On arrival at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, where you will stay for the next three nights. Take time to settle in and unwind after your flight.

Regal Hyderabad, capital of Telangana, is among southern India’s grandest cities. For centuries it was shaped by the wealth and patronage of the Nizams, once counted among the world’s richest rulers—an inheritance evident in its majestic monuments and palaces. Highlights include the graceful Charminar, the serene Mecca Masjid, the elegant Chowmahalla Palace, the Qutb Shahi Tombs, and the mighty Golconda Fort.

For an elevated stay, you may wish to upgrade (supplement applies) to the spectacular Taj Falaknuma Palace, completed in 1893—a hilltop masterpiece that reflects the Nizams’ extravagant lifestyle. The palace hotel has hosted visiting royalty (from King George V to Tsar Nicholas II) and today dazzles with priceless art, handcrafted tapestries, Venetian chandeliers and delicate frescos, alongside refined dining and impeccable service.

This evening, ease into the city’s rhythm—perhaps sample authentic Hyderabadi biryani or sip Irani chai in a heritage café—before turning in for a well-earned rest.

Practical note: early check-in is subject to availability and may incur a supplement; upgrade options should be requested at the time of booking.

Meet your guide for a deep dive into the Old City, where minarets, palaces and busy bazaars tell the story of Hyderabad’s rise from a late-16th-century capital to the seat of the Nizams from 1724. Begin at the graceful Charminar, the city’s most recognisable landmark, before stepping into the cavernous Mecca Masjid, one of India’s largest mosques.

Continue to the elegant Chowmahalla Palace, former home of the Nizams, with courtyards, fountains and chandeliered halls that evoke an era of princely splendour. Dive into the lanes of Laad Bazaar (Chudi Bazaar), famous for lacquered bangles, ittars and pearls—perfect for an atmospheric wander and a little browsing.

Round off at the encyclopaedic Salar Jung Museum, whose vast private collection ranges from miniature paintings and jade to European sculpture and rare clocks—an astonishing window into global art and craftsmanship.

Practical note: modest dress is required for mosque visits; remove shoes where requested. Early starts help beat crowds and midday heat.

This morning, travel to the serene necropolis of the Qutb Shahi Tombs, where onion domes, carved stonework and landscaped gardens commemorate the dynasty that preceded the Nizams. Your guide will decode the blend of Persian, Pashtun and Deccani influences visible in these elegant mausoleums.

Continue to the mighty Golconda Fort, a 700-year-old citadel famed for ingenious acoustics, multilevel ramparts and sweeping views over Hyderabad. Climb through gateways and bastions to understand how this hilltop stronghold once guarded the fabled diamond trade of the Deccan.

Time permitting, delve into Hyderabad’s textile traditions with a visit (on request) to Suraiya Hasan’s Weaving Centre, established to revive handloom techniques; meet artisans at their looms and browse fine cottons and ikat. Return to your hotel by late afternoon, with an optional evening for Hyderabadi biryani or a sunset photo stop overlooking the city.

Practical note: carry water and sun protection for Golconda’s stairways; comfortable footwear is essential. Museum and monument closures may apply on certain days—your guide will adjust the order accordingly.

After breakfast, depart Hyderabad and head north-west towards Bidar, a medieval hilltop city famed for its vast fort and Deccani heritage. The drive crosses scrubby plateau and farmland before climbing to Bidar’s red-laterite ramparts.

Explore the atmospheric Bidar Fort complex: palaces with arcaded halls, audience courtyards and shaded harems, together with fine mosques and gardens. Highlights within (time permitting) include photogenic gateways and intricately worked stone and tile details that speak to the fort’s imperial past.

Beyond the fort, Bidar’s old quarters offer further glimpses of its rich legacy—bustling lanes, craft workshops, and historic shrines—before you continue your journey into Karnataka.

By late afternoon arrive in Gulbarga (Kalaburagi) and check in for an overnight stay. This former Bahmani capital retains a distinctive character, with broad streets, old walls and a relaxed, provincial pace that contrasts with the bustle of Hyderabad.

Practical note: today’s route covers roughly 265 kms; allow around 6–7 hours of driving plus sightseeing in Bidar. Comfortable footwear is recommended for uneven fort surfaces; modest dress is advised for mosque areas. Monument opening hours can vary on prayer/holiday days.

This morning, explore Gulbarga (Kalaburagi), beginning at the massive Gulbarga Fort with its ramparts and mosque-lined courtyards. Continue to the revered Khwaja Banda Nawaz Dargah (Hazrat Gesu Nawaz), a major Sufi shrine, before visiting the tombs of the Bahmani sultans at the elegant Haft Gumbaz complex, including the richly decorated mausoleum of Taj-ud-Din Firoz.

