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Ancient Caves, Architecture, Hills & Backwater

0/5
Duration

16 Nights / 17 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

Embark on an immersive journey through India’s spiritual, architectural, and natural marvels. Begin in vibrant Mumbai and explore the awe-inspiring rock-cut caves of Ajanta and Ellora. Discover Hyderabad’s regal heritage and fly to Hampi to walk among the evocative ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire. Trace the Hoysala legacy in Belur and Halebidu, witness the colonial charm of Mysore and Ooty, and lose yourself in the tea-scented hills of Munnar. Traverse spice-scented Thekkady, glide through the serene backwaters of Alleppey in a houseboat, and conclude in the coastal charm of Cochin. This tour blends archaeology, architecture, heritage, hills, and tranquility for an unforgettable South India experience.

Highlights

  • Mumbai Marvels: Explore Mumbai's iconic landmarks, including the Gateway of India, Elephanta Caves, CST, and more on a city tour.
  • Ajanta's Ancient Wonders: Embark on an excursion to the Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site, from Aurangabad.
  • Hyderabad Heritage: Discover the historical treasures of Hyderabad, including Golconda Fort, Qutub Shahi Tombs, and Charminar.
  • Hampi's UNESCO Ruins: Delve into the UNESCO-listed ruins of Hampi, featuring Hazara Rama Temple and Royal Enclosures.
  • Backwater Bliss: Experience the serene backwaters of Alleppey and explore Cochin's colonial charm on this diverse tour.

Bulk discount (by Percent)

Bulk discount adult
# Discount group From adult To adult Value
1 Discount on 2-person group 2 2 43.1%
2 Discount on 3-person group 3 3 40.4%
3 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 48.8%
4 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 46.0%
5 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 52.9%
6 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 50.3%
7 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 55.7%

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Mumbai

• Arrival assistance and transfer to hotel.
• Free time for personal exploration or relaxation.

Day 2: Mumbai

• Breakfast at hotel
• City tour of Mumbai
• Drive along Marine Drive, Mumbai’s scenic coastal promenade.
• Visit Gateway of India and ferry to Elephanta Caves (Monday closed), showcasing ancient rock-cut sculptures.
• Return to the city and visit Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, housing a rich art collection.
• Stop at Dhobi Ghat, the world's largest open-air laundry.
• Drive past CST (Victoria Terminus) & Parliament House.

Day 3: Mumbai - Aurangabad (flight)

• Breakfast at hotel
• Transfer to airport and fly to Aurangabad
• Visit Bibi ka Maqbara, a Mughal-era mausoleum resembling the Taj Mahal.
• Explore Panchakki, a medieval watermill powered by a mountain stream.
• Discover the rock-cut Aurangabad Caves, carved in the 6th-7th centuries.

Day 4: Aurangabad - Ajanja - Aurangabad (210kms round)

• Breakfast at hotel
• Excursion to Ajanta Caves (Monday closed)
• Explore 30 Buddhist caves with ancient murals and sculptures narrating Buddha’s life.
• Visit Chaitya halls and Viharas representing Hinayana and Mahayana traditions.
• Drive back to Aurangabad for overnight stay

Day 5: Aurangabad - Hyderabad (flight)

• Breakfast at hotel
• Excursion to Ellora Caves (Tuesday closed)
• Visit 34 monumental caves representing Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain traditions.
• See the Kailash Temple, a freestanding marvel carved from a single rock.
• Visit Grishneshwar Temple, a revered Jyotirlinga site.
• Explore Daulatabad Fort, known for its ingenious defense architecture.
• Fly to Hyderabad and transfer to hotel

Day 6: Hyderabad Exploration

• Breakfast at hotel
• City tour of Hyderabad
• Visit Golconda Fort, famed for its acoustics and history.
• See the domed Qutub Shahi Tombs set in landscaped gardens.
• Explore the iconic Charminar and surrounding Laad Bazaar.
• Visit Salar Jung Museum (Friday closed), housing eclectic global collections.
• Explore Chowmahalla Palace (Friday closed), once the seat of Nizams.
• Visit Birla Mandir made from white marble, offering panoramic city views.
• Drive past Hussain Sagar Lake and the Buddha statue.

Day 7: Hyderabad - Vidyanagar/ (flight) Hampi

• Breakfast at hotel
• Transfer to airport and fly to Vidyanagar
• Drive to Hampi and check in to hotel.
• Day at leisure to relax in this UNESCO World Heritage town.

Day 8: Hampi Sightseeing

• Breakfast at hotel
• City tour of Hampi
• Visit Virupaksha Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Explore the Royal Enclosure, Mahanavami Dibba, and Hazara Rama Temple.
• See Vithala Temple and its iconic stone chariot.
• Admire Lotus Mahal and the Elephant Stables.
• Visit the ASI Museum to understand Hampi’s rich legacy.

Day 9: Hampi - Hassan (330km)

• Breakfast at hotel
• Drive to Hassan with enroute visits
• Visit Chennakeshava Temple in Belur, known for Hoysala carvings.
• See intricate sculptures at Kappe Chennigaraya and Lakshmi Temple.
• Explore Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebidu, rich in friezes and temple art.
• Visit Jain Basadis and ancient Hoysala shrines.
• Continue to Hassan and check-in

Day 10: Hassan - Mysore (140km)

• Breakfast at hotel
• Drive to Mysore via Shravanabelagola
• Climb Vindhyagiri Hill to see the world’s tallest monolithic Bahubali statue.
• Visit Chandragiri Hill with early Jain temples.
• Arrive in Mysore and city tour
• Visit the grand Mysore Palace and Chamundi Hills.
• Explore St. Philomena’s Church and Jaganmohan Palace.

