8 DAYS TREASURES OF INDIA’S DECCAN PLATEAU

Arriving into Aurangabad’s Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Airport via Delhi or Mumbai, we will transfer to your hotel to check in and rest for the night.

We dedicate the entire day to explore the UNESCO-listed Ajanta Caves (closed Mon). Lying approximately 2 hours from Aurangabad within the Sahyadri Hills, the 29 caves are curved on a mountain side as secluded retreats for Buddhist monks. Admire the impressive paintings and sculptures across the cave walls depeting stories from the Jatakas and the several incarnations of the Buddha.

This morning, we make a quick photo stop at Daulatabad Fort before heading to another UNESCO site, the Ellora Caves (closed Tue) which comprises of 34 caves carved into a basaltic hillside with intricately adorned facades and interiors representing the three faiths of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. If time permits in the afternoon, we can visit Bibi Ka Maqbara mausoleum, also dubbed as the “Mini Taj Mahal” before boarding your flight to Hyderabad.

A former seat of the outrageously wealthy Nizams, Hyderabad is a lively metropolis with grandiose Islamic monuments. Start at the iconic Charminar at the heart of the city before strolling Lad Bazaar adorned with bangles, spices and fragrant oils. Visit Mecca Masjid (the city’s oldest mosque) and Chowmohalla Palace (the seat of the Asaf Jahi dynasty).

After a Hyderabadi Biryani feast at a famous local restaurant, we head off-the-beaten to the impressive Golconda Fort built on a 120-metre high granite hill. We can also arrange unique dinner overlooking the city at Gol Bungalow, once a royal reception for King George V and Queen Mary. [Optional: An evening heritage tour of Taj Falaknuma Palace with the resident historian is included if you choose to stay in the palace.

After breakfast, we drive to the airport for your flight to Jindal Vijaynagar Airport. Upon arrival, we transfer to your hotel in Hampi where you will freshen up before your dinner at the hotel with a brief introductory lecture by a local historian on Hampi and the Vijaynagar Kingdoms.

A UNESCO open-air museum rich in history, architecture and religious heritage set amongst stunning boulders spanning over 25sqm, we devote the day to explore Hampi. Start from the royal section at Lotus Mahal (Zenana or ladies enclosure), the impressive elephant stables, the granaries, Ramachandra Temple and Mahanavmi Platform. Continue to Virupaksha Temple’ 50m high tower, Hemakunta Hill’s Jain temple ruins and Vittala Temple complex’s pillared halls, stone chariot and shrines.

Today is a long day excursion of 3 hours’ driving each way as we make a day trip to ancient sites as old as two milleniums including Aihole, Pattadakal (UNESCO) and Badami. These temples are of huge importance and considered to be the cradle of Indian temple architectures.

After breakfast, we drive to Jindal Vijaynagar Airport for your flight home via Hyderabad or Bangalore. Alternatively, we can also arrange extension to Goa.