After lunch, drive south-west to Bijapur (Vijayapura), a city celebrated for its grand assemblage of Deccani–Islamic monuments. On arrival, check in to your hotel and, time permitting, visit the exquisite 17th-century Ibrahim Rauza—a perfectly proportioned tomb-and-mosque ensemble often called the “Taj Mahal of the Deccan” for its grace and detailing.

As the day cools, enjoy a relaxed orientation of the old quarters or simply unwind at your hotel, ready for deeper exploration tomorrow.

Practical note: today covers roughly 145 kms (about 3–4 hours by road, traffic permitting). Wear comfortable footwear for uneven surfaces; modest dress is required at shrines and mosques (carry a light scarf). Monument schedules can vary on Fridays and festival days.

Begin the day at Gol Gumbaz, the monumental mausoleum of Mohammed Adil Shah, famed for its vast, unsupported dome and the remarkable “whispering gallery” that carries the softest murmur around the rim. Its scale and acoustics make it one of the Deccan’s most extraordinary architectural feats.

Continue by road to Badami, the former Chalukyan capital. Here, 6th–7th century Hindu and Jain cave temples are hewn into a rust-red sandstone cliff that rises above the village and Agastya Lake, creating one of South India’s most dramatic archaeological settings.

Explore the rock-cut sanctuaries with their intricate pillars, ceiling paintings and carvings—panels of Shiva Nataraja, Vishnu Trivikrama and Narasimha, and serene Jain Tirthankaras. The interplay of light and shadow across the sandstone brings the reliefs to life.

Down by the lakeshore, visit the graceful Bhutanatha Temple, whose shrines appear to float above the water when reflections are still. It’s a sublime spot for late-afternoon photography as the cliffs glow copper in the lowering sun.

Later, drive on to Aihole and check into your hotel beside the temple fields. With more than a hundred early medieval shrines scattered across the landscape, Aihole offers an atmospheric base for tomorrow’s explorations.

Practical note: today totals about 110 kms; allow roughly 3–4 hours of driving plus sightseeing. Expect steps and uneven surfaces at caves and temples; wear sturdy footwear and carry water, sun protection and a light scarf for shrine visits.

Begin at nearby Pattadakal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site whose 8th-century temple complex showcases the Chalukyas at their artistic height. Walk the riverside green to admire masterworks such as Virupaksha and Mallikarjuna—temple twins rich with narrative friezes—alongside Papanatha and other shrines that blend northern Nagara and southern Dravida idioms with remarkable harmony.

Return to Aihole, often called the cradle of Indian temple architecture. Scattered across fields and village lanes are 140+ temples that chart an experimental evolution of styles: early Dravida and Nagara forms, later influences like Hoysala, and important Jain and Buddhist monuments. Highlights include the apsidal-plan Durga Temple, the hall-like Lad Khan, the rock-cut Ravana Phadi, and the hilltop Meguti Jain Temple with wide views over the Malaprabha valley.

As the afternoon light warms the sandstone to copper and gold, linger among colonnades and sculpted panels—an open-air gallery where form, ritual and craftsmanship first found their enduring vocabulary.

Practical note: expect steps and uneven surfaces; wear sturdy footwear and carry water, sun protection and a light scarf for shrine visits. Monument tickets and camera fees may be separate at different sites.

After breakfast, leave Aihole and drive south to the boulder-strewn plains of Hampi (approx. 135 kms). On arrival, check in to your hotel for a relaxing three-night stay.

Once the glittering capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, Hampi was among the world’s great trading cities until its fall in the mid-16th century. Today a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its extensive ruins—spreading across more than 4,000 hectares—span riverside ghats, royal enclosures, markets, and soaring temple gopurams set amid surreal granite boulders.

This afternoon is at leisure to unwind or begin your exploration: take a gentle orientation around Virupaksha Temple and the old bazaar street, or head to Hemakuta Hill for broad views of the landscape as it glows at sunset. Time permitting, an atmospheric coracle float on the Tungabhadra River can also be arranged (optional, extra cost).

Practical note: the drive typically takes 3–4 hours depending on road conditions. Expect heat and uneven surfaces at the monuments—wear sturdy footwear, carry water and sun protection. Monument ticketing may vary by zone; your guide will advise the most efficient route for tomorrow’s full-day visits.

Meet your guide for a full-day exploration of Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former capital of the mighty Vijayanagara Empire. Begin in the sacred core around the Virupaksha Temple and old Hampi Bazaar, where shrines, colonnades and market pavilions line the route to the river. Climb the low knolls of Hemakuta Hill for an easy overview of the boulder-strewn landscape and scattered shrines.

