Deccan & Dravin Architectural Wonder in Stone

Day 1: Arrive in Hyderabad

Upon arrival at Hyderabad airport, meet your representative and transfer to your hotel. After check-in, take time to relax and recover from your journey while enjoying the comfort of your hotel. You may take a short walk around the nearby markets to experience the vibrant atmosphere of the city. Hyderabad, known as the “City of Pearls,” offers a perfect introduction to South India’s cultural richness. Enjoy the evening at leisure, soaking in the local flavors and ambiance. Overnight at hotel in Hyderabad.

Day 2: Hyderabad City Tour

After breakfast at the hotel, begin the city tour of Hyderabad exploring its iconic landmarks. Visit Golconda Fort, famous for its acoustic design and historical significance. Continue to Charminar, surrounded by bustling bazaars and local markets. Explore Chowmahalla Palace and the renowned Salar Jung Museum showcasing rare artifacts. Drive past Hussain Sagar Lake and admire the scenic surroundings. Return to your hotel after a full day of sightseeing. Overnight at hotel in Hyderabad.

Day 3: Hyderabad – Gulbarga (260 km / 5–6 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Gulbarga with an en route visit to Bidar Fort and Bahmani Tombs. Enjoy the scenic drive through Deccan landscapes while learning about the region’s historical importance. Continue your journey to Gulbarga and check in at your hotel. Later, visit Gulbarga Fort and Jama Masjid, reflecting Indo-Islamic architecture. Spend the evening at leisure exploring the local surroundings. Overnight at hotel in Gulbarga.

Day 4: Gulbarga – Bijapur (170 km / 4 hrs)

After breakfast, begin your day exploring Gulbarga’s historic sites before driving to Bijapur. Upon arrival, begin the city tour with a visit to Gol Gumbaz, known for its whispering gallery. Continue to Ibrahim Rauza and Jama Masjid, showcasing remarkable architecture. Explore other monuments reflecting the glory of the Adil Shahi dynasty. Check in at your hotel and relax in the evening. Overnight at hotel in Bijapur.

Day 5: Bijapur – Badami (120 km / 3 hrs)

After breakfast, explore Bijapur Fort and nearby monuments before driving to Badami. Enjoy the scenic countryside as you travel through Karnataka’s historical landscapes. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and relax briefly. Later, visit Badami Cave Temples and Agastya Lake, known for their stunning rock-cut architecture. Experience the cultural and architectural brilliance of the Chalukya dynasty. Overnight at hotel in Badami.

Day 6: Badami – Aihole – Pattadakal – Badami

After breakfast, embark on an excursion to Aihole and Pattadakal. Explore ancient temples that mark the evolution of Indian temple architecture. Learn about Chalukyan craftsmanship and admire intricate carvings. Enjoy the serene rural surroundings during your visit. Return to Badami and relax at your hotel after a culturally enriching day. Overnight at hotel in Badami.

Day 7: Badami – Hampi (180 km / 5 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Hampi via Gadag and Lakkundi. En route, visit ancient temples and stepwells showcasing medieval architecture. Continue the scenic drive through rural Karnataka landscapes. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and relax. Enjoy the evening at leisure exploring the historic surroundings. Overnight at hotel in Hampi.

Day 8: Hampi Sightseeing

After breakfast, begin a full-day city tour of Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Virupaksha Temple and Vithala Temple Complex with its iconic stone chariot. Explore Lotus Mahal, Royal Enclosures, and ancient bazaars. Learn about the grandeur of the Vijayanagara Empire through its magnificent ruins. Return to your hotel after an insightful day. Overnight at hotel in Hampi.

Day 9: Hampi – Hubli – Chennai (Flight)

After breakfast, drive to Hubli airport (170 km / approx. 4 hrs) to board your flight to Chennai. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in. Begin a brief city tour visiting Marina Beach and Kapaleeshwarar Temple. Experience the cultural blend of modern and traditional Chennai. Spend the evening at leisure or explore local markets. Overnight at hotel in Chennai.

Day 10: Chennai – Mahabalipuram (120 km / 3 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Mahabalipuram via Kanchipuram. En route, visit ancient temples and explore silk weaving traditions. Continue to Mahabalipuram and check in at your hotel. Later, visit UNESCO-listed monuments including Shore Temple and Arjuna’s Penance. Enjoy the coastal ambiance and scenic surroundings. Overnight at hotel in Mahabalipuram.

Day 11: Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry (100 km / 3 hrs)

After breakfast, further explore Mahabalipuram’s rock-cut temples and monuments. Later, drive to Pondicherry. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and relax. Explore the French Quarter, Promenade Beach, and Auroville. Experience the unique blend of French and Indian culture. Overnight at hotel in Pondicherry.

Day 12: Pondicherry – Thanjavur (175 km / 4 hrs)

After breakfast, visit Aurobindo Ashram and enjoy a peaceful morning. Drive to Thanjavur, known for its rich cultural heritage. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore local art and architecture. Overnight at hotel in Thanjavur.

