Wonder of South - West India

Transcription

1 Wonder of South - West India DAY 00 / 10 NOV 2019 / SUNDAY: ARRIVE MUMBAI ( Check in 1200 Hrs) On arrival at Mumbai International airport, meet and greet by our representative. Later, assistance and transfer to hotel. Mumbai (Bombay) is the vibrant and pulsating capital of Maharashtra. For over a century, Mumbai has been a commercial and industrial centre of India with a magnificent harbour, imposing multi-storied buildings, crowded thoroughfares, busy markets, shopping centers and beautiful tourist spots. The British acquired Mumbai from the Portuguese in 1665 and handed it over to the East India Company in 1671 for a handsome annual rent of Sterling Pounds 10 in gold! Later, these seven islands were joined together by causeways and bridges in Overnight at Mumbai DAY 01 / 11 NOV 2019 / MONDAY: MUMBAI (Bollywood and City Tour) After breakfast we proceed for half day Bollywood tour. Meet your guide to the Bollywood film studio. En route, your guide will inform you about what to expect on your Bollywood tour at Film City, also called Dadasaheb Phalke Nagar in honor of the father of India s film industry. When you arrive at the Film City complex, head to one of the Bollywood studios for a brief introduction about the origin and evolution of India s film industry, which has produced more than 67,000 films in at least 30 languages! Learn about the silent film era and the talkies first introduced to India in the early 1930s as well as the increasing popularity of Bollywood cinema, which incorporates Hindi storytelling through dance, music and song. Next, your Film City guide will escort you to various movie sets, where you can observe the shooting of feature films, TV serials or ads (depending on the day). Here, experience the action of a set production as you see directors rehearsing dance choreography and hear sound mixers matching background music with sound effects. With this up-close view, you ll gain insight into the everyday mechanics of moviemaking from set creation, animation, stunt doubles and special effects to dubbing, editing, film processing and publicity. You may even get a chance to pose for a photo with the film stars themselves (subject to availability or at the star's approval; if shooting is in progress, you will only be allowed to view it from a certain distance to avoid disturbance). After visit return back to hotel for lunch.

2 After lunch proceed for sightseeing tour of Mumbai, visiting the 19th century Jain Temple with its silver doors, the Kamala Nehru Park and the Ferozshah Mehta Gardens known as the Hanging Gardens of Bombay and the Towers of Silence where the Parsis dispose of their dead. Visit Mani Bhavan where Mahatma Gandhi spent 17 years of his life working for the freedom of India. Overnight at Mumbai (B / L) DAY 02 / 12 NOV 2019 / TUESDAY: MUMBAI After breakfast we proceed to visit the Elephanta Caves (closed on Mondays), 9 km off the coast of Mumbai and an hour s ride by motor launch from the Gateway of India. The cave temples of Elephanta date back to the 7 th Century. Four rows of massive columns cut into solid rock form three magnificent avenues, which lead to the outstanding three-headed sculpture representing Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver and Shiva the Destroyer. Dedicated to Shiva, the beauty and power of these phenomenal sculptures depicting the various manifestations of Shiva is overpowering. Rest of the day is free. In the evening we provide dinner at world famous Taj Mahal Hotel, offering a true taste of the Raj. After dinner return back to our hotel. Overnight at Mumbai (B / L / D) DAY 03 / 13 NOV 2019 / WEDNESDAY: MUMBAI / AURANGABAD (By Flight) After breakfast provide in-time transfer to airport to board the flight to Aurangabad. In Aurangabad assistance on arrival followed by transfer to hotel. Later you will proceed to visit Ellora Caves. Situated 30 km from Aurangabad, these fine rock cut cave temples date from the 10th & 11th Centuries and encompass three religions - Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. Of the 34 caves that are both monasteries and temples, the most remarkable is the magnificent Kailasa temple. The entire structure was carved out of a monolith and took over 100 years to complete. The temple itself is decorated with themes and incidents from the puranas, sacred Hindu texts, in a manner that leaves one in rapturous delight. Daulatabad Fort: (Distance 7 km): Originally the mountainous Deogiri fortress, it was an old Hindu stronghold, finally captured and plundered by deceit in the 13th Century. Made the capital of the Delhi Sultanate 100 years later by Tughlaq, it was the prime fortress of many successive dynasties in the Deccan. Daulatabad is famous for its series of trick defences, secret escape routes, etc. Important monuments within the fort include the Jami Masjid now the Bharat Mata Mandir, the Chand Minar, Elephant Tank and Chini Mahal or Chinese Palace. After visit return to hotel. Overnight in Aurangabad (B / L)

