Sun Temple and South India Tour

001 Day: Arrival Kolkata

Welcome to the mesmerizing land of India. As per your scheduled flight, our representative will assist and escort you by a/c car and transfer to the hotel, whilst the room key and check-in is organized. You will be briefed about the tour and services. All documents will be handed over to you with traveling brief and interaction for any query in terms of tour and services. Evening is free for visiting local market and rest and relaxation. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Kolkata: Grown from mangrove swamps, Kolkata is the largest metropolis in India. Kolkata's role in the national economy is of crucial importance as the Gateway to Eastern India. Ships were the beginning of Calcutta's history & the river Hoogly was the key to the city's fortunes. Vishnupur is famous for the exquisite 17th & 18th century terracotta temples, Seat of classical music. The Stylized, "Bankura horse" symbolic of excellence in rural handicrafts is native to this district.

02 Day: Kolkata

After breakfast, take a sightseeing tour of Kolkata. Visit the High Court Building, built in 1872 and the oldest Catholic Church in Calcutta, St. Mary’s. The Howrah Bridge, built in 1943 – the bridge is crossed by approximately two million people every day; the Botanical Gardens, the oldest and largest of their kinds in India; Victoria Memorial: The symbol of Calcutta built between 1906 and 1921 at a cost of Rs. 7.5 million and is a reminder of the might of British India and has been often compared to Taj Mahal. It was conceived by Lord Curzon as both tribute to Queen Victoria and a triumphant depiction of her reign in India, St. Paul Cathedral, Indian Museum, Kali temple of Kalighat, Birla temple, Dalhousie Square & Tagore House. Overnight stay at the hotel.

03 Day: Kolkata – Bhubaneswar (By Air)

After breakfast check out the hotel and drive to the airport to board the flight for Bhubaneswar, on arrival transfer to the hotel. After refreshment, take a sightseeing tour of Bhubaneshwar city famous for its temple culture and its architectural richness amaze visitors to the city, visit the Rajarani temples - dedicated to Lord Brahma. After visit drive to Atri famous for its hot sulphur springs. Besides having healing powers the hot water of the Atri spring is famous for rejuvenating ones body and soul. Then visit the Shrine of Lord Hatakeswar which is also a popular tourist spot. Followed by visit to the State Museum House to see some of finest collections of paintings and palm leaf etchings. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Bhubaneswar ('The Lord of the Universe') is the capital of Orissa. In Bhubhaneshwar, Shiva is known as Tribuhuvaneswara or “Lord of the Three Worlds", from which the city derives its name. Besides being the capital of ancient Kalinga, Bhubhaneshwar is known as Temple Town and Cathedral City on account of its many temples in the extravagant Orissan style. Modern Bhubhaneshwar is delightfully rural for a state capital that administers the affairs of 25 million Orissans.

04 Day: Bhubaneshwar:

Today morning after breakfast, visit to Hatakeswar Temple near Atri (60 kms), also visit the Mukteswar temple, Lingaraj temple & the Parasurameswar temple - all the three temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The twin hills Udayagiri and Khandagiri (Lat. 20.16 N; Long. 85.47E) are located in the vicinity of Bhubaneswar town. The National Highway No.5 passes through the close proximity of the hills. Evening is free to explore the bustling colourful markets, shopping for some exquisite Orissan handicrafts or you can visit Bindusagar Lake - one of the popular tourist attractions. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

05 Day: Bhubaneswar – Dhauli – Konark – Puri (70 kms: 3 – 4 hrs)

After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Puri, enroute you will visit, Dhauli -The battleground of Kalinga war during 3rd century BC, which transformed Emperor Ashoka into Dharmashoka. After visit stop over at Konark to visit the spectacular Sun Temple dedicated to Sun God build by King Narasimhadeo in the 13th century. Made out of black granite is also referred to as 'Black Pagoda'. It is one of the earliest places where Sun God was worshiped. After visit proceed to Puri, on arrival transfer to the hotel. Rest of the evening is free for leisure at the beach. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Konark: Renown for Sun Temple probably remains as the last remnant of the glorious temples of Orissa an extant example of the architectural excellence of the times. Built in the 13th Century, here a colossal image of the chariot of the Sun, drawn by seven horses and 24 wheels symbolizes the divisions of time. The Konark Sun Temple also houses a Natamandira or dancing hall. Only two subsidiary temples out of the 22 exist today. The Vaishnadevi Mayadevi Temple stand to the West it. The Sun temple of Narasimhadeva is a depiction in stone of the life of those times – royal, social, religious and military.

