The Deccan Plateau is India for the aficionado – a land of endless tree-lined roads leading to spectacular historical remains.
A microcosm of Indian history, this region is blessed with a mix of influences which this itinerary aims to capture. Your journey starts in Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana state and a city with its own unique identity. Traveling with your guide head into neighbouring Karnataka, visiting palaces, mosques, forts and temple complexes on the way to magnificent Hampi. After exploring the ruins of the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire which once ruled the entirety of southern India, you will continue overland to Mysore via the temple complexes of Belur and Halebid and the Jain pilgrimage site of Sravanbelagola, before flying home from nearby Bangalore. This is a region not yet fully developed for tourism and, consequently, this journey will take you off the beaten track with stays in simpler hotels in towns that see few visitors, but there are also some gems along the way to rest and relax.
Hyderabad – Bidar – Gulbarga – Bijaipur – Aihole – Badami – Pattadakal – Hampi – Chikmagalur – Belur – Halebid – Mysore – Bangalore
Trip Highlights
- The notable remains at Hampi have an amazing array of palaces and temples to explore
- Discover Bijapur, a city home to some of the finest Mughal Islamic architecture in India
- Hyderabad historic sites are a delight with the beautiful Charminar a particular highlight
- Badami’s 6th century Hindu and Jain cave temples have a spectacular cliff-face setting
- Sravanbelagola is a Jain pilgrimage site dominated by the huge Gommateshwara statue
- Visit the palaces, harem and mosques of the fabulous fort that is located in medieval Bidar
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart the UK
Today depart the UK on the non-stop flight to Hyderabad.
Day 2
Arrive Hyderabad
On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel where you will stay for the next three nights. Regal Hyderabad is one of southern India’s grandest cities. Capital of Telangana, for centuries the city and wider region were ruled by a series of Muslim Nizams who were amongst some of the richest men in the world. Hyderabad’s wealth is evident in the city’s numerous majestic monuments which are some of the finest in the country. In Hyderabad you may also wish to upgrade to the spectacular Taj Falaknuma Palace which was completed in 1893 and testament to the extravagant lifestyle of the Nizams. Hosting visiting royalty from King George V to Russian Tsar Nicholas II, this luxury hotel is home to priceless art, handcrafted tapestries, Venetian chandeliers and delicate frescos.
Taj Krishna Hotel
Taj Falaknuma Palace
Day 3-4
Hyderabad
Over the next two days explore Hyderabad with your guide. Founded in 1589 by the fifth Sultan of Golconda, Hyderabad was ruled by a succession of Muslim Nizams from 1724 which many of the city's monuments dating from this period. Highlights include the beautiful Qutb Shahi Tombs, Mecca Masjid Mosque, iconic 17th century Char Minar, Chowmahalla Palace, the 350-year-old Char Minar, bustling Lad Bazaar and the Salar Jung Museum. Travel outside of the city to visit the 700 year old Golconda Fort, one of the most impressive citadels of its kind in India, and, for those interested in textiles and traditional weaving, a visit can be arranged to Suraiya Hasan’s Weaving Centre which was established to revive the region’s textile heritage.
Taj Krishna Hotel
Taj Falaknuma Palace
Day 5
Hyderabad to Gulbarga via Bidar – 265kms
After breakfast leave Hyderabad and drive to Gulbarga stopping on the way in medieval Bidar. Visit the palaces, harem and mosques of the fabulous fort then continue to Gulbarga, also known as Kalaburagi, where you will stay overnight.
- Breakfast
Mastiff Select Gulbarga
Day 6
Gulbarga to Bijapur – 145kms
Gulbarga is known for its fort and this morning visit the citadel, the Khwaja Banda Nawaz Darga, the tombs of the Bahmani sultans including the beautiful Haft Gumbaz, the Hazrat Gesu Nawaz and highly decorated Taj-ud-Din Firuz and the Gurudwara Sri Guru Nanak Sikh temple. Later continue to Bijapur, a town known for its grand collection of Mughal Islamic architecture. Time permitting, end the afternoon at the beautiful 17th century Ibrahim Rauza.
- Breakfast
Kyriad Hotel
Day 7
Bijapur to Aihole via Badami – 110kms
This morning visit the Golgumbaz, a towering mausoleum which has the second largest unsupported dome in the world, then continue by road to Badami. This former Chalukyan capital is best known for its 6th century Hindu and Jain cave temples that occupy a spectacular setting cut into the cliff-face of a sandstone hill that looks over this ancient village. Visit these caves and the Boothanada Temple before ending the day in your hotel next to the ruins of Aihole.
