Day 01
Arrive Mumbai
On arrival at Mumbai airport, receive assistance and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day free to relax and engage in personal activities. Overnight at the hotel.
India · UNESCO Heritage Sites
India's Rich Heritage: Temples, Caves & Beaches Circuit
The journey
Trip highlights
- 01 Visit UNESCO-listed cave sites including Elephanta, Ajanta, Ellora, Hampi, Pattadakal, Konark Sun Temple, and Basilica of Bom Jesus
- 02 Explore historic forts, palaces, museums, and temple complexes across India
- 03 Discover sacred Hindu, Jain, Buddhist, and Islamic heritage sites
- 04 Enjoy guided sightseeing in cities including Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bhubaneswar, Mysore, Hampi, and Goa
- 05 See iconic landmarks such as Charminar, Golconda Fort, Mysore Palace, and Warangal Fort
- 06 Experience artisan villages, local culture, and coastal scenery in Odisha and Goa
- 07 Travel with private AC transport, local English-speaking guides, and included monument entrances
- 08 Relax with 20 nights of accommodation and daily breakfast
Discover India’s rich cultural legacy on a 21-day journey through historic cities, sacred temples, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, cave complexes, royal palaces, and coastal landscapes. From Mumbai and Aurangabad to Hyderabad, Bhubaneswar, Hampi, Badami, and Goa, this itinerary brings together some of the country’s most celebrated architectural and spiritual landmarks.
Explore iconic sites including Elephanta, Ajanta, and Ellora Caves, Golconda Fort, Ramappa Temple, Konark Sun Temple, Mysore Palace, the ruins of Hampi, the temples of Pattadakal and Badami, and the churches and beaches of Goa. With private transport, daily breakfast, guided sightseeing, and monument entrances included, this tour offers a comprehensive introduction to India’s heritage across multiple regions.
Discover India’s rich cultural legacy on a 21-day journey through historic cities, sacred temples, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, cave complexes, royal palaces, and coastal landscapes.
From the itinerary
At a glance
What this trip includes
Duration
21 Days
Tour type
Shared
Activity level
Easy
Accommodation
Included
Transport
Included
Wheelchair access
Not applicable
Cities
Hyderabad, Warangal, Bangalore, Mysore, Gadag, Mumbai, Aurangabad, Bhubaneswar, Puri, Goa, Hampi, Pattadakal, Badami, Konark
Languages
English
Day by day
The itinerary
Day 02
Mumbai
Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel to start your day.
Elephanta Caves: Morning excursion to explore rock-cut cave temples dedicated to Lord Shiva (closed on Mondays).
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST): A historic railway station and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Prince of Wales Museum: Now known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, showcasing art, archaeology, and natural history.
Mani Bhavan: A museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, displaying his life and work.
Dhobi Ghat: The world's largest outdoor laundry, where traditional methods are still used.
Kala Ghoda Art Precinct: A vibrant cultural hub with galleries, museums, and art installations. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 03
Mumbai - Aurangabad (Flight)
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport to board a flight to Aurangabad. On arrival, transfer to the hotel.
Ellora Caves: A UNESCO World Heritage site with rock-cut temples and monasteries.
Grishneshwar Temple: One of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Daulatabad Fort: A medieval fort with impressive architecture and history.
Bibi ka Maqbara: Often called the 'Taj of the Deccan,' a mausoleum resembling the Taj Mahal.
Panchakki: A historical water mill and an engineering marvel.
Aurangabad Caves: Ancient rock-cut Buddhist shrines. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 04
Aurangabad - Visit Ajanta Caves (200kms round)
Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel to start your day.
Ajanta Caves: Full-day excursion to these UNESCO World Heritage rock-cut caves with exquisite paintings and sculptures depicting the life of Buddha. Return to Aurangabad. Overnight at the hotel
Day 05
Aurangabad - Hyderabad (Flight)
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport to board a flight to Hyderabad. On arrival, transfer to the hotel and check in.
Rest of the day free for personal activities and relaxation. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 06
Hyderabad
Golconda Fort Complex: Explore the historic fort known for its acoustics and grand architecture.
