Day 01: Arrive To Hyderabad

Arrive Hyderabad. You are met at the airport and transferred to a hotel (check in at noon). Overnight at the hotel.

Day 02: In Hyderabad

After breakfast take a tour of Hyderabad, the capital of Andhra Pradesh. The city is the creation of the Qutb Shahis and dates back to 1512 when Sultan Quli, powerful feudatory of the weak king, followed the example of his neighbours and made himself master of the territory he governed. The Qutb Shahis were patrons of art and literature and fostered the culture and language known as Dakhni, the culture a synthesis of Indo-Persian and South Indian elements, the language a fore- runner of Urdu. Among the monuments of interest is the Purana Pul or 'old bridge,' built in 1578, which is compared to the Pont Neuf in Paris. The Charminar is the hub of the city and the masterpiece of Qutb Shahi architecture. Built of stone with stucco plastering and decoration, each side measures 100 feet and each face is pierced with a large pointed arch with a string course, a lotus bud above the point and decorative medallions on each side. Between this and the minarets at the corners is a row of vertical arches topped by a prominent cornice. The streets in this area are lined with shops selling gold and silver jewellery, pearls, paper kites, rough glasses and cheap chinaware. Larh bazaar, a narrow street, is the traditional centre for bridal accessories and bangles. It leads to Chauk, traditional hunting ground for antiques. The Jami Masjid, built in 1597, is the oldest mosque in Hyderabad. The Makka Masjid close by is the largest mosque in South India. The Badshahi Ashurkhana houses religious symbols of the Shias. The Darul Shifa, built in 1595, is one of the most important buildings left standing, though in rather poor condition. It is today used as a hospital and medical school. The Salar Jung Museum boasts a large collection of Mughal jade, beautifully carved and inlaid gem-studded boxes, animal headed daggers and delicate translucent leaf-shaped drinking bowls. The museum also has an exceptional collection of manuscripts. miniature paintings, arms and armour, Chinese porcelain, Indian textiles, Indo-Persian glass and beautiful bidri-ware. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 03: In Hyderabad

In the morning visit Golconda, which lies 5 miles (8 km) from Hyderabad. Rising 400 feet from the plain, the town was built by Quli Qutb Shah and gained an aura of riches and romance which has never quite been dispelled. It was the Qutb Shahi capital until the end of the 16th century. The outer wall, built of huge blocks of local granite, encloses houses, shops, water reservoirs and fields. There are 87 semicircular bastions, some still with their armament. Each bastion or burj has a name. The Petla Burj commands stretches of country to the west. The Musa Burj, a three-storey bastion to the southeast, was built after the first Mughal invasion and has an inscription with an account of a battle in both Persian and Telegu. The afternoon is at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 04: Hyderabad To Bijapur

Depart early morning on the 350 km (9-hour) drive to Bijapur. En route visit Bidar, renowned for the fine bidri work of gold or silver wire inlaid in zinc and copper alloys. Also stop at Gulbarga which features the burial place of a Muslim saint and a temple dedicated to a Hindu savant, both scholars. Also of interest is the Jami Masjid, a 14th century mosque designed by a Moorish architect, with its remarkable roof spanning the entire courtyard. Overnight at a simple hotel in Bijapur.

Day 05: In Bijapur

After breakfast explore Bijapur, the 15th century bastion of the Adil Shahis, with fortified walls, 10-km in circumference. Visit the Malik-e-Maidan, (lord of the plains), reputedly the largest medieval cannon in the world. The Gol Gumbaz dominates the eastern skyline near the railway station. It was build in 1626 as a mausoleum. Its massive dome rests on intersecting pendentive arches over and enormous square hall, the largest floor space in the world covered by a single dome. Also visit Ibrahim Rouza another mausoleum built in 1580, with its enclosed garden containing a mosque. It is said that the architects of the Taj Mahal studied this monument before embarking upon their own illustrious task. Within the citadel lies the Anand Mahal (Hall of Pleasure). The Mehtar Mahal, with its fine relief work around the doorways, balconies and ceilings, is not a palace, as its name would suggest - it was built for the sweepers of the regal household. Other monuments include the Jami Masjid, a mosque whose magnificent proportions are balanced by its understated ornamentation; the Gagan Mahal (Palace of the Sky) and the Mecca Masjid, a miniature mosque for the women of the court. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 06: Bijapur To Badami

