Discover the wonderfully exotic variety that southern India has to offer, from the entangled Hindu-Islamic cultural history of Hyderabad to the ancient world pilgrimage site of the Tirupathi shrine; and from the royal palace heritage of Mysore to the sumptuous shores of Goa. 

Our tour begins with the highlights of Delhi before we head south for our enriching journey of historical and religious discovery, rounded off with a couple of days for reflection and relaxation on the warm, inviting sands of Goa's gorgeous beaches.  This tour is perfect for those with an interest in southern India's rich and complex culture, and for those with an enthusiasm for unravelling India's bright, woven tapestry of diversity. 

ITINERARY

Day 01:  Delhi
On arrival in Delhi, you are met and transferred to your hotel.  Rest and overnight at hotel.

Day 02:  Delhi
After breakfast at the hotel, we head out by car for a comprehensive tour of Delhi.  We visit the beautiful Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India.  From here we go to the imposing Moghul Red Fort and Ghandi Samadi (the hallowed cremation ground of Ghandi), before taking a walk through the labyrinth of frenetic streets that make up Chandni Chowk, the vivid, colourful bazaar abuzz with the life and soul of Old Delhi.

After Old Delhi, the tree-lined boulevards of New Delhi seem startlingly spacious.  We stop for lunch in Connaught Place, which houses many famous restaurants with a good choice of different cuisine. After lunch we start our tour of New Delhi at the enchanting Laxmi Narayan Temple, and take a drive past The Presidents House to India Gate. We spend time enjoying the peace and tranquillity of Humayan's Tomb, and marvelling at the Bhai Temple (a perfect lotus-shaped temple) and Qutab Minar.

In the evening there is time for shopping before viewing a spectacular light and sound show at the Red Fort.  We return to the hotel for dinner and rest.

Day 03:  Delhi - Hyderabad
We transfer to the airport for the flight south to Hyderabad. After lunch, we visit the Charminar, a rectangular four arched monumental gate often described as "The Arch of Triumph of the East"; the Mecca Mosque and the Salar Jung Museum, one man's collection of manuscripts, ancient weapons, costumes and curios. Later we take a drive past the High Court buildings.  Overnight is spent at your hotel.

Day 04:  Hyderabad
Full day excursion to Golconda Fort to uncover the mysteries of Golconda. Golconda, once famed for its diamond mines (from which the famous Kohinoor diamond of the British crown came), 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, we visit the Usmansagar Lake - one of the most beautiful man-made lakes.

Day 05:  Hyderabad - Chennai
From Hyderabad we board the flight for Chennai, where we check into the hotel on arrival. An eclectic day is spent visiting the Museum of Art & Bronze artifacts, driving through the bustling flower and fruit markets, observing the High Court and the nearby Fort Museum and stunning San Thome Cathedral, strolling along Marina Beach, and discovering the Theosophical Society before rounding off the day at the Snake Park.

Day 06:  Chennai
After breakfast, we take full day excursion  by road to nearby Tirupathi - one of the most important temples in the world - and the richest.  It is famous for the shrine of the "Seven Hills of Tirumala", which attracts millions of pilgrims from all over India, and indeed the rest of the world.  Picturesquely situated amidst sacred waterfalls and tanks, the shrine presents a fine example of early Dravidian art. At the front is the Hall of Pillars, from which an attractive stairway leads to the temple. In the evening we return to the hotel for dinner and rest.

Day 07:  Chennai - Mysore
After breakfast we depart for the railway station to board the train for Mysore. 

We check into the hotel and enjoy lunch, and head out in the afternoon to the famous Palace of Mysore, built by the Maharaja in 1911-12. The palace is a harmonious synthesis of Hindu and Saracenic styles of architecture, with magnificient archways, domes, turrets, colonnades and sculptures. We also visit the Art Gallery and drive up to Chamundi Hill to see Chamundeshwari Temple and its panoramic view of Mysore. On your way back see the Nandi Bull - a giant monolithic structure.

