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Day 1 – London/Mumbai
Fly London to Mumbai with Virgin on the overnight fl ight.
Day 2 – Mumbai/Aurangabad
On arrival transfer to hotel Mirodor to rest before taking the evening fl ight to Aurangabad and two nights at the lovely Hotel Meadows. (B)
Day 3 – Ajanta/Ellora
We start with an excursion to the amazing ancient cave temples at Ajanta and Ellora, richly decorated and of unsurpassed beauty. This evening we board our comfortable overnight train, the Secundrabad Express to Hyderabad. (B) |
Day 4 – Hyderabad
On arrival in Hyderabad transfer to the Novotel for two nights before we take an afternoon city tour of the varied cultural sights of this great city. (B)
Day 5 – Nagarjuna Konda
Today we take a tour of the ruins of the lost city of Nagarjuna Konda, one of the most important ancient Buddhist sites in South India, with wonderful stupas and monasteries. (B)
Day 6 – Hyderabad/Goa
Depart for the fl ight to the lush resort of Goa and a night at the pleasant Majorda Beach Resort with time for a refreshing swim. (B)
Day 7 – Goa/Badami
After a leisurely breakfast we drive to Badami and visit some of its famous caves and temples. One night at the modest Badami Court Hotel. (BD)
Day 8 – Badami/Hospet
A long but interesting drive today as we make our way to Hospet and two nights at the friendly medium-class Malligi Tourist Home. (BD)
Day 9 – Hampi
We explore the magnifi cent ruins of Hampi, the magically situated and extremely impressive remains of the last great Hindu empire. (BD)
Day 10 – Hospet/Hassan
Depart today for the drive to Hassan. On arrival check in for two nights at the Hoysala Village with lovely bungalows set in salubrious gardens. (BD)
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Day 11 – Hassan
Full day visit to the imposing ruins of Belur and Halebid with superbly decorated temples from the twelfth century. (BD)
Day 12 – Mysore
This morning we drive to the grand city of Mysore and one night at the medium-class Hotel Sandesh. (B)
Day 13 – Mysore/Chennai
This morning a city tour then board the Shatabdhi Express for Chennai and check-in for two nights at the excellently appointed GRT Grand. (B)
Day 14 – Mahabalipuram
A full day tour to the unforgettable Mahabalipuram over two thousand years old and with stunning carvings, ancient caves and simply amazing temples set right on the beach. A fi tting end to a wonderful tour. (B)
Day 15 – Chennai/London
Fly Chennai to London with Virgin. (B)
Expert: Robert Harding lectures at UCL on the archaeology of India and Buddhism in particular. |