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Historic Caves, Fort Palaces, Temple & Backwater

0/5
Duration

18 Nights / 19 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

Embark on a culturally immersive journey across India’s diverse regions, blending ancient history, royal grandeur, and natural beauty. Begin in Mumbai with colonial landmarks and Elephanta Caves, followed by the awe-inspiring Ajanta & Ellora rock-cut masterpieces in Aurangabad. Explore Hyderabad’s Nizam-era palaces, forts, and vibrant bazaars before continuing through Bidar, Gulbarga, Bijapur, Badami, Aihole, Pattadakal, and Hampi — each echoing centuries of Hindu and Islamic dynasties. The tour concludes in Kerala, where misty tea plantations, exotic wildlife, and tranquil backwaters offer a perfect contrast to the ancient monuments. This private journey offers an unforgettable tapestry of India’s art, culture, and nature.

Highlights

  • UNESCO Heritage Sites of Ajanta, Ellora & Hampi
  • Hyderabad's Forts, Palaces & Museums
  • Chalukyan Temples of Badami, Pattadakal & Aihole
  • Scenic Western Ghats, Tea Plantations & Wildlife
  • Relaxing Houseboat Cruise through Kerala Backwaters

Bulk discount (by Percent)

Bulk discount adult
# Discount group From adult To adult Value
1 Discount on 2-person group 2 2 43.5%
2 Discount on 3-person group 3 3 42.4%
3 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 50.1%
4 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 48.1%
5 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 54.3%
6 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 52.3%
7 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 57.5%

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Mumbai

• Assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel.
• Rest of the day free for personal activities.
• Overnight at hotel.

Day 2: Mumbai City Tour

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Morning excursion to Elephanta Caves (closed Mondays): 7th-century rock-cut temples with intricate sculptures.
• Return boat ride to Gateway of India.
• City tour of Mumbai:
• Gateway of India: Iconic landmark archway.
• Marine Drive: Scenic ocean boulevard.
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya: Major art & history museum.
• Kala Ghoda Art Precinct: Artistic neighborhood with colonial buildings.
• Dhobi Ghat: Famous open-air laundry.
• Overnight at hotel.

Day 3: Mumbai – Aurangabad (Flight)

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Transfer to airport; fly to Aurangabad.
• Arrival transfer and check-in at hotel.
• City tour of Aurangabad:
• Bibi Ka Maqbara: 17th-century mausoleum resembling Taj Mahal.
• Panchakki: Ingenious medieval water mill.
• Aurangabad Caves: Ancient rock-cut Buddhist caves.
• Overnight at hotel.

Day 4: Excursion to Ajanta Caves (210 km round trip)

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Full-day excursion:
• Ajanta Caves (closed Mondays): 2nd-century BC Buddhist rock-cut cave paintings & sculptures.
• Return drive to Aurangabad.
• Overnight at hotel.

Day 5: Aurangabad – Ellora – Hyderabad (Flight)

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Morning sightseeing:
• Ellora Caves (closed Tuesdays): UNESCO-listed caves of Hindu, Jain & Buddhist faiths.
• Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple: One of 12 sacred Shiva shrines.
• Daulatabad Fort: Massive medieval hill fort.
• Transfer to airport; fly to Hyderabad.
• Arrival transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 6: Hyderabad City Tour

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Full-day city tour:
• Golconda Fort: Former diamond trade center and impressive fortress.
• Qutub Shahi Tombs: Domed mausoleums of former rulers.
• Charminar: Landmark mosque with vibrant surrounding bazaars.
• Laad Bazaar: Traditional market famous for bangles and pearls.
• Salar Jung Museum (closed Fridays): India’s finest private art collection.
• Chowmahalla Palace (closed Fridays): Royal residence of the Nizams.
• Birla Mandir: Stunning marble Hindu temple.
• Drive past Hussain Sagar Lake with Buddha statue.
• Overnight at hotel.

