Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

Namaste & welcome to incredible Republic of India - one of the friendliest countries on earth, combining glorious architecture with a warm-hearted welcome.

With its sumptuous mix of traditions, spiritual beliefs, festivals, architecture & landscapes, your memories of India will blaze bright long after you have left its shores.

Arrive in Cosmopolitan Bengaluru (formerly called Bangalore) is one of India's most progressive & developed cities, blessed with a benevolent climate, a modern metro system, and a burgeoning drinking, dining & shopping scene.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Bengaluru Kempegowda International Airport, subsequent to Immigration & Customs, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel. Assistance will be provided during Check-in He / she will provide assistance during Check-in & also discuss the program for the next few days.

Check-in at the hotel.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Bangalore - the capital of India's southern Karnataka state & famous as the `Garden City’, loved for its pleasant weather, it was once a summer resort of the British Raj. It is one of the most attractive cities in India with its many beautiful gardens, parks & natural lakes, avenues, impressive buildings & today, is one of Asia’s fastest growing cosmopolitan city known for its nightlife. Referred to as India’s `Silicon Valley’, it is the center of India's high-tech industry. 

Having evolved gradually from being the Garden city to the Silicon Valley of India, Bangalore is India's 3^rd largest city, renowned for its eateries, street food corners, quirky cafes, coffee roasters & pubs dotting every corner of the city, serving cuisines from all over the world. Brunches, buffets, burgers, rooftop cafes, late-night eats - Bangalore has it all.

Go disco-hopping or pub-crawling, shop in the many malls or street markets till your feet give away or relax in the swankiest restaurants or with your favourite movie stars-in the movie hall or simply tee off to glory. Its creature comforts are a godsend to the weary traveller who has done the hard yards, and it is a great city for mixing with locals in craft-beer joints or quirky independent cafes.

Bangalore has the best nightlife in India. It has amazing dance floors for you to groove on and many pubs and clubs which will surely guarantee a fun-filled night after sundown till a little past midnight. The music space in Bangalore is an experience that is hard to forget. There are year-round concerts happening all across the city, and Bangalore has previously played host to bands such as Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, The Rolling Stones, Lamb of God & many more. The city has plenty of local bands of its own, and Bangalore’s music is a distinct mix of healthy rock fused with classical sounds.

For shopaholics, Bangalore is the place for you to be. Be it brand shopping or street shopping, Bangalore has plenty of shopping destinations scattered throughout its perimeter, where one can buy everything from clothes to footwear to jewellery, and even priceless antiques. From the simplest of trinkets to the trendiest of outfits, Bangalore has it all.

Architectural landmarks include Cubbon Park, Vidhana Soudha - a Neo-Dravidian legislative building. Former royal residences include 19^th century Bangalore Palace, modeled after England’s Windsor Castle &  Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, an 18^th century colossal structure built with teak wood.

You can choose to take a long stroll through the beautiful 300 acre Cubbon Park or the botanical gardens of Lalbagh & hop into one of the many acclaimed breweries for a cold refreshing drink.

But just like every big city, the past decade or so has seen a mad surge of development & has reshaped quite a few things including rising temperatures, polluted lakes & heavily congested roads, especially in the newer areas. Aside from the central business & commercial districts (& the roads leading up to them), the neighbourhoods of Bangalore are mostly quiet & serene, especially the older parts of the city. But the central district (dating back to the British Raj years) remains little changed, and the landmark corporate headquarters & business parks of the city's booming IT industry are mostly in the outer suburbs.

Balance of the day is at leisure to relax or independent exploration or perhaps try one of the optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Morning at 08:00 am, Check-out, meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby & embark on a 4 hour sightseeing tour of india’s Silicon Valley.

Visit the Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens - the gardens are said to be laid out by King Haidar Ali and his son Tipu Sultan as a summer garden in the 18^th century, has numerous flowers, hundred year old trees from many countries and the lotus Pond. There are over 1800 species of tropical, subtropical and medicinal plants and a Floral Clock. The Glass House holds temporary exhibitions.

