Jewels of the Deccan Expedition

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Tour Overview

Embark on the Jewels of the Deccan Expedition, an enchanting journey through Southern India's rich tapestry of history, culture, and landscapes. Begin your adventure in the vibrant city of Hyderabad, exploring its ancient forts, bustling bazaars, and iconic landmarks. Traverse through the dynastic treasures of Gulbarga and Bijapur, immersing yourself in the historical marvels of the region. Witness the architectural grandeur of Badami, Aihole, and Pattadakal, each site unfolding stories of the past. Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi and relax on the pristine beaches of Goa, concluding this expedition with a captivating exploration of Mumbai's diverse facets. The Jewels of the Deccan Expedition promises an unforgettable odyssey through Southern India's diamonds and dynasties. ...more ...less

Highlights

  • Arrive in Hyderabad and relax at your hotel after a warm welcome.

  • Visit iconic landmarks like Golconda Fort, Charminar, and Mecca Masjid.

  • Drive to Gulbarga, stopping at Bidar Fort and Jami Masjid, and unwind in the historic city.

  • Explore Bijapur’s architectural wonders, including Gol Gumbaz and Ibrahim Rauza, before heading to Badami.

  • Discover the UNESCO-listed sites of Aihole and Pattadakal, then relax in Badami.

  • Explore Hampi’s ancient ruins before heading to Goa to enjoy its beaches and culture.

Places You'll See

Diamonds & Dynasties Of Southern India

Diamonds & Dynasties Of Southern India

Diamonds & Dynasties Of Southern India

Diamonds & Dynasties Of Southern India

Diamonds & Dynasties Of Southern India

Diamonds & Dynasties Of Southern India

Diamonds & Dynasties Of Southern India

Diamonds & Dynasties Of Southern India

Diamonds & Dynasties Of Southern India

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Arrive In Hyderabad

Location: Hyderabad

Your journey commences in the bustling city of Hyderabad. Upon arrival at the airport, our friendly representative will welcome you and ensure a smooth transfer to your hotel. Take the day to relax and unwind, preparing for the adventures that await. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 2 : Hyderabad

Location: Hyderabad

Meals Included: Breakfast

Immerse yourself in the historical and cultural tapestry of Hyderabad. Explore the magnificent Golconda Fort, wander through the Qutub Shahi Tombs, marvel at the architectural splendor of Charminar, and soak in the spiritual ambiance of the Mecca Masjid. Hyderabad's 400-year-old heritage unfolds before you. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 3 : Hyderabad - Bidar – Gulbarga (250Kms/ 5Hrs)

Location: Gulbarga, Bidar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Embark on a scenic drive to Gulbarga, with fascinating stops at the historic Bidar Fort and the grand Jami Masjid. Check into your hotel in Gulbarga, where you can unwind and absorb the historical richness of the surroundings. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 4 : Gulbarga – Bijapur (152Kms/ 3Hrs)

Location: Bijapur, Gulbarga

Meals Included: Breakfast

Delve into the heritage of Gulbarga, once a Hindu city, as you visit the Sharan Basaveshwara Temple and the Hazrat Khwaja Bande Nawaz Mausoleum. In the afternoon, journey to Bijapur and check in at your hotel. A night filled with historical wonders awaits. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 5 : Bijapur – Badami (120Kms/ 3Hrs)

Location: Bijapur, Badami, Vijayapura

Meals Included: Breakfast

Discover the architectural marvels of Bijapur, including the iconic Gol Gumbaz and the exquisite Ibrahim Rauza. Your journey continues as you drive to Badami, where the historical treasures await exploration. Check in at the hotel and immerse yourself in Badami's captivating history. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 6 : Badami - Aihole - Pattadakal – Badami (39Kms/ 1Hr One Way)

Location: Badami, Pattadakal

Meals Included: Breakfast

Embark on a full-day exploration of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Badami, Aihole, and Pattadakal. Marvel at the intricate temples and rock-cut wonders that showcase the rich history of this ancient region. Return to Badami for a tranquil evening. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 7 : Badami – Gadag – Lakkundi – Hospet (130Kms/ 3Hrs Approx)

Location: Hampi, Gadag

Meals Included: Breakfast

Journey to Hospet, with captivating stops at Gadag and Lakkundi. Check in at the hotel in Hospet, where you can unwind and reflect on the historical gems witnessed during the day. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 8 : Hospet & Hampi

Location: Hampi

Meals Included: Breakfast

Unveil the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi, where the ruins of the medieval Vijayanagara city stand as silent witnesses to bygone glories. Return to Hospet for a serene evening. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 9 : Hospet – Goa (300Kms/ 6Hrs)

