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Heritage of India: The Golden Triangle & Southern Wonders

5/5
Duration

13 Nights / 14Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through India’s rich heritage with the Heritage of India: The Golden Triangle & Southern Wonders tour. Begin in Delhi, exploring the architectural marvels of the Mughal era before heading to Agra to witness the timeless beauty of the Taj Mahal. Continue to Jaipur, the Pink City, where the grandeur of Rajputana palaces and forts will captivate your senses. Fly south to Hyderabad, a city steeped in history, known for its grand monuments and bustling bazaars. Venture further into Karnataka, where the ancient temples of Badami, Aihole, and Pattadakal await, culminating in the breathtaking ruins of Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This tour offers a perfect blend of North and South India’s historical treasures, taking you deep into the heart of the country’s storied past.

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 44.7%
2 Discount on 3-person group 3 3 43.7%
3 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 52.4%
4 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 52.4%
5 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 56.3%
6 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 55.8%
7 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 60.0%

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Delhi

On arrival at Delhi airport, assistance and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day free for personal activities.

Day 2: Delhi

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit the Red Fort, an iconic symbol of India’s history and a UNESCO World Heritage site. This massive red sandstone fortress was the main residence of the Mughal emperors for nearly 200 years, featuring grand halls, stunning gardens, and intricate architecture. Explore the Jama Masjid, one of the largest and most magnificent mosques in India. Built by Shah Jahan, this mosque is an architectural marvel with its vast courtyard, three domes, and towering minarets. Experience the bustling markets of Chandni Chowk and Khari Baoli Spice Market on a cycle rickshaw ride. The narrow lanes are filled with vibrant shops selling spices, sweets, textiles, and street food, offering a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells. Pay your respects at Raj Ghat, the solemn memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. Set amidst lush gardens, the black marble platform marks the spot where Gandhi was cremated in 1948. Visit Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the first garden-tomb in India. This magnificent structure is the resting place of the Mughal Emperor Humayun and features beautiful Persian-style gardens, intricate marble work, and a grand central dome. Marvel at the towering Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the tallest brick minaret in the world. This 73-meter-high tower is a masterpiece of Indo-Islamic architecture, surrounded by historical ruins and intricate carvings. Visit the serene Lotus Temple, a Bahá’í House of Worship known for its unique lotus-flower shape. This architectural gem welcomes people of all religions to meditate and enjoy its tranquil gardens. Drive past the President House, a grand example of British colonial architecture, once the Viceroy’s residence and now the official residence of the President of India. Pass by the Parliament House, a circular colonnaded building that is the center of India’s government, and India Gate, a 42-meter-high war memorial dedicated to Indian soldiers who died in World War I.

Day 3: Delhi - Agra (204kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Agra, the city of the Taj Mahal, and check in at the hotel. Visit the Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, this stunning white marble mausoleum is famous for its exquisite symmetry, detailed inlay work, and serene gardens. Explore the Agra Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage site. This massive red sandstone fortress was the main residence of the Mughal emperors until 1638. Inside, you’ll find a series of beautiful palaces, audience halls, and mosques, along with stunning views of the Taj Mahal from its ramparts. Visit the Itmad-ud-Daula Tomb, often called the "Baby Taj." This tomb, built by Nur Jahan for her father, is a precursor to the Taj Mahal and is noted for its delicate marble lattice screens, intricate inlay work, and beautiful gardens.

Day 4: Agra - Jaipur (245kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Jaipur, stopping at Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the former capital of the Mughal Empire. This abandoned city, built by Emperor Akbar, is a masterpiece of Indo-Islamic architecture, with its grand palaces, mosques, and courtyards. Visit the Abhaneri Stepwell (Chand Baori), one of the deepest and largest stepwells in India. This stunning architectural marvel features 3,500 narrow steps arranged in perfect symmetry, leading down to a water reservoir. The stepwell was used to store water in the arid region and also served as a cool place for the community to gather. Arrive in Jaipur, the Pink City, and check in at the hotel.

Day 5: Jaipur

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit the Amber Fort, a majestic hilltop fortress and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The fort is known for its artistic blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture, with stunning courtyards, palaces, and temples. Don’t miss the Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), where the walls are covered in intricate mirror work. Explore the Jaigarh Fort, located on a hilltop overlooking the Amber Fort. This fort is famous for its massive cannon, Jaivana, which was once the world’s largest cannon on wheels. The fort offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and houses a museum with artifacts from Rajasthan’s royal history. Stroll through the Sisodia Rani Garden, a beautiful terraced garden built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II for his second queen, Sisodia. The garden features fountains, pavilions, and murals depicting scenes from the life of Lord Krishna, providing a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle. Visit the City Palace, the royal residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur. The palace is a stunning blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture, with courtyards, gardens, and museums showcasing royal costumes, weapons, and artifacts. Explore the Jantar Mantar Observatory, a UNESCO World Heritage site and an astronomical marvel. Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, this observatory houses a collection of nineteen architectural astronomical instruments, including the world’s largest stone sundial. Admire the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), an iconic five-story pink sandstone structure with 953 small windows, known as jharokhas. The palace was built for the royal ladies to observe street festivals while remaining unseen from the outside. Visit the Birla Temple, a modern white marble temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. The temple’s intricate carvings depict scenes from Hindu mythology, and its serene ambiance makes it a popular place for meditation. Explore the vibrant local markets of the Pink City, where you can shop for traditional Rajasthani handicrafts, textiles, jewelry, and souvenirs.