Then on to the Bull Temple built in dravidian style with the huge monolith statue of Shiva’s vehicle, the sacred Nandi Bull, nearly 5 m high and 6 m long., in grey granite polished. See Vidhan Sabha (Legislative Assembly) with its impressive facades and portals of pure sandal wood. Finally visit the City Museum that was opened in 1886, one of the oldest in the country. It has 18 galleries including Neolithic finds from the Chandravalli excavations, and from the Indus Valley, especially Mohenjodaro antiquities, including antique Jewellery, Textiles, Coins, Art, miniature Paintings and geological finds. 

Later, depart for Mysore.

Enroute visit to Somnathpur. This tiny village has one of the best preserved and the only complete magnificent 13^th century Hoysala Temple, dedicated to God Keshava. Small but exquisite the temple has excellent ceilings which show the distinctive features of the late Hoysala style.

Reach Mysore & Check-in.

Mysore, the former capital of the princely state is the second largest city in the province of Karnataka. It is a beautiful city of stately palaces, gardens, parks and museums and this city of palaces, flowers and sandalwood was once the residence of the Maharajas of Mysore. The Kingdom of Mysore was ruled by the Wodeyar dynasty, except for a brief period in the late 18^th century when Hyder Ali & Tipu Sultan were in power. Patrons of art & culture, the Wodeyars contributed significantly to the cultural growth of the city.

Noted for its palaces, including the Mysore Palace, and for the festivities that take place during the Dasara festival when the city receives a large number of tourists. It lends its name to the Mysore style of painting, the sweet dish Mysore Pak, the Mysore Peta (a traditional silk turban) & the garment known as the Mysore silk saree. It was the location of the first private radio station in India. Mysore houses Mysore University, which has produced several notable authors, particularly in the field of Kannada literature.

Balance of the day free to relax or for independent exploration (we would be happy to offer suggestions & make the arrangements).

Morning, around 09:00 am, meet the local Tour-guide & proceed for a full day 8 hour tour of Mysore & vicinity.    

Start at Chamundi Hill which has a Temple of Durga (Chamundeswari) celebrating her victory over the buffalo demon. She became the guardian deity of the Wodeyars. On the way, is the giant Nandi Monolith - a huge bull sculpture carved in 1659 (4,8m x 7,6m). Visit the Mysore Palace (1857) one of the largest palaces in the country and once the residence of the Wodeyars. Built in Indo-Saracenic style in grand proportions, with domes, arches and colonnades of carved pillars and shiny marble floors, it has one of the world’s greatest art treasures.

Afternoon, proceed for an excursion to the 18^th century Srirangapatnam Fort, the island fortress of the legendary warrior king Tipu Sultan which witnessed many a skirmishes between the popular King Tipu Sultan & British Colonial rulers. It is also home to Daria Daulat Bagh, the king's summer palace & favourite retreat and Tipu's mosque with its twin minarets, the Wellesley Bridge and the dungeons where British officers were once imprisoned.

You will have some free time for shopping in the town. Mysore is known internationally for its exotic sandalwood and rich silks, Mysore style of painting, the sweet dish Mysore Pak, the Mysore Peta (a traditional silk turban) & the Mysore silk saree.

Return to the hotel.

Balance of the day free to relax or for independent exploration. Or perhaps, you might want to enjoy the “optional” Rangayana Cultural Show & a delicious Dinner in the famous Lalita Mahal Palace, now converted into a 5 Star Hotel (we would be happy to offer more suggestions & make the arrangements).

Morning, depart for Hassan.

A quiet and peaceful town, it is a convenient base from which to explore the ruins, sculptures & monuments at the ancient cities of Belur & Halebid.

Enroute you will visit the Jain pilgrim center of Shravanabelagola to see Asia's largest monolithic statue, an architectural marvel towering 58 ft, of the Jain Monk Lord Gomateswara Bahubali, overlooking the Vindhyagiri Hills. Every 12 years, Jain pilgrims gather here to participate in a splendid head-anointing ceremony. (Please note that you would have to climb approximately 700 steps carved in a stone hillock, to experience this architectural marvel, and guests must be in good health in order to undertake the climb. Alternately, palanquins are available at no extra cost for guests who cannot take the climb by themselves).

Climb down the steep steps to board your vehicle standing at base of the hillock & drive on to the hotel (Guests unwilling to climb the steep steps can watch from below or opt to pass). 

On your arrival in Hassan by afternoon, Check-in at the hotel.

Afternoon, depart on a scenic drive for a half day excursion to Halebid & Belur for a viewing of the richly-carved ancient Hindu Temples.