Qutub Shahi Tombs: Mausoleums of the Qutub Shahi dynasty set amidst landscaped gardens.
Charminar: An iconic monument and mosque with four minarets, symbolizing Hyderabad.
Mecca Mosque: One of the largest mosques in India, known for its grandeur.
Salarjung Museum: Houses an extensive collection of art, antiques, and artifacts from around the world.
Chowmohalla Palace: A palace complex reflecting the Nizam's opulent lifestyle. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 07
Hyderabad - Visit Warangal Unesco World Heritage Sites (300kms round)
Thousand Pillar Rudreswara Temple: A fine example of Kakatiya art and architecture.
Warangal Fort: Built in the 13th century with impressive ruins and history.
Kakatiya Kala Thoranam: An ancient arch and symbol of the Kakatiya dynasty.
Ramappa Temple: Known for its intricate carvings and described as the "brightest star in the galaxy of medieval temples of the Deccan." Return to Hyderabad. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 08
Hyderabad - Bhubaneshwar (Flight)
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport to board a flight to Bhubaneswar. On arrival, transfer to the hotel and check in.
Parasurameshwar Temple: An ancient Hindu temple with exquisite carvings.
Mukteshwar Temple: Known for its unique architecture and intricate details.
Rajarani Temple: Famous for its sculptural beauty and intricate designs.
Lingaraj Temple: A significant temple dedicated to Lord Shiva (only Hindus can enter the sanctum).
Khandagiri and Udaygiri Caves: Ancient Jain rock-cut caves.
Dhauli Rock Edicts: Ashokan edicts and a significant Buddhist site. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 09
Bhubaneshwar - Puri (60kms)
Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Puri via visiting Konark Sun Temple: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and an architectural marvel.
Pipili: Visit the village known for its exquisite applique work.
Raghurajpur: An artisan village renowned for Pattachitra paintings and crafts.
Ramchandi Temple: A revered temple on the banks of the Kusabhadra River.
Chandrabhaga Beach: A serene beach near the Konark Sun Temple.
Jagannath Temple: A famous Hindu temple (only Hindus can enter the sanctum). Overnight at the hotel.
Day 10
Puri - Chilika Lake (55kms one way)
Breakfast at hotel. Excursion to visit Chilika Lake: The largest wintering ground for migratory birds in the Indian subcontinent. Enjoy a scenic boat ride and explore the local wildlife. Return to Puri. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 11
Puri - Bhubaneshwar/ Bangalore (flight)
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Bhubaneswar airport to board a flight to Bangalore. On arrival, receive assistance and transfer to the hotel.
Lal Bagh Garden: A beautiful botanical garden with a glasshouse.
Cubbon Park: A large park in the heart of the city, ideal for a leisurely stroll.
Bangalore Fort: A historical fort built by Kempegowda.
Tippu Summer Palace: A charming palace showcasing Indo-Islamic architecture.
Bull Temple: A temple dedicated to Nandi, the mount of Lord Shiva.
Drive past Vidhana Soudha and Secretariat, iconic government buildings. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 12
Bangalore - Mysore (150kms)
Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Mysore enroute visit Shri Ranganathaswamy Temple: A beautifully carved 10th-century temple complex in Srirangapatna.
Mysore Palace: A grand palace known for its stunning architecture and history.
Chamundeswari Temple: A hilltop temple offering panoramic views of Mysore.
Nandi Bull Temple: A significant temple with a massive monolithic Nandi statue.
City Palace: Another name for Mysore Palace.
St. Philomena's Church: A neo-Gothic church with impressive architecture. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 13
Mysore - Shravanabelagola - Hassan (140kms)
Breakfast at hotel. Excursion to visit Chennakesava Temple: Visit this beautifully carved temple at Somanathapura.
Shravanabelagola: A significant Jain pilgrimage site known for its towering monolithic statue of Lord Gomateshwara.
Drive to Hassan and check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 14
Hassan - Hampi (330kms)
Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Hampi enroute visit Chennakeshava Temple, Belur: Built by the Hoysala Empire in 1117 AD, known for its detailed carvings.
