as well as a Jain sanctuary, can be seen there.

Visit the Virupaksha Temple, built by Queen Lokamahadevi in 745 AD to commemorate her husband's victory (Vikramaditya II) over the Pallavas of Kanchi. The temple closely resembles the Kailashnatha temple in Kanchi. The Kailashnatha temple built by the Rashtrakuta dynasty in Ellora, incidentally, is modeled on the lines of the Virupaksha temple. The Virupaksha temple is rich in sculptures like those of Lingodbhava, Nataraja, Ravananugraha and Ugranarasimha.

Visit the Mallikarjuna Temple, which is a smaller version of the Virupaksha temple and was built by Vikramadiyta's second queen Trilokyamahadevi in 745. The Mallikarjuna temple was built immediately after and close to the Virupaksha temple (It has a similar plan), with a 4 storeyed Vimana with a circular Griva and Sikhara. This temple is in Dravidian style, the porch has a beautiful image of Narasimha killing Hiranyakashipu and two female idols. Here are two grand images on both the sides of the entrance to the navaranga. The eighteen pillars of the navaranga have figures pertaining to Ramayana, Mahabharatha and those representing social conditions of those days. On the ceiling are beautiful figures of Gajalakshmi and Shiva-Parvathi with Nandi.

Visit Papanatha Temple, built in the Vesara style dated to 680. The temple was started in Nagara style but later changed to a more balanced Dravidian style. Sculptures here speak of scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharatha. At the doorway of the inner hall are idols of door-keepers, Nandi and Virabhadra. There are 16 pillars in the main hall, which have fine figures of couples and carved figures of females. The ceiling has impressive figures of Shiva-Parvathi with Vishnu and the Gandharvas. To the north-west, on the wall is a notable figure of a royal court. Amorous couples and decorative carvings are found in several parts of the temple. On the external walls are figures of Lion and Elephant riders and Ramayana scenes. The temple appears to have built in stages.

After the visit to these beautiful temples, drive back to Badami. Overnight stay at hotel.

Breakfast and check-out from hotel. In the morning visit the Five Caves and beautiful lake-side temple/s. The First Cave - Constructed in the 6th century, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The most interesting and striking feature of this cave is Lord Shiva as Natrajaa with 18 arms is seen in 81 dancing poses. Shiva is depicted here in his destroyer form with all his paraphernalia like Damru (a musical instrument), the Cobra, and a Trishul (Trident). Other important figures to be found here are of Ardhnarishwara (a concept in the Hindu mythology where at times Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are personified as one), Harihara (another important concept in Hindu mythology where Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu are personified as one), and Nandi (the Bull).

The Second Cave - Dedicated to Lord Vishnu (the protector in Hindu mythology). King Kirtivarman I, who ascended the throne in AD 567, ordered the carving of this temple. Lord Vishnu has been depicted as two of his 10 incarnations, the Dwarf (Vaman) and the Boar (Varaha). Apart from these two interesting images of Vishnu, there are images of pot-bellied Dwarfs, Swastikas, Gandharva couples, Trivikrama (one of the incarnations of Vishnu), and Lord Vishnu riding a Garuda.

The Third Cave - This is the most impressive of all the cave temples in Badami. The temple has 61 steps. It was built by Mangalesh, who is considered the father of Chalukyan School of art. The artisans who worked on the varied designs of the pillars took great artistic freedom. Though the temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, there are images of Lord Shiva, Indra, and Lord Brahma on the ceiling. Lord Vishnu has been depicted in different aspects like sitting on a coil of Snakes and in his Boar (Varaha) incarnation.

The Fourth Cave - The date of creation of the fourth cave is hotly debated and no one is certain when it was carved. However, most of the art historians are unanimous that this is the most recent of all the rock-cut temples in Badami. This is the only cave related to the Jains, a religion the Chalukyans gave royal patronage. The temple has images of different Jain Tirthankaras like Adinath (the first Jain Tirthankara), Suparshavanath (the seventh Tirthankara), and about 20 other Tirthankaras. As in most other Jain cave temples, there are two images of Dwarapalas (gate keepers) at the entrance.