Continue to the monolithic icons of Kadalekalu and Sasivekalu Ganesha, then visit the 16th-century Krishna Temple and its market street. Wander through the evocative Achyutaraya Temple and the adjacent Courtesans’ Street, whose long colonnades hint at Hampi’s mercantile wealth.

Make for the riverside Vitthala Temple, famed for its finely carved pillared halls and the iconic Stone Chariot. Your guide will point out the temple’s legendary “musical” pillars and exquisite reliefs depicting processions, dancers and celestial motifs. Time and energy permitting, enjoy a gentle coracle float on the Tungabhadra River (optional, extra cost).

As the day cools, return towards Hemakuta or climb Matanga Hill for a memorable sunset over temples and boulders glowing copper in the evening light.

Practical note: expect uneven paths and steps; wear sturdy footwear and carry water, sun protection and a light scarf for shrines. Shoes must be removed at active temples; photography rules can vary.

Today focuses on the imperial heart of Vijayanagara. Start at the Royal Enclosure with its tiered Mahanavami Dibba (festival platform), ornate Stepped Tank and ancient aqueducts. Nearby, the superbly carved Hazara Rama Temple wraps around cloisters rich with Ramayana panels and royal processions.

Continue to the Underground Shiva Temple, then enter the Zenana Enclosure to admire the delicate arches of the Lotus Mahal, contrasting with the robust domes of the adjacent Elephant Stables and guard barracks. Conclude at the elegant Queen’s Bath, whose inward-looking arcades once framed cool waters and privacy for the court.

If time allows, stop by the Archaeological Museum at Kamalapur for context on sculpture, inscriptions and site layout, or return to a favourite monument for golden-hour photography.

Practical note: distances within Hampi are significant; a mix of walking and short vehicle hops is typical. Carry water and a hat—shade is limited in palace zones. Some areas close on specific weekdays; your guide will adjust the order as needed.

After breakfast, depart Hampi for the long but rewarding drive south to Chikmagalur, trading granite boulderfields for rolling hills and forested ghats. The landscape gradually greens as you approach Karnataka’s coffee heartland, where pepper vines lace up silver oaks and the scent of blossom drifts across the road.

Arrive in Chikmagalur and check into your plantation retreat. Settle in with a welcome coffee and a stroll through the estate: shade-grown arabica and robusta, cardamom patches, and birds flitting between silver oak and jackfruit trees paint a serene plantation tableau.

Chikmagalur sits within easy reach of the Hoysala masterpieces at Belur and Halebidu, former royal capitals famed for soapstone temples draped in lace-like carvings. Their friezes—mythic processions, celestial dancers and epic battles—are among the most intricate in India and form tomorrow’s cultural focus.

The remainder of today is at leisure: unwind by the verandah, take an easy estate walk with the planter, or simply enjoy the cool air rolling off the Baba Budangiri range as dusk settles over the hills.

Practical note: today’s journey covers about 275 kms; allow roughly 6–7 hours depending on traffic and road conditions. Roads can be undulating near the ghats—keep water and light snacks handy, and have a light layer ready for cooler evening temperatures.

Today is devoted to the Hoysala masterpieces at Belur and Halebidu (Halebid), whose soapstone temples are famed for lace-like carving, narrative friezes and star-shaped plans. These sanctuaries, raised between the 12th and 13th centuries, capture the zenith of Hoysala artistry and devotion.

Begin at Belur, the original Hoysala capital, to explore the exquisite Chennakeshava Temple. Admire its stellate (star) platform, lathe-turned pillars and jewel-like brackets featuring celestial dancers, including the celebrated Darpana Sundari (lady with a mirror). Outside, continuous friezes narrate scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, while horizontal bands of elephants, lions and foliage create a rhythmic stone tapestry.

Continue to nearby Halebidu, the later Hoysala capital, to visit the monumental Hoysaleshwara Temple—the largest of its kind. Twin sanctums, richly carved walls and profuse sculpture depict deities, dancers and mythic battles in astonishing detail. Look for the Hoysala emblem and the fluid stone filigree that makes these temples feel almost woven rather than carved. Time permitting, the small on-site museum adds valuable context with inscriptions and sculpture.

Both temple complexes showcase flawless craftsmanship and an unparalleled blend of artistry and architecture. Your guide will help decode iconography and technique—how soft chloritic schist enabled such intricate detailing, and why Hoysala temples remain a pinnacle of South Indian sacred design.