Puri: Golden sunshine, miles of yellow sand, blue waves and white surf. Under an umbrella, sipping green coconut water. This is Puri beach. It is a pleasure to swim here, as the sea is shallow for almost a mile. Very near the beach huge waves come rolling in - ideal for surf riding. This city by the sea is one of the four main Hindu pilgrim centres in India and is famous for its Jagannath temple. Millions of devotees flock to this holy place every year to participate in the Rath Yatra or "Car festival".

06 Day: Puri

After breakfast take a city tour of Puri. Golden sunshine, miles of yellow sand, blue waves and white surf. Under an umbrella, sipping green coconut water. Visit to the famous Jagannath Temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath (Lord Krishna), Lord of the Universe, Gundicha temple - considered to be the home of the aunt of Lord Krishna, Adi Sankracharya Mutt, enjoy a stroll through the temple bustling bazaar and visit the main temple complex. Rest of the evening is free for shopping or for relaxing on beach. Overnight stay at the hotel.

07 Day: Puri – (Excursion to Raghurajpur village: 14 kms ½ hr & Chilka Lake):

After early breakfast, take an excursion to Raghurajpur village, a small village near Puri, is well-known for its art and culture. Almost every family in Raghurajpur village is engaged in art and craft works, and as such it wouldn’t be an overstatement to refer to it as the artisan’s village. This village houses numerous small temples dedicated to Lord Lamxinarayan, Radha Mohan, Raghunath, Gouranga, Gopinath and Bhuasuni, which happens to be the local deity of this village. Return to the hotel for overnight stay. After visit drive to Chilka Lake, Asia’s largest salt water lagoon. The lake and its reed islands teem with nesting birds-white bellied sea eagles, ospreys, golden plovers, sand pipers, flamingos, pelicans, shovellers, gulls, include migratory ones flying great distances from Iran, Central Asia and Siberia. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

08 Day: Puri – Bhubaneshwar (65 kms: 2 -3 hrs) – Hyderabad (By Air)

After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Bhubaneswar airport to board the scheduled flight for Hyderabad. Assistance on arrival at the Hyderabad airport and transfer to hotel. Rest of the day free for leisure and individual activities. Overnight at the hotel.

Hyderabad, the Kohinoor diamond of India, is a legendary city rich in ancient arts, handicrafts and dance. It is a city filled with grand monuments, mosques, temples, minarets, and bazaars that is set against stunning countryside. Nestled on the Deccan (Dakkan) Plateau, 1776 feet above sea level, Hyderabad is the capital of Andhra Pradesh and is the 5th largest city in the Indian Sub-continent. Its royal palaces, fine tenements, gardens and streets have a history and an architectural individuality dating back 400 years, all giving light to Hyderabad as a city of enchantment.

09 Day: Hyderabad

After breakfast, visit the Charminar, built by Mohammad Quli Qutab Shah in 1591 to commemorate the end of plague in Hyderabad; Mecca Masjid, is one of the largest mosques in the world. Golconda Fort, which dates from the time of Qutub Shahi kings (16th to 17th centuries) and is one of the most magnificent fortress complexes in India. Golconda remained the capital until 1590, when the court was moved to the new city of Hyderabad; tomb of Adil Shahi Kings and Paigah Tombs; the tombs found here are 200 years old. Asman Garh Palace, this impressive palace is located on a beautiful hillock. Osmania University in Secunderabad, Lumbini Park, the park is comparatively a new one in this old city. A fascinating fountain show is organized here in which waters dance to the music. This show can be enjoyed from18:30 hrs to 20:00 hrs. The visiting hour is from 9:00 hrs to 21:00 hrs. It remains closed on Mondays. You may also visit, Falaknuma Palace, Purani Haveli, Nehru Zoological Park, etc. Afterwards return back to hotel for overnight stay.