The Fifth Cave - The only natural cave out of all the rock-cut caves in Badami, it is dedicated to Lord Buddha. However, it has to be remembered that architectural expression of most of the caves are almost equal; none of them is distinctly Hindu, Buddhist, or Jain though they may have been dedicated to different sects. After the sightseeing, drive to Hospet (126 Kms) upon arrival check-in at hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.

Breakfast at hotel. In the morning proceed for an excursion to Hampi. Hampi is a strange and magical place and is one of the most beautiful towns in Karnataka. Huge boulders are scattered across the land where ruins of the old Vijayanagar capital stand as poignant reminders of the passage of history.

First visit, the Archaeological museum that is run by the government has many different things that were discovered while excavating the site. The museum is a small one. It has about two models of Hampi that show the topography of Hampi. The museum is comprised of four sections. They include the models, daily use products of the ancient people of Hampi, the royal remains and other artifacts of Hampi's ancient culture.

A visit to Virupaksha temple, the most famous and important temple of Hampi, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is situated very close to the Tungabhadra River. It is one of India's oldest functioning temples, since the 7th century, the time when it was constructed. Much smaller in size in earlier times, it only had a few shrines that had the Gods and Goddesses. Gradually as time passed, under the interest shown by many Hindu kings, the temple became bigger with the addition of other shrines, lamp posts, towers and pillars. Inside there is a shrine for the Virupaksha and a shrine for the sage Vidyaranya.

Breakfast at hotel. Check-out and drive to Dandeli (221 Kms) via Lakkundi, Lakkundi is known for the Chalukyan style temples, stepped wells and historic inscriptions. Owing to its uniqueness, sometimes these temples are simply referred to as Kalyana Chalukya Temples. Kashi Vishweshwara Temple, dedicate to Lord Siva is meticulous for its carvings on the towers and the doorways. The heavy circular pillars were made using some kind of lathe; Nanneshwara Temple located to its north is worth a visit. This temple looks like a simple and small replica of the much elaborate Kashi Vishweshwara Temple. Probably the Nanneshwara Temple was built as a prototype before the grand Kashi Vishweshwara Temple was executed. Brahma Jaina Basti built by Queen Attimabbe is the largest of many Jain temples in Lakkundi. This temple is dedicated to Mahavira, the most revered saint of Jainism. There are numerous ancient wells in Lakkundi, of which the Chateer Bavi, Kanne Bavi and Musukina Bavi are popular for their carvings architectural beauty. Most of the wells are carved with tiny Siva shrines in the form of niches into the walls.

Later visit the Cotton market at Gadag. Afterwards drive to Dandeli and check-in at Wildlife reserve resort / hotel. Overnight stay at resort / hotel.

This morning enjoy a Jeep safari in the Wildlife Park. Dandeli wildlife sanctuary is famous for its Teak, Rose trees, valuable unidentified medicinal plants. It is a birding paradise and well known for its varieties of bird life. It also has a huge forest cover with many rare floras and faunas.

After the game drive return to resort/hotel for breakfast. Later check-out and drive to Goa (117 Kms), upon arrival proceed to hotel for check-in. Remaining day at leisure for independent activities.
Overnight stay at hotel.

Breakfast at hotel. In the morning proceed for the full day city tour of this former Portuguese colony. Visit the Basilica de Bom Jesus, it is perhaps Goa's most famous church and among the most revered by Christians worldwide, is partially in ruins but still a model of simplicity and elegance, and a fine example of Jesuit architecture. Located in Old Goa, the Bom Jesus Basilica is a World Heritage Monument. The three-storeyed façade of the Church shows Ionic, Doric and Corinthian Orders, and has a main entrance flanked by two smaller ones, each having Corinthian columns supporting a pediment. There are two chapels, a main altar and a sacristy besides a choir inside the Church itself. There is a belfry is at the back. On the southern side in the transept is a chapel with gilded twisted columns and floral decorations of wood, where the sacred relics of the body of St. Francis Xavier are kept. The interior of this chapel is richly adorned with wooden carvings and paintings, depicting the scenes from the life of the Saint. A beautiful silver statue is kept in front of the casket. The silver casket, which serves as a reliquary containing the sacred relics of the body of St. Francis Xavier, is exquisitely carved, and was once studded with precious stones. The casket is divided on each side into seven panels, each of which has two plates representing in relief important incidents in the life of the saint.

