Mumbai, Hampi & Badami UNESCO Sites

Arrive in Mumbai. On landing at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, we’ll greet you and arrange a smooth transfer to your hotel. Rooms are available from 2 pm – early check in is subject to availability on arrival. You can spend the rest of the day relaxing and unwinding after your journey, ready for the days ahead. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, we set out on a guided exploration of Mumbai’s highlights. We begin at the Gateway of India, then visit Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (formerly the Prince of Wales Museum) to view its extensive collections. We wander through the Kala Ghoda art precinct before diving into the lively street scene along Colaba Causeway. We admire the Gothic architecture of the University of Mumbai and the Bombay High Court, then see the city’s famed open air laundry at Dhobi Ghat. We continue to Crawford Market, set within a grand colonial building, and explore the historic Fort area, including the Rajabai Clock Tower and St Thomas Cathedral. As the day winds down, we stroll Marine Drive – widely known as the Queen’s Necklace – to take in sweeping views of the Arabian Sea and the skyline at sunset. Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast, we transfer you to the airport for your flight to Hubli, then drive 170 km – around 3 hours – to Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On arrival, we check in and you can take some time to relax. Later, we enjoy a serene boat ride on the Tungabhadra River, soaking up panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. We return to the hotel for a quiet evening. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, we continue exploring Hampi’s architectural highlights. In the afternoon, we visit Virupaksha Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, noting its towering gopuram, intricate carvings and inner sanctums. We walk the ruins of Hampi Bazaar — once a busy trading hub — then discover the Vittala Temple complex, renowned for its stone chariot and musical pillars. We move on to the Royal Enclosure to see the remains of palaces, administrative buildings and military structures, followed by the graceful Lotus Mahal and the impressive Elephant Stables, exemplary of Vijayanagara architecture. At the Hazara Rama Temple we view exquisite bas-reliefs depicting scenes from the Ramayana. Later, we head up Hemakuta Hill for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and ancient ruins at sunset, before returning to the hotel for a relaxing evening and overnight stay.

Hampi to Badami – 140 km – approx. 3 hours. After breakfast, we drive to Badami, a historic town known for its cave temples and ancient architecture. En route and on arrival, we visit Aihole, often called the cradle of Indian architecture, to explore its early temples and sculptures; continue to Pattadakal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its temple architecture; and stop at the Mahakuta group of temples, set amid tranquil surroundings. In Badami, we explore the red sandstone cave temples and the fort overlooking the town. Later, we check in to the hotel and unwind after a full day of discovery. Overnight in Badami.

After breakfast, we leave Badami for Hubli – approximately 100 km, around 2 hours – to connect with our flight to Mumbai. On arrival in Mumbai, we transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for your own activities and relaxation. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, we check out and transfer you to Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport for your onward journey – your Mumbai, Hampi and Badami adventure comes to a close.