Total Holiday Options - Specialist in the travel of Art

Hyderabad is nearly 400 years old and is noted for its natural beauty, mosques, minarets, bazaars and bridges, hills and lakes. The city is a blend of the fairy tale and earthy, old and new. Famous as the former seat of the fabulously wealthy Nizams of Hyderabad, it is the built on the banks of the river Musi and surrounded by huge prehistoric rock formalities like petrified, grey elephants. Attached to the city is its twin, Secunderabad, both being separated by the artificial lake Husain Sagar which was constructed during the time of Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah Wali in 1562 AD. Enjoy guided sightseeing tour of the City of Nizam, visit Falaknuma Palace; Mecca Masjid; entrances, the Salar Jung Museum and Charminar; built by the Qutub Shahi King Mohammad Quli Qutub Shah in 1591-92, this architectural marvel got its name because of its four huge minars (pillars) having a height of 56.7 meters, is a symbol of Hyderabad built by ruler Quli Qutab Shah in honour of his wife. Enjoy rickshaw ride before returning to the hotel, stay overnight at Hyderabad. (B,D)

Take a guided excursion to the Golconda, a ruined city built between1364-1512, which speaks of a great cultural heritage and famous for its diamond mines in olden days. It is believed that the world renowned ‘Kohinoor diamond’ came from here. The name of Golconda originates from the telgu words ‘Golla’ and ‘Konda’ which means ‘shepherds hills’. The 13th century Golconda Fort was built by the Kakatiya kings and the existing structure was later built by Qutb Shahi Kings into a massive fort with granite walls having eight gates and 87 bastions spread upto 7 kms, over a span of 62 years. One of the most interesting feature of the Fort is its magical acoustics system. The sounds of hands clapped at the entry gate can be heard quite clearly at the top of the hill. Visit Golconda Fortress and the Tombs of the Qutab Shahi. Remaining of the day at leisure with overnight at Hyderabad. (B,D)

Travel to Gulbarga, en-route stop for lunch. From being a Hindu city to becoming the capital of one of the great Muslim kingdoms to dominate the Deccan, the city of Gulbarga is steeped in rich history, providing an amalgamation of the two cultures that is visible even today. Scattered with numerous monuments, one can see ancient and the earliest form of Islamic architecture, with most of the structures from 13th-15th century. Visit the impressive 15th century Bidar Fort; nestled inside this fort is the royal town dotted with crumbling ruins of the bastions and gates, royal baths and kitchens, audience halls, pleasure pavilions, gardens, fountains giving one a feeling of travelling through the fantasy of the Arabian nights and Bahmani tombs; boast of their impressive structures and beautiful tile works and mosaics, the interiors paintings on the walls are beautiful and give a sense of grandeur . Evening at leisure with overnight at Gulbarga. (B,D)

Visit famous Jumma Masjid built in 15th century before travelling on to Bijapur. Jumma Masjid was built by Muhammed Bahmani in 1367 and is among the oldest mosques in South India. The structure of the mosque has huge resemblance to the famous Mosque of Cordova in Spain. The roof is the striking difference with 68 domes on top that seem like a collection of huge pots. The style of the architecture is Persian with stilted domes and narrow doors. After arriving at Bijapur, afternoon visit Gol Gumbaz (round dome) that regarded to be the 2nd largest in the world, it stands unsupported by pillars, with its extraordinary acoustical system inside the dome that carries the faintest whisper around the dome and returns it to the listener nine times and Ibrahim Roza, an exquisite tomb with sculpturally decorative work laying emphasis on elegance and detailing. Bijapur has many historical remnants strewn about and each monument has an austere grace, providing an insight into the Muslim architecture of the time. Remaining of the day at leisure with overnight at Bijapur. (B,D)

Travel to Badami, a proverbial secret country, tucked away in a gorge between two hills. Enjoy relaxing at the hotel as the day is free for your own activities. Explore this picturesque village which is world famous for its magnificent cave temple. Rock-cut cave temples, gateways, forts, inscriptions, sculpture that seem to come alive under your eyes; Badami has to be seen to be believed. Climb a flight of steps to reach the ancient caves all hewn out of sand stone on the precipice of a hill. Stay overnight at Badami. (B,D)

