Empires of Stone & Sun-Kissed Shores: Hampi, Badami & Goa

Arrival at Kampegowda International Airport Terminal 2. After a traditional welcome, transfer to hotel. In the morning, relax and enjoy lunch. Half Day Tour: Vidhana Soudha. Tipu Sultan Palace (now a museum — Mughal lifestyle, started by Haider Ali, completed by Tipu Sultan). ISKCON Temple (Dravidian and modern architecture, Vedic preaching library). Lal Bagh Garden (1760).

Morning breakfast, check out. Drive to Mysore — capital of the Wodeyar kingdom. Visit Srirangapatna — the historic capital of Tipu Sultan. Darya Daulat — Summer Palace of Tipu Sultan on an island in the Cauvery.

Mysuru Palace: one of India's most spectacular royal residences (completed 1912, Indo-Saracenic architecture). Royal interiors: Durbar Hall, Amba Vilas (intricate artwork, carved doors, stained-glass), Kalyana Mantapa (marriage pavilion with stained-glass ceiling), royal artefacts. Optional evening illumination. Chamundi Hill (3,489 ft, Goddess Chamundeshwari, monolithic Nandi statue). Devaraja Market. Cathedral of St. Philomena (Neo-Gothic). Mysore Pak.

Morning breakfast, check out. Drive to Hassan via Shravanabelagola. Shravanabelagola — one of India's most important Jain pilgrimage centres. Dominated by two rocky hills: Vindhyagiri (famous for the magnificent monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali / Gomateshwara, carved around the 10th century during the Ganga dynasty, rising about 17 metres — one of the largest free-standing monolithic statues in the world) and Chandragiri Hill (ancient Jain temples, memorials and basadis). Continue to Hassan.

Morning breakfast, check out. Drive to Hampi en route visiting Belur and Halebidu. Belur — Chennakeshvara Temple (built 1117 AD to celebrate Hoysala military victories, over 100 years to complete). Stories from the Puranas, Upanishads, Ramayana and Mahabharata executed in the most exquisite and authentic detail. Halebidu — Hoysaleshwara Temple (built 1121 AD, dedicated to Lord Shiva, two shrines with Lingam Hoyasaleshwara and Shanthaleshwara). Arrive Hampi — once a beautiful capital of the Vijayanagar Empire, in ancient days known as Nagalapura, razed by the Sultans of South India in 1565.

Day excursion to Hampi — the capital of the Vijayanagar empire, founded by Harihara and Bukka in 1336. Flourished particularly during the 14th–16th centuries — one of the wealthiest and most important cities of medieval South India. One of India's most extraordinary historic landscapes: monumental temples, royal ruins, ancient marketplaces and enormous granite boulders in a dramatic setting along the Tungabhadra River. Morning excursion: Vittala Temple — a splendid 56 musical-pillars complex, famous for its magnificent stone architecture and the celebrated Stone Chariot. This striking temple with its elaborate mandapas is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Afternoon excursion: Lotus Mahal, Queen's Bath, Elephant Stables, Narasimha monolith, Ganesha monolith, Virupaksha Temple, Tungabhadra River, Matanga Hill.

Morning breakfast, check out. Drive to Badami en route visiting Pattadakkal and Ajhole. Pattadakkal (UNESCO World Heritage Site, 10 major temples representing early Chalukya architecture, 7th–8th century): the biggest temple dedicated to Virupaksha — built by Queen Lokamahadevi in 8th century to commemorate her husband's victory over the Pallavas; richly carved walls depicting Ramayana, Mahabharata, Puranic stories. Other monuments: Mallikarjuna, Papanatha, Kashi Vishwanatha, Galaganatha, Jain Narayana Temple. Pattadakkal brings together northern Nagara and southern Dravida architectural traditions uniquely. Ajhole — "architectural laboratory of Indian temple architecture": Early Chalukya centre (6th–8th centuries), birthplace of both Nagara and Dravida styles. Durga Temple, Lad Khan Temple, Meguti Jain Temple, Ravana Phadi Cave Temple, Huchimalli Temple. Further drive to Badami — founded by Pulakesi I, ruler of the Chalukyas. Rock-cut cave temples sculpted between 6th–8th centuries AD: first group — Shiva Natarajan depicted with 18 arms; second temple — Vishnu in Varaha and Trivikrama incarnations; third temple (inscribed 578 CE) — Narasimha and Trivikrama avatars of Vishnu; Jain rock-cut temple dedicated to Tirthankara Adinath (12th century inscriptions); Mallikarjuna Temple (11th century, star-shaped plan).

Goa, on India's western coast, is a unique blend of sun, sea, history, culture and spirituality. Famous for its beautiful beaches, palm-fringed landscapes, colourful villages, vibrant markets and relaxed coastal lifestyle. Goa's character has been shaped by a fascinating meeting of Indian and Portuguese cultures: the Portuguese ruled Goa for around 450 years (1510–1961), leaving a strong architectural and cultural legacy. The churches and convents of Old Goa, including the Basilica of Bom Jesus and Sé Cathedral, are among the finest examples of this heritage — a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arrive and check in. Rest of the day at leisure.

Morning breakfast and excursion to Goa's highlights. Basilica of Bom Jesus (16th century, dedicated to Infant Jesus — most popular church in Goa, mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier kept in a silver casket here). Sri Mangueas Temple — surrounded by rolling green hills, dedicated to Lord Shiva, most important temple in Goa (Priol, Ponda Taluka). Dona Paula — a village named after Dona Paula de Menezes (died 1682); the meeting point of the Mandovi River and Arabian Sea, best location to watch the sunset. Miramar Beach — urban beach at the Mandovi River confluence, enchanting sunset views. Goa: a living cultural landscape where Indian traditions, Portuguese heritage, Christianity, Hinduism, music, food and coastal life have come together over centuries.

Transfer to the airport to board the flight for onward journey. Our tour concludes. We thank you for your patronage and look forward to serving you again in the near future.