Emperor & Empires, Fort, Palaces & Temple, North & South India

Day 1: Arrival in Delhi

Upon arrival at Delhi airport, you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, take time to relax and recover from your international journey. Delhi, a city layered with centuries of history, offers a fascinating mix of Mughal heritage and modern urban life. In the evening, you may take a short walk or explore nearby markets for a first glimpse of local culture. The bustling streets, historic ambiance, and vibrant energy make for an exciting introduction to India. Overnight at hotel.

Day 2: Delhi City Tour

After breakfast, begin a full-day guided city tour of Delhi. Start with Old Delhi, visiting Jama Masjid and enjoying a rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk, filled with markets and street food. Continue to Raj Ghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi. In New Delhi, visit India Gate, drive past Rashtrapati Bhavan and Parliament House. Explore Humayun’s Tomb and the towering Qutub Minar. The day offers a deep insight into India’s Mughal, colonial, and modern history. Return to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 3: Delhi – Agra (200 km / 4 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Agra via expressway, enjoying views of rural North India. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and relax. Later, visit the magnificent Taj Mahal, a symbol of eternal love and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Admire its flawless marble symmetry and intricate craftsmanship. Continue to Agra Fort, a UNESCO-listed fortress showcasing Mughal grandeur. Explore its palaces, halls, and courtyards that narrate stories of emperors. Overnight at hotel.

Day 4: Agra – Fatehpur Sikri – Abhaneri – Jaipur (245 km / 5 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Jaipur with en route sightseeing. Visit Fatehpur Sikri, the abandoned Mughal capital featuring Buland Darwaza and royal palaces. Continue to Abhaneri to explore Chand Baori, one of India’s deepest and most photogenic stepwells. Proceed to Jaipur, known as the Pink City, and check in at your hotel. In the evening, explore vibrant bazaars famous for textiles, jewelry, and handicrafts. Experience the colorful culture of Rajasthan. Overnight at hotel.

Day 5: Jaipur City Tour

After breakfast, begin a full-day exploration of Jaipur. Visit Amer Fort and enjoy an elephant or jeep ride to reach the hilltop palace. Explore its courtyards, halls, and intricate mirror work. Stop at Jal Mahal for photographs, located in the middle of a lake. Visit Hawa Mahal, the iconic Palace of Winds. Continue to City Palace and Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory. The day reflects Rajput architecture and royal lifestyle. Overnight at hotel.

Day 6: Jaipur – Hyderabad (Flight)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board your flight to Hyderabad. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and relax. Later, begin exploring the city with a visit to Golconda Fort, known for its impressive acoustics and panoramic views. Visit Charminar, the symbol of Hyderabad, surrounded by bustling bazaars. Experience the cultural blend of Mughal, Persian, and Deccan influences. Overnight at hotel.

Day 7: Hyderabad City Tour

After breakfast, proceed for a full-day city tour of Hyderabad. Visit Chowmahalla Palace, reflecting the grandeur of the Nizams. Explore Salar Jung Museum, home to an extensive collection of global art and artifacts. Visit Qutub Shahi Tombs, showcasing elegant Indo-Persian architecture. Continue to Birla Mandir for panoramic views of the city. In the evening, explore local markets famous for pearls and handicrafts. Overnight at hotel.

Day 8: Hyderabad – Gulbarga (260 km / 5–6 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Gulbarga with an en route visit to Bidar. Explore Bidar Fort, Bahmani Tombs, and Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Sahib. Continue the drive through the Deccan plateau landscapes. Upon arrival in Gulbarga, check in at the hotel. Spend the evening at leisure exploring the local surroundings. This region reflects the rich heritage of Deccan Sultanates. Overnight at hotel.

Day 9: Gulbarga – Bijapur (170 km / 4 hrs)

After breakfast, visit Gulbarga Fort and Jama Masjid. Later, drive to Bijapur, a city known for its Indo-Islamic monuments. Visit Gol Gumbaz, famous for its whispering gallery and massive dome. Explore Ibrahim Rauza and Jumma Masjid. Learn about the Adil Shahi dynasty and its architectural brilliance. Overnight at hotel.

Day 10: Bijapur – Badami (120 km / 3 hrs)

After breakfast, explore Bijapur Fort and Malik-e-Maidan cannon. Drive to Badami, a historic town known for rock-cut cave temples. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. Visit Badami Cave Temples carved into sandstone cliffs. Explore intricate carvings depicting Hindu deities. Enjoy views of Agastya Lake surrounded by temples. Overnight at hotel.

Day 11: Badami Sightseeing

After breakfast, explore Badami and its surroundings. Visit cave temples showcasing Chalukyan architecture. Explore Badami Fort offering panoramic views of the valley. Visit Bhutanatha Temple complex near the lake. Experience the peaceful and historic atmosphere of this ancient town. Learn about early temple architecture evolution. Overnight at hotel.

Day 12: Badami – Gadag – Lakkundi – Hampi (190 km / 5 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Hampi with en route visits to Gadag and Lakkundi. Visit Trikuteshwara Temple and other ancient temples known for detailed carvings. Continue the drive through scenic landscapes of Karnataka. Arrive in Hampi and check in at your hotel. Evening free to explore the surreal boulder-strewn terrain. Overnight at hotel.

Day 13: Hampi Sightseeing

After breakfast, embark on a full-day tour of Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Virupaksha Temple and Vittala Temple famous for its stone chariot and musical pillars. Explore Lotus Mahal, Elephant Stables, Queen’s Bath, and Royal Enclosure. Walk through ancient bazaars and temple complexes. Experience the grandeur of the Vijayanagara Empire. Overnight at hotel.

Day 14: Hampi – Hubli Departure (180 km / 4 hrs)

After breakfast, check out and drive to Hubli airport for your onward journey. Reflect on the incredible journey through India’s empires, architecture, and culture. Depart with unforgettable memories of forts, palaces, and temples across North and South India.

• Assistance on arrival and departure at airports
• 13 Nights accommodation in selected category hotels
• Daily buffet breakfast at all hotels
• Private air-conditioned vehicle for entire tour
• English-speaking local guides for sightseeing
• Monument entrance fees as per itinerary
• All transfers, parking, tolls, and driver allowances
• Bottled drinking water throughout the journey
• Government taxes (GST)

Hotels used or similar for 13 night accommodation

Delhi x 2 nights
3* - Le Meridien/ The Claridges
4* - The Royal Plaza/ Country Inn & Suite Saket
5* - Le Meridien/ The Claridges

Agra x 1 nights
3* - Howard Plaza the Fern/ Atulyaa Taj
4* - Prime Plaza/ Crystal Sarovar Premier
5* - Mansion Grand/ Courtyard by Marriott

Jaipur x 2 nights
3* - Redfox Hotel/ Park Ocean
4* - Fortune Select Metroplitan/ Lemon Tree Premier
5* - ITC Rajputana/ Hilton Jaipur

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 nights
3*/4*/5* - Hotel Heritage Inn

Bijapur  x 1 nights
3*/4*/5* - Sun Hotel/ Hotel Mayura Adilshahi

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

Hospet/ Hampi x 2 nights
3* - Krishna Palace/ Kishkinda Heritage Resort
4* - Heritage Resort/ Malligi Hotel
5* - Hyatt Place/ Hampi Boulders

• Domestic flights (Jaipur–Hyderabad & Hubli onward)
• Lunches and dinners unless specified
• Camera/video charges at monuments
• Personal expenses (tips, laundry, beverages, etc.)
• Optional activities (elephant ride, etc.)
• Travel insurance and visa fees
• Anything not mentioned in inclusions