10 Day: Hyderabad

After breakfast, take a full day excursion of Ramoji film city, the largest film studio complex in the world as certified by Guinness World Records, provides comprehensive and advanced film production facilities with dedicated professionalism. A filmmaker can walk in with a script and walk out with a canned film. Here, every street one strolls through seems to be from a different era with changeable lamps and fences while the landscapes seem vaguely familiar, like flitting scenes from a movie. After all hundreds of movies are filmed starring to favorite stars are shot at here annually. Travel from Hawa Mahal to a Japanese Zen garden and back to Delhi's Mughal Gardens, all in a matter of minutes. Live your wildest celluloid dreams at Ramoji film city and discover how your favorite films were made. The Princess street, South Town and Stunt Show all cast their own aura and leave an indelible awe in the minds and hearts of visitors. No wonder millions visit the place from all corners of the country and at times beyond. Overnight stay at the hotel.

11 Day: Hyderabad – Bidar – Gulbarga (230 kms: 6 hrs)

After breakfast, leave for Gulbarga en route visit Bidar which was once the capital of Bahmani kingdom from 1428. The town has a splendid 15th century fort having Ranjeen Mahal, Chini Mahal & Turkish Mahal palaces. Continue drive to Gulbarga. Arrive Gulbarga and check in at the hotel. Later, visit Gulbarga, which was the capital of Bahmani Kingdom from 1347 until its transfer in 1428. Gulbarga's old fort has number of interesting buildings. The town also has a number of imposing tombs of Bahmani kings, a shrine to a Muslim saints and the Sharana Basaveshwara temple. Overnight stay at the hotel in Gulbarga.

Gulbarga was the first capital of the Bahmanis from 1347. The Fort here was originally built by one Raja Gulchand, a feudatory of the Orangal Kakatiyas, and was rebuilt by Allah-ud-din Bahmani with 15 majestic towers. Inside the fort is the huge wonderful mosque built by Muhammed Bahmani in 1367 and it covers 38,000 sq. feet area. The place has a huge sprawling complex housing the tomb of Bande `Nawaz, the great Sufi Saint, who came to Gulbarga in 1413.

12 Day: Gulbarga – Bijapur (165 kms: 4 hrs)

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to Bijapur. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Afterwards explore the Bijapur, known as the Agra of the South visiting the Gol Gumbaz, it is the mausoleum of Mohammed Adil Shah and was built in 1659; Ibrahim Roza, which was constructed at the height of Bijapur's prosperity by Ibrahim Adih Shah; Jama Masjid, also constructed by Adil Shah and the Citadel. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Bijapur, the foundation of this historic city were laid during the reign of the Chalukayan Dynasty of Kalyani between 10th and 11th Centuries. They called it 'Vijayapura' or the city of Victory from hence comes its present name Bijapur. Bijapur experienced a great burst of architectural activity under the Adi Shahi Dynasty. The Adil Shahi encouraged building activity to such an extent that Bijapur itself has over 50 Masks, more than 20 tombs and a number of palaces. An interesting feature of employment of large numbers of Indian artisans.

13 Day: Bijapur – Pattadakal – Aihole – Badami (130 kms: 3 hrs)

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to Badami. En route visit to nearly Pattadakal - a world heritage center, it has 10 major temples representing early chaluyan architecture, where coronations took place and where most of the temples were built between the 7th and 9th centuries. The Virupaksha, Malikarjuna and Jain Temples are quite marvellous to behold included are a visit to Aihole where the Hindu temples architecture can be seen in its embryonic stage -50 temples within the fort wall and 50 outside. After visit continue to drive to Badami. On arrival, transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.

Aihole, A tranquil village on the banks of the Malaprabha river, Aihole is acclaimed as the cradle of Hindu temple architecture. There are hundreds of temples in the villages and fields nearby. The most impressive one is the Durga Temple with its semicircular apse, elevated plinth, and the gallery encircling the sanctum. The Lad Khan Temple, which is one of the earliest temples, was originally a royal assemblyhall and marriage mantapa chosen as the abode of a Muslim prince, Lad Khan.

Pattadakal, with its beautifully chiselled temples, this World Heritage Site on the banks of the Malaprabha River bears testimony to the richness of Chalukyan architecture. Pattadakal reached its pinnacle of glory under the Chalukya kings and was once used as a ceremonial centre where kings were crowned and commemorated. It has a cluster of 10 major temples, each displaying interesting architectural features. At the entrance of the site, you can see the 8th century temples of Jambulinga, Kadasiddeshvara, and Galaganatha with their curvilinear shikaras or spires.

