Tour of South Indian Architecture

  • Duration: 10 Nights & 11 Days
  • Major Attractions: Hyderabad, Gol Gumbaz, Ancient Caves & Temples, Pattadakal, Hampi
  • Destination Covered: Hyderabad, Bidar, Gulbarga, Bijapur, Badami, Aihole, Pattadakal, Hampi, Hassan & Mysore
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The best area to view some of the most exquisite historic Indian buildings is in South India. Along with notable examples of Hindu architecture, this journey also passes through a few Islamic architectural wonders. The most brilliant examples of Indian rock-cut architecture are the Badami Cave Temples from the sixth century. Many international architects have referred to India’s Aihole and Badami Caves as the birthplace of its temple architecture.

At Pattadakal, a series of temples constructed by the Chalukya dynasty between the seventh and eighth century have been recognised as world heritage sites by UNESCO. One of the biggest and wealthiest cities in the entire globe was Hampi, the former capital of the illustrious Vijayanagara Empire. The Hoysala Empire, which ruled over Karnataka in the 12th century, had Halebidu as its imperial seat.

Day 1

Hyderabad

Arrive in Hyderabad, then take a taxi to your accommodation. Because it once served as a hub for the trafficking of diamonds and pearls, Hyderabad is also known as the “city of pearls.”

Day 2

Hyderabad

Starting with Charminar, the iconic symbol of the city of Hyderabad, our guide will take you on a sightseeing tour of Hyderabad today. The monument, which is in the city’s heart, was erected to commemorate Hyderabad’s founding.

The building is poised by its four almost 50-foot-tall minarets. Visit Golconda Fort, one of South India’s most impressive forts, later. The grandeur of the Mughal era is reflected in the forts, which still contain mosques, reservoirs, royal residences, and many defence tiers.

Visit the Mecca Masjid and Qutub Shahi Tombs later in the evening. Qutub Shahi Tombs, which are surrounded by Ibrahim Bagh, are home to a number of mosques and tombs that were built by several Qutb Shahi Dynasty kings. It is the only instance of its sort in the whole globe when a complete dynasty has been interred in one location.

Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, a member of the Qutub Shahi dynasty, constructed Mecca Masjid in 1694. The dirt from the Islamic holiest place of Mecca was used to make the bricks that make up the central arch. As a result, the mosque was given the name Mecca Masjid.

Day 3

Hyderabad-Bidar

Make your way to Bidar after breakfast. When you arrive, check into the hotel and then relax. Go on a guided tour of Bidar Fort afterwards. The Bidar Fort complex, which Sultan Alla-Ud Din Bahman built in the fourteenth century, is home to more than 30 monuments.

This fort was built in the Persian architectural style and has exquisite woodcarvings and fascinating glass tile mosaics. Visit the Bahmani Ruler’s Tomb as well, which is a superb illustration of the period’s ancient architecture. These square tombs’ interiors boast exquisite carvings and colouring.

Day 4

Bidar-Gulbarga

Take a break from Bidar in the morning and drive to Gulbarga. Upon arrival, check into the hotel, and then go to explore the huge Gulbarga Fort.

One of the first instances of Islamic construction in Karnataka is the Gulbarga Fort. The main Fort, Jama Masjid, and the Tomb of Khaja Bande Nawaz are the highlights of the fort complex.

Day 5

Gulbarga-Bijapur

Today, drive further to Bijapur. Visit Gol Gumbaz- the central dome of Gol Gumbaz is the second to the dome of St Peter’s Basilica of Rome in size. This Gumbaz stands unsupported by any pillars. It serves as the crypt of King Mohammed Adil Shah (Sultan of Bijapur).

Also, take the tour of Ibrahim Roza – it is a palatial Mosque and considered as one of the forerunners of Taj Mahal and measured as one of the supreme exemplars of Islamic architecture.

Day 6

Bijapur-Badami

Arrive at Badami, where you may see the magnificent Badami Caves Complex, which contains four ages-old rock-cut cave temples. One example of a Hindu temple from the ancient Deccan era is the cave complex. Visit the Bhutanatha temples and Badami Fort afterwards. On the summit of a hill sits the well-known archaeological site known as Badami Fort.

This old fort was built by Chalukya Dynasty King Pulakeshi. A collection of sandstone temples honouring the Hindu god Bhutanatha are known as the Bhutanatha temples. The temples’ architecture is a combination of several styles from various eras.

Day 7

Badami-Aihole-Pattadakal-Hampi

Visit Pattadakal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated on the banks of the Malaprabha River, on the way to Hampi. It is a collection of Hindu and Jain temples from the seventh and eighth centuries. The grandeur and splendour of Chalukyan architecture may be seen at Pattadakal. Stop in Aihole, which is referred to as “the cradle of Indian architecture,” as well. It has several Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain monuments from both the ancient and mediaeval periods. When you get to the Hampi hotel, settle in and unwind.

Day 8

Hampi

Visit Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for the entire day. The magnificent capital of the vast Vijayanagara Empire was Hampi. Over 1,600 remnants of the ancient Hindu dynasty of South India’s Hampi city, including riverbank features, forts, holy and regal complexes, temples, pillared halls, water structures, and more, are still visible today.
The ideal location to view Hindu architecture is Hampi.

Day 9

Hampi-Hassan

Leave for Hassan in the morning; while travelling, see Halebid and Belur. Halebid served as the imperial capital of the Hoysala Empire in the 12th century. The Hoysaleshwara and Kedareshwara temple complexes are two of the city’s well-known temple complexes. One of the finest living examples of Hoysala art, Belur is best renowned for its Chennakeshava Temple.
Arrive at Hassan and have a nap at the hotel.

Day 10

Hassan-Mysore

After breakfast, travel to Mysore, known as the “city of palaces;” en route, stop at Shravanabelagola, one of the most important Jain pilgrimage sites in India. Chandragupta Maurya, the creator of the Maurya Reign, is said to have passed away at this village in 298 BC after adopting an austere lifestyle and becoming a Jain monk.

Take a guided tour of Chamundi Hills in Mysore after arriving to see a large Nandi Bull carved out of a single piece of granite. On top of the Chamundi hills, there is a temple called Chamundeshwari that you may also visit. Visit the Mysore Palace, one of Southern India’s most spectacular palaces, later. The Wadiyar dynasty’s official residence and the seat of government for the Kingdom of Mysore is Mysore Palace.

Day 11

Mysore-Bangalore-Departure

After breakfast in the morning, go on an excursion to Chennakesava Temple in Somnathpura, a little town on the banks of the River Kaveri. One of the outstanding examples of Hoysala style architecture is the Chennakesava Temple. The temple’s walls and ceiling are exquisitely carved with Hinduism’s theological imagery, and friezes from numerous Hindu Epics are also shown.

Later, drive from Mysore to Bangalore. Visit Srirangapatanam along the way; it was Tipu Sultan’s summer residence and is significant historically, culturally, and religiously. You will be transported to the airport for your next flight after arriving in Bangalore.

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