Day 08:  Mysore  
We enjoy a full day's excursion by road to Sravanbelagola, Belur and Halebid. At Sravanbelagola, hewn out of a single rock and visible from a distance of 25 kms, is the awesome statue of Lord Gomteshwara. Once every twelve years, this statue is bathed with milk, sandalwood and saffron. The Chennakesava Temple at Belur was built 900 years ago and is an exquisite example of Hoysala art. Halebid 's 12th century Hoysaleswara and Kedareswara Temples are in turn both masterpieces of Hindu art.

Day 09:  Mysore - Bangalore
After breakfast, we drive towards Bangalore.  On the way we visit Srirangapatnam, the fort that was the stronghold of Tippu Sultan, son of Hyder Ali.  Tippu fought a valiant battle against the British in 1799 before laying down his life. Among the many fort buildings still intact are Tippu 's airy summer palace and his tomb at the Darya Daulat Bagh (a beautiful garden). We also visit the Sri Ranganatha Temple.  On arrival in Bangalore we check into the hotel.

Day 10:  Bangalore
We head out in the morning for a city tour of this "Garden City",  visiting Lal Bagh, a beautiful garden with a number of old trees, fountains, lotus, pools, and terraces and an assortment of tropical and sub-tropical herbs. We tour the Government Buildings before heading to the Maharaja's Palace.  The afternoon is spent at your leisure, with plenty to do in the way of shopping and other activities.

Day 11:  Bangalore - Hampi
We proceed by road to Hampi - once upon a time the erstwhile capital of the Vijayanagar Empire, which had palaces, temples and sculptures spread all over. The city was razed to the ground by the Sultanates of the South in 1565 and then rebuilt. We check into your hotel at Hospet 12 km from Hampi, and the rest of the day is spent at your discretion.

Day 12:  Hampi
We spend the whole day at Hampi, exploring the many wealthy monuments. In the evening we return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Day 13:  Hampi - Bijapur
Today we leave Hampi by road for Bijapur.  Bijapur was the chosen capital of the Adil Shah Kings, who left a wealth of monuments. The most famous is the Gol Gumbaz, whose dome is the second largest in the world. A whisper into the dome on one side gets magnified twelve times and creates, on the other side of the dome, an amazing acoustical phenomenon.  Other significant and interesting buildings to see are the Ibrahim Rauza, the Gagan Mahal and the Bara Kaman.

Day  14: Bijapur - Goa
After breakfast we proceed by road to Goa, the beach paradise of India. On arrival we check into the hotel and the rest of the day is free for you to simply relax by the sea.

Day 15:  Goa
In the morning we head out to the slopes of Altinho Hill for a breathtaking view of Panjim and the River Mandovi. Then we move on to Dona-Paula for a view of India's largest natural harbour, Mormugao. Afterwards, we go to Old Goa to delve deep into Catholicism's past - visiting the famous Basillica of Bom Jesus, which contains the tomb and mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier housed in a silver casket; the Portuguese-Gothic style Se Cathedral, which is the largest church in the East; the Church of St. Cajetan, modelled on St. Peter's in Rome; and the Convent of St. Monica, which used to have much royal patronage and now houses a museum of Christian art. The afternoon is spent at your leisure, exploring the local markets or soaking up the sun.

Day 16:  Goa
The whole day is free to explore, enjoy the inviting sands and simply chill out.

Day 17:  Goa - Delhi
From Goa we board the flight for Delhi, where you check into your hotel or transfer to the starting point of your onward journey.  Tour ends.

TOUR INCLUSIONS
Accommodation on a room-only basis.
All transfers by road including pick-ups and drop-offs at start and end of tour.
All sightseeing tours as specified.

Economy class air travel as specified: Delhi - Hyderabad; Hyderabad - Chennai; Goa - Delhi.
Second class rail travel as specified: Chennai - Mysore.

Tour Cost
Per Person on Twin Sharing :  -  USD $ 2757