16 Day Heart of Southern India - Wednesday Departure
Dates & Prices
Start Date | End Date | Offers | Brochure Land Price | Quote |
---|---|---|---|---|
Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024 | Thursday, Oct 31, 2024 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
Wednesday, Oct 30, 2024 | Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
Wednesday, Nov 06, 2024 | Thursday, Nov 21, 2024 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
Wednesday, Nov 20, 2024 | Thursday, Dec 05, 2024 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
Wednesday, Dec 04, 2024 | Thursday, Dec 19, 2024 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
Wednesday, Dec 11, 2024 | Thursday, Dec 26, 2024 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
Wednesday, Jan 15, 2025 | Thursday, Jan 30, 2025 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
Wednesday, Jan 29, 2025 | Thursday, Feb 13, 2025 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
Wednesday, Feb 05, 2025 | Thursday, Feb 20, 2025 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
Wednesday, Feb 19, 2025 | Thursday, Mar 06, 2025 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
Wednesday, Mar 26, 2025 | Thursday, Apr 10, 2025 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
Wednesday, Apr 02, 2025 | Thursday, Apr 17, 2025 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
Wednesday, Apr 16, 2025 | Thursday, May 01, 2025 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote |
Promotions
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Exclusive, $1000 Off Small Group Tours
Exclusive, $1000 Off Small Group Tours
Promotion Details
Offer applies to new bookings made through June 30, 2024. $500 per person savings is valid on 2024/2025 departures of Discovery or Walking escorted tours. Promotion is not combinable with any other offer. Additional restrictions may apply.
Save 5% - Cash Payment Discount
Save 5% - Cash Payment Discount
Promotion Details
Gate 1 offers the flexibility of paying for your vacation by credit card or check. Choose check for your final payment to save 5% off of your remaining balance. Full details will be sent with your invoice.
Tour Itinerary
DAY 1, Wednesday - Depart for India
Depart for Bengaluru, India
DAY 2, Thursday - Arrive in Bengaluru
Welcome to India! Arrive in the city of Bengaluru, known as the "Silicon Valley of India," due to its role as India's center for high-tech industry. Transfer to your hotel, and spend the balance of the day is at leisure
Overnight: Bengaluru
DAY 3, Friday - Bengaluru City Tour
Take a morning city tour of Bengaluru to witness the spirited blend of modernity and tradition that characterizes the city. View the Vidhan Soudha from the outside, an iconic legislative building with its neo-Dravidian architecture, and Lal Bagh a historic botanical garden. Conclude at Gurudwara, a place of worship for the Sikh community. In the afternoon, visit the majestic Bengaluru Palace, reflecting the opulence of the Wodeyar dynasty. Explore the ornate interiors of the royal palace, adorned with intricate woodwork, and Victorian-era furniture. Marvel at the magnificent Durbar Hall, used for formal ceremonies. This evening, attend an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, followed by a light dinner
Overnight: Bengaluru
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4, Saturday - Channapatna Cocoon Market & Winery Visit, Srirangapatna, Mysuru
Depart Bengaluru this morning, and drive towards Mysuru. Along the way, stop in Channapatna to visit the cocoon market, followed by a winery tour. Learn about wine production in the region, witness the winemaking process, and conclude with wine tastings. After lunch on your own, resume your journey to Mysuru. Visit Srirangapatna and view its well-preserved monuments and historic sites. Upon your arrival in Mysuru, check into your hotel with time to settle in before dinner tonight
Overnight: Mysuru
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5, Sunday - Discover Mysuru, Home Hosted Lunch
Embark on a journey through the cultural heart of Karnataka with a morning city tour of Mysuru. Begin at the bustling local market, offering fresh produce, aromatic spices and traditional handicrafts. Next, visit the iconic Mysuru Palace, a masterpiece of Indo-Saracenic architecture and admire the palace's interiors embellished with elaborate carvings, and stained glass. Continue to Philomena Church, a towering Gothic structure gracing the city's skyline. Following a home hosted lunch, of local dishes, return to the hotel. In late afternoon, venture to the Chamundi Hills viewpoint. Later catch stunning views of the illuminated Mysuru Palace up close
Overnight: Mysuru
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 6, Monday - Golden Temple in Bylakuppe, Nagarhole
Today, journey to the enchanting Golden Temple in Bylakuppe, a Tibetan settlement in Karnataka. Admire the ornate and colorful Tibetan architecture of the temple. Take a stroll around the temple grounds, exploring the various shrines, and vibrant murals. Afterward, continue the drive to Nagarhole*. Upon arrival, check into your resort. Later, embark on a boat safari along the Kabini River to watch for wildlife that frequents the riverbanks. Return to the resort in time for dinner
Overnight: Nagarhole
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 7, Tuesday - Nagarhole National Park Safari
