Gems of South India Tour: Caves, Palaces, Temples & Backwaters

Day 1: Arrival in Mumbai

Upon arrival at Mumbai International Airport, meet our representative and transfer to your hotel. After check-in, relax before taking an optional evening walk along Marine Drive or exploring nearby markets and cafés. Overnight stay in Mumbai.

Day 2: Mumbai Sightseeing

After breakfast, begin exploring Mumbai with the Gateway of India before taking a ferry to the UNESCO-listed Elephanta Caves, famous for their magnificent rock-cut sculptures dedicated to Lord Shiva. Continue to Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Dhobi Ghat, Marine Drive, and Colaba Causeway before returning to your hotel. Overnight stay in Mumbai.

Day 3: Mumbai – Aurangabad (Flight)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Aurangabad. Upon arrival, visit Bibi Ka Maqbara, Panchakki, and the Aurangabad Caves before exploring local markets. Overnight stay in Aurangabad.

Day 4: Ajanta Caves Excursion

Drive: Approx. 200 km (Round Trip) | 5 hrs

After breakfast, enjoy a full-day excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ajanta Caves, renowned for their ancient Buddhist paintings, sculptures, and remarkable rock-cut architecture. Return to Aurangabad in the evening. Overnight stay in Aurangabad.

Day 5: Aurangabad – Hyderabad (Flight)

After breakfast, visit the spectacular UNESCO-listed Ellora Caves, the sacred Grishneshwar Temple, and the historic Daulatabad Fort before transferring to the airport for your flight to Hyderabad. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Overnight stay in Hyderabad.

Day 6: Hyderabad Sightseeing

After breakfast, discover Hyderabad's rich Nizam heritage with visits to Golconda Fort, Qutub Shahi Tombs, Charminar, Laad Bazaar, Salar Jung Museum, Chowmahalla Palace, Hussain Sagar Lake, and Birla Mandir. Overnight stay in Hyderabad.

Day 7: Hyderabad – Gulbarga

Drive: Approx. 230 km | 5 hrs

After breakfast, drive across the Deccan Plateau towards Gulbarga. En route, visit the magnificent Bidar Fort and the Bahmani Tombs before continuing to Gulbarga. Check into your hotel and relax. Overnight stay in Gulbarga.

Day 8: Gulbarga – Bijapur

Drive: Approx. 170 km | 4 hrs

After breakfast, visit Gulbarga Fort and Jama Masjid before driving to Bijapur. Explore Gol Gumbaz, Ibrahim Rauza, and Bara Kaman, showcasing the architectural brilliance of the Adil Shahi dynasty. Overnight stay in Bijapur.

Day 9: Bijapur – Badami

Drive: Approx. 120 km | 3 hrs

After breakfast, continue sightseeing in Bijapur with visits to Malik-e-Maidan and Mehtar Mahal before driving to Badami. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Badami.

Day 10: Badami – Aihole – Pattadakal – Badami

After breakfast, enjoy a full-day excursion to Aihole and the UNESCO-listed Pattadakal, celebrated as masterpieces of early Chalukyan temple architecture. Return to Badami to explore the magnificent Cave Temples, Agastya Lake, and Badami Fort before returning to your hotel. Overnight stay in Badami.

Day 11: Badami – Hampi

Drive: Approx. 180 km | 5 hrs

After breakfast, drive to Hampi via Gadag and Lakkundi, visiting ancient temples and historic stepwells along the way. Arrive in Hampi and check into your hotel surrounded by dramatic boulder landscapes. Overnight stay in Hampi.

Day 12: Hampi Sightseeing

After breakfast, explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi. Visit Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple with its famous Stone Chariot, Lotus Mahal, Royal Enclosure, ancient bazaars, and magnificent ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire. Overnight stay in Hampi.

Day 13: Hampi – Hubli – Cochin (Flight)

After breakfast, drive to Hubli Airport for your flight to Cochin. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and spend the evening exploring the charming Fort Kochi area if time permits. Overnight stay in Cochin.

Day 14: Cochin – Munnar

Drive: Approx. 140 km | 4–5 hrs

After breakfast, visit Fort Kochi, the Chinese Fishing Nets, and the Dutch Palace before driving through waterfalls, spice plantations, and tea gardens to Munnar. Check into your hotel and relax amidst the cool mountain climate. Overnight stay in Munnar.

Day 15: Munnar Sightseeing

After breakfast, explore Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, the Tea Museum, and panoramic viewpoints overlooking Munnar's lush tea plantations before returning to your hotel. Overnight stay in Munnar.

Day 16: Munnar – Thekkady

Drive: Approx. 110 km | 3–4 hrs

After breakfast, drive to Thekkady via the scenic Ramakkalmedu Viewpoint. Visit a spice plantation and local markets before enjoying an evening cultural performance featuring Kathakali or Kalaripayattu. Overnight stay in Thekkady.

Day 17: Thekkady – Kumarakom

Drive: Approx. 140 km | 4 hrs

After breakfast, enjoy a boat safari in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary before driving to Kumarakom. Check into your lakeside resort overlooking Vembanad Lake and spend the evening relaxing amidst Kerala's tranquil backwaters. Overnight stay in Kumarakom.

Day 18: Kumarakom – Alleppey Houseboat

After breakfast, transfer to Alleppey to board a traditional Kerala houseboat. Cruise through peaceful backwaters lined with coconut groves, paddy fields, and charming villages while enjoying freshly prepared meals onboard. Witness a magical sunset before your overnight stay aboard the houseboat.

Day 19: Alleppey – Cochin Departure

Drive: Approx. 60 km | 1.5 hrs

After breakfast onboard, disembark from the houseboat and drive to Cochin International Airport for your onward journey, concluding an unforgettable exploration of South India's extraordinary heritage and natural beauty.