14 Day: Badami

After breakfast take a sightseeing trip of Badami. Climb a flight of steps to reach the ancient caves - all hewn out o sand stone on the precipice of a hill. There are four caves here. The first three belong to the Vedic faith and the fourth cave is the only Jain Temple in Badami. The first cave temple - past Shiva's door Keepers - and there he is the eighteen-armed Nataraj striking 81 dance poses. The largest and most ornamental is the third Cave temple dedicated to Vishnu. Here are some splendid carvings of the Hindu Pantheon, Narasimha - the half man and half lion avatar of Vishnu, Hari Hara, the composite god who is half Shiva a half – Vishnu. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Badami: The capital of the early Chalukyas, Badami is picturesquely situated at the mouth of a ravine between two rocky hills. It has four rock-cut cave temples, the largest being the third cave dedicated to Vishnu. Overlooking the temples is a reservoir, its banks dotted with temples dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva. The Bhutanatha Temples and the Museum set up by the Archeological Survey of India, are the other attractions

15 Day: Badami – Gokarna (250 kms: 6 hrs)

After breakfast check out hotel and drive to Gokarna on arrival transfer to the hotel. Rest of the evening is free for leisure, optionally visit walk through somnolent one-street town consisting almost entirely of wooden houses. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Gokarna situated in coastal Karnataka is 453 kms from Bangalore and about 55 kms from Karwar, the District headquarters. It is described as a Shaiva Centre, as important as Kashi and Rameshwar. History has it that the Atmalinga brought by Ravana got struck here and his efforts to extricate it resulted in his throwing the coverings of the Linga to Dhareshwar, Gunavanteshwara, Murdeshwar and Shejjeshwar temples (the last places is very near Karwar). The Mahabaleshwara is one of the major temples here.

16 Day: Gokarna

Today morning after breakfast visit The Mahabaleshwara is one of the major temples here, Murdeshwar and Shejjeshwar temples (near to Karwar), later visit to Kudle beach – a 1 km long stretch of white sand fringed by palm trees – is the nearest – just about 20 minutes' walk from Gokarna. Half an hour further from Kudle is the Om beach, so named because it's shaped like the auspicious ‘Om’ symbol. Gokarna's other beaches- Paradise and Half-Moon- are smaller and lesser known, but equally great for sunbathing and swimming. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

17 Day: Gokarna – Goa (145 kms: 4 hrs)

Morning after breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Goa. On Arrival transfer to the beach resort. After relaxation enjoy the beach activities at Goa: Swaying palms, white sands and sparkling waters: the three essential elements that attract 2 million visitors annually to Goa’s balmy shores are plentiful in this tiny, glorious slice of India hugging the country’s western coastline and bounded by the Arabian Sea. Overnight at the beach hotel at Goa.

Goa: A Portuguese explorer, Afonso de Albuquerque sailed up the river Mandovi, defeated the Bijapuri army and rode into the capital triumphantly bearing a Portuguese Standard in one hand, and a Gold Crucifix in the other. A curious blending of cultures took place, affecting every sphere of Goa life, from religion to architecture, cuisine to art. The chapter of Goa's history ended 451 years later when Goa ceased to be a Portuguese colony, and became a part of the Indian Union. Parasailing, yachting, windsurfing, and deep sea diving are some of the more popular water sports, facilities for which are available.

18 Day: Goa

After breakfast, the day is free to enjoy the beaches and amenities available at the resort. You can take a sightseeing tour of Old Goa - 10 km from Panjim, the basilica of Bom Jesus, and the 16th century church dedicated to infant Jesus and enshrining the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, is one of the most important sight of Goa. The other Churches in the same area are St. Cathedral & Fort Aguada, with its vaulted interior, Church of our Lady of Rosary and Nunnery of St. Monica. Evening is free for leisure. Overnight stay at the resort.

19 Day: Goa

Today after breakfast day is free for individual activities and enjoy the beaches and sport activities in Goa: (on your own). Overnight stay at the resort.

20 Day: Goa – Hometown (By Air)

After breakfast, morning is free for leisure, afterwards check out the hotel and transfer to the airport to board the schedule flight for home town. On departure tour conclude with the happy memories.