Dynasties & Temples: Deccan Heritage Circuit

Duration: 16 Nights - 17 Days
Places Covered: Mumbai – Aurangabad – Hyderabad – Bidar – Gulbarga – Bijapur – Badami – Hampi - Pattadakkal & Ajhole – Chikmagalur – Hassan – Hospet – Hubli – Goa Departure

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive Mumbai

Arrive by international flight. After a traditional Indian-style ‘Swagat’ (welcome) by an Exceptional Escapes representative, you will be assisted at the airport and transferred to your hotel for check-in.
Mumbai is an archipelago of seven islands. Artifacts indicate these islands were inhabited since the Stone Age, with documented evidence of human settlement dating back to 250 BC. In the 3rd century BC, the islands were part of the Maurya Empire. In 1534, the Portuguese appropriated the islands from the King of Gujarat, later ceding them to Charles II of England in 1661 as part of the dowry for Catherine de Braganza. The islands were subsequently leased to the British East India Company in 1668.
Overnight stay at Hotel – Mumbai

Get Free Tour Quotes

Day 02: Mumbai – Aurangabad (IndiGo 6E-5392 @ 1925/2040 Hrs)

After breakfast, proceed for a guided city tour of Mumbai, including:

• Gateway of India – Built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911, it stands as the ceremonial entrance to India.
• Prince of Wales Museum (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya) – Built in a mix of Gothic and Moorish styles, it houses ancient Indus Valley artifacts, Tibetan, and Nepalese art collections.
• Elephanta Caves (UNESCO World Heritage Site) – Located on Elephanta Island, these 5th-century rock-cut cave temples are dedicated primarily to Lord Shiva. (Closed on Mondays – please confirm operational day.)
• Marine Drive & Chowpatty Beach – Enjoy a panoramic drive along the ‘Queen’s Necklace’, stretching from Nariman Point to Malabar Hill.
• Dhobi Ghat – A unique open-air laundry where hundreds of washermen beat, wash, and iron clothes with age-old techniques.
• Hanging Gardens & Kamala Nehru Park (optional) – Located atop Malabar Hill, these gardens offer a stunning view of the city and the Arabian Sea.
• Mani Bhavan (Gandhi Museum) – The historical residence of Mahatma Gandhi, now a museum showcasing his life and freedom movement journey.

Later in the evening, transfer to the airport to board your flight to Aurangabad. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in.
Overnight stay at Hotel – Aurangabad (B)

Day 03: Aurangabad – Excursion to Ajanta Caves

Post breakfast, proceed with a guided excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage Site – Ajanta Caves (Closed on Mondays). Nestled in an inner fold of the Sahyadri Hills, about 100 km from Aurangabad, the 30 rock-cut Buddhist caves form a horseshoe-shaped gorge and date back to the 2nd century BCE to the 6th century CE. The caves were rediscovered in 1819 by a group of British officers and represent one of the greatest surviving examples of ancient Indian art, architecture, and fresco-style paintings.
Later return to Aurangabad. If time permits, enjoy a panoramic city tour including:

• Bibi Ka Maqbara – often called the Mini Taj of the Deccan, built by Azam Shah in memory of his mother.
• Panchakki – an ancient water mill dating back to the 17th century.
• Aurangabad Caves – a set of 12 rock-cut Buddhist shrines dating back to the 6th and 7th century CE (if not visited on another day).
• Local Handicrafts Market – explore Himroo and Paithani silk weaving centers.

Overnight stay at hotel in Aurangabad (Meals: Breakfast)

Get Free Tour Quotes

Day 04: Aurangabad – Hyderabad (FLY91 IC-5603 @ 1840 / 2025 Hrs)

After an early breakfast, proceed to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site – Ellora Caves (Closed on Tuesdays). These enchanting caves were built between the 5th and 10th centuries AD by the rulers of the Rashtrakuta Dynasty. Carved out of the vertical face of the Charanandri Hills, this cave complex consists of 34 caves, representing the three major religions – Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism, showcasing the spirit of religious harmony of that era.
Highlights include:

• Kailasa Temple (Cave 16) – the largest monolithic rock-cut temple in the world, dedicated to Lord Shiva
• Buddhist Viharas and Chaityas, serene and meditative
• Jain shrines known for their intricate detailing and spiritual atmosphere

(Optional Add-on if time permits):

• Daulatabad Fort – a majestic hilltop fortress known for its strategic defenses and panoramic views
• Bibi Ka Maqbara – often called the 'Mini Taj Mahal of the Deccan'

By noon, transfer to Aurangabad Airport to board your flight to Hyderabad – the City of Pearls. Upon arrival, you’ll experience a city that’s a unique blend of northern and southern Indian cultures, renowned for its Nizami heritage, Deccani architecture, and multilingual traditions. Hyderabad has long been a beacon of Hindu-Muslim unity and cultural coexistence.
Evening at leisure to unwind or stroll through nearby markets like Laad Bazaar for bangles and pearls.
Overnight at Hotel – Hyderabad (B)