Location: Goa

Meals Included: Breakfast

Embark on a picturesque drive to the idyllic beaches of Goa. Check in at your hotel and let the coastal charm rejuvenate your senses. Enjoy the leisurely atmosphere and sandy shores. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 10 : Goa

Location: Goa

Meals Included: Breakfast

Discover the allure of North Goa with a full-day tour covering the Churches of Old Goa, Panjim City, Altinho, and the picturesque Dona Paula viewpoint. Relax on the beach and absorb the vibrant vibes of Goa. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 11 : Goa

Location: Sancoale, Karmaliwada

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy a day at leisure, whether you choose to explore South Goa's temples, visit old Portuguese manors, or simply relax at your resort. The day is yours to savor. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 12 : Goa – Mumbai (Flight)

Location: Mumbai, Sancoale

Meals Included: Breakfast

Bid adieu to the beaches of Goa and board a flight to the bustling city of Mumbai. On arrival, our representative will assist with your transfer to the hotel. Explore Mumbai's dynamic blend of tradition and modernity at your own pace. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 13 : Mumbai

Location: Mumbai

Meals Included: Breakfast

Embark on a memorable day exploring Mumbai's iconic landmarks, including the Gateway of India and a ferry trip to the Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover the city's charm with visits to Dhobi Ghat, Mani Bhavan, Marine Drive, and other notable sites. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 14 : Depart Mumbai

Location: Mumbai

Meals Included: Breakfast

Conclude your Diamonds & Dynasties journey with a hearty breakfast. Our team will transfer you to the airport for your onward flight, marking the end of this captivating exploration of Southern India's rich history and coastal beauty.

What's Included

  • Assistance on arrival at the airport.

  • 13 Nights' accommodation in 4-Star hotels.

  • Daily Breakfast.

  • 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.

  • Bottled drinking water in the car.

  • Government taxes.

What's Not Included

  • Any flight ticket.

  • 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.

Accommodation

Hotels used or similar for 13 nights accommodation
4 Star Hotels
Hyderabad x 2 nights: The Golkonda Hotel/ Lemon Tree Hotel
Gulbarga x 1 night: Kyriad Hotel Gulbarga by OTHPL/ Mastiff Select
Bijapur x 1 night: The Fern Residency/ Kyriad Hotel Vijayapura by OTHPL
Badami x 2 nights: Morpho Banashree Resort/ WADA1
Hampi x 2 nights: Heritage Resort/ Royal Orchid Central Keerti
Goa x 3 nights: Lemon Tree Hotel Candolim/ The Chances Resort & Casino
Mumbai x 2 nights: Fariyas Hotel/ The Gordon House
...more ...less

Check out our Q&As

  • What currencies are required for this tour?

    USD, EURO, GBP, JPY, CNY, RMB, SGD, CAD, AUD are accepted at most of the tourist shops. These currencies can easily be changed into local currency INR from money changer at the airport, in cities, and at hotels.

  • Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?

    No. You have to apply for Indian Visa yourself. TOURIST VISA is mandatory for Foreign Nationals to travel India.

  • Are vaccinations required for this tour?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    We conduct our business fairly, with honesty, integrity and transparency. We deliver what we promise, and only promise what we can deliver.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Less than 10 person group only driver will be your companion. We use local government licenced tour guide in each cities for sightseeing tour.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    We do not operate tour on sharing

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    We are completely flexible in changing the travel dates, until we dont have to bourne any penalty levied by hotels/airline.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    5 Yeas

  • Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

    Yes, you will support NGO and schooling for kids in villages.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    We operate private tour/activity only for your group. Hence if you missed to join and tour departed, we can coordinate and you can join the tour from the nearest point.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Iitnerary and confirmation vouchers

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Face masks provided for travelers. Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff. Gear/equipment sanitized between use. Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized. Regular temperature checks for staff. Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

rikkita patel (Google Reviewer)  

Had the most Fantastic time,...