- Breakfast
Wada1
Day 8
Aihole – visit Pattadakal and Aihole
Start your day with a visit to the nearby village of Pattadakal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to an impressive 8th century temple complex. From Pattadakal return to Aihole which is regarded as the birthplace of Indian temple architectural design. Here there are over 140 temples which illustrate a range of differing styles from Hoysala and Dravida to Jain, Buddhist and Nagara.
- Breakfast
Wada1
Day 9
Aihole to Hampi – 135kms
This morning leave Aihole and drive to your hotel close to Hampi where you will stay for three nights. The capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, Hampi grew to be a wealthy and prosperous trading city until it was destroyed in the mid-16th century, leaving behind the extensive ruins that cover over 4,000 hectares. On arrival there is time to relax this afternoon or begin your exploration of Hampi as you prefer.
- Breakfast
Heritage Resort Hampi
Evolve Back Kamalpura Palace
Day 10-11
Hampi
With your guide, over the next two days explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi. As one of the largest Hindu empires to have ever existed, the ruins at Hampi are extensive and, in many cases, exceptionally well preserved. Founded in 1336 AD, evidence of the city's greatness is impossible to miss and an amazing array of palaces and temples survive in excellent condition. Highlights include the Vitthala Temple, Stone Chariot, Lotus Mahal and Queen's Bath but there are also a plethora of other buildings and ruins.
- Breakfast
Heritage Resort Hampi
Evolve Back Kamalpura Palace
Day 12
Hampi to Chikmagalur – 275kms
After breakfast leave from Hampi for the long drive south to Chikmagalur. In the centre of one of India’s main coffee growing areas, Chikmagalur is noted for its proximity to the ancient temples of Belur and Halebid, former capitals of the Hoysala kings.
- Breakfast
Gateway Chikmagalur
Day 13
Chikmagalur – visit Belur and Halebid
Today you will be exploring the temple complexes of Belur and Halebid. Belur was the original seat of power of the Hoysalas with the 800-year-old temples noted for their delicate sculptures and intricate designs. The Hoysala dynasty ultimately moved their capital to nearby Halebid and, although the city was destroyed in the 14th century, many of its structures survive, including the Hoysaleshwara Temple, the largest example of a Hoysala temple. Both sets of temples feature exquisite sculptural designs and flawless craftsmanship.
- Breakfast
Gateway Chikmagalur
Day 14
Chikmagalur to Mysore via Sravanbelagola – 200kms
Continue your journey south to Mysore, stopping to explore Sravanbelagola along the way. One of the most important Jain pilgrimage sites, the hills of Sravanbelagola contain many sacred places, including the Gommateshwara statue, one of the tallest monolithic statues in the ancient world. The summit is reached by a steep stepped climb which passes numerous small shrines and temples. Leave Sravanbelagola and travel on by road to princely Mysore where you will stay for the next three nights.
- Breakfast
Efkays Homestay
Gitanjali Homestay
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Mysore
Day 15-16
Mysore
Spend the next two days with your guide exploring Mysore and the surrounding region. Visit Chamundi Hill, the location of Chamundeswari Temple and the city’s famous Nandi Bull, and the grand City Palace complex. One of Mysore’s highlights, the City Palace was re-built by architect Henry Irwin in 1897 and is known for its wall paintings, stained glass work and inlaid doors. Outside of Mysore visit the exquisite temple complex at Somnathpur and Srirangapatnam where Tipu Sultan’s army was defeated in battle against an East India Company army that included Arthur Wellesley, the future Duke of Wellington.
- Breakfast
Efkays Homestay
Gitanjali Homestay
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Mysore
Day 17
Mysore to Bangalore – 175kms
After a final morning in Mysore, you will be driven to Bangalore in the afternoon to stay in a hotel close to the airport.
Taj Bangalore
The Leela Palace Bengaluru
Day 18
Bangalore to the UK
Today depart Bangalore Airport early on the non-stop flight to the UK.
- Breakfast
Extending your stay...
Incorporate a wildlife element into the holiday by including Nagarhole National Park after Chikmagalur. Established in the 1950s and regarded as the finest reserve in southern India, Nagarhole supports tiger, bison, elephant, leopard and over 250 species of bird.
