South India Heritage Forts, Palaces and Backwater Cruise

Day 1 | Arrive Hyderabad

Upon arrival at Hyderabad Airport, you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, relax and unwind after your journey. Depending on your arrival time, you may explore nearby markets or sample the city's famous Hyderabadi cuisine.Overnight at hotel in Hyderabad.

Day 2 | Hyderabad Sightseeing

After breakfast, enjoy a full-day city tour beginning with the impressive Golconda Fort, famous for its remarkable acoustics and military architecture. Continue to the Qutub Shahi Tombs before visiting the iconic Charminar and the bustling Laad Bazaar. Later, explore the remarkable collections at Salar Jung Museum, drive past Hussain Sagar Lake, and visit Birla Temple for panoramic city views.Overnight at hotel in Hyderabad.

Day 3 | Hyderabad – Bidar – Gulbarga

Drive: Approx. 260 km | 5–6 hrs

After breakfast, drive to Gulbarga with a stop at Bidar Fort, renowned for its impressive Persian-inspired architecture. Continue to the Bahmani Tombs before arriving in Gulbarga. Visit Gulbarga Fort, Jama Masjid, and the revered Khwaja Bande Nawaz Dargah, an important Sufi pilgrimage center.Overnight at hotel in Gulbarga.

Day 4 | Gulbarga – Bijapur

Drive: Approx. 170 km | 4 hrs

After breakfast, continue to Bijapur. Upon arrival, explore the magnificent Gol Gumbaz with its famous whispering gallery. Visit Ibrahim Rauza, Bara Kaman, Malik-e-Maidan, and the Bijapur Fort complex, showcasing the city's extraordinary Islamic architecture.Overnight at hotel in Bijapur.

Day 5 | Bijapur – Badami

Drive: Approx. 120 km | 3 hrs

Following breakfast, drive to the historic town of Badami. Visit the spectacular rock-cut Cave Temples, the historic Badami Fort, and the picturesque Bhutanatha Temples overlooking Agastya Lake. Enjoy the unique landscape of sandstone cliffs and ancient monuments.Overnight at hotel in Badami.

Day 6 | Excursion to Aihole & Pattadakal

Drive: Approx. 50 km round trip

After breakfast, enjoy a full-day excursion to Aihole, regarded as the cradle of Indian temple architecture. Continue to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pattadakal to admire the beautifully sculpted Virupaksha and Mallikarjuna Temples, showcasing a remarkable blend of Dravidian and Nagara architectural styles.Overnight at hotel in Badami.

Day 7 | Badami – Hampi

Drive: Approx. 180 km | 5 hrs

After breakfast, drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi, once the magnificent capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy the unique boulder-strewn landscape. You may also choose an optional coracle ride on the Tungabhadra River.Overnight at hotel in Hampi.

Day 8 | Hampi Sightseeing

Spend the day exploring Hampi's remarkable ruins. Visit the sacred Virupaksha Temple, the famous Vithala Temple with its iconic Stone Chariot and Musical Pillars, Lotus Mahal, Hazara Rama Temple, Royal Enclosure, Ugra Narasimha, King's Balance, and Hemakuta Hill for spectacular sunset views.Overnight at hotel in Hampi.

Day 9 | Hampi – Hubli – Cochin

Drive to Hubli Airport | Flight to Cochin

After breakfast, transfer to Hubli Airport for your flight to Cochin. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.Overnight at hotel in Cochin.

Day 10 | Cochin – Munnar

Drive: Approx. 140 km | 4 hrs

After breakfast, explore Fort Kochi, St. Francis Church, the Jewish Synagogue, and the Dutch Palace. Later, drive through scenic hills and waterfalls to Munnar, famous for its rolling tea plantations and pleasant climate.Overnight at hotel in Munnar.

Day 11 | Munnar Sightseeing

After breakfast, visit Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Continue to Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, the Tea Museum, and Pothamedu Viewpoint while enjoying breathtaking views of lush tea estates and misty hills.Overnight at hotel in Munnar.

Day 12 | Munnar – Thekkady

Drive: Approx. 110 km | 3 hrs

After breakfast, drive to Thekkady. Enjoy a scenic boat safari on Periyar Lake, where you may spot elephants, deer, and a variety of birdlife. Later, visit a spice plantation and, if desired, attend an optional Kathakali dance or Kalaripayattu martial arts performance.Overnight at hotel in Thekkady.

Day 13 | Thekkady – Kumarakom

Drive: Approx. 140 km | 4 hrs

Following breakfast, drive to Kumarakom, one of Kerala's most peaceful backwater destinations. Visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary before spending the evening relaxing beside the tranquil Vembanad Lake.Overnight at hotel in Kumarakom.

Day 14 | Kumarakom – Alleppey Houseboat Cruise

After breakfast, transfer to Alleppey and board your traditional Kerala houseboat. Cruise through the enchanting backwaters, passing coconut groves, paddy fields, villages, and narrow canals. Enjoy freshly prepared meals onboard while witnessing the relaxed rhythm of village life and a beautiful sunset over the waterways.Overnight onboard traditional houseboat.

Day 15 | Alleppey – Cochin Departure

After breakfast onboard, disembark from the houseboat and drive to Cochin Airport for your onward journey. Depending on your flight schedule, you may enjoy some last-minute shopping before departure. Your memorable South India heritage and backwater journey comes to an end.