Deccan Art & Architecture Expedition Tour - 12 Nights / 13 Days

Flights
Breakfast
Hotel
Sightseeing
Transfers
Wi-Fi

Overview

This immersive 13-day expedition unveils the artistic brilliance, architectural mastery, and layered cultural landscapes of the Deccan plateau, a region that has shaped India’s historic identity for over two millennia.

Beginning in Mumbai, India’s vibrant coastal gateway, the journey immediately dives into the world of ancient craftsmanship with a visit to Elephanta Island’s 5th-century rock-cut caves. From here, the trail continues to Aurangabad, serving as the base for exploring the magnificent Ajanta and Ellora caves, where Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain art coexist in exquisite harmony, showcasing centuries of devotion and creativity.

The expedition then progresses into Karnataka, the heartland of Chalukyan, Vijayanagar,a and Hoysala architectural traditions. Badami’s cave temples reveal intricate carvings and storytelling in stone, while the temple towns of Aihole and Pattadakal display the evolution of Indian temple design through multiple dynasties.

Moving onward to Hospet, the grandeur of Hampi emerges, a vast landscape of palaces, elephant stables, market streets, and temples that once formed the thriving capital of the Vijayanagara Empire.

The journey culminates in the lush region of Hassan, home to Belur and Halebid, celebrated worldwide for their ornate Hoysala temples that resemble sculpted jewels. Visits to Sravanabelagola’s towering monolithic Jain statue and the perfectly preserved Somnathpur temple further deepen the understanding of South India’s rich religious and artistic history.

The trip concludes in Mysore and Bengaluru, offering a balanced finish that blends royal heritage with modern comfort.

Itinerary

This tour is a perfect getaway for anyone who enjoys the Deccan architecture and its marvels. This tour covers cities of Ajanta, Ellora, Badami, Pattadakal, Hampi, Belur, Halebid, Mysore and Bengaluru.

Day 1: Arrival in Mumbai−

When you arrive at the international airport of Mumbai, you will be received by our tour executive and transferred to your hotel, where you will spend some time at leisure. Later proceed to the Gateway of India, built as a triumphal arch to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary.

Ironically, after independence in 1947, this iconic monument also became the departure point of the last British troops. Overnight stay in Mumbai.

Day 2: Mumbai+

Today you will visit Elephanta Island to explore its ancient rock-cut caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located 9 km northeast of the Gateway of India, the motorboat ride takes about 1.5 hours each way.

Named by the Portuguese after the stone elephant found near the landing point, the complex includes a large main cave, courtyards and shrines with 5th-century stone carvings dedicated to Hindu deities.

A major highlight is the imposing 6-metre sculpture of Shiva. Later return to the city and spend the night in Mumbai.

Day 3: Mumbai - Aurangabad by flight / Excursion to Ajanta Caves+

This morning take an early flight to Aurangabad. On arrival you will be received by our representative and driven to the Ajanta Caves. This cluster of 29 rock-cut caves, dating to the 2nd century BC, features remarkable paintings, sculptures and frescoes considered masterpieces of Buddhist religious art. After your visit return to Aurangabad for overnight stay.

Day 4: Ellora Caves Visit+

Today you will explore the Ellora Caves, an outstanding example of Deccan rock-cut architecture. Spread across a 2 km long series of caves, the site includes Buddhist, Jain and Hindu monuments carved with extraordinary precision.

The Kailasa Temple in Cave 16, carved from a single rock, required 17,000 labourers and 150 years to complete. Overnight stay in Aurangabad.

Day 5: Aurangabad - Mumbai - Hubli - Badami+

Take an early morning flight to Mumbai and then an afternoon flight to Hubli.

After your arrival, drive about 2.5 hours to Badami, where you will spend the remainder of the day at leisure after a long day of travel. Overnight in Badami.

Day 6: Badami+

Today visit the Brahmanical and Jain cave temples of Badami, dating to the 6th-7th centuries. Cut from solid rock, these caves feature elaborate interiors and striking carvings.