Visit Se Cathedral, one of the most ancient and celebrated religious buildings of Goa, this magnificent 16th century monument to the Roman Catholic rule in Goa under the Portuguese is the largest church in Asia. The Cathedral is dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria on whose feast day in 1510 Alfonso Albuquerque defeated the Muslim army and took possession of the city of Goa. Hence it is also known as St. Catherine's' Cathedral. The Cathedral was commissioned by the Portuguese Viceroy, Redondo to be "a grandiose church worthy of the wealth, power and fame of the Portuguese who dominated the seas from the Atlantic to the Pacific". The final edifice is bigger than any of the churches in Portugal itself. The construction of this imposing edifice began in 1562 during the reign of King Dom Sebastião (1557-78) and substantially completed by 1619. The main altars however were not finished until the year 1652. It was consecrated in 1640. The Cathedral was built for the Dominicans and paid for by the Royal Treasury out of the proceeds of the sale of the Crown's property. The building is Portuguese-Gothic in style with a Tuscan exterior and Corinthian interior. There were originally two towers, one on either side of the façade, but the one on the southern side collapsed in 1776. The loss of one bell tower, which was never rebuilt, has given the building a unique look. The Sé Cathedral has five bells. The existing tower houses a famous bell, one of the largest in Goa and often referred to as 'Golden Bell' on account of its rich tone which has been immortalized in a Portuguese poem.

Visit Convent and Church of St. Francis of Assisi, to the west of the Se Cathedral is the former Palace of the Archbishop that connects the Se Cathedral to the Convent and Church of St. Francis of Assisi. The structure is built of laterite blocks and is lime-plastered. The church faces west and has a nave with three chapels on either side, a choir, two altars in the transept and a main altar. To the north of the main altar is a belfry and a sacristy. The convent, which forms an annexure to the church, now houses the Archaeological Museum.

Visit the large and beautiful Church of St. Cajetan, it lies about half a kilometer away to the north east of the Se Cathedral, and quite near the ruins of the Viceregal Palace. This church, which is said to have been modeled on the original design of the Basilica of St. Peter in Rome, is architecturally Corinthian both externally and internally while the gilded altars with rich carvings are in rich Baroque style. The Church building itself is built of laterite blocks which are lime plastered. The church altar is dedicated to Our Lady of Divine Providence; the church is named after the founder of the Theatine order, St. Cajetan, a contemporary of St Francis Xavier. The grand façade of the Church, has two towers on either side to serve as belfry. There are Corinthian columns and pilasters supporting a pediment, and four niches in which are kept the statues of the apostles. There are six altars besides the main one dedicated to Our Lady of Divine Providence. Profusely carved and gilded in Baroque style, these altars have twisted shafts dominated by figures of angels. The altars also have Italian school paintings on canvas, some depicting scenes from the life of St. Cajetan. The niches running along the sides of the vault have wooden statues of saints. In the grounds of the Church are the remains of the doorway that once was the entrance to an Islamic palace belonging to Adil Shah, the ruler of Goa before the Portuguese took control.

Goan churches are well known for a strange amalgamation of Indian and Portuguese architecture. The Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception is an imposing building situated right at the main square (Church square) of the town. This place is a central place of worship and prayer for the locals. The church was built in 1540 and underwent rebuilding and renovation in 1619. Modeled as per the structure of church of Reis Magos this church boasts of tall twin towers constructed in a typical Portuguese baroque style. Dedicated to 'Nossa Senhora da Imaculada Conceicao' the main altar of the church has been artfully carved in Renaissance style. The church bell is large and is in fact the second largest bell in Goa. Return to hotel for overnight stay.

Breakfast at hotel. This morning at leisure to relax by the beach side. Later during the day visit some other prominent beaches of Goa. Overnight stay at hotel.

Breakfast at hotel. Morning at leisure for independent activities. Check-out from hotel at noon (1200 hrs). In-time transfer to airport to board your flight for Mumbai. Upon arrival transfer assistance from airport to hotel, check-in at hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.

Breakfast at hotel. In morning get set for an excursion of Elephanta caves, board a ferry / boat from Gateway of India. Return to the city during the day time and proceed for the half day tour of Mumbai city.