Day 6: Jaipur - Hyderabad (flight)

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Hyderabad. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free for visiting the local market or exploring the city on your own.

Day 7: Hyderabad

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit the Golconda Fort, a massive fortress known for its unique acoustic system, where a clap at the fort’s main gate can be heard at the top of the hill. Once the capital of the medieval Golconda Sultanate, the fort is famous for its grand palaces, water supply system, and the Fateh Rahben cannon. Explore the Qutub Shahi Tombs, a collection of grand mausoleums built by the rulers of the Golconda Sultanate. These tombs, set in beautifully landscaped gardens, showcase a blend of Persian, Pathan, and Hindu architectural styles. Visit the iconic Charminar, Hyderabad’s most famous landmark, known for its four grand arches and minarets. Built in 1591 by Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the Charminar is surrounded by bustling markets, where you can shop for pearls, bangles, and traditional crafts. Explore the Mecca Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. The mosque’s bricks were made from soil brought from Mecca, and its grand arches and domes are a testament to the architectural brilliance of the Qutb Shahi dynasty. Visit the Salar Jung Museum, one of India’s largest museums, housing an eclectic collection of art, artifacts, and antiques from across the world. The museum’s collection includes European paintings, Middle Eastern carpets, and Indian sculptures, with notable pieces like the Veiled Rebecca and the double-sided statue of Mephistopheles and Margaretta. Explore the Chowmahalla Palace, the former seat of the Nizams of Hyderabad. This opulent palace complex features grand halls, courtyards, and a collection of vintage cars. The palace’s architecture is a blend of Mughal, Persian, and European styles, reflecting the grandeur of the Nizams.

Day 8: Hyderabad - Gulbarga (260kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Gulbarga, stopping at Bidar to visit the Bidar Fort, a massive fortress known for its impressive bastions, grand gates, and intricate palaces. The fort’s Rangin Mahal is particularly notable for its beautifully carved wooden pillars and inlaid mother-of-pearl decorations. Visit the Mahmud Gawan Madarsa, a 15th-century Islamic seminary that was once a center of learning and culture in the Deccan. The madarsa’s Persian architecture, with its towering minarets and intricate tile work, is a testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage. Explore the Bahmani Tombs, a group of royal mausoleums set in a serene landscape. These tombs, built for the Bahmani sultans, are known for their massive domes, ornate stucco work, and beautiful calligraphy. Arrive in Gulbarga and check in at the hotel.

Day 9: Gulbarga - Bijapur (170kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit the historic Gulbarga Fort, a massive fortification with thick walls, moats, and large gates. The fort houses several mosques, palaces, and a unique cannon that is said to be one of the oldest in India. Explore the Jama Masjid, a unique mosque within the fort complex, known for its large domes and open courtyard. Unlike most mosques, the Jama Masjid lacks minarets, making its architecture unique in the region. Later, drive to Bijapur, a city known for its historical monuments, and check in at the hotel.

Day 10: Bijapur - Badami (120kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Explore Bijapur Fort, a sprawling complex with numerous historical buildings. Visit Asar Mahal, a royal court with beautiful frescoes and intricate carvings, once used as a hall of justice by the Adil Shahi rulers. Visit Bara Kaman, an unfinished mausoleum that was intended to surpass the grandeur of the Gol Gumbaz. The structure’s impressive arches and intricate stonework make it one of Bijapur’s most intriguing monuments. Marvel at the grand Gol Gumbaz, the mausoleum of Sultan Mohammed Adil Shah. Known for its massive dome, the second-largest in the world, and its whispering gallery, where even the softest sound can be heard across the vast hall. Visit the historic Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India, with a spacious prayer hall, elegant arches, and a beautifully carved mihrab. See the Malik-e-Maidan Cannon, one of the largest medieval cannons in the world, positioned on the fort’s ramparts. The cannon’s massive size and intricate engravings make it a must-see for history enthusiasts. Admire the intricate architecture of Mehtar Mahal, a small but beautifully designed gateway with delicate carvings and ornamental balconies. Visit the stunning Ibrahim Rouza, a mausoleum often compared to the Taj Mahal for its elegant proportions and intricate stonework. The tomb is set in a well-manicured garden and is known for its symmetry and beautiful minarets. Later, drive to Badami, known for its rock-cut temples, and check in at the hotel.