Halebid and was the capital of the Hoysala empire in the 12^th century and is home to one of the best examples of Hoysala architecture in the ornate Hoysaleswara &  Kedareswara temples though they were never completed and were ruined through repeated attacks by enemy empires & later ravaged by the British.

The Hoysaleswara Temple, perched on a star-shaped base amidst lawns, is a sculptural extravaganza. Its walls are richly carved with an endless variety of Hindu deities, sages, stylized animals, birds and friezes depicting the life of the Hoysala Kings who ruled Karnataka between the 11^th & 14^th centuries AD and contributed immensely to the art and architecture of the region. Constructed from soapstone, the sculptures are not as intricate as the ones in Belur but the outer facade of the Temple is of far more interest as it depicts multiple stories, legends and myths. These temples have existed for almost 1000 years now and are definitely worth a visit.

From here, it's a quick hop over to Belur to experience the magnificent Hoysala Temple Complex.

Belur is famous for its magnificent Hoysala Temple Complex. The 12^th century Chennakesava Temple dedicated to Hindu God-Lord Vishnu & Lord Shiva, was built by Hoysala Vishnuvardhana, to commemorate his victory over the Cholas and the facade of the temple is filled with intricate sculptures of elephants, lions, horses & sensuous dancers, with no portion left blank. The complex was ransacked & looted by Muslim Invaders from north India in 14^th century. It is the only Hoysala Temple still in use for active worship.

After enjoying this town of Temples among the hills and ponds, return to the hotel.

Evening free to relax.

Early morning, depart for Hospet.

A small dusty town in central Karnataka, built by Krishnadevaraya, one of the famous kings of Vijayanagara, built Hospet in 1520 AD in honor of his queen Nagala Devi & it was once the seat of the powerful Vijayanagar Empire.

Though the town does not have much to offer the visitors, its importance lies in its nearness to Hampi, the erstwhile capital of the Vijayanagar rulers. None of the old fortifications are traceable now. Of course the unique Anantashayana temple of Anantashayana Gudi is located at the eastern fringe of this town, on the way to the Hampi ruins and you can take a walk there.

Check-in on arrival.

Balance of the day free.

Morning, Check-out & depart for Badami, enroute stopping at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi Palace ruins.

Located amongst awesome granite boulder-strewn landscape, Hampi was the capital of mighty South Indian Vijayanagar Empire covering several states in 14^th century with opulent palaces, marvellous temples, massive fortifications, private baths for royalty, markets, pavilions & stables for royal elephants. The city’s merchants traded in diamonds, pearls, fine silks, brocades, horses & much more and this capital city once boasted riches known far beyond the shores of India.

Though the destruction of Vijayanagar by marauding Moghul invaders in 16^th century was sudden, shocking & absolute, the ruins of these historical monuments scattered in about 26 sq. km area, amidst giant boulders & vegetation, have withstood the ravages of man & nature, to evoke memories of regal splendour. Protected by the tempestuous river Tungabhadra in the north & rocky granite ridges on the other three sides, the splendid remains of palaces & gateways of the broken city tell a tale of man's infinite talent and power of creativity together with his capacity for senseless destruction.

Explore Hampi throughout the morning, walking among the ruins of fabulous stone statues, carved pillars, and magnificent palace of the Sacred Center's Virupaksha Temple Complex. Marvel at the Queen's bath, Elephant stables, Royal Center, Hazara Rama Temple and later, stroll through a local crafts bazaar, where works by many different regional artisans are on display.

Also visit the 16^th century Vittala Temple Complex dedicated to Hindu God-Lord Vishnu. In courtyard of the main temple is a massive Stone Chariot after which Golden Chariot train has been named. The stone wheels of the Chariot can be rotated but have been cemented by authorities to avoid damage.

One of the most notable features of Vittala Temple are the musical pillars. Each of the pillar that support the roof of the main temple represents a musical instrument, and is constructed as 7 minor pillars arranged around a main pillar. These 7 pillars, when struck, emanate the 7 notes from the representative instrument, varying in sound quality based on whether it represents a wind, string or percussion instrument.

Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the banks of the Tungabhadra River at sunset, while you view the Illuminated Temple. You will also have the opportunity to visit the Anegundi village to catch a glimpse into the traditional country life in Karnataka.

