Deccan & Dravin Temples in South India

Day 1: Welcome to Hyderabad

1. Hyderabad
   Pass by
   Arrive in Hyderabad, a city renowned for its royal heritage, vibrant culture, and remarkable architecture. Upon arrival at the airport, meet your local representative and transfer to your hotel. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing after your journey or exploring the city's lively atmosphere independently. Hyderabad's unique blend of Persian, Islamic, and South Indian influences makes it one of India's most fascinating destinations.

Day 2: Exploring Historic Hyderabad

1. Hyderabad
   9h
   After breakfast, set out to discover the city's most celebrated landmarks. Visit the impressive Golconda Fort, once one of India's richest fortified cities. Continue to the beautifully preserved Qutb Shahi Tombs, where generations of rulers were laid to rest. Later, explore the iconic Charminar and the bustling bazaars that surround it. Visit the historic Mecca Masjid before continuing to the renowned Salar Jung Museum, home to an outstanding collection of global art and antiques. Conclude the day at the elegant Chowmahalla Palace, which reflects the grandeur of the Nizam dynasty.

Day 3: Hyderabad to Gulbarga via Bidar (Drive: Approx. 260 km | 5–6 hrs)

1. Bidar Fort
   3h · Admission ticket included
   Following breakfast, depart Hyderabad and travel into Karnataka. En route, stop at Bidar, a historic city known for its magnificent monuments and medieval heritage. Explore the impressive Bidar Fort, visit the celebrated Mahmud Gawan Madrasa, and admire the Bahmani Tombs.
2. Gulbarga Fort
   2h · Admission ticket included
   Continue to Gulbarga, one of the earliest capitals of the Bahmani Sultanate. Upon arrival, visit Gulbarga Fort and the historic Jama Masjid before checking in at your hotel.

Day 4: Gulbarga to Bijapur (Drive: Approx. 170 km | 4 hrs)

1. Bijapur
   5h
   After breakfast, drive to Bijapur, a city famous for its extraordinary Islamic architecture. Discover the magnificent Gol Gumbaz, one of the largest domed structures in the world. Continue to Ibrahim Rauza, often considered one of the most elegant monuments in the Deccan region. Explore Jama Masjid, Bara Kaman, Mehtar Mahal, and the impressive Malik-e-Maidan Cannon. The city offers a remarkable glimpse into the power and artistic achievements of the Adil Shahi rulers.

Day 5: Bijapur to Badami (Drive: Approx. 120 km | 3 hrs)

1. Badami Fort
   8h · Admission ticket included
   After breakfast, drive to Badami, the former capital of the Early Chalukya Empire. Upon arrival, begin exploring some of South India's most significant archaeological treasures. Visit Aihole, often described as the birthplace of temple architecture in India, followed by Pattadakal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its extraordinary collection of temples. Return to Badami to explore its famous rock-cut cave temples overlooking Agastya Lake, where centuries-old carvings reveal the artistic excellence of the Chalukya period.

Day 6: Badami to Hampi (Drive: Approx. 180 km | 4 hrs)

1. Hampi
   6h
   After breakfast, continue to Hampi, one of India's most spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Once the flourishing capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, Hampi is now an extraordinary landscape of ancient temples, royal structures, and dramatic granite boulders. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. Later, visit the scenic Tungabhadra Dam before enjoying a traditional coracle ride on the river. In the evening, head to Matanga Hill to witness an unforgettable sunset over the ruins and surrounding countryside.

Day 7: Hampi World Heritage Tour

1. Hampi
   8h
   Today is dedicated to discovering the wonders of Hampi. Visit the sacred Virupaksha Temple, the Royal Enclosure, Hazara Rama Temple, Mahanavami Dibba, King's Balance, Lotus Mahal, and Elephant Stables. Continue to the giant Ugra Narasimha statue before visiting the celebrated Vittala Temple Complex, famous for its Stone Chariot and intricately carved pillars. Throughout the day, learn about the rise and fall of one of the greatest empires in Indian history.

