Day 0PRE-TOUR ARRIVAL - Day zero: those wanting an extra night...
... in Goa will arrive today. Convenient flights arrive via Mumbai and Delhi late afternoon and get you to the beach by early evening. You are met at Goa’s international airport and taken to your first hotel, the fabulous Coconut Creek Resort, a boutique hotel just a short walk from Bogmalo beach. Dinner on the beach before a good nights sleep will hopefully put you in good spirits for the start of the tour.
DAY 1A BREAKFAST WELCOME FROM YOUR TEAM - Your journey begins with a leisurely...
... trip to the old city of Panjim, Goas’ capital, followed by an afternoon by the pool an maybe an Ayurvedic treatment. Dinner is on the beach at the fabulous Zeebop by the sea seafood restaurant.
DAY 2WE HEAD DUE EAST TO KARNATAKA - Passing through ...
... some fabulous scenery high in the Western Ghats. We stay at Hornbill Jungle Camp located in the heart of Dandeli nature reserve. We arrive at this stunning location late morning and check into tented and stone cottages on the banks of the river Kali. After lunch we take a boat ride to a nearby island famous for its natural jacuzzi baths. We spend two nights here allowing us time to explore this wild and wonderful setting. Dinner at the hotel, expect fabulous local cuisine.
DAY 3HORNBILL JUNGLE CAMP - Is where we hall up for...
... two nights in total. We explore this astonishing area. Choose from taking a boat ride down the river kali. communing with nature on a guided safari, or perhaps just kick back on your veranda and take in the view. For the more adventurous there is white water rafting, rock climbing and plenty of nature walks.
DAY 4HORNBILL TO BADAMI - An early start today, heading north to the town of Badami...
... famous for its ancient cave temples. Badami is located in a ravine at the foot of a rugged, red sandstone outcrop that surrounds Agastya lake. It is a noted world heritage sight that relatively few travellers make the journey to see. We arrive mid-afternoon in time to visit its 2500 year old cave temples and take a dip in the hotel pool before dinner.
DAY 5HEADING SOUTH TO HAMPI - We wind our way ...
... through the dusty Deccan plateau to the ancient town of Hampi. At the heart of our tour, this is the perfect location to stop still for three nights and take time to explore at leisure. Hampi - with its ruined city and magical boulder-strewn landscape - is one of India's highlights. It was once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire and is a World Heritage Site. Our hotel - Vijayshree Resort and Heritage Village - is conveniently located a couple of kilometers from Hampi main bazaar. It has a pool, spa, acres of grounds, morning yoga and an excellent restaurant. The resort, which has been planned around the philosophy of Pancha Bhoota - the five elements comprising earth, fire, wind, water and sky, will make a perfect platform to explore the rich culture and history of Hampi.
DAY 6 EXPLORE THE RUINS OF THE CITY - Magical Hampi and its fascinating landscapes ...
... have much to offer. Explore by foot or bicycle. Later in the afternoon we take a trip to the other side of the river and visit the Monkey Temple. This ancient temple offers incredible views of the surrounding boulder-strewn landscape and the river Tungabhadra. Wllk through the banana groves for a river-side dinner at Mango Restaurant.
DAY 7 DAY OF LEISURE IN HAMPI - Take your time to explore...
...the ancient town of Hampi and it's beautiful surroundings. Unreal and bewitching, the forlorn ruins of Hampi are dotted around an unearthly landscape. Heaps of giant boulders perch precariously over miles of undulating terrain, their rusty hues offset by jade-green palm groves, banana plantations and paddy fields. This extra day in Hampi allows futher exploration by foot, or bicycle. You may also want to viist the majestic Virupaksha Temple which is located near Hampi Bazaar, a village crammed with budget lodges, shops and restaurants - a great place for a chai and a little retail therapy. Yoga and treatments are available at our hotel. Dinner in Hampi old town.
DAY 8 HEADING BACK WEST TOWARDS THE ARABIAN SEA - Beautiful roads ...
...take us back towards south Goa. En-route we stay over in Hubli at the luxurious Lakeside Hotel where you may wish to indulge in a bit of pampering at the pool and spa.
DAY 9HEAD EAST TO SOUTH GOA - A great journey takes us...
... back to the Arabian Sea. We wend our way through luscious jungle and stunning mountainous roads that hug the south western ghats before taking the coast road north to the secluded Talpona Beach. Here we stay at the Peace Garden. Expect stunning sea views, excellent yoga facilities, deserted palm-fringed beaches, fresh sea food and charming, rustic accommodation.
DAY 10CHILL - Talpona Beach...
... tme to relax on the beach. Rejuvinate yourself with yoga or a treatment at the Peace Garden, or explore the abundance of beautiful beaches in this area - choose from the nearby deserted Turtle Beach or Patnem and Palolem Beach with their relaxed beach bars and colourful markets.
DAY 11TALPONA - Make the most of ...
... your final day in Goa. For those itching to explore further, your tour leader will be on hand to make arrangements. Choose from a day trip to the holy town of Gokarna, a tour of the local spice plantations, a consultation at the nearby ayurvedic clinic or perhaps just relax, sip a fresh juice and take stock of your journey. Your trip ends with a final dinner on the beach.
DAY 12TALPONA TO VASCO DE GAMMA AIRPORT...
... We get you back to Goa’s airport in plenty of time for your return flights home.