Hoysaleshwara Temple, Halebidu: A 12th-century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, showcasing intricate sculptures.
Continue drive to Hampi and check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 15
Hampi
Breakfast at hotel. City tour of Hampi an UNESCO world Heritage sites dotted with numerous ruined temple complexes from the Vijayanagara Empire on the bank of the River Tungabhadra. Visit Hazara Rama Temple: Known for its intricate bas-reliefs depicting scenes from the Ramayana.
King's Balance: An ancient weighing scale used by the kings of Vijayanagara.
Mahanavami Dibba: A grand platform used for royal ceremonies.
Royal Enclosures: The ruins of the royal complex with impressive structures.
Statue of Ugra Narasimha: A large monolithic statue of Lord Narasimha.
Virupaksha Temple: An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Vithala Temple Complex: Famous for its stone chariot and musical pillars.
Lotus Mahal: A beautiful palace with a unique architectural style.
ASI Museum: Exhibits artifacts from the Vijayanagara Empire. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 16
Hampi - Lakkundi - Gadag - Badami (150kms)
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before embarking on your journey to Badami.
Trikuteshwara Temple, Gadag: Visit this historic temple complex.
Lakkundi Temples: Explore Mallikarjuna, Virabhadra, Manikeshwara, Nanneshwara, Lakshminarayana, Someshwara, and Nilakanteshwara temples, known for their intricate carvings.
Continue to Badami and check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 17
Badami, Aihole & Pattadakkal
After breakfast, set out to explore the historical sites of Aihole and Pattadakkal.
Aihole: Visit this historical site home to over 125 beautiful Chalukyan temples and monuments.
Pattadakal: Explore the Hindu and Jain temples complex built in the 7th and 8th centuries CE.
Badami Cave Temples: Marvel at the rock-cut cave temples dedicated to Hindu deities.
Badami Fort: A historic fort with panoramic views of the surroundings.
Agastya Lake: A picturesque lake surrounded by ancient temples. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 18
Badami - Goa (250kms)
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Goa and check in at the hotel. Rest of the day free to relax and explore the surroundings. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 19
Goa
After breakfast, embark on a sightseeing tour of Old Goa, known for its rich history and heritage architecture.
Basilica of Bom Jesus: A UNESCO World Heritage site and a significant church in Old Goa.
St. Cathedral: One of the largest churches in Asia.
Church of Our Lady of Miracles: Known for its annual feast and historical significance.
Church of Our Lady of Rosary: A beautiful church with a serene ambiance.
Nunnery of St. Monica: An important historical convent.
Aguada Fort and Portuguese Lighthouse: Explore the historic fort and lighthouse.
Mangueshi Temple: A prominent Hindu temple in South Goa.
Shanta Durga Temple: Another significant temple in South Goa.
Margao: Visit the bustling town and its attractions.
Drive past charming beaches such as Calangute, Dona Paula, Miramar, and Baga Beach. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 20
Goa
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a leisurely day to relax, explore the city, or visit local attractions at your own pace. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 21
Goa - Departure (Flight)
Breakfast at the hotel. As per flight schedule, transfer to Goa airport to board your flight for onward destination.
The route
Where you'll travel
The fine print
Trip details
What's Included
- Assistance on arrival at the airport.
- 20 Nights' accommodation (if option selected) in selected price category hotels.
- Daily breakfast at hotels.
- Private AC car/van for airport transfers, sightseeing, and excursions as per the program.
- English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per the program Monument entrances and activity charges mentioned in the itinerary.
- Monument entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.
- Bottled drinking water in the car.
- Government taxes.
What's Not Included
- Mumbai - Aurangabad - Hyderabad - Bhubaneshwar - Bangalore flight fare approx ₹20500 per person in economy class.
- Camera charges at monuments if any.
- Meals other than mentioned in inclusions.
- Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet, etc.
- Gratuities and optional activities.
- Anything not mentioned in the inclusions.
Logistics
Meeting & route
Meeting point
Mumbai, IN
Tour start
Mumbai, IN
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey
Your 21 days finish where they began, in Mumbai.
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