South India Heritage Forts, Palaces and Backwater Cruise Tour

Day 1: Arrive Hyderabad

Upon arrival at Hyderabad airport, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel for check-in. After a smooth check-in, take time to relax and unwind after your journey. Depending on your arrival time, you may explore nearby markets or enjoy a short walk around the hotel area. Hyderabad, known for its rich history and Nawabi culture, offers a perfect introduction to South India. You may also opt to try authentic Hyderabadi cuisine at a local restaurant in the evening. Overnight at hotel in Hyderabad.

Day 2: Hyderabad Sightseeing

After breakfast at the hotel, begin the city tour of Hyderabad covering its major historical landmarks. Visit Golconda Fort, known for its advanced acoustic system and massive structure, followed by Qutub Shahi Tombs showcasing impressive Indo-Islamic architecture. Continue to Charminar, the iconic symbol of the city, and explore the nearby bustling Laad Bazaar famous for bangles and pearls. Later visit Salar Jung Museum, one of India’s largest museums with an extensive collection of art and antiques. Drive past Hussain Sagar Lake and visit Birla Temple offering panoramic city views. Return to hotel. Overnight at hotel in Hyderabad.

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

After breakfast, drive to Gulbarga enjoying the changing landscapes of the Deccan Plateau. En route visit Bidar Fort, known for its Persian-style architecture and historical significance. Continue to Bahmani Tombs, reflecting the grandeur of the Bahmani Sultanate. Upon arrival in Gulbarga, check in at the hotel. Later visit Gulbarga Fort and Jama Masjid, known for its unique architectural style. Also visit the revered Khwaja Bande Nawaz Dargah, an important Sufi shrine. Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel in Gulbarga.

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

After breakfast, drive to Bijapur, a city known for its Islamic architecture. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and begin sightseeing. Visit Gol Gumbaz, famous for its whispering gallery and massive dome. Continue to Ibrahim Rouza, often compared to the Taj Mahal for its elegance. Explore Bara Kaman and Malik-e-Maidan, one of the largest medieval cannons in the world. Walk through Bijapur Fort complex and admire its architectural brilliance. Evening free to relax. Overnight at hotel in Bijapur.

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

After breakfast, drive to Badami, known for its rock-cut cave temples. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and begin sightseeing. Visit Badami Cave Temples carved into sandstone cliffs, showcasing Hindu and Jain influences. Explore Badami Fort offering panoramic views of the town and Agastya Lake. Visit Bhutanatha Temples located near the lake, known for their scenic beauty. Walk around the peaceful surroundings and enjoy the historical ambiance. Overnight at hotel in Badami.

Day 6: Badami – Aihole – Pattadakal – Badami

After breakfast, take a full-day excursion to Aihole and Pattadakal. Drive to Aihole (35 km / 1 hr), known as the cradle of Indian temple architecture, and explore its numerous ancient temples. Continue to Pattadakal (15 km / 30 min), a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring beautifully carved temples blending Dravidian and Nagara styles. Visit Virupaksha Temple and Mallikarjuna Temple, known for intricate carvings. Return to Badami in the evening and relax at the hotel. Overnight at hotel in Badami.

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

After breakfast, drive to Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. En route enjoy scenic countryside views and small villages. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel. In the evening, visit the local market area and enjoy the unique boulder-strewn landscape. Optional coracle ride experience can be arranged on the Tungabhadra River. Overnight at hotel in Hampi.

Day 8: Hampi Sightseeing

After breakfast, begin a full-day exploration of Hampi. Visit Virupaksha Temple, one of the oldest functioning temples in India. Continue to Vithala Temple Complex, famous for its stone chariot and musical pillars. Explore Lotus Mahal, Hazara Rama Temple, and Royal Enclosures reflecting the grandeur of the empire. Visit Ugra Narasimha statue and King’s Balance. End the day at Hemakuta Hill for a beautiful sunset view. Return to hotel. Overnight at hotel in Hampi.

Day 9: Hampi – Cochin (Flight via Hubli)

After breakfast, transfer to Hubli Airport (approx. 4–5 hrs drive) to board your flight to Cochin. Upon arrival in Cochin, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. Rest of the day is at leisure to relax after your journey. You may explore nearby areas or enjoy local cuisine. Overnight at hotel in Cochin.

