Chennai

CHENNAI

Best Viewed at 800 X 600, Site Designed, Hosted and Maintained by Inter-Graph Technologies

(13 nights / 14 days)

Day 01

Welcome to India. On arrival at Chennai airport, you will be greeted by our local representative and transferred to your hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02

After breakfast leave for a full day excursion to Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram.
Kanchipuram, the "Golden town of a Thousand Temples" and one of the 7 sacred Hindu cities in India whose temples date back to the 7th and 8th centuries. Continue to Mahabalipuram. Mahabalipuram - virtually an open air museum of sculpture in living rock rarely to be seen anywhere in the world. The piece de resistance is Arjuna's penance, the world's largest bas relief. Mahabalipuram is equally famous for the Shore Temples, a composition of pure poetry in granite. Return to your hotel. Overnight

Day 03

After breakfast, leave by surface for Bijapur (350 km, eight hours). On arrival check into the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 04

After breakfast, proceed for a city tour followed by a visit to Golconda Fort. Visit the Char Minar - the city landmark built in 1591, by Sultan Quli Qutub Shah as a charm to ward of a deadly epidemic. The Mecca Masjid is one of the largest and most impressive mosques in South India. Birla Temple, the library and the museum display the grandeur of modern-day India, Salarjung Museum houses an extraordinary collection including rare fine-art objects of the Nizam, once the richest man in the world. On the outskirts of Hyderabad lies the 13th century Golconda Fort, former capital of the Qutab Shahi dynasty. Originally a mud structure, it grew into a magnificent fortress. It is known for the use of acoustics in its architectural design. Overnight at the hotel

Day 05

Morning at leisure. Check out at noon, and transfer to the airport to connect the flight to Hyderabad.

Chennai - Hyderabad
IC 947 (Frequency: Daily)	- Dep : Chennai 1845 Hrs
	- Arr : Hyderabad 1945 Hrs

You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. Overnight.

Day 06

After breakfast, a tour of Bijapur - often called the Agra of the South. It has still intact 15th to 17th century Muslim architecture - mosques, mausoleums, palaces and fortifications. The largest and the most famous monument is the Gol Gumbaz mausoleum built in 1659 which has the world's second largest dome. The other interesting monuments are the Ibrahim Roza, an elegant and impressive mausoleum; the Jami Masjid, the Asar Mahal built in 1646 to serve as a hall of justice; the Malik-e-Maidan, a huge canon and one of the largest medeival guns ever made weighing 55 tons; the Watchtower, 24 meters high and the Mehtar Mahal which is richly decorated with sculptures.

After the tour, drive to Hospet (140 km, about three and half hours). On arrival check in to your hotel for overnight stay

Day 07

After breakfast, leave for a full day excursion to Hampi, once the seat of the Vijaynagar Empire and the great centre for Hindu rule for 200 years from its foundation in 1336. Visit the Citadel, Virupaksha temple, the market place which leads down to Vittala Temple - a world heritage monument dedicated to Lord Vishnu. In Krishnapura, visit the Krishna temple, further visit the Zenana, Royal and Durbar enclosures and also the Queen's Bath. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 08

After breakfast, drive to Badami (135 km, about four hours). On arrival check into your hotel. Later proceed for a sightseeing tour of Badami, which includes the Buddhist temple, Mallegitti Sivalauya temple and Jambulinga temple. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 09

After breakfast, leave by surface for Dandeli (155 km, four hours), visiting Aihole and Pattadakal en route.
Pattadakal, is a world heritage site. It served as the second capital of the Chalukya Kings between the 7th and 8th centuries. Visit the archaeological park to see the Jambulinga and Kaddasiddheshvara temple, Galaganatha Temple, Sangame-shvara temple, Kashi Vishveshvara temple and the largest Virupaksha temple.

Aihole was the first Chalukyan capital, but the site was developed over a period of more than 600 years from the 6th century. There are about 140 temples - half within the fort walls. The main temples are enclosed in a park. Visit the Durgigudi temple, Lad Khan temple, Gaudar Gudi temple, Chikki temple, Ravan Phadi Cave temple, Buddhist temple and Meguti temple. Continue on to Dandeli. On arrival at Dandeli, check into Bison River lodge for overnight stay.

Day 10

Located in the Uttar Kannada district in the State of Karnataka,110 km from Panjim (Goa) Dandeli abounds in a richness of flora and fauna. The sanctuary is generally undulating with steep slopes with picturesque deep river valleys and rich hilly forest terrain.The main wildlife species include Elephant, Tiger, Leopard, Gaur, Sloth Bear, Civet cat, Wild Boar, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Mouse Deer, Barking Deer, Mongoose, Porcupine, Giant Squirrel, Flying Squirrel, Jackal and Common Langur.

Morning game drive. Check out at noon and drive to Panjim (110 km, two and half hours drive). On arrival, check into your hotel. Overnight.

Day 11

Breakfast at the hotel. Full day at leisure to enjoy the beaches of Goa. (Check out our optional tours - available locally).Recommended a cruise into the sunset. Overnight.

Day 12

Breakfast at the hotel. Full day at leisure to enjoy the beaches of Goa. (Check out our optional tours - available locally).Recommended a cruise into the sunset. Overnight.

Day 13

Breakfast at the hotel. Full day at leisure to enjoy the beaches of Goa. (Check out our optional tours - available locally).Recommended a cruise into the sunset. Overnight.

Day 14

Breakfast at the hotel. Later transfer to the airport to connect flight to Mumbai.

Goa - Mumbai
IC 164 (Frequency: Daily)	- Dep : Goa 1415 Hrs
	- Arr : Mumbai 1515 Hrs

On arrival, you will be met and transferred to the international terminal (courtesy coach) for your flight home. Leave Mumbai with fond memories of your vacation to India.