3 DAY 04 / 14 NOV 2019 / THURSDAY: AURANGABAD After breakfast visit Ajanta, 110 km from Aurangabad. Ajanta s wondrous cave temples are cut into the rocky sides of a dramatic crescent-shaped gorge, at the head of which is a waterfall that drops over the mountain rim in a series of seven steps to a pool far below the Saptakund. Dating back to the 2nd Century B.C., deep inside the mountain are the Buddhist chaitya vihara prayer and monastery caves. They cover a span of 800 years when under the royal patronage of ruling dynasties, professional artists helped Buddhist monks to create magnificent murals narrating the story of Buddha in his cycle of incarnations, while simultaneously creating a painted record of the panorama of life in ancient India. Etched and painted in mineral dyes, the paintings have a langourous stylised beauty and magical eloquence. The Ajanta Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also visit Bibi ka Maqbara: (Distance 6 km), the tomb of Begum Rabia Durani, wife of Emperor Aurangzeb. Due to its similar design, it is popularly known as the mini Taj of the Deccan. The Maqbara stands in the middle of a spacious and formally planned Mughal garden with axial ponds, fountains, water channels, broad pathways and pavilions. Frequent visitors are flights of chattering parrots. (The Maqbara can be viewed from the gardens of The Meadows.) After visit return back to hotel. Rest of the day is free. Overnight in Aurangabad (B / L) DAY 05 / 15 NOV 2019 / FRIDAY: AURANGABAD /BANGALORE(Flight via Mumbai) / MYSORE (approx. 150 Kms / 03 Hrs drive) After breakfast provide in time transfer to airport to board the flight to Bangalore via Mumbai. In Bangalore assistance on arrival followed by drive to Mysore Mysore has always fascinated people by it s quaint charm, rich heritage, magnificent palaces, beautifully laid-out gardens, imposing buildings, broad shady avenues and sacred temples. Mysore was ruled by the Wodeyars since the 14th century except for a brief period of 40 years in the later 18th century when Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan ruled over the city. The city has pleasant weather throughout the year. On arrival check into Hotel. Rest of the day is free. Overnight in Mysore. (B / L)

4 DAY 06 / 16 NOV 2019 / SATURDAY: MYSORE After Breakfast full day sightseeing of Mysore. Places to visit are CHAMUNDI HILLS - The backdrop of the city is the 1,100-feet-high Chamundi Hill. On the top of the hill stands the temple dedicated to the Goddess Chamundeshwari, the royal family s patron deity. To reach the temple one can either drive through the 13-km stretch up or climb the 1,000 stone steps. Halfway up along the stone steps stands the majestic 4.8- metre monolith of Nandi the Bull, Lord Shiva s chosen mount. The statue is believed to be 300 years old and itschief attraction, apart from its size, is the meticulous craftsmanship of its ornaments. MYSORE PALACE - Built in around AD 897 in Saracenic style, the Mysore palace has both Hindu as well as Muslim influences. The palace, designed by an English architect and completed in 1912, was built in place of an earlier palace which was burnt down in The central hall, incredible in its beauty, was used for marriages and other major gatherings. The Dussehra procession, starts from here. The palace also houses a museum which has a collection of musical instruments, children s toys, many paintings, costumes, weapons, etc., belonging to the Maharaja s family. BRINDAVAN GARDENs: This beautiful garden is spread over an area of approximately 150 acres and is situated below the Krishna Raja Sagara Dam. It was constructed in the year 1932 with a botanical park and several musical fountains that are created in different shapes and designs. These colorful fountains are major attractions here. After visit return to hotel. Rest of the day is free. Overnight in Mysore (B / L) DAY 07 / 17 NOV 2019 / SUNDAY: MYSORE / BELUR / HELIBID / HASSAN (approx. 150 Kms / 03 Hrs drive) After breakfast drive to Hasaan en route visit of Belur & Helibid. BELUR - Situated on the banks of the Yagachi River, Belur was the first capital of the Hoysala dynasty. The Channekeshava Temple here is one of the three major Hoysala sites still in daily use. One of the earliest structures of its type, the construction of the temple was started in 1116 and took almost a century to complete. The Hoysalas built it to commemorate their victory over the Cholas. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. At the centre of the hall stands the Narasimha Pillar whose astonishing details are worth a look. To the west of the Channekeshava Temple lies the Viranarayana Temple. HALEBID - Founded in the early 11th century as Dvarasamudra, this ancient capital of the Hoysala empire was destroyed by the armies of the Delhi Sultanate in 1311 and The famous Hoysaleswara temple, which today is the centre of attraction, however survived the destruction. The history of the Hoysaleswara temple dates back to around AD 1121The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. A Nandi bull faces the each shrine. The Jain bastis nearby form another major attraction in Halebid. These 12th-century temples stand in a garden enclosure. After visit continue drive to Hassan. On arrival check into Hotel. Overnight in Hassan (B / L/ D)