Practical note: modest dress is required at active shrines; shoes must be removed at temple platforms (carry socks for hot stone). Expect steps and uneven surfaces—wear sturdy footwear for walkways. Photography policies may vary inside sanctums; monument tickets and camera fees are payable locally.

After breakfast, continue south from Chikmagalur towards princely Mysore, pausing en route to explore Sravanbelagola, one of Jainism’s most important pilgrimage centres.

Here, the granite hills shelter sacred sites crowned by the colossal Gommateshwara (Bahubali)—among the tallest free-standing monolithic statues of the ancient world. The summit is reached by a steep, stepped ascent, passing small shrines and inscriptions carved into the rock, with wide views over tank, town and countryside.

After your visit, drive on to Mysore and check in for a three-night stay. With its tree-lined boulevards, bustling markets and the opulent Amba Vilas (Mysore Palace), the city provides a graceful base for your explorations of Karnataka’s royal heritage.

Practical note: today covers approximately 200 kms (about 4–5 hours by road, traffic permitting). The Sravanbelagola climb involves a long flight of steps on smooth granite; footwear is typically not permitted on the sacred hill—carry socks for hot rock, water, sun protection and a light scarf. A local doli (palanquin) service may be available for those who prefer not to climb.

Meet your guide to explore elegant Mysore, long-time seat of the Wodeyar maharajas. Begin atop Chamundi Hill at the Chamundeshwari Temple, a revered shrine with a soaring gopuram and sweeping city views. Descend (or drive) to the colossal monolithic Nandi Bull, its stone surface garlanded with flowers and oil—one of Mysore’s most beloved icons.

Return to the city for the opulent Mysore City Palace (Amba Vilas), rebuilt in 1897 by architect Henry Irwin. Inside, discover kaleidoscopic stained glass, ornate inlaid doors, gilded columns and lavish wall paintings that evoke the grandeur of courtly life. Time permitting, continue to the Jaganmohan Palace & Art Gallery or stroll the fragrant lanes of Devaraja Market where flowers, incense, sandalwood and silk create a colourful tableau.

As evening falls, enjoy a gentle city drive; on select days the palace façade is illuminated—thousands of bulbs outlining domes and arches in a spectacular glow (schedule varies).

Practical note: modest dress is required at temples; shoes must be removed where signposted (carry socks for hot floors). Photography rules and camera fees vary at palace galleries.

Venture beyond Mysore to the exquisite Hoysala gem at Somnathpur. The 13th-century Keshava Temple sits on a star-shaped platform, its chloritic schist carved into filigreed friezes, celestial dancers and epic scenes—stonework so intricate it appears almost woven. Your guide will help decode mythology and Hoysala craftsmanship.

Continue to the island fortress of Srirangapatna, pivotal in South Indian history. Explore the riverside Ranganathaswamy Temple, Tipu Sultan’s summer palace Daria Daulat Bagh (with vivid murals), and the domed mausoleum Gumbaz. It was here in 1799 that Tipu’s forces were defeated by an East India Company army that included Arthur Wellesley, later the Duke of Wellington—events that reshaped the region’s fate.

Return to Mysore by late afternoon and unwind at your hotel, or browse for silk and sandalwood keepsakes before dinner.

Practical note: expect a mix of road travel and walking on uneven stone. Temples require modest dress and bare feet on inner platforms; carry water, sun protection and a light scarf. Some monuments close on specific weekdays or during festival hours; your guide will adjust the order accordingly.

Enjoy a final morning in Mysore—perhaps a relaxed stroll through Devaraja Market for flowers and spices, a brief visit to the Rail Museum, or quiet time at your hotel—before departing after lunch for Bangalore.

In the afternoon, drive northeast on the highway towards the state capital. As city skylines rise and traffic thickens, you’ll continue directly to your airport-area hotel, a convenient base for tomorrow’s onward journey.

Settle in and unwind this evening; if time allows, enjoy a simple dinner on-site or a short walk to stretch your legs before an early night.

Practical note: the journey is about 175 kms, typically 3.5–4.5 hours depending on traffic. Keep water and light snacks handy; peak-hour congestion is common on the city approach. Your driver will plan the departure to suit your flight schedule.

After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely morning before preparing for your journey home. Take a final moment to reflect on the highlights of your Deccan odyssey—forts and palaces, sacred hills, intricate temples, coffee estates and royal cities.

At the scheduled time, meet your driver for a private transfer to the airport. Complete departure formalities and proceed to your gate, carrying with you the warmth of southern hospitality and memories of stone-carved masterpieces and sunset-lit landscapes.

Practical note: keep your passport, e-tickets and any departure forms handy; allow ample time for security and check-in. Pack chargers and valuables in your carry-on, and confirm your baggage allowance before departure.