Kochi is one of southern India’s most interesting towns and from Mysore can be reached by road via Coonoor or Ooty. An ancient mercantile centre since ancient times, Kochi grew wealthy from the trade in spices and today is a picturesque palm-fringed town.
Discover the former Portuguese colony of Goa. Famous for its beautiful beaches, there are also many cultural sites, including the churches of Old Goa and colonial-era Panjim, and a bucolic jungle-clad interior. From Hampi travel overland to Goa with a break overnight in Hubli.
Madurai, location of the spectacular Sri Meenakshi Temple, can be reached by air from Bangalore. A longstanding centre of learning and pilgrimage, join thousands of devotees in the vast temple complex. Fly on to Chennai or continue through temple towns of Tamil Nadu.
Guide to Price
18 days from £3740 - £4100 per person
What's Included
- International flights
- Private car with English speaking driver
- Sightseeing with local English speaking guides
- Hotel accommodation and taxes
What's Not Included
- Cost of visas
- Travel Insurance
- Expenses of a personal nature
from £3740 - £4100
Travel Information
Getting There
British Airways fly direct from London Heathrow to Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad. Virgin Atlantic have daily flights to Delhi and Vistara fly direct to Delhi. Emirates, Oman Air, Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways also have excellent connections via their respected hubs to Kolkata, Kochi, Trivandrum, Kozhikode, Goa, Jaipur and Lucknow and fly from airports all over the UK.
Flying Times From UK
Direct flights from the UK take between 8 and 10 hours depending on the destination. Flights with stops en-route take between 12 and 14 hours.
Time Zone
India is +5½ hours ahead of GMT.
Visa Requirements
Holders of British Citizen passports are able to apply for an e-Tourist Visa (eTV). There are three different eTVs - a one month eTV (valid for 30 days), a one year eTV (valid for 365 days) and a five year eTV (valid for 5 years). Applications for the one month eTV can only be made within 30 days of travel to India. Applications for the one year eTV and five year eTV can only be made within 120 days of travel to India.
Please note that the very latest an Indian eTV application can be made is 4 days prior to travel to India. The eTV becomes active from the date of entry into India. It is not valid for Protected or Restricted areas.
All international passengers arriving in India are required to complete an e-Arrival Card up to 72 hours prior to arrival India. This applies to all nationalities and must be submitted online via the official portal https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival
Do’s & Don’ts
Smoking and drinking in public places is prohibited in India – with smoking this includes public areas in hotels, restaurants and bars.
E-cigarettes and related products are banned in India. You will be unable to buy e-cigarettes or bring them into the country.
Always ask permission before entering a temple and remember to remove your shoes and any leather objects such as bags, belts or wallets. It is fine to wear socks.
When in a Buddhist temple you should always walk in a clockwise direction with the main building to your right.
Modest, loose-fitting clothing is preferable and is essential when visiting religious places. When visiting a Sikh Gurudwara the head needs to be covered.
Permission should always be asked before taking a person’s picture.
When eating, only the right hand should be used. Indian culture considers the left hand to be unclean.
Money
The currency of India is the Indian Rupee (INR) and comes in notes and coins. Exchanging money is easy and can be done at international airports, most hotels or banks and it is always a good idea to ask for some small denomination Rupee notes. ATMs are now common and reliable in all main cities and credit cards are widely accepted by most hotels, shops and restaurants. In rural areas or wildlife reserves ATMs and money exchange facilities are limited so having cash is essential.
Please note that there are restrictions on bringing Indian rupees into India. Visitors, including tourists, are not permitted to bring any amount of Indian currency into the country. Pounds sterling and other foreign currencies are allowed to be brought into India. For more information please visit the FCO’s Foreign Travel Advice for India.
Tipping
This is left to your discretion, however, tipping for good service in India is part of everyday life. In restaurants and for room service a 10% tip is appreciated and at smaller hotels and homestays a communal ‘tip box’ is common.