5 DAY 08 / 18 NOV 2019 / MONDAY: HASSAN / CHITRADURGA / HOSPET (approx. 323Kms / Hrs drive) After breakfast drive to Hampi enroute visit ruins of Chitradurga fort. Chitradurga gets its name from Chitrakaldurga (or Picturesque castle) as defined in Kannada language. The Chitradurga fort was built and developed over a period of time (10th - 18th C) Chitradurga fort is mainly famous for Madakari Nayaka (The king of the last dynasty) and the legend of Obavva during his reign. "Onake Obavva's" story is a highlight in the history of Chitradurga fort. The legend is about a woman called Obavva, wife of a soldier. Obavva upon seeing Hyder Ali's soldiers entering the fort through a secret hole, kills them one by one with her Onake ( masse or pestle). Her husband, shocked to see dead bodies, alerts the other soldiers. However, both Obavva and her husband die during the battle. Chitradurga Fort is also called as 'Kallina Kote' (Stone Fort) is a popular tourist spot in Karnataka. After visit continue drive to Hampi. Hampi is an ancient village situated on the banks of Tungabhadra River in northern Karnataka. Hampi is a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site. The village stands within the ruins of the city of Vijayanagara, the former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South India. Hampi, also known as Pampa-kshetra, Kishkindha-kshetra or Bhaskara-kshetra, is derived from Pampa, which is the old name of the Tungabhadra River. Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple and Hampi Bazaar are among the must include places in your visit of Hampi. Overnight in Hampi. (B / L) DAY 09 / 19 NOV 2019 / TUESDAY: HAMPI After breakfast go for local sightseeing of Hampi. Hampi is an extremely significant place in terms of history and architecture. The first settlement in Hampi dates back to 1st century AD and a number of Buddhist sites belonging to that time have been found nearby. The seat of the Vijayanagara Empire was established by Saint Vidyaranya in 1336 AD with the help of two of his disciples, Hakka Raya and Bukka Raya. Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire and was an extremely important part of the Empire from 1343 to It maintained a huge army to protect it from other kingdoms. As a capital of the Vijayanagar Empire, Hampi grew as a trade center for cotton, spices, and gem stones. It was one of the richest and largest cities in the world during 15th and 16th centuries. After the death of Krishnadevaraya, the invading Deccan Sultanate forces destroyed Hampi and the rampage was continued for one year.

6 The main tourist spots in Hampi can be divided into two broad areas; the Hampi Bazaar area and the Royal center near Kamalapur. Hemakuta Hill, south of the main Hampi temple, contains early ruins, Jain temples and a monolithic sculpture of Lord Narasimha. The famous Vittala Temple is located 2 km east of the Hampi Bazaar. After visits return back to Hotel for Overnight. Overnight in Hampi. (B / L) DAY 10 / 20 NOV 2019 / WEDNESDAY: HOSPET / GOA (By Train Departs 0630 Hrs / Arrives 1355 Hrs) Provide early morning transfer to Hospet railway station to board the train to Goa. Assistance on arrival at the airport and transfer to hotel Goa conjures up a land of scenic beauty with abundant sun, sand and sea. On the west coast, half way between Mumbai in the North and Cochin in the south, Goa was under Portuguese rule till 1961 and hence has a very striking and interesting atmosphere. Goa is also famous for its magnificent churches including the Basilica of Bom Jesus, built in the 16th Century with the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, a great saint. His remains are preserved intact in a silver casket and there is an exposition of his body once every 12 years. This church is dedicated to Infant Jesus. The Se Cathedral has superb architecture with intricately carved altars fitted with gold. Dinner this evening will be on your own, so that you can experience Goa s famous cuisine according to your own taste and budget. Overnight in Goa (B / L) DAY 11 / 21 NOV 2019 / THURSDAY: GOA Morning after breakfast, spend the day sightseeing around North Goa. You can begin with the Basilica Bom Jesus, which is dedicated to Infant Jesus. The church has the sacred remains of St Francis Xavier. Also, visit other churches of North Goa including St Cajetan, St Francis of Assisi, Se Cathedral and Church of St. Monica. All the churches feature a unique architectural style which speaks much about the heritage and craftsmanship of those times. Visit the Museum of Christian Art, which is the only one of its kind in Asia. The museum is best known to house a collection of items like gold and precious stones and rosaries. You can also visit Archeological Museum. Return to Panjim, the capital of Goa, and as you drive through the city enjoy viewing its unique colonial architecture. Walk through the city and flip back the pages of the Portuguese days. Do visit the bustling markets of Goa and shop for gifts and souvenirs. Post lunch, head to Baga Beach, which is one the most popular, happening and beautiful beaches of Goa. Later, you will be returned to hotel. Get ready for Farewell Gala Dinner. Overnight in Goa (B / L/ D)

7 DAY 12 / 22 NOV 2019 / FRIDAY: GOA DEPARTS (CHECK OUT 1200 HRS) Full day at leisure at the beach or free for optional activities. Assistance on check-out and transfer to airport to board the flight for onwards journey. (B) TOUR END