After breakfast drive 160 km to Badami. Nestling between two giant outcrops of red sandstone are the famed Jain cave temples, overlooking a picturesque water reservoir. Sculpted out of solid rock, the temples are adorned with dwarfs, an 18-armed Shiva, a Nandi bull, Lord Vishnu and the goddess Durga. The famed Durga Temple represents the blending of southern and northern styles of architecture. Overnight at Hotel Badami Court.

Day 07: Trip To Aihole And Patadakkal

After breakfast visit Aihole. The seventy temples at Aihole exemplify Hindu medieval art. The Durga temple with its pyramidal roof has some remarkable sculpture and the Jain Meguti temple is composed of 630 small stone blocks.

Continue on to Patadakkal, the place where the Chalukuan kings had their coronation ceremonies. The ceiling of the Papanath temple, built around 680 AD, has a carved smiling Shiva, appearing to bless with his outstretched palm from whatever direction he is viewed. The Virupaksha temple is a curious figure - an elephant on one side and a buffalo on the other. Return to Badami for overnight stay.

Day 08: Badami To Hospet

After breakfast drive 120 km (4 hours) to Hospet. Overnight at a simple hotel.

Day 9: Trip To Hampi

After breakfast depart for a day trip to Hampi. The Vittala temple boasts a stone chariot and richly carved pillars which produce musical notes when struck. The Virupaksha temple, with an inspiring nine-storeyed entrance, is a marvel of engineering. The Hazararama temple is ornate with intricate carvings of scenes from the Ramayana. Return to Hospet for overnight stay.

Day 10: In Goa

After an early breakfast depart on the 6-hour drive to Goa. On arrival check in at one of the many each resorts for overnight stay.

Day 11 And 12: In Goa

Days at leisure. You can relax on the beach or explore Panaji (Panjim) a former fishing village, made the capital of Goa by a decree from Lisbon. It is spread around Altinho, a residential area with Portuguese style bungalows. The dominant structure is the Patriarch's Palace with the statue of Christ the King on its lawns. Altinho offers a panoramic view of the city from its summit. The Idalcao (Adil Shah's palace), built in 1490, is the oldest monument in Panjim. The Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception offers some of the best views of the city. Miramar Beach and on to Dona Paula Bay, overlooking Marma Gao, forms the largest natural harbour in India. You could also visit the quaint fishing village of Caranzelem. passing through Fontainhas with its Latin atmosphere and quaint houses. Old Goa, the heartland of Asian Christianity was once a bustling metropolis but now in ruins. The beautiful Basilica of Bom Jesus enshrines the incorruptible body of St. Francis Xavier in a silver casket. The majestic Se Cathedral, with its booming Golden Bell is the largest church in Goa. Siridao is a typical fishing village. Here, Kharvis - traditional fishermen - harvest the bounty of the sea using the age-old nets of their forefathers. Siridao is noted for its large oyster shells, used for centuries to adorn window panes. Pilar is situated in the heart of the ancient Kadamba civilization. The seminary on the Mount of Pilar offers a panoramic view of the lush countryside. Mapuca, a bustling commercial township noted for its colourful open-air Friday market, when people from distant villages come to trade their wares - ranging from flower pots to goats and buffaloes. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 13: Gao To Bombay

Morning at leisure. Early afternoon transfer to the airport for the flight to Bombay (now called Mumbai). Transfer to a hotel near the airport for wash and change. Late evening transfer to the international airport to connect with your onward flight home.