Rise early for a morning jungle safari in Nagarhole* National Park. Board a safari vehicle, accompanied by a local naturalist guide. Be on the lookout for the elusive inhabitants of the jungle. Return to the resort for breakfast, and spend time at leisure. After lunch, set out for an evening jungle safari, or enjoy the various activities offered at the resort. This evening, watch a wildlife movie, followed by dinner
Overnight: Nagarhole
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8, Wednesday - Travel to Hassan, Temples of Halebid & Belur
Leave the wilderness of Nagarhole behind and drive to Hassan, known for its historic and architectural gems. Arrive and check into your hotel. Following lunch, immerse yourself in the cultural splendor by visiting two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. First on the itinerary is the Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebid, a marvel dating back to the 12th century, renowned for its magnificent architectural design. Next, proceed to the Chennakesava Temple in Balur, a masterpiece of Hoysala architecture. Stroll through the temple complex, marveling at the intricately carved sculptures that vividly depict scenes from Hindu mythology. Return to the hotel for dinner
Overnight: Hassan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9, Thursday - Drive to Hampi
Today, depart the city of Hassan and head to Hampi. During the drive, the landscape transforms, offering glimpses of rural life. View farmers tending to their fields and traditional houses. Arrive in the afternoon, and check into your hotel. Later, watch the sunset from atop Malyavanta Hill, a perfect way to end the day. Return to the hotel for dinner
Overnight: Hampi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 10, Friday - Hampi's Treasures
Journey through the historic treasures of Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the iconic Vithala Temple, and admire the ornate stone chariot, considered a symbol of the Vijayanagara Empire. Proceed to Virupaksha Temple, an ancient marvel dedicated to Lord Shiva before returning to the hotel. In the afternoon, head to Lotus Mahal with its unique Indo-Islamic architecture and venture to Rama Temple. This beautiful site is decorated with finely carved pillars and intricate sculptures depicting scenes from the Ramayana. Cap the day with dinner at the hotel
Overnight: Hampi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 11, Saturday - Aihole and Pattadakal en route to Badami
Your day of exploration begins with a drive to Aihole, often referred to as the birthplace of Indian architecture. View ancient temples and visit the impressive Durga Temple, noteworthy for its semi-circular apse. Continuing the drive, arrive at Pattadakal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a treasure trove of Chalukyan architecture. View some of the highlights of this ancient site, including Virupaksha Temple, Mallikarjuna Temple, and Papanatha Temple. Arrive in Badami in early afternoon. Later, discover the historic and architectural marvels of Badami
Overnight: Badami
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 12, Sunday - Drive to Goa
This morning depart Badami, and embark on a long drive to Goa. The journey takes you through the rugged terrain of Karnataka and the coastal area of Goa. On arrival, in early evening, check into your hotel for dinner and overnight
Overnight: Goa
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 13, Monday - Goa Exploration
Explore captivating Goa, beginning with a visit to Dona Paula, an area known for its scenic views and Dona Paula Jetty. Next, head to Miramar Beach, a stretch of golden sand along the Arabian Sea, followed by Panaji City, the capital of Goa state. Experience the magnificent churches of Old Goa before touring a Spice plantation. Hear about the various culinary and medicinal uses of the spices. After lunch of traditional Goan dishes, visit the beautiful Mangeshi Temple. Enjoy the balance of your day at leisure to explore Goa on your own
Overnight: Goa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 14, Tuesday - Flight to Mumbai & City Highlights
This morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Mumbai. Upon arrival, delve into the vibrant cityscape with a visit to Dhobi Ghat, a colossal open-air laundry where "dhobis" (washer people) meticulously hand wash laundry from across Mumbai. Witness the mesmerizing spectacle of rows of concrete troughs equipped with flogging stones-an unparalleled insight into the city's intricate workings. Pause at the tranquil ISKCON Temple before a scenic drive through colonial Mumbai, showcasing enduring structures from its colonial past. Tonight, attend dinner at the hotel
Overnight: Mumbai
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 15, Wednesday - Mumbai Sightseeing, Depart India
Begin the day with a picturesque boat ride from Mumbai to Elephanta Island. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Elephanta Caves, carved from solid basalt rock and steeped in Hindu worship. Marvel at the intricately carved shrines dedicated to deities, gaining profound insights into Hindu culture. Return to the city to visit the iconic Gateway to India Arch, a tribute to King George V's 1911 royal visit. Conclude the journey at the Mani Bhavan Mahatma Gandhi Museum, the epicenter of Gandhi's 1942 movement. In the evening, transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 16, Thursday - Return Home
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Package Includes
Other departure cities available. Please click on date of departure for selection and prices
Tour Highlights
Thanks to our small group size, we can get to the heart of our destination, visit places that other tours miss, and get to know the locals.
†Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates
*Not Included:
Gratuities.
Additional Information:
Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers, but does include the flight Goa - Mumbai.
Accommodation Details:
Triple rooms cannot be accommodated on this program.
Health and Safety Protocols for Discovery By Gate1 Tours
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Radisson Bengaluru City Center
This first class hotel is located in the heart of the business district in Bangalore.
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Mysore
This first class hotel is located in the city center of Mysore.
The Serai Kabini
This first class hotel is set along the Kabini River.
Hoysala Village Resort
This superior tourist class hotel is located a fifteen minute drive from the city center of Hassan.
Heritage Resort Hampi
This first class hotel is just a fifteen minute drive from the city center of Hospet.
Hotel Badami Court
This tourist class hotel is located in the outskirts of Badami.
Heritage Resort Badami
This tourist class hotel is located on the outskirts of Badami.
Heritage Resort Badami
This tourist class hotel is located on the outskirts of Badami.
Alila Diwa Goa, A Hyatt Brand
This first class hotel is nestled amid paddy fields in the historical district of Majorda in South Goa.
President, Mumbai, IHCL SeleQtions
This superior first class hotel is located in Mumbai, near the World Trade Center.
President, Mumbai, IHCL SeleQtions
This superior first class hotel is located in Mumbai, near the World Trade Center.
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620
Question: How many suitcases can I take with me on my trip?
Question: Is Airfare Included in the Price?
Superb experience and guides were great.
The trip to Jordan was fabulous. The accommodations were lovely. Our guide was excellent. His knowledge was superb. He had good humor & was kind & patient. I have been on every continent & have traveled with different companies. This is in my top 3 trips of all the places I have been. I loved this country. The people & sites were wonderful. Please let Gate 1 know this guide deserves recognition. He was the best.
This was a fantastic trip with varied activities and a superb tour guide.
Exalent trip we are so pleased with the service we will call you to plan the next trip
Well thought and executed trip
The Gate1 tour guide/managers were very knowledgeable, courteous, professional and entertaining.
Great trip great value
Gate 1's tour operators are very good. It is organized and follows the published itinerary. The hotels are nice and as described.
Trip was great experience. Enjoyed the itinerary and tour manager.
Great experience. Our personal guide very experienced and personal. First class hotels and great excursions.
Our accommodations were excellent. The tour was fabulous. The logistics for booking and traveling were clear and easy.
Everyone from our agent (Trena) to our our guide (Fred) were awesome. Would highly recommend gate 1 to any and all. Went above and beyond our expectations..JOB WELL DONE!!! Thanks for a great vacation..
This was a great tour. All the places we visited were worth seeing, and the combination of activities was very good.
The rooms, the meals, the bus, and the tour guide were superior. The tour was more than expected. All our questions and needs were met. The whole operation was well managed and smooth.
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This was an amazing trip. It exceeded my expectations. I loved it. My tour guide did an excellent job. She made sure to assist us even late in the evening with tickets as we are still in Japan and not leaving until two after the tour. She surprised us with unexpected, unplanned experiences for all to enjoy. I loved her. We really had so much fun even though there older tourists with different personalities she went beyond the call of duty to understand and have patience with them. I will definitely book a future tour with Gate1.