Treasures of Central India

Days 1-2 Mumbai
Transfer to your hotel in Mumbai for a welcome meeting and an orientation tour of the Colaba area. Day two will be spent taking in the sights of the city, including a visit to the thriving and industrious quarter of Dharavi, the setting for the film ‘Slumdog Millionaire’.

Days 3-4 Mumbai to Aurangabad
After a final free morning in Mumbai, catch the train to Aurangabad, your home for the next two nights. Day four brings an excursion to the Ajanta Caves, a treasure trove of ancient Buddhist artwork and a remarkable cultural artefact.

Days 5-6 Aurangabad to Hyderabad
This morning you will visit the impressive Daulatabad fort that towers over the surrounding countryside before boarding an overnight train to Hyderabad in the afternoon. Upon arrival on day six, you will explore the highlights of the Old City including the Birla Temple, the Golconda Fort and the Qutb Shahi tombs.

Day 7 Hyderabad to Bidar
Journey to your next destination, the town of Bidar. Explore the ancient walls of the vast fort and walk through the formal gardens to view its large disused mosque before stopping at cannon point to see one of the larger bastions used to protect the city against invaders.

Day 8 Bidar to Bijapur
Drive to Gulbarga, the founding capital of the Bahmani dynasty and visit sites such as Bala Hissar Citadel and the Tomb of Bahmani Sultans before continuing on to Bijapur for the night.

Day 9 Bijapur to Badami
Start the day by visiting the vast Gol Gumbaz, a 17th Century mausoleum famous for having the largest dome in India. You will also pass by the Jami Masjid mosque, considered to be one of the finest in India, before heading on to your accommodation in Badami.

Day 10 Badami to Hospet
This morning, discover the UNESCO World Heritage listed cave temples of Badami. From here you will drive to the banks of the Malaprabha River and visit the pink sandstone temples of Pattadakal, another UNESCO World Heritage site. Finally you will visit the temples of Aihole en-route to your base in Hospet for the next two nights.

Day 11 Hampi
Spend the full day exploring Hampi, one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in all of India. Take a guided tour around the ancient and ethereal ruins of this city, believed to have once been the size of Rome. Discover the temples of Virupaksha and Vittala, the Ramachandra Swami Shrine and the vaulted Elephant Stables before returning to your hotel in Hospet.

Days 12-13 Hospet to Goa
Leave Hospet on the express train to the palm fringed shores of Goa where you will spend the next 2 nights. Day 13 begins with an orientation walk followed by free time to explore from your base in Panaji, perhaps head to the white sands and turquoise waters of the Malabar beaches.

Day 14 Goa
Transfer back to the airport in time for your flight home.