Day 11: Badami

Breakfast at the hotel. Excursion to Aihole, a historic site often referred to as the "Cradle of Indian Architecture." Aihole is home to over 125 Chalukyan temples and monuments, showcasing some of the earliest examples of temple architecture in India. The Durga Temple, with its apsidal plan and intricate carvings, is one of the most famous structures in Aihole. Visit Pattadakal, a UNESCO World Heritage site that represents the zenith of Chalukyan temple architecture. The site features a complex of 7th-8th century CE Hindu and Jain temples, including the Virupaksha Temple, known for its grand scale and exquisite carvings that depict scenes from Hindu mythology. Return to Badami to explore the famous Badami Cave Temples, a group of four cave temples carved into cliffs overlooking Agastya Lake. These rock-cut temples, dedicated to Hindu deities and Jain Tirthankaras, are renowned for their intricate sculptures, including the 18-armed dancing Shiva (Nataraja) in Cave 1 and the magnificent Vishnu as Trivikrama in Cave 3. Visit the historic Badami Fort, perched atop a hill and offering panoramic views of the town and the surrounding landscape. The fort, built by the Chalukyan rulers, features ancient temples, granaries, and an impressive wall of fortifications. Stroll around Agastya Lake, a serene spot surrounded by ancient temples and cave shrines. The lake is believed to have been named after the sage Agastya and is considered sacred by the locals.

Day 12: Badami - Hampi (180kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Hampi, stopping to visit Gadag and Lakkundi, two towns known for their ancient temples and rich architectural heritage. Gadag is famous for the Trikuteshwara Temple, a complex dedicated to Shiva, with intricate carvings and a beautiful stone chariot. Lakkundi, once a flourishing center of Jainism, is home to several Jain temples, stepped wells, and the stunning Kashi Vishwanatha Temple. Arrive in Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and check in at the hotel.

Day 12:Hampi (180kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. City tour of Hampi, the former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire and one of the most important archaeological sites in India. The city is dotted with numerous ruined temple complexes, palaces, and monuments, each with its own historical significance. Visit the Hazara Rama Temple, known for its exquisite bas-reliefs depicting scenes from the Ramayana. The temple was originally a private chapel of the Vijayanagara kings and is one of the finest examples of Vijayanagara art. See the King’s Balance, an ancient stone structure where the kings of Vijayanagara were weighed against gold and jewels, which were then distributed to the poor. Explore the Mahanavami Dibba, a grand platform used for royal ceremonies and processions. The platform offers a panoramic view of the royal enclosures and is adorned with carvings depicting various aspects of courtly life. Visit the Royal Enclosures, the administrative and ceremonial area of the Vijayanagara Empire. The enclosures include the Audience Hall, the Stepped Tank, and the Queen’s Bath, each reflecting the grandeur of the empire. Admire the massive Statue of Ugra Narasimha, a monolithic sculpture of Lord Vishnu in his fierce form as Narasimha, the man-lion avatar. The statue is one of the largest in Hampi and showcases the remarkable craftsmanship of the Vijayanagara artisans. Visit the ancient Virupaksha Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and still an active place of worship. The temple’s towering gopuram (entrance tower) and intricate carvings make it one of the most important religious sites in Hampi. Explore the Vithala Temple Complex, renowned for its stone chariot and musical pillars. The temple’s architecture is considered the pinnacle of Vijayanagara craftsmanship, with its elaborate carvings, intricate pillars, and the iconic stone chariot that has become a symbol of Hampi. Visit the elegant Lotus Mahal, a blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture. The palace’s unique design, with its archways and lotus-shaped domes, was likely used as a royal pleasure pavilion. Explore the ASI Museum, which showcases artifacts, sculptures, and inscriptions from the Vijayanagara period, offering insights into the history, culture, and art of the empire.

Day 14: Hampi - Hubli Airport (140kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drop off at Hubli airport to board your flight for your onward destination.

Included/Excluded

  • Assistance on arrival at airport.
  • 13 Nights' accommodation in selected price category 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.
  • Jaipur - Hyderabad & Hubli - Delhi/Mumbai flight fare approx INR 12,500 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 13 nights accommodation

4 Star Hotels
Delhi x 2 nights: The Hans/ The Royal Plaza
Agra x 1 night: Radisson Hotel/ Holiday Inn
Jaipur x 2 nights: Holiday Inn Jaipur City Centre/ Lemon Tree Premier
Hyderabad x 2 nights: Lemon Tree Hotel/ Fortune Park Vallabha
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
Hospet/ Hampi x 2 nights: Heritage Resort/ Royal Orchid Central Keerti

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Heritage of India: The Golden Triangle & Southern Wonders
zoritoler imol
11/14/2024

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