Day 05: Hyderabad – City Tour & Ramoji Film City

After breakfast, proceed for a guided city tour of Hyderabad, visiting:

• Charminar – the iconic 16th-century monument at the heart of the old city
• Mecca Masjid – one of India’s largest mosques, located near Charminar
• Salar Jung Museum – housing one of the world’s largest one-man art collections by Nawab Salar Jung III
• Hussain Sagar Lake – known for the giant Buddha statue on Gibraltar Rock in the center of the lake
• State Central Library – one of India’s finest heritage libraries
• Naubat Pahad – a hilltop view offering panoramic glimpses of the city
• Osmania University Campus – an example of Indo-Saracenic architecture

Post-lunch, head to the famous Ramoji Film City, the world’s largest integrated film city, spread over 2000 acres. Founded by the Ramoji Group in 1996, this cinematic wonderland holds a Guinness World Record and offers:

• Studio sets ranging from airports to palaces
• Theme parks and rides
• Live shows and behind-the-scenes film-making experiences

Evening at leisure. Optional: Enjoy Hyderabadi biryani dinner or explore Necklace Road for a lakeside walk.
Overnight at Hotel – Hyderabad (B)

Get Free Tour Quotes

Day 06: Hyderabad – Bidar – Gulbarga (Total Distance: ~360 km | Approx. 7 hrs drive)

Post breakfast, drive to Bidar – a small yet historically rich district in Karnataka, once the capital of the Bahmani and Barid Shahi dynasties.
Sightseeing in Bidar:

• Bidar Fort – an imposing fortress housing Persian-style architecture, palaces, and intricate wood carvings.
• Rangin Mahal – known for its tile work and wood carvings.
• Bahmani Tombs – a cluster of grand tombs of Bahmani sultans with stunning domes.
• Madrasa of Mahmud Gawan – a unique Islamic seminary, famous for its architecture.
• Guru Nanak Jhira Sahib – a revered Sikh pilgrimage site with a natural spring.

Post lunch, drive to Gulbarga, whose history dates back to the 6th century with Rashtrakutas, Chalukyas, Kalachuris, Yadavas, Hoysalas, and later the Kakatiya kings. It came under the Mughal Empire with Aurangzeb’s conquest.
Overnight at Hotel – Gulbarga (B)

Day 07: Gulbarga – Bijapur (150 km | Approx. 3 hrs drive)

After breakfast, half-day guided sightseeing tour of Gulbarga:

• Khwaja Bande Nawaz Dargah – tomb of the great Sufi saint Khwaja Gesu Daraz.
• Gulbarga Fort – with 15 towers and 26 cannons, a fine example of military architecture.
• Jumma Masjid – modeled after the Great Mosque of Cordoba in Spain, with elegant arches and columns.
• Tombs of Bahmani rulers – near the southern fort entrance.

Post lunch, drive to Bijapur – once called Vijayapura (City of Victory), established by the Chalukyas of Kalyani and later ruled by Adil Shahi dynasty.
Evening at leisure.
Overnight at Hotel – Bijapur (B)

Day 08: Bijapur – Badami (135 km | Approx. 3 hrs drive)

After breakfast, half-day guided sightseeing of Bijapur:

• Gol Gumbaz – the mausoleum of Mohammed Adil Shah, with a unique whispering gallery and the second-largest dome in the world.
• Jumma Masjid – one of the earliest mosques in India, still used for worship.
• Ibrahim Roza – mausoleum of Ibrahim Adil Shah II; said to have inspired the Taj Mahal.
• Malik-e-Maidan – one of the largest medieval cannons in the world. (Added)
• Mehtar Mahal – an exquisite Indo-Islamic style ornamental gateway. (Added)

Post lunch, drive to Badami, once the capital of the early Chalukyas, surrounded by red sandstone cliffs and known for rock-cut cave temples overlooking the Agastya Tirtha Lake.
Rest of the day free at leisure.
Overnight at Hotel – Badami (B)

Get Free Tour Quotes

Day 09: Badami Sightseeing

After breakfast, explore Badami’s historical and architectural marvels:

• Cave Temples – 4 rock-cut cave temples dedicated to Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism:
• Cave 1: Dedicated to Shiva, with a carving of Nataraja with 18 arms.
• Cave 2 & 3: Dedicated to Vishnu in his Varaha, Trivikrama, and Narasimha avatars.
• Cave 4: A Jain temple, dedicated to Tirthankara Adinatha, dated to the 12th century.
• Bhutanatha Group of Temples – located near the lake, these temples blend in beautifully with the red sandstone backdrop. (Added)
• Agastya Lake – scenic water tank believed to have healing powers. (Added)
• Mallikarjuna Temple – 11th-century star-shaped temple on a raised platform.
• Archaeological Museum of Badami (optional) – houses sculptures and artefacts from the Chalukyan period. (Added)