Day 7: Hyderabad – Bidar – Gulbarga (260 km)

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Drive to Gulbarga via Bidar:
• Bidar Fort: Imposing fort with Persian architecture.
• Bahmani Tombs: Elegant domed tombs of early rulers.
• Rangeen Mahal: Intricate tile and inlay work palace.
• Narasimha Jhira Cave Temple: Sacred cave temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
• Arrive Gulbarga, check-in and overnight at hotel.

Day 8: Gulbarga – Bijapur (170 km)

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Morning sightseeing of Gulbarga:
• Gulbarga Fort: Massive fortification with large cannons.
• Jama Masjid: Spanish-style great mosque inside fort.
• Sharana Basaveshwara Temple: Elaborate carvings on temple walls.
• Khwaja Bande Nawaz Dargah: Important Sufi shrine.
• Drive to Bijapur. Check-in & overnight at hotel.

Day 9: Bijapur – Badami (120 km)

• Breakfast at hotel.
• City tour of Bijapur:
• Bijapur Fort: Cluster of Islamic-era monuments.
• Gol Gumbaz: Second largest dome in the world.
• Ibrahim Rouza: Ornate tomb with exquisite design.
• Asar Mahal: Former hall of justice.
• Bara Kaman: Incomplete but impressive mausoleum.
• Mehtar Mahal: Beautiful Indo-Islamic gateway.
• Malik-e-Maidan: Giant medieval cannon.
• Drive to Badami. Check-in & overnight at hotel.

Day 10: Badami – Aihole – Pattadakal – Badami

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Full-day excursion:
• Aihole Temples: 125 Chalukyan monuments including Durga Temple.
• Pattadakal Temples: UNESCO-listed architectural marvel.
• Badami Caves: 7th-century rock-cut temples with detailed carvings.
• Badami Fort: Hilltop ruins with ancient shrines.
• Agastya Lake: Picturesque tank surrounded by cliffs.
• Return to hotel for overnight.

Day 11: Badami – Gadag – Lakkundi – Hampi (180 km)

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Drive to Hampi with enroute visits:
• Gadag Trikuteshwara Temple: Temple with triple Shivalingas.
• Lakkundi Temples & Stepwells: Cluster of ornately carved temples and wells.
• Arrive Hampi  Check-in & overnight at hotel.

Day 12: Hampi City Tour

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Full-day tour of UNESCO-listed Hampi:
• Virupaksha Temple: Functioning ancient Shiva temple.
• Vithala Temple: Famed for stone chariot & musical pillars.
• Hazara Rama Temple: Temple with exquisite bas-reliefs.
• Mahanavami Dibba: Royal ceremonial platform.
• King's Balance: Ancient weighing structure.
• Royal Enclosure: Palaces and water pavilions.
• Lotus Mahal: Lotus-shaped pavilion in Zenana enclosure.
• Ugra Narasimha Statue: Monolithic deity sculpture.
• ASI Museum: Preserved artifacts from Vijayanagara Empire.
• Overnight at hotel.

Day 13: Hampi – Hubli – Cochin (Flight)

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Transfer to Hubli airport; fly to Cochin.
• Arrival transfer. Rest of the day at leisure.
• Overnight at hotel.

Day 14: Cochin – Munnar (140 km)

• Breakfast at hotel.
• City tour of Cochin:
• Fort Kochi: Colonial settlement with European influence.
• Chinese Fishing Nets: Unique fishing contraptions from 14th century.
• St. Francis Church: India’s oldest European church.
• Jewish Synagogue: 16th-century synagogue with exquisite interiors.
• Mattancherry Palace: Royal palace with murals and exhibits.
• Evening enjoy Kathakali dance show.
• Drive to Munnar. Check-in & overnight at hotel.

Day 15: Munnar Sightseeing

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Full-day sightseeing:
• Pothamedu Viewpoint: Overlooking tea & spice plantations.
• Mattupetty Dam: Scenic reservoir amidst hills.
• Echo Point: Natural echo phenomenon.
• Rajamala (Eravikulam NP): Home of endangered Nilgiri Tahr.
• Mattupetty Dairy Farm: Indo-Swiss cattle project.
• Tea Museum: Insight into South India’s tea legacy.
• Overnight at hotel.

