As the name suggest this tour is a wonderful introduction to history, culture and grand architecture. Begin from Bangalore and visit Gommateshwara the tallest free-standing monolithic statue in the world. Halebedu & Belur temple an excellent example of Hoysala architecture developed under the rule of the Hoysala Empire between the 11th and 14th centuries. Explore Hampi an UNESCO World Heritage site dotted with numerous ruined temple complexes from the Vijayanagara Empire and Hyderabad historic sites including Golconda Fort, a former diamond-trading center that was once the Qutb Shahi dynastic capital. At the end of tour unwind on the beach and visit few active temples of Odisha along with Konark Sun Temple an UNESCO Wold Heritage Site built in the shape of a Chariot.
On arrival at Bangalore airport assistance & transfer to hotel (check in/out time 12pm).
Visit Lal Bagh Garden, Cubbon Park, Bangalore Fort, Tippu Summer Palace & Bull Temple. Drive pass Vidhana Soudha & Secretariat.
Drive to Hassan enroute visit Shravanabelagola one of the most important Jain pilgrim enters. Visit Vindhyagiri Hill where a 17m high naked Lord Bahubali (Gommateshwara) the world tallest monolithic statue, is placed. And Chandragiri Hill which is also a seat of several ancient Jain centers, much older than Gommateshwara statue.
Arrive Hassan check in and O/n at hotel.
Drive to Hampi enroute visit Belur, once the capital of the Hoysala Empire is known for its exquisite temples. Celebrated temple of Chennakeshava built by the Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana in 1117 AD, is one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture. Everything is carved in black stone looking like metal. Kappe Chennigaraya Temple is another majestic 12th CE temple built next to a pond. The stone architecture has splendid carvings and bas-relief work. Temple complex include two ornate pillars, one of the Garuda built during the Vijaynagar period and one with a lamp built during the Hoysala period. Lakshmi temple, Sowmyanayaki temple & Ranganayaki temple are other temple in same complex.
In Halebedu visit the Hoysaleswara Temple built in 12th CE surrounded by ponds, mantapas and lakes. It is well known for the sculptures and architecture of Hoysala period standing on platform like a casket, richly endowed with most finely detailed scroll work in stone. The walls of the temple are covered with an endless variety of gods and goddesses. Other temple in Halebedu are Kadareswara Temple, Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Ishvara Temple, Koravangala Temple, Lakshmi Devi temple & Hulikere Pond. Also visit the Jain bastics.
Continue drive to Hampi check in at hotel.
City tour of Hampi an UNESCO world Heritage sites dotted with numerous ruined temple complexes from the Vijayanagara Empire. Visit Hazara Rama Temple, Kings Balance, Mahanavami Dibba, Royal enclosures, Statue of Ugra Narasimha Temple, Virupaksha Temple, Vithala And Lotus Mahal, Vithala Temple Complex and ASI Museum. O/n at hotel.
As per flight schedule transfer to airport to board flight for Hyderabad. On arrival assistance and transfer to hotel. Rest time for personal activities relax. O/n at hotel.
City tour of Hyderabad, explore 400 year old metropolitan city teeming with bustling bazaars & Muslim monuments. Visit Golconda Fort renowned for its diamond mines that have given the world famous Kohinoor and Darya-i-noor diamonds. The ancient fort complex of Golconda will charm you with its history, tinged with legends and anecdotes. Qutub Shahi Tombs a group of small and big mosques and tombs built by the rulers of the Qutub Shah dynasty on a raised platform and have a dome-shaped structure. Charminar built in 1591 by Quli Qutub Shah is an identifying landmark of Hyderabad. It is also famous for the market that sprawls around it called Laad Bazaar. Salar Jung Museum (Friday closed) a treat for tourists famous for being the third largest museum in the country, having the largest antiques collection dating back to the first century. Chowmahalla Palace (Friday closed) the seat of the Asaf Jahi dynasty where the Nizams entertained their official guests and royal visitors. Birla Mandir made of pure white Rajasthani marble the temple beauty leaves you awestruck. Also drive pass Hussain Sagar Lake one of the largest man made lake renowned for its monolith of Lord Buddha placed right at the center of the lake. O/n at hotel.
Transfer to airport to board flight for Bhubaneswar.
On arrival meet your guide and driver. Visit Lingaraja Temple, the 11th century temple described as fusion of dream & reality, a rare masterpiece, and one of the finest examples of purely Hindu temple. Every inch of the 55 m-high Lingaraja temple is covered with elaborate carvings. Sculpture & architecture fused elegantly to create a perfect harmony. Mukteshwara Temple, build in 7th-8th century AD, one of the most ornate temples in Bhubaneswar. The intricate carvings of the deities stand testimony to the influence of Hindu, Buddha & Jain style of architecture. The carvings on the roof are specially striking. Parashurameshwara Temple, a small but richly decorated shrine of Shiva that was built in the 7th century. It is one of the best examples of the Orissa style of temple architecture.
Drive to Puri check in & O/n at hotel.
Excursion to visit Chilika Lake, the second largest brackish water lagoon in the world after the New Caledonian barrier reef. It is the largest wintering ground for migratory birds on the Indian sub-continent & home to a number of threatened species of plants and animals. Enjoy a pleasant boat ride amidst the colorful migratory birds and the quaint water.
Drive back to Puri and visit The Konark Sun Temple, a 13th century Temple in the form of the chariot with 24 wheels, heavily decorated with symbolic stone carvings and led by a team of six horses. It was constructed from oxidizing weathered ferruginous-coloured sandstone by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty. The temple is one of the most renowned temples in India and is a World Heritage Site as a cultural property under categories (i). O/n at hotel.
Drive to Bhubaneshwar airport via visiting Dhauli, where Mauryan Emperor Ashoka the Great renounced bloody warfare & embraced the teachings of Buddha after victory over kingdom of Kalinga. Visit Peace Pagoda known as Shanti Stupa built in early 1970 by Japanese. Also visit two ancient rock edicts, today eclipsed by the presence of the Pagoda dating from 260 BC they outline Ashoka`s detailed instructions to his administrators to rule with gentleness & fairness. Udaigiri & Khandgiri caves, largest Buddhist Complex in Orissa. These hills provide some solid examples of Jain & Buddhist art of the 2nd Century BC. There are monasteries, Chaitya & Stupas that represent a vibrant culture that flourished in these hills.
After sightseeing transfer to airport to board flight for Bangalore. On arrival assistance & transfer to hotel. O/n at hotel.
As per flight schedule transfer to airport to board flight for onward destination.
* Please check prices for full list of inclusions and exclusions
Chinese (Mandarin), English
(Other than English guide subject to availability at additional cost)
Infants, Children, Students, Adults, Seniors
Start city: Bangalore , Karnataka, India
Pick up times available: 09:00
Pick up location: Bangalore Airport
Ends at: Bangalore Airport
Nearest airport: Kempegowda International Airport (BLR)
Education & exploration
0% cancellation fee - 15 days or more before the travel date
20% cancellation fee - between 7-14 days before the travel date
50% cancellation fee - between 3-6 days before the travel date
100% cancellation fee - between 0-2 days before the travel date
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from $990 per person
