Deccan Splendours

Welcome to Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu State located on the Coromandel Coast off the Bay of Bengal. It is one of the biggest cultural, economic and educational centres in South India. After meet and greet proceed to your hotel for check in. Overnight in Chennai.

After breakfast, checkout and proceed to Mahabalipuram. Enroute we visit Kanchipuram, the golden city of a thousand temples and once the capital of the Pallava dynasty.The city is famous for its hand woven saris, famed as Kanchipuram saris worldwide.We visit a sari weaving workshop to witness the entire process of this beautiful Indian traditional garment.
We then proceed to Mahabalipuram. An ancient port with a flourishing maritime trade situated on the shore of the Bay of Bengal. It was the chief seaport of the Pallavas who ruled over South India from the 1st century BC to 8th century AD and is recognized as the site of some of the greatest architectural and sculptural achievements in India.
We first visit Krishna Mandapam - the largest and the oldest Hindu rock cut temple in Mahabalipuram. Later we visitShore Temples complex, lashed by the waves of the sea.The complex is under the auspices of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site
Also see Krishna’s Butter Ball – This giant boulder which appears to be frozen while rolling down the hill. Accordingly to Hindu mythology when the great god Krishna was just a baby, he was fond of stealing butter. Following this tradition, the big orange stone has been linked to a giant dollop of butter that the god dropped. Overnight in Mahabalipuram.

After breakfast drive to Pondicherry, officially known as Puducherry, is one of the 8 Union Territories of India. This fascinating small town gives you a close feel of French influence and architecture. You have rest of the day at leisure.Get a glimpse of France in India. Walking around the White Town, you will spot European styles streets, beautiful yellow & white walls, lush green trees, and colourful flowers making it a picturesque view or take a walk around The Promenade – a walkway along the sea. Overnight in Pondicherry.

Today we visit Aurbindo Ashram. The ashram was founded in 1926 and is a vibrant centre of life in an urban setting. The ashram features interconnected block of houses and a tree sheltered courtyard. The Samadhi of Sri Aurobindo and mother are laid to rest in the centre of the courtyard.Later we visit Pondy Bazaar. A haven for shopaholics, this market showcases traditional merchandise from the best craftsmen and artisans in the region. You can buy handmade art pieces and traditional souvenirs. In the evening we visit Paradise Beach. Overnight in Pondicherry.

After breakfast, we drive to Tanjore. En-route, visit the Chidambaram temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to ThillaiNataraja - Shiva, The Lord of Dance. Also known as ThillaiNatarajahTemple. Afternoon arrival in Tanjore, check-in your hotel.Tanjore is a spiritual, cultural home of ancient temples and craft.The place is well renowned for Tanjore Paintings and Thavil, a percussion instrument. Later visit the Brihadeeswarar Temple - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple was built during the reign of Chola ruler Raja Rajan and is the crowning glory of Dravidian temple architecture. Overnight in Tanjore.

After breakfast drive to Madurai – an ancient city on the banks of Vaigai River. Arrive and check into your hotel.
Post lunch visit Meenakshi Devi Temple - Its skyline is dominated by the 14 colourful gopurams (gateway towers) covered in bright carvings of Hindu gods. The Dravidian-style temple is a major pilgrimage site. The energy and devotion of the countless pilgrims who visit is remarkable. Walk through the colourful market around the temple.
We also visit the Tirumala Naik Palace located at the distance of 1.5 km from Meenakshi-Sundareswarar temple. Built in 1636 AD by King Tirumalai Nayak, one of the leading rulers of the Nayak dynasty. The original structure is four times larger than the present structure and was divided into two parts. The structure was famous for impressive stucco work and alluring arches.We enjoy a sound and light show at the palace. Overnight in Madurai.

Check out from hotel and proceed to Madurai airport to board a flight to Bengaluru (Bangalore), the capital city of state of Karnataka. On arrival in Bangalore, proceed to drive to Hassan.Founded in the 11th century, Hassan was an important capital city during the Hoysala dynasty. The city is famous as the temple and also called architecture capital of Karnataka. Overnight in Hassan.

