Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through South India’s heritage, culture, and coastal charm. Begin in vibrant Bangalore, the gateway to the Deccan, before traveling to Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the grand ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire echo with timeless legends. Continue to Goa, where history and leisure blend seamlessly—discover its cultural highlights, explore the serene countryside, and wander through lush spice plantations. From ancient temples to golden shores, this journey weaves together the richness of India’s past with the flavors and beauty of its coastal landscapes.
Trip Duration - 8 Days
Grade - Premium
Accommodation - 7 Nights Hotel Stay
Category - Cultural & Heritage
Upon arrival at Kempegowda International Airport, you will be met and warmly greeted by a Marvel Tours representative, and you will then be comfortably transferred to your hotel in the city for check-in. Bengaluru is one of India’s most progressive and dynamic cities, noted for its pleasant climate, thriving culinary scene, vibrant nightlife, and eclectic blend of the old and the new. Later in the day, set out with your local guide for a curated orientation tour of Bengaluru. Highlights include the regal Bangalore Palace, inspired by England’s Windsor Castle; the historic Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, an important example of Indo-Islamic architecture; the bustling KR Flower Market, noted for its vivid colors and fragrances; and the expansive greenery of Cubbon Park, often enjoyed for peaceful walks. Evening Culinary Tour & Traditional Home Dining Experience. This evening is set aside for an immersive culinary tour, featuring a visit to a local home hosted by a warm and welcoming family. As the saying goes, you learn a lot about someone when you share a meal—and we could not agree more. Step into their kitchen and roll up your sleeves as you join in preparing an authentic three-course regional meal, from mixing batters to greasing pans, guided by traditional recipes passed down through generations. Once the meal is ready, gather around to enjoy the fruits of your labor, served on banana leaves, just as the locals do. This is a delicious and heartfelt way to experience the region’s culinary heritage. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Begin the day with an early breakfast and check out from the hotel. Drive with your private, chauffeur-driven vehicle to Hampi. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel. The magnificent ruins of Hampi dot an unearthly landscape that has captivated travelers for centuries. 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. While it is possible to see this World Heritage Site in a day or two, plan to linger for a while. In the afternoon, visit Vithalapura Temple with a local guide. Later, enjoy a coracle ride on the Tungabhadra River. In the evening, end the day with the sunset experience at Hemakuta Hill. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Visit the ruins with a local guide—Virupaksha Temple, Achyutaraya Temple, Mahanavami Dibba, the Archaeological Museum, Sule Bazaar, the Elephant Stable, the Queen’s Bath, Lotus Mahal, the Zenana Enclosure, Krishna Temple, Lakshmi Narasimha, the Underground Shiva Temple, and Hazara Rama Temple. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.
After breakfast, drive to Goa, the vibrant “Pearl of the East.” Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy some leisure time to relax and settle in. In the evening, head out to witness a stunning sunset over the Arabian Sea, paired with a curated tasting of local wines. Later, enjoy a traditional Goan welcome dinner at a local restaurant, which includes an interactive culinary session with the chef. Optional: After dinner, explore South Goa’s nightlife with a casual bar-hopping
Start your day with a visit to Fontainhas, the charming Latin Quarter of Panjim, followed by a tour of select heritage churches in Old Goa. Next, visit the chef’s residence for an exclusive Goan cooking session, followed by a delightful home-cooked lunch. Conclude the day with a visit to the bustling Mapusa Market, known for its local sausages (chorizo), toddy vinegar, spices, fresh produce, and regional sweets such as bebinca and doce. Return to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Goa.
This morning, explore the fascinating Goa Chitra Museum complex, home to a rich collection of traditional farming and culinary tools across three themed sections. Set off on a scenic countryside drive, passing Rachol Church, the Zuari riverside, lush rice fields (typically harvested before May), and the Curtorim region. Continue to Chandor village (historic Chandrapur) and visit one of Goa’s grand, 400-year-old Portuguese mansions in Loutolim or Chandor, which are still inhabited by local families. In the afternoon, explore a local cashew feni or palm feni distillery and learn about the age-old process of making Goa’s iconic spirits. Return to your hotel and relax for the night. Overnight stay in Goa.
Today, visit a spice plantation for a guided tour through aromatic groves of spices, followed by a delicious organic lunch served on site. After the tour, transfer to the airport for your onward journey to Bangalore. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to an airport hotel for an overnight stay.
You will be transferred to Kempegowda International Airport on schedule for your onward journey.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Gateway to Heritage
Echoes of Empire
Cultural Highlights Await
Countryside and Spices
Golden Shores
Authentic Cooking Session
Flavorsome Culinary Journey