Heritage Havens: From Hampi & Badami Ruins to Aurangabad, Ajanta & Ellora Caves

Day 1: Hubli Arrival – Hampi (Approx. 170 km / 4 hrs)

Upon arrival at Hubli airport, meet your driver and begin your journey towards Hampi after breakfast (or breakfast en route). The scenic drive takes you through rural Karnataka landscapes dotted with fields and rocky terrain. On arrival in Hampi, check in at your hotel and relax. Later, enjoy a leisurely walk around the surroundings to soak in the unique boulder-strewn landscape. You may visit local markets or simply unwind at your hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Hampi.

Day 2: Hampi Sightseeing

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before heading out to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi. Visit the sacred Virupaksha Temple and the iconic Vittala Temple, famous for its stone chariot and musical pillars. Continue to the Royal Enclosure, Elephant Stables, and Hazara Rama Temple, showcasing intricate carvings. Later, visit the Lotus Mahal and Queen’s Bath, reflecting royal lifestyle. End the day with panoramic sunset views from Matanga Hill. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3: Hampi Exploration & Anegundi

After breakfast at the hotel, continue exploring Hampi’s lesser-known gems and surrounding areas. Visit Achyutaraya Temple and Hemakuta Hill, offering scenic vistas of the ruins. Cross the river to Anegundi, believed to be one of the oldest inhabited places in India, and explore its temples and village life. Enjoy a traditional coracle ride on the Tungabhadra River for a unique experience. Interact with locals and discover the cultural essence of the region. Return to your hotel in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 4: Hampi – Badami (Approx. 170 km / 4 hrs)

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Badami, enjoying the scenic countryside en route. Upon arrival, begin exploring the famous Badami Cave Temples, carved into sandstone cliffs and dedicated to Hindu and Jain deities. Continue to Aihole, known as the cradle of Indian temple architecture, and visit Pattadakal, a UNESCO site showcasing a blend of Dravidian and Nagara styles. Learn about the Chalukyan dynasty’s architectural brilliance. Check in to your hotel in Badami for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 5: Badami – Bijapur – Sholapur (Approx. 220 km / 5 hrs)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before proceeding towards Bijapur (Vijayapura). Visit the magnificent Gol Gumbaz, famous for its whispering gallery, and explore Ibrahim Rauza and other historical monuments. Continue your journey to Sholapur, crossing into Maharashtra. On arrival, check in at your hotel and relax after the day’s travel. Evening at leisure to unwind. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Sholapur.

Day 6: Sholapur – Aurangabad (Approx. 310 km / 7 hrs)

After breakfast at the hotel, explore Sholapur’s highlights including Siddheshwar Temple and Siddheshwar Lake. Visit Bhuikot Fort, known for its impressive structure and historical significance. Later, drive to Aurangabad, passing through scenic landscapes and rural towns. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and relax. You may explore local markets in the evening. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Aurangabad.

Day 7: Aurangabad – Ajanta Excursion (Approx. 100 km one way)

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before heading to the world-famous Ajanta Caves. These ancient Buddhist caves feature stunning murals and sculptures depicting the life of Buddha. Spend time exploring the intricate artwork and learning about their historical significance. Return to Aurangabad and visit Bibi Ka Maqbara, often called the “Mini Taj,” and Panchakki, an ancient water mill. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 8: Aurangabad – Ellora Excursion (Approx. 60 km one way)

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to Ellora Caves, a remarkable complex of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain rock-cut temples. Explore the magnificent Kailasa Temple, carved from a single rock. Visit Grishneshwar Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, and the imposing Daulatabad Fort. Later, explore Aurangabad Caves, lesser-known but equally fascinating. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 9: Aurangabad Departure

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before checking out. Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Aurangabad airport for your onward journey. Reflect on the incredible journey through ancient temples, caves, and heritage sites across Karnataka and Maharashtra. Your tour concludes with unforgettable memories of India’s architectural and cultural legacy.

• Assistance on arrival and departure at airports.
• 8 nights accommodation in selected category hotels (double/twin sharing).
• Daily breakfast at all hotels throughout the journey.
• Private AC vehicle for transfers, sightseeing, and intercity travel.
• English-speaking local guides for sightseeing in major destinations.
• Monument entrance fees as per itinerary (if option selected).
• Bottled drinking water in the vehicle during travel.
• All tolls, parking charges, driver allowance, and government taxes included.

Hotels used or similar for 8 nights accommodations:

3 Star Standard Hotels:
Hampi (3 Nights): Malligi Hotel/ Clarks Inn
Badami (1 Night): Badami Court/ Clarks Inn
Sholapur (1 Night): Kyriad Hotel Solapur by OTHPL
Aurangabad (3 Nights): The Fern Residency/ Amarpreet Hotel

4 Star Hotels:
Hampi (3 Nights): Royal Orchid Central Keerti / Heritage Resort
Badami (1 Night): Morpho Banashree Resort/ WADA1
Sholapur (1 Night): Balaji Sarovar Premiere
Aurangabad (3 Nights): Lemon Tree Hotel

5 Star Hotels:
Hampi (3 Nights): Evolve Back, Hampi
Badami (1 Night): Morpho Banashree Resort/ WADA1
Sholapur (1 Night): Balaji Sarovar Premiere
Aurangabad (3 Nights): Vivanta Aurangabad/ WH Rama International

• Any airfare or train tickets.
• Lunches and dinners unless specifically mentioned.
• Camera/video charges at monuments.
• Personal expenses such as tips, laundry, beverages, and shopping.
• Travel insurance or medical expenses.
• Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
• Any increase in taxes or entrance fees.
• Anything not specifically mentioned in inclusions.