he Deccan Plateau is a dominant geographical entity of South India. For miles the amazing scenes of large boulders carefully kept over smaller rocks form the landscape. The rocky terrain has been witness to fiercely fought battles of supremacies. Through the rocks rose the fabled kingdoms of Vijaynagara and Hyderabad. The granite rocks formed most extraordinary architectural pieces as temples, forts, caves and palaces; some excelled in craftsmanship and others in sheer size. And one of the rocks unearthed here is the famed diamond- Kohinoor (Mountain of light)! The tour moves through some of the unexplored fabled sites of the Deccan.

• Day 01: Bombay (Mumbai): Arrive at the commercial capital of India and check in. Rest of the day free for leisure.
    
• Day 02: Bombay: Half day trip to Elephanta cave island for astonishing ancient sculptures. Later during the day visit notable attractions of the city which includes Dhobi Ghat, Crawford market, Marine drive and old mansions of Colaba area.
   
• Day 03: Aurangabad: From Mumbai fly to Aurangabad. After checking in keep the evening at your  discretion.
   
• Day 04: Aurangabad: Excursion to Ajanta caves site, a scenic gorge having a series of caves. The caves have ancient sculptures and some of the most stunning murals of Buddhist era. Visit the Ellora caves that are famed for their extraordinary sculptures. Noteworthy is the unbelievably sculptured Kailasnath Temple.
   
• Day 05: Pune: Driving through well cultivated rural landscape of Maharashtra reach Pune, the Maratha heartland. Take a sightseeing tour of this vibrant cosmopolitan town that includes visits to Raja kelkar  museum and Agha Khan Palace (Gandhi National Memorial). If interested you may also visit the International  Osho Commune.
   
• Day 06: Chiplun: Drive through some of the most spectacular natural scenery of India full of evergreen jungles. After crossing the Western Ghats reach the attractive resort of Chiplun. This place offers magnificent views of forested hills, rapid rivers and beautiful coastline. You may trek in the forests or have a relaxed time enjoying the scenery.
   
• Day 07: Goa: Drive through India’s beautiful western coastline and reach Goa- the exotic tropical beach destination. Day free  to walk around the beaches.
   
• Day 08: Goa: Sightseeing tour of Old Goa and Panjim for beautiful churches and cathedrals. Mandovi River cruise.
   
• Day 09: Goa: Day completely at discretion in the tropical paradise known as Goa.
   
• Day 10: Badami: Driving towards central Karnataka reach the little town of Badami. Badami was once the capital of Chalukyan empire and today it boasts some of the most beautiful rock cut temples of that period. 
   
• Day 11: Badami: Sightseeing of Badami’s temples. Also visit the Virupaksha temple at Pattadakal (Extraordinary for its sculptures, a World Heritage site) and a few remarkable temples at Aihole.
   
• Day 12: Hampi: Reach Hampi in a short drive. Visit Hampi that has extraordinary remnants of once great city Vijayanagara. The sheer size and majestic appearance of this historical site is amazing! Day free to explore around the great monuments that dot the whole area. Take a walking tour of the Hampi bazaar and temples. Cross the picturesque Tungabhadra River on a primitively designed corracle- a very different experience!
   
• Day 13: Bijapur: Drive to Bijapur and on arrival check in. Bijapur was once the center of most distinguished Muslim empire of the Deccan, hence it has abundance Muslim architectural marvels. Visit Gol Gumbaz (World’s second largest dome), Ibrahim Roza and various palaces in the town. 
   
• Day 14: Bidar: Drive to Bidar and check in. Visit the still intact Bidar Fort- once the stronghold of Bahmani kingdom, the fort is still impressive in its sheer size and expanse. Later visit the Mahmud Gawan madarsa and Bahmani Tombs. In the bazaar visit some craftsmen working on silver filigree known as Bidri (The name derived from Bidar).
   
• Day 15: Hyderabad: Reach Hyderabad and check in. In sightseeing tour of the city visit the Salar Jung Museum, Birla Temple, Hussain Sagar Lake (Buddha Statue), Osmania University and the Historic Charminar. Evening free to explore and shop in the bustling and extremely interesting old bazaars around Charminar. 
   
• Day 16: Hyderabad: Visit the Golconda Fort, a massive fort having a long history behind its existence. Also visit the impressive tombs of Golconda kings. Rest of the day free at your discretion to spend in the charming city of Hyderabad.
   
• Day 17: Departure: Morning at leisure. At appropriate time transfer to airport to board your onward flight. 
   
  Tour ends.
  
  

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