After the excursion, continue driving to Badami

Check-in at the hotel on arrival by late afternoon.

Morning at 08:00 am, proceed for a full day 8 hour excursion to UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Badami Caves & Pattadkal Temple Complex.

Feast your eyes on the magnificent World Heritage Site, the 3^rd century rock-cut cave temples of Badami, dedicated to Hindu religious sects of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Budha & Jain faiths are picturesquely situated at the mouth of a ravine between two rocky hills. The exquisite sculptures & the rust red sandstone cliffs of Badami tell many a tale of yore. The first sculptural embellishment to dazzle the eye is the 18 armed Nataraja striking 81 Tandav dancing poses.

Surrounded by sandstone hills is the Agastya Lake, whose water is said to have healing properties. The Bhutanatha Temple is situated at the north bank of the lake and on the eastern side is the statue of Buddha inside a cave.

The Badami Fort is another important attraction that consists of two Shivalayas, the upper dedicated to Lord Shiva and the lower to Lord Ganesha. An old canon has been displayed in the courtyard there is also a watchtower nearby that you may like to visit.

Later, tour the other World Heritage Site of Pattadakal Temple complex located on the banks of the Malaprabha River and built between 7^th & 9^th century offers 10 beautifully chiseled temples bearing testimony to the richness of the Chalukyan architecture. There are numerous Kannada language inscriptions on the walls. Pattadakal reached its pinnacle of glory under the Chalukyan Kings and was once used as a ceremonial center where kings were crowned.

Move on to village of Gadag - Aihole, acclaimed as the "Cradle of Hindu Temple Architecture". It has over a hundred temples scattered around the village. The most impressive one is the Durga Temple with its semi- circular apse, elevated plinth and the gallery encircling the sanctum. The oldest temple here is the Lad Khan temple dating back to the 5^th century. The Hutchimalli Temple out in the village - has a sculpture of Vishnu sitting atop a large cobra. The Revalphadi Cave - dedicated to Shiva - is remarkable for its delicate details. There are hundreds of other temples strewn in the villages nearby.

After enjoying this town of Temples among the hills and ponds, return to the hotel.

Balance of the day free to relax.

Morning, check-out & depart for Goa.

Having been the meeting point of races, religions and cultures of East & West over the centuries, Goa has a multi-hued & distinctive lifestyle quite different from the rest of India and is home to India's finest beach resorts & its Portuguese architecture. Beguiling white sands, fresh & spicy seafood, and a cold drink under a glowing sun is Goa at its charming best.

Shaped like the new moon, Goa’s beaches are known the world over. Fringed by swaying palm & coconut trees with cool and comfortable shacks offering a variety of refreshments, Goa’s 103 km coastline is blessed with the most enchanting beaches lapped by the Arabian Sea. And almost all of them are swimmer friendly with the assured presence of lifeguards on all the popular beaches.

But then Goa is much more than just beaches and sea. It has a soul which goes deep into unique history, rich culture and some of the prettiest natural scenery that India has to offer with its own traditions, culture, architecture and its share of monuments. Studded with churches all over due to its past of foreign connection, the striking Renaissance cathedrals in Old Goa, ancestral homes surrounding the ragtag city of Margao, the ornate Hindu temples of Ponda, and Panaji's Portuguese historic district, engross every world traveller.

Check-in on arrival.

Balance of the day free to relax or for independent exploration. Or perhaps, you might want to opt for one of the many “optional” programs available here (we would be happy to offer suggestions & make the arrangements).

Full day at leisure to spend as you please.

Or perhaps, you might want to opt for one of the many “optional” programs available here (we would be happy to offer suggestions & make the arrangements).

Full day at leisure to spend as you please.

Or perhaps, you might want to opt for one of the many “optional” programs available here (we would be happy to offer suggestions & make the arrangements).

Alas, this wonderful experience comes to an end. Time to say good-bye to incredible India  & go home. But, we sure hope that you may want to discover a bit more of this multi-ethnic kaleidoscope that 1.2 billion people call home, on your next visit.

Check-out of the hotel by 12:00 noon (if the departure time is later in the evening, we will request the hotel to allow use of the hotel facilities & leave the luggage at the Bell Desk). 

In time, you will be met by a Journeys Rep, who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to Terminal? - Goa Dabolim International Airport for your onward journey.  B

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