Highlights include Shiva as Nataraja with eighteen arms and 81 dance poses, various forms of Vishnu, and Jain Tirthankaras. After exploring the cave temples, continue to the temples around Badami Lake. Overnight in Badami.

Day 7: Badami - Aihole - Pattadakal - Hospet (220 km, 4.5 hrs)+

This morning drive to Hospet with visits en route to Aihole and Pattadakal. Aihole showcases the evolution of Hindu temple architecture, including early shrines like Lad Khan Temple and many temple groups such as Galaganatha and Kontigudi.

Pattadakal, a UNESCO site, displays 8th-century temples combining Dravidian and Nagara architectural styles. On arrival in Hospet, spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

Day 8: Hospet - Hampi (15 km, 30 mins)+

Today visit Hampi, the spectacular ruined capital of the Vijayanagara Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Filled with palaces, temples, elephant stables, markets and pavilions, Hampi once thrived as a major trading centre. Spend the day exploring its numerous monuments before returning to Hospet for overnight stay.

Day 9: Hospet - Hassan (320 km, 7.5 hrs)+

Spend the day travelling the long but scenic route from Hospet to Hassan. After arrival, relax and enjoy leisure time.

Day 10: Hassan+

Visit Belur, home to one of the most remarkable Hoysala temples, commissioned by the Hoysala king in 1117 AD to celebrate a military victory. Later explore Halebid, once the wealthy capital of the Hoysalas.

The Hoysaleshwara Temple features intricate carvings, a majestic Nandi, and beautifully chiselled stone figures. The site also includes Jain temples and a museum with 12th-13th century sculptures. Overnight in Hassan.

Day 11: Hassan - Sravanabelagola - Somnathpur - Mysore (240 km, 4.5 hrs)+

Drive to Sravanabelagola, one of India’s oldest Jain pilgrimage centres. Its highlight is the 17-metre monolithic statue of Lord Gomateshwara, carved from a single boulder in 983 AD.

Later continue to Mysore for overnight stay.

Day 12: Visits in Mysore+

This morning take an excursion to Somnathpur to visit the beautifully preserved Keshava Temple.

Return to Mysore for visits to Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hill and Devaraja Market, known for its vibrant colours and local produce. Overnight in Mysore.

Day 13: Departure from Bangalore (150 km, 3 hrs)+

This morning, as per your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Bangalore airport for your departure flight home.

FAQs on Deccan Art & Architecture Expedition Tour Package

What makes the Deccan region unique for art and architectural exploration?

The Deccan stands out for its extraordinary blend of cultures, religions and empires that thrived here over 2,000 years. From Buddhist cave paintings at Ajanta to Hindu-Jain carvings at Ellora, Chalukyan temples, Vijayanagara monuments and Hoysala masterpieces, the region offers uninterrupted architectural evolution in one journey.

How physically demanding is this itinerary?

The tour involves moderate walking at cave complexes, temple sites and historical ruins, sometimes on uneven surfaces or steps. Travellers should be comfortable with long sightseeing days and some uphill sections, especially at Badami, Sravanabelagola and Hampi. However, pacing is manageable, and ample rest periods are included.

What is the best time of year to undertake this expedition?

October to March is ideal, with pleasant daytime temperatures and minimal rainfall, making outdoor visits comfortable. Summers can be extremely hot in Maharashtra and Karnataka, while the monsoon months may make some sites slippery or difficult to explore safely. Winter offers the most enjoyable experience.

Are photography and videography allowed at all the sites?

Photography is allowed at most monuments, though flash is prohibited inside caves and temples to protect ancient artwork. Some museums and specific sections may charge a small camera fee. Drone usage is generally restricted unless special permission is obtained from relevant authorities.

Is this trip suitable for travellers interested in history but not experts?

Absolutely. The itinerary is designed for anyone with curiosity about India’s cultural heritage. Guides explain the stories, craftsmanship and historical context in an engaging, easy-to-understand way, while the sequence of sites naturally builds knowledge. Enthusiasts and casual learners alike find the journey deeply rewarding.