Day 13: Thanjavur – Chettinad (100 km / 2.5 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Chettinad visiting Chidambaram Temple en route. Explore traditional mansions and heritage homes in Chettinad. Learn about local culture, architecture, and cuisine. Enjoy a relaxed exploration of the region. Check in at your hotel. Overnight at hotel in Chettinad.

Day 14: Chettinad – Madurai (90 km / 2 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Madurai. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. Visit Meenakshi Temple and explore local markets. Experience the vibrant culture and spirituality of the city. Evening free for leisure. Overnight at hotel in Madurai.

Day 15: Madurai – Rameshwaram (170 km / 4 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Rameshwaram. Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple and explore Agni Theertham. Enjoy views of Pamban Bridge and Dhanushkodi. Experience the spiritual significance of this sacred town. Check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel in Rameshwaram.

Day 16: Rameshwaram – Kanyakumari (310 km / 6–7 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Kanyakumari. Enjoy scenic coastal views during the journey. Visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Kumari Amman Temple. Witness spectacular sunset views over the ocean. Check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel in Kanyakumari.

Day 17: Kanyakumari – Kovalam (85 km / 2 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Kovalam. Check in at your beach resort and relax. Enjoy leisure time by the beach and soak in the tranquil surroundings. Explore local markets or unwind at the resort. Evening free for relaxation. Overnight at hotel in Kovalam.

Day 18: Kovalam & Trivandrum Sightseeing

After breakfast, begin a city tour of Trivandrum visiting Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Napier Museum, and Kuthira Malika Palace. Drive along scenic coastal roads and enjoy panoramic views. Return to Kovalam and relax on the beach. Optional Ayurvedic treatments available. Overnight at hotel in Kovalam.

Day 19: Kovalam Leisure Day

After breakfast, enjoy a full day at leisure. Relax on Kovalam’s golden beaches or indulge in Ayurvedic therapies and wellness treatments. Explore nearby villages or enjoy water activities. Spend the day unwinding in a serene environment. Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel in Kovalam.

Day 20: Kovalam – Trivandrum Departure (15 km / 30 min)

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and drive to Trivandrum airport. Reflect on your journey through South India’s architectural wonders and cultural treasures. Transfer to airport for onward flight. Tour ends with unforgettable memories.

• Assistance on arrival and departure
• 19 Nights accommodation in selected hotels
• Daily breakfast at hotels
• Private AC vehicle throughout the tour
• English speaking local guides
• Monument entrance fees
• Bottled water in vehicle
• Government taxes

Hotels used or similar for 19 night accommodation

Hyderabad x 2 nights
3* - Aditya Park/ Lemon Tree Hotel
4* - Lemon Tree Hotel/ Fortune Park Vallabha
5* - ITC Kakatiya, a Luxury Collection/ Trident Hotel

Gulbarga x 1 night
3* - Atharva Hotel/ Hotel Heritage Inn
3* / 5* - Citrus Hotel 

Bijapur x 1 night
3*/4*/5* -  - The Fern Residency/ Sun Hotel

Badami x 2 nights
3* - Rajsangam Hotel/ The Heritage Resort
4* / 5* - Badami Court/ Krishna Heritage

Hampi x 2 nights
3* - Krishna Palace/ Kishkinda Heritage Resort
4* - Heritage Resort / Royal Orchid Central Keerti
5* - Hyatt Place/ Hampi Boulders

Chennai x 1 night
3* - Raj Park/ MGM East Woods
4* - The  Raintree/ Accord Metropolitan
5* - ITC Grand Chola/ The Leela Palace

Mahabalipuram x 1 night
3* - INDeco Hotels/ Mamalla Beach Resort
4* - Ideal Beach Resort/ Confluence The Banquet & Resort
5* - Radisson BLU Resort Temple Bay/ Fisherman's Cove

Pondicherry x 1 night
3* - Shenbaga Hotel/ Annamalai International
4* - Le Pondy/ The Windflower Resort & Spa
5* - Palais De Mahe/ La Villa

Thajore x 1 night
3* - Grand Gardenia/ Oriental Towers 
4* - Sangam Hotels/ Ideal River View Resort
5* - Svatma

Chettinad x 1 night 
3* & 4*- Chidambara Vilas/ Chettinadu Mansion
5* - Visalam Cgh Earth

Madurai x 1 night
3* - Astoria by Sparsa/ Madurai’s Residency
4* - GRT Regency/ Fortune Pandiyan Hotel
5* - Heritage Madurai/ The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai

Rameshwaram x 1 night 
3* & 4*- Daiwik Hotel
5* - Hyatt Place Rameswaram

Kanyakumari x 1 night
3* - Sea Shore/ Hotel Seaface
4* & 5* - Anantya Resorts/ Annai Resorts and Spa

Kovalam x 3 nights
3* - Harmonia Beach Resort/ Sagara Beach Resort
4* - Estuary Island Resort/ Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel
5* - Vivanta by Taj - Green Cove/ The Leela Kovalam Beach

• Domestic flight (Hubli – Chennai)
• International flights
• Visa & insurance
• Lunch & dinner unless specified
• Personal expenses
• Tips & optional activities