Day 11: Mysore - Ooty (120km)

• Breakfast at hotel
• Drive to Ooty and check-in
• Visit the Government Botanical Gardens with over 1,000 plant species.
• Enjoy a scenic ride on the UNESCO-listed Nilgiri Mountain Railway.
• Walk along Ooty Lake and enjoy the colonial-era hill station charm.

Day 12: Ooty - Munnar (240kms)

• Breakfast at hotel
• Drive to Munnar and check-in
• Enjoy stunning tea-clad landscapes and mild mountain weather.
• Visit a local tea estate and participate in tea tasting sessions.

Day 13: Munnar

• Breakfast at hotel
• Sightseeing in Munnar
• Visit Pothamedu View Point and Mattupetty Dam.
• Explore Rajamala in Eravikulam National Park, home of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr.
• Visit Echo Point and the Indo-Swiss Dairy Farm.
• Tour the Tea Museum for a glimpse into Munnar’s tea heritage.

Day 14: Munnar - Thekkady (110km)

• Breakfast at hotel
• Drive to Thekkady via Ramakkalmedu
• Stop at Frog Rock and Kuravan & Kurathi twin statues.
• Evening cultural performance
• Enjoy Kalaripayattu martial art and Kathakali dance show.

Day 15: Thekkady

• Breakfast at hotel
• Sightseeing in Thekkady
• Take a boat ride in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary for wildlife viewing.
• Visit a spice plantation to see cardamom, cinnamon, and pepper crops.
• Free time to shop for local spices in the market.

Day 16: Thekaddy - Alleppey (135km)

• Breakfast at hotel
• Drive to Alleppey and board houseboat
• Cruise through backwaters, passing paddy fields and village life.
• Enjoy serene views from the sun-deck and traditional Keralan meals.
• Overnight onboard houseboat

Day 17: Alleppey - Cochin (60km)

• Breakfast on houseboat and disembark
• Drive to Cochin and city tour
• Visit Fort Kochi, St. Francis Church, and Chinese fishing nets.
• Explore Jewish Synagogue and Dutch Palace.
• Enjoy evening Kathakali performance before departure.
• Transfer to airport for onward flight (standard check-out time 11 AM)

Included/Excluded

  • Assistance on arrival at airport.
  • 16 Night's accommodation in 5-star hotels.
  • Daily breakfast and meal as per day plan.
  • Private air-conditioned deluxe car for airport transfer, sightseeing and excursion as per program.
  • English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per program.
  • Monument entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Bottled drinking water in car.
  • Government taxes.
  • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Ajanta & Ellora Caves, carved into volcanic basalt.
  • Discover the ruined grandeur of Hampi, the heart of the Vijayanagara Empire.
  • Explore Hoysala architectural masterpieces in Belur and Halebidu.
  • Experience a traditional houseboat cruise through the Alleppey backwaters.
  • Enjoy hill retreats in Ooty and Munnar, and spice plantation experiences in Thekkady.

Tour's Location

FAQs

What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

Q: What kind of hotel accommodation is included in the package price?
We provide accommodation at carefully selected 5-star hotels as part of the tour package. Hotels are chosen for their comfort, quality service, and prime locations to enhance your overall travel experience. In heritage towns, remote areas, or hill stations where luxury options may be limited, the best available quality properties, boutique retreats, heritage hotels, or eco-resorts are provided. If a listed hotel is unavailable, a similar standard property will be offered.

Hotels used or similar for 16 nights accommodation:
5 Star Hotels / Best Available
Mumbai – 2 Nights: Trident Hotel OR President, Mumbai - IHCL SeleQtions
Aurangabad – 2 Nights: WelcomHotel Rama International OR Vivanta Aurangabad
Hyderabad – 2 Nights: ITC Kakatiya, a Luxury Collection OR Trident Hotel
Hampi – 2 Nights: Evolve Back, Hampi
Hassan – 1 Night: Hoysala Village Resort OR Rosetta by Ferns – Sakleshpur (Best Available)
Mysore – 1 Night: Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel
Ooty – 1 Night: Savoy, Ooty - IHCL SeleQtions (Best Available)
Munnar – 2 Nights: Chandys Windy Woods OR Blanket Hotel & Spa (Best Available)
Periyar (Thekkady) – 2 Nights: Spice Village OR Hills & Hues (Best Available)
Alleppey – 1 Night: Premium Houseboat (Full-Time AC, Best Available)

Q: Can I request a specific hotel or upgrade the hotel category?

Yes, we offer flexibility to upgrade hotels to luxury five-star or boutique properties at an additional cost, subject to availability. You can also request specific hotels during the booking process, and we will do our best to accommodate your preference.

Q: Are breakfast and other meals included at the hotels?

Breakfast is generally included with hotel stays unless stated otherwise. Lunch and dinner are optional and can be added to your package upon request. You can also explore local dining during the tour.

Q: Will I get confirmation for the exact hotels before my trip?

Yes, once your booking is confirmed, we will share the final list of hotel names and contact details along with your tour confirmation documents.

Q: I’m looking for a more budget-friendly tour. Can you provide prices with standard or 4-star hotels?

Absolutely! We understand that every traveler has different preferences and budgets. If you prefer standard accommodation or 4-star hotel options instead of the default 5-star hotels, we can customize the tour and provide a tailored quote based on your requirements.

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