Day 16: Munnar – Thekkady (110 km)

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Drive via Ramakkalmedu: Windy hill station with panoramic vistas.
• Visit Kuravan & Kurathi Statues: Monumental sculptures.
• Evening enjoy Martial Arts & Kathakali performance.
• Overnight at hotel.

Day 17: Thekkady – Kumarakom (140 km)

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Morning Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary boat safari: Observe elephants, deer, birdlife and scenic forest views.
• Drive to Kumarakom.
• Check-in & overnight at hotel.

Day 18: Kumarakom – Alleppey (Houseboat)

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Transfer to Alleppey jetty; board houseboat cruise.
• Sail through narrow canals, paddy fields & backwaters.
• Witness local village life along Kerala’s famed waterways.
• Evening enjoy sunset from sundeck.
• Lunch, dinner & overnight onboard houseboat.

Day 19: Alleppey – Cochin (60 km)

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Disembark & transfer to Cochin airport for onward journey.

Included/Excluded

  • Assistance on arrival at airport.
  • 18 Nights' accommodation in 5-star hotels.
  • Daily breakfast and meal as per day plan.
  • Private air-conditioned deluxe car for airport transfer, sightseeing and excursion as per program.
  • English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per program.
  • Monuments entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Bottled drinking water in car.
  • Government taxes.
  • Mumbai - Aurangabad - Hyderabad & Hubli - Cochin flight fare approx. INR 15,000 per person in economy class.
  • Camera charges at monuments.
  • Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc.
  • Gratuities & optional activities.
  • Anything not mentioned in inclusions.

Tour's Location

FAQs

What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

We provide accommodation at carefully selected 5-star hotels or the best available quality options in remote regions where luxury properties are limited. Hotels are chosen for their comfort, location, and service standards. In case a specific hotel is unavailable, an equivalent standard property will be offered.

Hotels used or similar for 18 nights accommodation:
5-Star Hotels
Mumbai – 2 Nights: Trident Hotel/ President, Mumbai - IHCL SeleQtions
Aurangabad – 2 Nights: WelcomHotel Rama International/ Vivanta Aurangabad
Hyderabad – 2 Nights: ITC Kakatiya, a Luxury Collection/ Trident Hotel
Gulbarga – 1 Night: Kyriad Hotel Gulbarga by OTHPL/ Mastiff Select (Best Available)
Bijapur – 1 Night: The Fern Residency/ Kyriad Hotel Vijayapura by OTHPL (Best Available)
Badami – 2 Nights: Morpho Banashree Resort/ WADA1 (Best Available)
Hampi – 2 Nights: Evolve Back, Hampi
Cochin – 1 Night: Kochi Marriott Hotel/ Xandari Harbour
Munnar – 2 Nights: Chandys Windy Woods/ Blanket Hotel & Spa
Thekkady – 1 Night: Spice Village/ Hills & Hues
Kumarakom – 1 Night: Coconut Lagoon/ The Zuri
Alleppey – 1 Night: Luxury Houseboat (Full Time AC)

Q: Can I request a specific hotel or upgrade the hotel category?

Yes, we offer flexibility to upgrade hotels to luxury five-star or boutique properties at an additional cost, subject to availability. You can also request specific hotels during the booking process, and we will do our best to accommodate your preference.

Q: Are breakfast and other meals included at the hotels?

Breakfast is generally included with hotel stays unless stated otherwise. Lunch and dinner are optional and can be added to your package upon request. You can also explore local dining during the tour

Q: Will I get confirmation for the exact hotels before my trip?

Yes, once your booking is confirmed, we will share the final list of hotel names and contact details along with your tour confirmation documents.

Q: I’m looking for a more budget-friendly tour. Can you provide prices with standard or 4-star hotels?

Absolutely! We understand that every traveler has different preferences and budgets. If you prefer standard accommodation or 4-star hotel options instead of the default 5-star hotels, we can customize the tour and provide a tailored quote based on your requirements.

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