Day 10: Cochin – Munnar (140 km / 4 hrs)

After breakfast, begin the city tour of Cochin visiting Fort Kochi, St. Francis Church, Jewish Synagogue, and Dutch Palace. Later drive to Munnar, passing through scenic hills, waterfalls, and tea plantations. On arrival, check in at the hotel and relax amidst the cool climate. Evening free to explore tea gardens. Overnight at hotel in Munnar.

Day 11: Munnar Sightseeing

After breakfast, begin a full-day sightseeing tour of Munnar. Visit Eravikulam National Park to spot Nilgiri Tahr, followed by Mattupetty Dam and Echo Point. Continue to Tea Museum to learn about tea processing. Explore Pothamedu viewpoint offering panoramic views of plantations. Enjoy the serene hill station atmosphere throughout the day. Overnight at hotel in Munnar.

Day 12: Munnar – Thekkady (110 km / 3 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Thekkady, known for Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. En route enjoy scenic views of hills and plantations. On arrival, check in at the hotel. Later enjoy a boat safari on Periyar Lake to spot wildlife like elephants and deer. Visit a spice plantation to learn about Kerala spices. Evening optional cultural show (Kathakali/Kalaripayattu). Overnight at hotel in Thekkady.

Day 13: Thekkady – Kumarakom (140 km / 4 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Kumarakom, a serene backwater destination. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel. Visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, home to migratory birds and lush greenery. Enjoy a relaxing evening by the backwaters watching sunset views. Overnight at hotel in Kumarakom.

Day 14: Kumarakom – Alleppey (Houseboat Cruise)

After breakfast, transfer to Alleppey to board your traditional houseboat. Begin a scenic cruise through Kerala backwaters passing villages, paddy fields, and coconut groves. Enjoy freshly prepared lunch, dinner, and tea on board. Experience local life along canals and witness stunning sunset views. Overnight stay on houseboat.

Day 15: Alleppey – Cochin (60 km / 1.5 hrs)

After breakfast on the houseboat, disembark and drive to Cochin airport for your onward journey. Depending on your flight time, you may explore local markets. Tour concludes with unforgettable memories of South India’s heritage and backwaters.

• Assistance on arrival and departure at airport
• 14 Nights accommodation in selected category hotels
• 1 Night stay in traditional houseboat with all meals (Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast)
• Daily breakfast at hotels
• Private air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers and sightseeing
• English-speaking local guides in each city as per program
• All monument entrance fees as per itinerary
• Boat safari at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
• Backwater cruise experience in Alleppey
• Bottled drinking water in vehicle
• All applicable government taxes

Hotels used or similar for 14 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 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

Cochin x 1 nights
3* - The Dune Hotel/ Abad Plaza
4* - Casino Hotel/ The Avenue Regent
5* - Xandari Harbour/ Le Meridien

Munnar x 2 nights
3* - Fort Munnar/ Abad Copper Castle
4* - Nature Zone Jungle Resort/ Fragrant Nature Munnar
5* - Chandys Windy Woods/ Tea County

Thekkady (Thekkady) x 1 nights
3* - Abad Green Forest/ Hotel Treetop
4* - The Elephant Court/ Cardamom County
5* - Spice village/ Cardamom County

Kumarakom x 1 nights
3* - Abad Whispering Palm/ Cocobay Resort
4* - Eastend Lake Song/ Goldfield Lake Resort
5* - Coconut Lagoon/ The Zuri

Alleppey x 1 night
3* - Deluxe Houseboat (ATDC Houseboat/ Dream Boats)
4* - Premium Houseboat (Abad Premium Houseboats/ Rainbow Premium Houseboats)
5* - Luxury Houseboat (Xandari Riverscapes/ Lakes & Lagoons)

• Domestic flight tickets (Hubli – Cochin approx. INR 5,500 per person)
• International airfare
• Visa fees and travel insurance
• Any camera/video charges at monuments
• Lunches and dinners (except houseboat stay)
• Personal expenses such as laundry, tips, beverages, telephone, etc.
• Optional activities not mentioned in itinerary
• Any increase in taxes or fuel charges
• Anything not specifically mentioned under inclusions