Proceed for guided sightseeing tour of the small rural village, once the capital City of Chalukyan Empire which ruled much of the central Deccan between the 4th and 8th centuries A.D. The Chalukyas laid the foundation of a unique style of architecture which is a fine blend of North Indian Nagara style and the South Indian Dravidian style of architecture. Renowned as great patrons of arts, architecture and literature, the Chalukyan kings have left behind a fabulous legacy documenting their aesthetic flair and tolerance that marked their rule. The cave temples are no less than wonders in stone; ordinary and unassuming from outside, the dark interiors are replete with long rows of carved figures, imposing pillars and much more. Step into one of them and you will find yourself transported to another age, and another world altogether. Visit the famous rock cut caves, Northern Fort and Pattadakal, a World Heritage site and a home to the group of 10 important temples that boast of splendid architectural patterns. Stay overnight at Badami. (B,D)

Post breakfast travel to Hampi, en-route visit Aihole; a picturesque village perched on the pristine banks of the River Malaprabha is a veritable melange of ancient Hindu temple architecture. Aihole is called the cradle of Hindu rock architecture and has numerous Jain and Hindu temples, which range in style from cave temples to simple as well as evolved free-standing structures. The architects of these mighty temples are laid out over a hundred shrines to various deities. Wherever one looks, its temples that meet the eyes, intricately carved, rich in detail, quite and peaceful, mute witnesses of a bygone ear. Stay overnight at Hampi. (B,D)

Enjoy guided sightseeing tour of the ancient capitol of Vijayanagara Empire, largest empire in post-Mughal India, once abundant in prosperity, military prowess, aesthetics and culture. Visit World Heritage site of the 14th century ruins, enjoy the horse carts ride, Kings Palace, Stone Chariot and experience silently narrated story of grandeur, splendour, and fabulous wealth. Evening enjoy strolling in the colourful market of this small city, which evokes a medieval village amidst numerous shrines and temples that is still an active place of worship. The crowded historical buildings hint at the centuries old heritage of the village, for its is some 450 years since Hampi‘s grandeur came to an end as the centre of the Vijayanagara Empire. The modern Hampi has many reminiscences of the older Hampi, and they relish the older and peaceful times of this amazing place. Scattered with ruins, Hampi today is a living museum of India’s past glory. Stay overnight at Hampi. (B,D)

Travel to Chitradurga, a place that finds its place in the epic of Mahabharata. It is said that a man eating demon Hidimbasura lived in the valley of Chitradurga, whom Bhima, one of the Pandavas slew in battle. Chitradurga gets it name from Chitrakaldurga, an umbrella-shaped lofty hill found here. Enjoy guided sightseeing tour of Kallina Kote (the place of the stone fort); is the home to the ‘Fort of Seven Rounds’ built with large stones and visit the picturesque valleys possessing mischievous giant's playground with unimaginable shaped boulders thrown around, forming awesome silhouettes against the sky. Stay overnight at Chitradurga. (B,D)

After breakfast travel to Chikmagalur, cuddled in the Baba Budan hills, it is a calm and picture-perfect town. Chikmagalur literally mean ‘younger daughter’s town’ as it was the legendry dowry for the daughter of Rukmangada, the famed chief of Sakrepatna. It is a melting pot of diverse types of tourist attractions such as hills, valleys, streams and coffee plantations. The town is a major trade and commercial centre in Karnataka state. The breathtaking views of the scenic surroundings and the precious unpolluted ambience make it a town attractive for its location. On arrival check in to the hotel, rest of the evening at leisure. Dinner and overnight at Chikmagalur. (B,D)

After breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour of this beautiful town. Later enjoy a safari at Muthodi Wildlife Sanctuary, named after the village on its periphery, it is a great place to sight the ferocious tiger, observe the Indian bison, hear the strange calls of the striped hyena, and see the rare flying lizard glide amidst the huge trees. The southern part of the sanctuary is rich in birds, butterflies and reptiles. The sanctuary is also endowed with rich flora and fauna with the tributaries of the Bhadra River winding through it. The Muthodi Wildlife Sanctuary has been recently adopted under a tiger conversation project called ‘Project Tiger’ which is an initiative from the Indian Government. Later return to the hotel for dinner and overnight at Chikmagalur. (B,D)

After breakfast travel to Hassan, a historical place and one of the oldest towns of the Hoysala Empire of 11th to 13th century AD, gaining importance for its architectural masterpieces. Hassan reflects the rich heritage and culture of South India expressed through its beautiful murals and sculptures. A well known centre of Jain literature, it has retained the aura of serenity and peace. En-route visit Belur and Halebid, the ancient capital of the Hoysala Empire and bear mute testimony to the rich, cultural heritage of Karnataka. Visit the Hoysaleswara Temple, dating back to the 12th century, where standing on platform like a casket, is a sculptural extravaganza, richly endowed with most finely detailed scroll work in stone. The walls of the temple are covered with an endless variety of Gods and Goddesses, animals, birds and dancing girls, yet no town facets of the temple are the same. On arrival check in to the hotel for dinner and overnight at Hassan. (B,D)

After breakfast travel to Mysore, and on arrival check in to the hotel. Mysore is one of the most beautiful cities of Karnataka and to most people the word Mysore is synonymous with sandalwood, silk and fine ivory. The beautiful Mysore silk saris and sandalwood oil are world famous. In spite of being ruled by different rulers and kingdoms for ages, the city still retains its old charm and stately beauty. Rest of the day is free to explore this beautiful city. Evening you can visit to the Brindavan Gardens, with musical fountains that transforms the gardens into a dreamland by night with swirling waters, colourful lights and melodious music. They stretch below the Krishna Raja Sagar Dam on the river Cauvery, and present a breathtaking harmony of water, colour, light and music. Diwans of Mysore planned and built the gardens in connection with the construction of the Dam. Dinner and overnight at Mysore. (B,D)

After breakfast proceed for the sightseeing tour of the city lying abode of untold grandeur and glory. Mysore, the capital city of the Wodeyars has always enchanted its admirers with its quaint charm, rich heritage, magnificent palaces, beautifully laid out gardens, imposing buildings, broad shady avenues and sacred temples. Visit the City Palace; its wondrous loud glitz towers overpower everything else in Mysore, not really in height but definitely in sumptuousness, built in Indo-Saracenic style with domes, turrets, arches and colonnades, the Palace is a treasure house of exquisite carvings and works of art from all over the world, Chamundi Hills; which can be reached by a 13 km road or by climbing up the 1,000 steps laid out by the Mysore Maharaja in the 17th century. The main shrine of the temple is the abode of an enchanting idol of the Goddess, made of solid gold, with the entrance gates of the main chamber are made of silver. The summit offers a panoramic view of Mysore’s lakes, parks and palaces. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight at Mysore. (B,D)

After breakfast travel to Bangalore. This capital city of the state of Karnataka is a veritable melting pot of various races and culture, also known as Garden City as the city is blessed by nature with a great variety of flowering trees, beautiful gardens and parks, making the city a sheer delight to simply wander around. Though the origin of Bangalore is ancient, the present-day city was founded in the 16th century and has since continued to be an important administrative centre and because of the high concentration of IT industry, it is also called the Silicon Valley of India. Emerging as the hi-tech capital of India, it still retains a charm that is totally Indian. An air-conditioned city, a garden city, the Silicon Valley of India, the fastest developing city in the world, these are some of the attributes used to describe this beautiful city. Bangalore has lots to offer - a rich cultural heritage, historic monuments, cultural centres, traditional arts and crafts stores, exotic cuisine, and friendly people. On arrival check in to the hotel, rest of the day is free to stroll around the markets to find some good sandalwood carvings, silk saris, jewellery and handicrafts to remind you of your tour. Dinner and overnight at Bangalore. (B,D)