South India Goa Karnatka Tour

Arrive Goa airport, where you be met and transferred to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel

Morning : Breakfast at the hotel. Later full day visit of Goa
Overnight at the hotel

Early Morning : Breakfast at the hotel. Later drive to Hospet. Enjoy the scenic beauty along the way. Arrive Hospet, check into your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at Hotel Malligi

Morning : Breakfast at the hotel. Later drive to Hampi - Hampi which lies 13 kms east of Hospet, was once the seat of the great Vijayanagara empire and the centre of Hindu rule for 200 years from its foundation in 1336. The Vijayanagar city ruins near the village of Hampi are one of the most fascinating historical sites in south India. The superb ruins are set ina beautiful landscape--a hill country with enormous boulders. Extremely wealthy, greater than Rome, they held a monopoly of trade in spices and cotton. This site was chosen for strategic reasons, but the craftsmen excelled in adopting an ingenious style to blend in architectural masterpieces with the barren and rocky landscapes. Most of the sites are 16th century and built during the 20 year reign of Krishna deva Raya. We need a whole day to visit the stunning collection of temples, palaces and market places of Hampi. We will have lunch at the Vaikuna Guest House, its beautiful hilltop setting giving a panoramic view of the Tungabhadra Dam.
Overnight at Hotel Malligi

Morning : Breakfast at the hotel. Later drive to Badami via Aihole & Pattadakal
Aihole - The first Chalukyan capital, is home to monuments and sites from as early as 5th cent AD. This includes some important late Chalukyan temples dedicated to Jain divinities. It is widely regarded as the birthplace of Indian temple architectural styles and site of the first built temples, distinct from those carved out of solid rock. Most of these temples were originally dedicated to Vishnu, though some were later converted into Shaivite shrines. Aihole, is mentioned in the inscriptions as Ayyavole or Aryapura. It is regarded as the cradle of Hindu temple architecture; most of its 125 odd temples were built between 6th and 8th centuries. In an area called Morera Angadigalu, excavations have unearthed a large number of prehistoric sites: temples, pottery pieces, pre-Chalukyan bricks, bases of structures. There is an Archaeological Survey of India office here, which we can visit if the group has interest.
Pattadkal - 18 kms from Aihole and on the banks of the Malaprabha River, is the second capital of the Chalukyan kings between 7th and 8th century and the city where the kings were crowned. Most of the temples cluster at the foot of the hill and display a succession of styles of the southern Dravida temple architecture as well as North Indian Nagara style. This clearly illustrates the regions position at the crossroad of North and South Indian traditions. With the exception of one, all the temples are dedicated to Shiva. Later continue your drive to Badami. Arrive at Badami, check into your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure Overnight at Malligi Home

Morning : Breakfast at the hotel. Later visit Badami, set in beautiful countryside amongst red sandstone hills, lakes and peaceful farmlands, the small rural village of Badami was once a capital city of the Chalukyan Empire which ruled much of central Deccan between the 4th and 7th centuries A.D. Four of these were cut into the hillside in the early 6th century. Cave 1 reached by climbing 40 steps, has Siva in his manifestation as Nataraja with 18 arms and seen in 81 dance poses. Cave 2 on a higher level has reliefs of Varaha and Vamana and Cave 3 is dedicated to Vishnu. According to a Kanada inscription which is unique to Badami, this cave was excavated in 578 AD and has numerous sculptures including a huge reclining Vishnu. Cave 4 is the only Jain cave and possibly excavated 100 years later. Other temples of note which we visit includes the Buddhist temple near the ancient artificial Bhuthanatha Lake; the 7th century Mallegitti Sivalaya temple one of the finest examples of the early southern style. Statues of Vishnu and Shiva decorate the outer wall while animal friezes appear along the plinth above the eaves; Jabulinga Temple dating from 699 has three chapels dedicated to the trinity and fine carvings.
Overnight at Hotel Badami Court Hotel

Early morning : Breakfast at the hotel. Later drive to Goa. Arrive Goa in the afternoon. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at Hotel

Morning : Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to airport for your onward flight