Today, proceed to Hospet. Visit Belur&Halebeed on the way. Located on the banks of the Yagachi River, Belur is known for its exquisite temples. The most famous amongst them is the Cheenakeshawa Temple.The temple was commissioned to mark the victory over the Chola kings of Tamil Nadu. The interiors of the temple are intricately carved. The ceiling of the temple is adorned with dancing figures and the exteriors of the temple offer a glimpse of various Gods in Hindu mythology. The temple is one of the best illustrations of Hoysala architecture.
Then visit Hoysaleswara Temple at Halebidu. The temple dedicated to Lord Shiva was named after the founder of Hoysala dynasty. Its popularity comes from the highly detailed carvings of humans, animals, and Gods that adorn its walls and attracts thousands of tourists.Later, arrive Hospetand check into the hotel. Overnight in Hospet.

After breakfast, enjoy full day sightseeing to Hampi. Hampi is a small village situated within the ruins of Vijaynagar in Karnataka. A World Heritage Site, Hampi will leave you marvelling on how millions of years of volcanic activity and erosion could make the landscape so captivating.
As the epicenter of Hampi’s attractions, Vittala Temple is the most brilliant architectural masterpiece of Hampi. The temple is named after Vittala, a form of lord Vishnu. It’s considered to be one of the largest and the most famous structure in Hampi.The highlight of the temple is its impressive pillared halls and the stone chariot.
Also visit Virupaksha Temple, the main center of attraction in the city. Towering 160 feet high, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated on the bank of Tungabadra, it is one of the oldest and most prominent temples of Hampi.
We also visit Anegundi Village - The early capital of Vijayanagara, Anjanadri Hill – The birth place of Lord Hanuman and also other sites related to Hindu mythology. After Hampi exploration we drive back to Hospet. Overnight in Hospet.

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to Badami.Arrive Badami in the noon and check into the hotel. Later Proceed for the sightseeing of Badami visiting Badami Fort andCave Temples of Badami. Evening free for relaxation. Overnight in the hotel in Badami.

Drive over the Western Ghats to the beach paradise state of - Goa. On arrival in Goa, check in to your hotel. This famous land of sun, sand and surf entices thousands of tourists from every corner of the world. Goa is not only famous for its tempting palm fringed beaches, but also forts &palaces, churches, temples etc. The rest of the day is free to relax on the pristine white beaches of Goa.
Overnight at your hotel in Goa.

Today we visit the famous churches of Goa. We shall visit Basilica of Bom Jesus. Built in the 16th century, this is one of the most popular churches in Goa. The mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier are kept in a silver casket here. This Church is now a World Heritage Site and dedicated to Infant Jesus.Next stop is The SéCatedral de Santa Catarina. This Cathedral has five bells, among them is the famous Golden bell, which is the biggest in Goa and considered to be one of the best in the world.Later we go to visit Church of St.Francis of Assissi. The Church was first built in 1517, it was later rebuilt twice, in 1521 and finally in 1661. It is decorated with exquisite paintings and houses a large number of tombstones with coats-of-arms. The rest of the day is free to enjoy and explore Goa on your own. Overnight at your hotel in Goa.

You have the entire day at leisure to relax on the beaches of Goa. Overnight stay at your resort in Goa

Transfer to Goa airport to board your flight to Mumbai, the financial capital of India. On Arrival check in at the hotel.
The city of Mumbai lies on the western coast of Arabian Sea.Overnight in Mumbai.

Today, proceed for sightseeing of South Mumbai. Visit Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (photostop), Rajabai Clock Tower: (photostop), Mumbai High Court (photostop), Prince of Wales Museum- The museum houses rare and ancient artifacts of Indian history and objects from foreign lands. The museum building is built in the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, incorporating elements of other styles of architecture like the Mughal, Maratha and Jain, Gateway of India, Mani Bhavan, Hanging Garden, Haji Ali (photostop), Dhobi Ghat (photostop).Late return to your hotel. Overnight in Mumbai.

Today, proceed to Mumbai international airport to board your flight to Hometown with lot of happy memories.