Rest of the day free at leisure.
Overnight at Hotel – Badami (B)

Day 10: Badami – Hospet (166 Kms / 03 Hrs)

Post breakfast, drive to Hospet, once the splendid capital of the Vijayanagar Empire, historically known as Nagalapura. The city was destroyed in 1565 by the southern Sultans after the Battle of Talikota.
En route, visit:

• Pattadakal – a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring ten major temples representing early Chalukya architecture. The Virupaksha Temple, with its majestic gateway and inscriptions, is the largest among them.
• Aihole – often referred to as the “Cradle of Indian Architecture”, this ancient village has over 100 temples. Key highlights include:
• Lad Khan Temple (5th century)
• Durga Temple with its unique semi-circular apse
• Jain Meguti Temple
• Two-storied Buddhist Temple

Rest of the day free at leisure.
Overnight at Hotel – Hospet (B)

Get Free Tour Quotes

Day 11: Hospet – Full Day Excursion to Hampi

Post breakfast, enjoy a full-day guided excursion to the UNESCO-listed ruins of Hampi, the former capital of the Vijayanagar Empire founded by Harihara and Bukka in 1336.
Visit:

• Virupaksha Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Pampa. The 9-tiered Gopuram, murals on the ceiling of the Ranga Mantapa, and active worship make it significant.
• Vittala Temple Complex – known for its iconic 56 Musical Pillars and the Stone Chariot with revolving stone wheels.
• Hazara Rama Temple with carved friezes of the Ramayana (if time permits).
• Elephant Stables – a unique example of Indo-Islamic architecture.
• Queen’s Bath – modest from outside but elegant and ornate inside.
• Lotus Mahal – with geometrically symmetrical arches and domes, served as an air-cooled summer palace.
• Royal Enclosure – includes Mahanavami Dibba, underground temples, and water tanks.

Rest of the day free at leisure.
Overnight at Hotel – Hospet (B)

Day 12: Hospet – Chikmagalur (290 kms / 07 Hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Chikmagalur, meaning "Land of the Younger Daughter" in Kannada. This serene hill station is surrounded by coffee plantations and played a spiritual role during the Vijayanagar Empire.
En route visit:

• Chitradurga Fort – also called the Fort of Seven Rounds, known for its massive fortification walls, ancient temples, and granaries.

Drive through India’s major coffee-growing region before reaching Chikmagalur.
Evening free to explore local markets or coffee estates.
Overnight at Hotel – Chikmagalur (B)

Get Free Tour Quotes

Day 13: Chikmagalur – Hassan (160 Kms / 04 Hrs)

Post breakfast, drive to Belur, once the capital of the Hoysala Empire.
Visit:

• Chennakesava Temple – built in 1117 AD by King Vishnuvardhana. Admire its detailed carvings, ornate pillars, and Hoysala-style sculptures.

Later, continue to Halebidu (17 kms):

• Visit the Hoysaleshwara Temple, a masterpiece of sculptural art built in the 12th century.
• Also visit the Jain Basadis (temples), featuring fine carvings and religious significance.

Evening at leisure.
Overnight at Hotel – Hassan (B)

Day 14: Hassan – Goa (Flight / Road via Mangalore – optional)

Post breakfast, drive to Goa, the beach paradise with a rich history dating back to the Mauryan Empire and later ruled by Chalukyas, Kadambas, and Portuguese.
Optional: Depending on logistics, you may fly from Mangalore or Hubli to Goa.
Upon arrival in Goa, relax by the beach or enjoy sunset views.
Overnight at Hotel – Goa (B)

Day 15: Goa – Sightseeing Tour

Post breakfast, guided sightseeing of Goa’s major highlights:
Visit:

• Old Goa Churches:
• Basilica of Bom Jesus (16th century), housing the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier.
• Se Cathedral, one of the largest churches in Asia (if time permits).
• Mangueshi Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, nestled in lush surroundings.
• Dona Paula Viewpoint, named after the Portuguese noblewoman, offering scenic views of the sea.
• Miramar Beach, where the Mandovi River meets the Arabian Sea – a perfect sunset spot.

Rest of the day at leisure on the beach.
Overnight at Hotel – Goa (B)

Get Free Tour Quotes

Day 16: Goa – Leisure

Enjoy a leisurely day in Goa. You may indulge in:

• Optional water sports
• Explore spice plantations
• Try local Goan cuisine
• Shopping in flea markets

Overnight at Hotel – Goa (B)

Day 17: Goa – Departure

Morning transfer to Goa airport to board your onward flight.

Tour Concludes. Exceptional Escapes representative will assist you with the airport transfer.