Mumbai to Hampi: A Heritage Odyssey

Arrive by flight in Mumbai, the city that never sleeps! Vibrant, bustling, and full of life, Mumbai (still often called Bombay) is a city of striking contrasts. It’s a place where dreamers and hard workers share the streets with movie stars and street artists, fishermen and millionaires and exotic birds.

Mumbai is the heart of India’s renowned film industry, houses some of Asia’s largest slums, boasts the world’s most expensive home, and features the largest tropical forest within a city.

A private car will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. The rest of your evening is free to relax or explore at your own pace.

Enjoy an overnight stay at your hotel in Mumbai.

After breakfast, set out on a half-day city tour of Mumbai, lasting about 5 hours. Start your journey at the iconic Gateway of India, Mumbai’s most celebrated landmark and a powerful reminder of its colonial heritage.

Next, visit the grand Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, followed by the impressive Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST), formerly known as Victoria Terminus. Built in 1887, this historic railway station is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a stunning example of Victorian-Gothic architecture in India.

Continue to other popular spots such as Marine Drive, Girgaum Chowpatty beach, Hanging Gardens, and Mahatma Gandhi’s House in Mumbai.

Explore the vibrant markets at Colaba Causeway, perfect for picking up souvenirs, and visit Crawford Market, known for spices, pets, and dry fruits.

Return to your hotel by late afternoon. The evening is free for you to relax or explore on your own.

Enjoy an overnight stay at your hotel in Mumbai.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and take a private car transfer to Mumbai airport.

Board your flight to Aurangabad, a city declared the Tourism Capital of Maharashtra in 2010.

Aurangabad welcomes visitors with a rich blend of history and culture. From UNESCO World Heritage Sites to lively markets filled with delicate silk and hand-woven textiles, the city offers an exciting experience for every traveler.

Upon arrival, a private car will transfer you to your hotel for check-in. In the evening, take some time to explore the local market area and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.

Relax with an overnight stay at your hotel in Aurangabad.

After breakfast, set out for a day of remarkable sightseeing. Start your day exploring the Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit in Aurangabad. These caves feature stunning sculptures that celebrate the art and traditions of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.

Don’t miss the Kailasha Temple (Cave 16), the largest monolithic rock-cut structure in the world. Carved from a single basalt rock in the Charanandri Hills, this temple is an architectural marvel known for its massive size and intricate carvings.

Then, travel approximately 99 km from Aurangabad to visit the Ajanta Caves. Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these 30 rock-cut Buddhist caves date back to between the 2nd century BC and 650 CE. The caves feature stunning sculptures and paintings that beautifully depict Buddhist culture and stories from the Jatakas.

Head back to your hotel by evening and unwind with a peaceful overnight stay in Aurangabad.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and transfer to Aurangabad airport for your flight to Goa.

Welcome to Goa, famously known as the "Miami of India"! This vibrant paradise offers a unique blend of Indian and Portuguese cultures, where sun-soaked beaches, mouthwatering seafood, and a laid-back vibe called susegad come together with a touch of spirituality. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, Goa is the perfect escape and one of India’s most beloved weekend getaways.

Once a Portuguese colony, Goa is now known as the ultimate party destination in India, but it’s also a peaceful retreat with an endless stretch of golden sandy beaches that draw visitors from all over the world.

A private car will greet you at Goa airport and transfer you to your hotel. Check in and spend a relaxing evening at your leisure. Overnight stay will be at your hotel in Goa.

After breakfast, set out to explore the fascinating inland charms of Goa. Your private car will pick you up from the hotel and take you to Old Goa for the “Old Goa Walking Tour.” Stroll through the remains of Goa’s former capital, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases some of the finest churches in all of Asia. This walk offers a glimpse into Goa’s rich history, from pre-Portuguese times to today.

In the late afternoon, take a leisurely Fontainhas Heritage Walk through the charming old Latin quarter of Panjim. This colorful neighborhood, still alive with Portuguese influence, is a photographer’s dream and a delight for history lovers. Explore heritage homes, admire Portuguese architecture, meet friendly locals, and experience the cultural heart of Goa like never before.

Return to your hotel by evening for a relaxing overnight stay.

After breakfast, enjoy a full day at your leisure to relax and soak up the beauty of Goa.

Goa is famous for its long stretches of stunning beaches, each offering something unique. Whether you want to lounge on golden sands under swaying palm trees, watch breathtaking sunsets, try thrilling water sports, or enjoy delicious seafood and lively beach parties, Goa has it all.

Some beaches are peaceful and perfect for unwinding, while others buzz with energy and fun. With over 30 beaches stretching from north to south, you can choose your perfect spot to relax or explore.

Spend the day your way and enjoy a restful overnight stay at your hotel in Goa.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and begin your journey to Badami. Once the capital of the powerful Chalukya Empire, Badami is now famous for its stunning rock-cut cave temples and striking red sandstone cliffs that evoke images of the Wild West.

While the main road may seem dusty and bustling, the quieter backstreets reveal a charming side of Badami, with old houses, intricately carved wooden doorways, and occasional Chalukyan ruins waiting to be discovered.

Arrive in Badami by late afternoon and check in to your hotel. Spend the evening at your leisure, soaking in the peaceful surroundings.

Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel in Badami.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and start your visit to the Badami Cave Temples. Though their exteriors look modest, the interiors are beautifully ornate. Step through the pillared verandah, known as the mukha mandapa, where square-shaped pillars hold up an impressive frieze. The main halls, or maha mandapas, stand on massive columns, showcasing impressive craftsmanship.

Next, visit the Bhutanatha Group of Temples, located on the banks of Agastya Lake. Constructed from local sandstone in the traditional South Indian architectural style, these temples are dedicated to Bhutanatha, a form of Lord Shiva. According to local folklore, the waters of Agastya Lake hold mysterious healing powers.

Afterward, depart for Hampi and arrive by evening. Check in to your hotel and unwind.

Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel in Hampi.

After breakfast, embark on a local sightseeing tour of the Hampi Group of Monuments. Once the thriving capital of the Hindu Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th century, Hampi was known for its wealth, grand temples, bustling markets, and fertile farms along the Tungabhadra River, as described by Persian and European travelers.

Start your tour with a visit to the Virupaksha Temple, which dates back to the 7th century. This stunning temple, rich in history and beautiful architecture, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains an important pilgrimage destination.

Next, visit the Vijaya Vittala Temple, famous for its extraordinary architecture and craftsmanship. Located in the northeastern part of Hampi, this temple is one of the largest and most impressive structures in the area.

Return to your hotel by evening for dinner and a relaxing overnight stay in Hampi.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and transfer by private car to Hubli Airport. Board your flight to Mumbai.

Upon arrival, a private car will meet you at Mumbai airport and take you to your hotel. Check in and unwind after your journey.

The evening is yours to enjoy at leisure, whether you want to relax or explore the city one last time.

Overnight stay will be at your hotel in Mumbai.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel. A private car will transfer you to Mumbai Airport for your onward journey.

Take with you wonderful memories of an incredible 12-day adventure through Central India, a trip filled with history, culture, and unforgettable experiences to cherish for a lifetime!