For drivers and guides, hotel staff and at national parks, the following amounts should act as a guideline. Please note that these figures are based on two people travelling together:
Tour driver: INR1000 to INR1200 per day (not per person)
Tour guide: INR1000 to INR1200 per day (not per person)
Naturalist (national parks): INR1000 to INR1200 per day (not per person)
Jeep Driver (national parks): INR 500 per day & per safari (not per person)
Hotels (communal tip for all staff): INR 1000 to INR 1500 per day (not per person)
Food & Drink
India is known the world over for its food and especially its vegetarian cuisine. Spice plays an important role in dishes throughout the country as do breads, rice, pickles and chutneys. Although nearly every region has its own speciality, there is a divide between the cuisine of northern India and southern India – the north with its meat dishes influenced by the Mughals and the lighter, fruitier, coconut based dishes of the south. Desserts are common in India with kulfi ice cream and gulab jamun two of the best known and most popular. Nearly all tend to be very sweet, milk based or fried.
The most common drink in India is chai tea which can be bought on nearly every street corner. The yoghurt drink lassi – whether sweet, salty or fruity – is also easy to find. The popularity of coffee has spread from the south whilst Indian beer is well-respected. There is also a fledgling wine industry centred on Nashik in Maharashtra.
Accommodation
There is a huge breadth of accommodation in India with styles varying across the country. India is famed for its heritage properties, the majority of which tend to be found in the north of India. These come in all shapes and sizes from beautifully restored buildings and luxury palaces operated by distinguished hotel groups to small privately owned forts and ancestral homes.
Homestays are also very popular and found throughout the country. Whether a grand and luxurious family residence, heritage property or simple abode, they offer a high level of service and a unique glimpse into everyday Indian life. Please let us know if you would like to include a homestay into your itinerary. In more remote regions, hotels are likely to be clean and simple whilst wildlife accommodation is generally either in jungle lodges or comfortable tented camps. For those looking to relax there are many excellent beachside hotels and an increasing number of retreats specialising in both Ayurveda and yoga.
Shopping
With wholesale markets and bazaars, innumerable shops and stores, India is a shopper’s paradise. The country is best known for carpets and dhurries with Rajasthan, Kashmir and Leh best for these. There is also a bewildering range of clothing, fabric and leatherwear found not only in the smallest of villages but also the largest cities. Gems, silver and jewellery (valuable or costume) are popular throughout the country but especially in Jaipur and Hyderabad whilst Kochi is noted for its antiques. Spices can be bought all over India but purchased straight from plantations in the south. Darjeeling, Assam and the Western Ghats in south India are all known for tea.
Suggested Reading
For India travel advice, Footprint, Rough Guides, Lonely Planet and Bradt have excellent guide books whilst Nelles Maps have comprehensive and up to date maps of the Indian subcontinent. There is also a wide range of literature including from famed authors such as RK Narayan, Vikram Seth, Paul Scott, VS Naipaul, Arundhati Roy and Salman Rushdie. Vivek Shanbhag's more recently translated book 'Ghachar Ghochar' also comes highly recommended. Other good books on India include:
‘India: A History’ by John Keay
‘The Great Arc’ by John Keay
‘No Full Stops in India’ by Mark Tully
‘India in Slow Motion’ by Mark Tully and Gillian Wright
‘City of Djinns’ by William Dalrymple
‘White Mughals’ by William Dalrymple
‘Chasing the Monsoon’ by Alexander Frater
‘The Tears of the Rajas’ by Ferdinand Mount
‘Plain Tales from the Raj’ by Charles Allen
‘Mughal Architecture and Gardens’ by George Michell
'Tea, Love and War: Searching for English Roots in Assam' by David Mitchell
Health
Your doctor is the best person to advise you on staying healthy whilst abroad but current recommended vaccinations are Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus and Diphtheria. Yellow Fever is compulsory, but only if you have visited an affected Yellow Fever area within 5 days prior to your arrival. In some instances anti-malarial tablets may also be needed. For current information on health advice you may wish to visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) website Travel Health Pro on https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/. The Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad (MASTA) website (www.masta.org) is also a useful resource.
Travel Advice
For current information on India the best resource is the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice) which is a comprehensive resource and updated regularly. We would also recommend visiting the Safer Tourism Foundation website (safertourism.org.uk) before you travel and will be happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.
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Our Reviews
What our clients say
All in all a super special holiday
MR & RR - India - March 2024
All in all a super special holiday. Thanks so much for helping to put it together. The guides and drivers are always so important and they were excellent and kind throughout. Assam and Nagaland are so different from mainland India...a very relaxed vibe in beautiful surroundings. We would happily return.
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