07-Feb-2024

Had the most Fantastic time, everything was organised amazingly down to a tee. Booked an 11 day tour (Hubbali, Hampi, Badami, Aihole, SolaPur aurangabad) I contacted Sashi at Agora and he basically took care of everything. I presented him with my dates and a rough plan of what I wanted to do, Sashi then put together an itinerary. The cost was really reasonable for 2 people. And during the booking stage I had to make several changes due to some changes in dates, Sashi accommodated and amended everything accordingly with no issues. Payment was done via a bank transfer which was simple. On the first day, our driver Raju bhai came to pick us up and was with us throughout the trip. He was absolutely exceptional. A calm, reliable and completely trust worthy driver who went above an beyond many times. There was always water in the car and he was incredibly knowledgeable, making some of the long drives really interesting. All the guides we had were really knowledgeable, explained everything really well. More so they were local guides who spoke good English and had a lot of insight into a lot of the archaeological sites we visited. All the hotels we stayed in were beautiful, clean and safe. Overall I would recommend Agora to anyone. The service was exceptional and as a result we had the most amazing trip. Often India is described as an unsafe place to travel m, particularly for two women, but we felt incredibly safe. Will definitely use Agora again in the future. ...more ...less

DOMENICA MENOLASCINA (Google Reviewer)  

The stay and tour in...

07-Mar-2024

The stay and tour in Mumbai have been exceptional. Although the hotel, The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, had been booked by us Agora Voyages offered the services requested, domestic flight from Delhi to Mumbai, car with driver and the local English speaking guides who took us to see the beautiful landmarks this city has to offer. What we highly appreciated was the details in planning out the sightseeing even though we had suggested what we would have liked to see. Agora Voyages is professional in offering the best of what the clients ask for. ...more ...less

Shobha D  

Our Hampi Holiday

10-Feb-2023

Our five-day, six-night holiday arranged by Agora Voyages Private Ltd., began on 26th January when we, four friends, landed at Hubballi. The agency had arranged a minibus to pick us up from the airport to our first halt at Badami. Our driver, Raghu, turned out to be not only skilful at driving but also very informative and bent on giving us a great time. On the way, we came across sunflower fields. Seeing us revelling at the wondrous sight of hundreds of sunflowers swaying in the cool breeze, Raghu stopped the bus so we could click pictures. Badami Court, where we spent two comfortable nights, turned out to be a decent hotel with tasty food and a courteous staff. The next morning, we left for Aihole, the capital of the Chalukyan kings and the cradle of Hindu rock architecture. Thanks to Agora, we were provided with helpful and enthusiastic guides, who doubled up as excellent photographers and gave us interesting and informative titbits. Kotresh, our guide in Aihole, Pattadakal and Badami, told us how Aihole got its name. The legend goes that after avenging the death of his father, Parasuram came down to the Malaprabha River to wash his blood-stained hands and battle axe. The river turned a bloody red. A woman seeing this, screamed, ‘Ayyo Hole!’ (meaning ‘Oh, no, blood!’ in Kannada). Since then the place came to be known as Ayyhole (Aihole). Kotresh also told us how the various temples got their names. For example, the Durga temple did not get its name from the goddess but because of its proximity to durg, meaning ‘fort’--- temples were part of fortification those days. Another 5th century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva was called the Lad Khan temple as Shree Lad Khan, a general of Adil Shahi had camped there during his military campaigns in the region. Until the Archeological department took possession of the area, local people lived in the temples. Kotresh showed us the holes, women used to pound masalas and grind rice, etc. We even saw children’s board games etched on to the stony floor. After feasting our eyes on the marvellous rock-cut shrines at Aihole, we drove to Pattadakal, meaning ‘coronation stone’. The exquisite temples here were built for commemoration and coronation. Later, Kotresh took us to a restaurant to relish the delicious local cuisine. Our stomachs full, we headed for Badami, to the spectacular rock cut cave temples located in a ravine, at the foot of two sandstone hills surrounding Lake Agastya. The place abounds in langurs and though Kotresh warned us to take care of our belongings, one little monkey succeeded in snatching a water bottle. The following day at Gadag, we were joined by Mr. Nagaraj, who was our guide for the remainder of our trip. Witty and articulate, he surprised us with his knowledge of Russian and French. He took us around the medieval Hindu and Jain temples and told us how the Veeranarayana temple, Trikuteshwara temple and the Jumma Masjid have a common Trust for administration and organization purposes. Jain temples and step wells were the highlights of Lakkundi. The annual Hampi Festival was on when we reached Hampi, so to avoid the large crowds, Nagaraj suggested that we leave around six in the morning for sightseeing. A wise decision, as we got to see the glorious sunrise from Matanga Hill, the place where Rama met Hanuman and Sugriva, the monkey king of Kishkinda. A UNESCO World heritage site like Pattadakal and Badami, Hampi is virtually an open air museum, with over 500 monuments of the Vijayanagara era. The Virupaksha temple with its musical pillars, now out of bounds for visitors, competed with temples like the Vittala temple in magnificence. The following morning we took a ride in a coracle. Our boat-man took us through rock caves and treated us to the sight of a swift which had brought food for its mate as she sat patiently guarding their nest on a rock. In the afternoon we visited the Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary. Spread over an area of over 82 kilometres, it is the first sloth bear sanctuary in Asia. Seated inside a cage we watched two adult bears come down a rocky cliff, stopping to lick the large boulders on which the forest officials had smeared honey. En route, as we passed by the Tungabhadra canal, Jiggar, the naturalist from our resort pointed out at otters scampering playfully on the rocky bank and at an Indian eagle owl, which on seeing us, spread out its feathers and flew away, but not before letting us see how huge it was. Before we realized it, our holiday had come to an end, and we were at Hubballi airport, to catch the flight back to Mumbai. Thanks to Agora, we had one of the most memorable glimpses of a bygone era. ...more ...less

USA
Sanjib Saha (Google Reviewer)  

Wonderful customer service, great itineraries...

03-Mar-2024

Wonderful customer service, great itineraries and customization, competitive prices - couldn't ask for better. Shashi Gupta and his team has provided excellent service throughout the booking process, as well as checking in during the trip. Highly recommended. ...more ...less

Nesta Luxton  

Eastern Himalaya Tour (Darjeeling, Pelling, Gangtok & Kalimpong)

25-Dec-2021

This tour was absolutely outstanding: amazing views of Himalayan snow capped mountains, fascinating insights into culture and monasteries of Sikkim and great food. But especially good was our wonderful local guide Bipendra whose cheerfulness , many talents and knowledge made our tour fun. To make your trip even more special, I recommend staying in the luxurious 4 star Elgin hotels for a taste of Raj heritage. Also be aware that Sikkim requires extra passport photos and photocopy of passport. ...more ...less

Auburn, Australia
Ana Diaz Macias (Google Reviewer)  

We were not able to...

10-Feb-2022

We were not able to make it due to COVID travel restrictions but Shashi did everything in his power to work around our schedule. Modified dates, hotels, flights to make our dream holiday possible. This is a 5 star tour agency, the flexibility, price, transparency, communication and professionalism was one of the best I’ve experienced. We look forward to visiting soon and will be using agora voyages. ...more ...less

Ann Bartram (Google Reviewer)  

Amazing day with the wonderful...

10-Jan-2025

Amazing day with the wonderful Shreesh enriching our experience in so many ways.

Rasik Master (Google Reviewer)  

Service was excellent & awesome....

04-Dec-2022

Service was excellent & awesome. Very reliable, efficient & professional. Exceptional service from Meenakshi & Shashi. Ensured our trip was trouble-free. Most highly recommended. Will use again

Ellison Bentley (Google Reviewer)  

Shashi helped us so much...

31-Dec-2023

Shashi helped us so much to plan a tours for a wide variety of family members-excellent service! We did 3 trips with him and they were all great. Mandu was the best-an amazing castle- a great guide who pointed out all advances they had like filtered water and saunas. We also went to Ujjain and Maheshwar which were also great. Cannot recommend enough! ...more ...less

Lynette Cameron  

Bhopal to Aurangabad with Satpura National Park

15-May-2023

We were a group of four Australians who did a 9 day tailored tour from Bhopal to Aurangabad. The whole tour was wonderful in every aspect. Shashi did a great job with every detail. Our driver Imran was excellent and a very careful and safe driver. Hotels, guides, food all excellent. Mind you, the four of us, need to go on a diet after all the delicious buffet meals. Satpura National Park was outstanding for wildlife, guide, food. The Ellora and Ajanta caves spectacular, as was Sanchi, Bhimbetka Rock Shelter. We enjoyed every aspect of our tour and would highly recommend Agora Voyages OPC Pvt Ltd. ...more ...less

Australia

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Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Agora Voyages allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 30 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Agora Voyages allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform agora voyages, 30 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Agora Voyages requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 15 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of agora voyages charges.

    Up to 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.

    At 2 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

  • Standard Operating Protocol issued by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, GOI

    Face masks provided for travelers.Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff.Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized.Regular temperature checks for staff.Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons.Gear/equipment sanitized between use.

Jewels of the Deccan Expedition

14 Days Starting in Hyderabad, Telangana, India and ending in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Visiting: Hyderabad, Gulbarga, Bidar, Bijapur, Badami, Vijayapura, Pattadakal, Hampi, Gadag, Goa, Sancoale, Karmaliwada, Mumbai ...more ...less

Tour operator:

Agora Voyages

Tour code:

AGORA51

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 10

Physical rating:

Low, EASY

Age range:

0-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat, Kosher, Jain, Halal

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Active

Private Available:

Request A Private Tour

From: $2286 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 01-Mar-2025 but subject to change.

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