Day 8: Hampi – Hubli – Chennai (Drive: Approx. 170 km | 4 hrs)

1. Chennai (Madras)
   Pass by
   After breakfast, transfer to Hubli Airport for your flight to Chennai. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Chennai, located on the Bay of Bengal, is the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu and an important center for classical music, dance, and traditional arts.

Day 9: Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry (Drive: Approx. 160 km | 4–5 hrs)

1. Chennai (Madras)
   3h
   Begin the day with sightseeing in Chennai. Visit Fort St. George, St. Mary's Church, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, and Santhome Basilica.
2. Mahabalipuram
   3h
   Later, travel along the scenic East Coast Road to Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO-listed site known for its ancient stone monuments. Explore the Shore Temple, Five Rathas, Arjuna's Penance, and Krishna's Butter Ball.
3. Pondicherry
   Pass by
   Continue south to Pondicherry, a charming former French colony known for its unique atmosphere and coastal setting.

Day 10: Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram (120kms/ 3hrs approx)

1. Pondicherry
   6h
   After breakfast, spend the day exploring Pondicherry's distinctive blend of French and Indian culture. Visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and stroll through the charming French Quarter, lined with colonial villas and colorful bougainvillea. Walk along the seaside Promenade and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere that makes Pondicherry one of South India's most unique destinations. The city offers a refreshing change of pace and a fascinating cultural contrast to the historic sites visited earlier in the journey.

Day 11: Pondicherry – Chidambaram – Gangaikonda Cholapuram – Thanjavur (Drive: Approx. 180 km | 4–5 hrs)

1. Nataraja Temple - Chidambaram
   1h
   After breakfast, continue deeper into Tamil Nadu's temple heartland. Visit the sacred Nataraja Temple at Chidambaram, one of the most important centers of Shaivite worship in India.
2. Arulmigu Peruvudaiyar Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Continue to Gangaikonda Cholapuram, the former capital of the mighty Chola Empire.
3. 1h · Admission ticket included
   Later, visit the Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram, celebrated for its remarkable stone carvings and UNESCO recognition. Arrive in Thanjavur and transfer to your hotel.

Day 12: Thanjavur – Trichy – Chettinad (Drive: Approx. 140 km | 3–4 hrs)

1. Thanjavur
   3h
   Begin the day with a visit to the magnificent Brihadeeswara Temple, one of India's finest examples of Dravidian architecture.
2. Trichy
   2h
   Continue to Trichy to explore the vast Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple complex at Srirangam and the famous Rockfort Temple.
3. Chettinad
   Pass by
   Later, drive to Chettinad, a region renowned for its distinctive merchant mansions, culinary traditions, and cultural heritage. The area provides a fascinating insight into the lives of the prosperous Chettiar community.

Day 13: Chettinad to Madurai (Drive: Approx. 90 km | 2 hrs)

1. Chettinad
   8h · Admission ticket included
   After breakfast, visit one of the region's grand heritage mansions before departing for Madurai. Known as the Athens of the East, Madurai is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in India. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. In the evening, visit the magnificent Meenakshi Amman Temple, where colorful towers, intricate carvings, and centuries-old traditions create a truly unforgettable experience.

Day 14: Madurai – Hyderabad (Flight)

1. Madurai
   6h
   After breakfast, continue exploring Madurai's rich heritage. Visit the grand Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, followed by excursions to Alagar Kovil and the sacred Murugan temples at Tirupparankundram and Pazhamudircholai. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Hyderabad. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy your final evening in South India.

Day 15: Departure from Hyderabad

1. Hyderabad
   Pass by
   After breakfast, check out from your hotel and transfer to Hyderabad International Airport for your onward flight.

Pickup details

As per your flight schedule, coordinated pickup will be arranged from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD), Hyderabad. A private chauffeur-driven air-conditioned vehicle will be provided for the entire tour. Pickup is also available from all hotels, residences, and other accommodations in Hyderabad. Travelers arriving at the airport will be welcomed and assisted by our office executive. Please provide your hotel or flight details at least 3 days before the tour. Office executive and driver contact details will be shared one day prior to the tour.

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels