from $ 4,342.00
Book Now

Ancient Wonders: A Journey through India’s Historic Sites

0/5
Duration

12 Nights / 13Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

Embark on a captivating journey through India’s rich tapestry of history with our Ancient Wonders: A Journey through India’s Historic Sites tour. Begin in Mumbai, exploring the ancient Elephanta Caves and the bustling city landmarks like CST and Mani Bhawan. Fly to Aurangabad to marvel at the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, renowned for their exquisite rock-cut artistry. Discover Hyderabad’s grand Islamic architecture, including Golconda Fort and the Charminar, before traveling through Gulbarga and Bijapur to uncover medieval fortresses and majestic mosques. Conclude your journey in Badami and Hampi, where the remnants of the Chalukyan and Vijayanagara empires reveal the splendor of India’s ancient civilizations. This tour offers an unparalleled glimpse into India’s architectural and cultural legacy.

Highlights

  • This is a private tour/activity only for your group.
  • Enhanced cleaning/ traveler safety.
  • In-depth cultural experience.
  • Flexible sightseeing & stopover.
  • Most travelers can participate.

Bulk discount (by Percent)

Bulk discount adult
# Discount group From adult To adult Value
1 Discount on 2-person group 2 2 45.1%
2 Discount on 3-person group 3 3 44.8%
3 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 52.7%
4 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 53.5%
5 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 57.2%
6 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 57.1%
7 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 61.3%

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Mumbai

On arrival at Mumbai airport, assistance and transfer to hotel (hotel check-in/out time 12pm). Rest time free for personal activities. Overnight at hotel.

Day 2: Mumbai

Breakfast at hotel. Morning excursion to Elephant Caves, a network of ancient Buddhist rock-cut temples featuring elaborate carvings, stupas, and monasteries dating back to the 5th century CE. (Closed on Mondays) Visit CST (Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus), a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its Victorian Gothic architecture, complete with intricate stone carvings and grand arches, serving as a major railway hub. Explore the Prince of Wales Museum, now known as the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, which houses a diverse collection of art, sculptures, and artifacts from India’s past. Visit Mani Bhawan, the historical residence of Mahatma Gandhi during his early years in Mumbai, now a museum dedicated to his life, work, and the Indian independence movement. Explore Dhobi Ghat, an open-air laundromat where traditional techniques are used to wash clothes in a vibrant and visually striking setting, with rows of washing stations and vibrant linens. Overnight at hotel.

Day 3: Mumbai - Aurangabad (flight)

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to airport for flight to Aurangabad. On arrival, transfer to hotel. Visit Bibi Ka Maqbara, a stunning mausoleum built by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in memory of his wife, often referred to as the "Taj of the Deccan," with its elegant white marble and intricate gardens. Explore Panchakki, a 17th-century watermill equipped with an elaborate water channel system that powered the mill used for grinding grains, set in a picturesque garden with water features. Visit Aurangabad Caves, a collection of 12 Buddhist rock-cut caves with intricate carvings, chaityas (prayer halls), and viharas (monasteries), showcasing early Buddhist art and architecture. Overnight at hotel.

Day 4: Aurangabad

Breakfast at hotel. Full day excursion to Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 30 rock-cut caves famous for their well-preserved frescoes and sculptures depicting Buddhist themes, created from the 2nd century BCE to about 480 CE. Drive back to Aurangabad. Overnight at hotel.

Day 5: Aurangabad - Hyderabad (flight)

Breakfast at hotel. Excursion to Ellora Caves, another UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring 34 rock-cut temples and monasteries that represent three major religions: Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism, including the grand Kailasa Temple carved from a single rock. Visit Grishneshwar Temple, an important pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva and one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, known for its detailed carvings and religious significance. Explore Daulatabad Fort, a formidable 14th-century fortress with a complex defensive system, including a moat, steep slopes, and an intricate series of gates. Transfer to airport for flight to Hyderabad. On arrival, transfer to hotel and check-in. Overnight at hotel.

Day 6: Hyderabad

Breakfast at hotel. Explore Hyderabad, a city rich in historical and cultural heritage. Visit Golconda Fort Complex, a grand fortress known for its advanced acoustic system and panoramic views, with remnants of its past grandeur visible in its walls, gates, and palaces. Explore Qutubshahi Tombs, the elaborate burial sites of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, showcasing distinctive architectural features and intricate carvings. Visit Charminar, Hyderabad’s iconic 16th-century monument with four grand arches and an adjoining market area, symbolizing the city’s historical opulence. Explore Mecca Mosque, one of the largest mosques in India, renowned for its grandeur, massive courtyard, and serene ambiance. Visit Salarjung Museum, home to an extensive collection of art and artifacts, including the famous Veiled Rebecca sculpture, with exhibits ranging from antiques to textiles. Explore Chowmohalla Palace, a historic palace complex featuring ornate architecture, lush gardens, and opulent courtyards once used by the Nizams of Hyderabad. Overnight at hotel.

Day 7: Hyderabad - Gulbarga (260kms)

Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Gulbarga, with stops at Bidar Fort, a large fortification with impressive defensive structures and historical importance, including its grand architecture and innovative water systems. Visit Mahmud Gawan Madarsa, a 15th-century Islamic school known for its architectural elegance and educational significance. Explore Bahmani Tombs, a collection of grand mausoleums of Bahmani rulers, characterized by their distinctive domes and intricate carvings. Arrive in Gulbarga and check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 8: Gulbarga - Bijapur (170kms)

Breakfast at hotel. Visit Gulbarga Fort, a massive fortification with formidable walls and historical features such as the Kalyani tank and the grand entrance gates. Explore Jama Masjid, one of the largest and oldest mosques in India, with its impressive prayer hall and intricately carved arches. Drive to Bijapur, a city famous for its historical monuments and Islamic architecture. Check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 9: Bijapur - Badami (120kms)

Breakfast at hotel. Explore Bijapur Fort, which includes significant structures such as Asar Mahal, a palace known for its unique architecture, Bara Kaman, a partially completed monument, Gol Gumbaz, renowned for its massive dome and acoustic properties, Jama Masjid, Malik-e-Maidan Canon, Mehtar Mahal, and Ibrahim Rouza, a beautiful tomb complex with intricately carved tombs and mosques. Drive to Badami, known for its ancient rock-cut temples and forts. Check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 10: Badami

Breakfast at hotel. Excursion to Aihole, a historical site with over 125 Chalukyan temples and monuments from the 6th to 12th centuries CE, showcasing early Hindu architectural styles. Visit Pattadakal, a complex of Hindu and Jain temples from the 7th and 8th centuries CE, known for its architectural splendor and religious significance. Return to Badami to explore cave temples carved into the cliffs, featuring intricate sculptures and carvings. Visit Badami Fort, a historical fort with panoramic views of the surrounding area and impressive architecture. Explore Agastya Lake, a serene water body surrounded by rocky terrain and historic temples. Overnight at hotel.

Day 11: Badami - Hampi (180kms)

Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Hampi, with visits to active and ruined temples in Gadag and Lakkundi, featuring ancient architecture and inscriptions. Arrive in Hampi and check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 12: Hampi

Breakfast at hotel. City tour of Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with numerous ruined temple complexes from the Vijayanagara Empire. Visit Hazara Rama Temple, known for its detailed carvings depicting scenes from the Ramayana. Explore Kings Balance, a stone structure believed to have been used for weighing the king. Visit Mahanavami Dibba, a large platform used for royal ceremonies and festivities. Explore Royal Enclosures, a collection of palaces, temples, and other structures used by the Vijayanagara kings. See Statue of Ugra Narasimha, a colossal stone statue of a deity carved into a rock face. Visit Virupaksha Temple, one of the oldest and most important temples in Hampi, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Explore Vithala Temple Complex, famous for its intricately carved stone chariot and musical pillars. Visit Lotus Mahal, a unique palace with lotus-shaped arches, showcasing Vijayanagara architecture. Explore the ASI Museum, which houses artifacts and historical items from the Vijayanagara period. Overnight at hotel

Day 13: Hampi - Hubli (180kms)/ Mumbai (flight)

Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Hubli airport to board flight for Mumbai. From Mumbai, board connecting flight for onward destination.

Included/Excluded

  • Assistance on arrival at airport.
  • 12 Nights' accommodation in 4-star hotels.
  • Daily breakfast and meal as per day plan.
  • Private air-conditioned deluxe car for airport transfer, sightseeing and excursion as per program.
  • English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per program.
  • Monument entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Bottled drinking water in car.
  • Government taxes.
  • Mumbai - Aurangabad - Hyderabad & Hubli - Mumbai flight fare approx INR 15,500 per person in economy class.
  • Camera charges at monuments.
  • Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc.
  • Gratuities & optional activities.
  • Anything not mentioned in inclusions.

Tour's Location

FAQs

What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

Hotels used or similar for 12 nights accommodation

4 Star Hotels
Mumbai x 2 nights: Fariyas Hotel/ The Gordon House
Aurangabad x 2 nights: Lemon Tree Hotel
Hyderabad x 2 nights: The Golkonda Hotel/ Lemon Tree Hotel
Gulbarga x 1 night: Kyriad Hotel Gulbarga by OTHPL/ Mastiff Select
Bijapur x 1 night: The Fern Residency/ Kyriad Hotel Vijayapura by OTHPL
Badami x 2 nights: Morpho Banashree Resort/ WADA1
Hampi x 2 nights: Heritage Resort/ Royal Orchid Central Keerti

Reviews

0/5
Not Rated
Based on 0 review
Excellent
0
Very Good
0
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Showing 1 - 0 of 0 in total

Write a review

from $ 4,342.00

You might also like