Hampi and the Deccan Plateau Tour - South India Heritage Tour  

Arrive in Hyderabad, a city where regal heritage meets modern energy. Settle into your stylish hotel, perfectly placed to explore the historic heart of this former princely state.

Over the next two days, discover the city’s grand landmarks on private guided tours: climb the mighty Golconda Fort, visit the elegant Qutub Shahi tombs, and wander the vibrant Charminar area, famous for its shimmering lac bangles and bustling bazaars. Step into the serene courtyards of Mecca Masjid and the intricate Nizam’s tombs.

Explore the opulent Chowmahalla Palace, once home to the Asaf Jahi dynasty, and admire its Durbar Hall and regal rooms. Round off with a visit to the Salar Jung Museum, known for its remarkable art collection.

Accommodation: Taj Deccan – a first class period hotel, centrally in the heart of Hyderabad’s vibrant Banjara Hills.

Travel to Gulbarga, stopping en route at Bidar in north-eastern Karnataka. Once the capital of the Bahmani kingdom and later the Barid Shahi dynasty, Bidar is rich in Indo-Islamic history, with striking ruins, grand monuments and an atmospheric old walled town.

Accommodation: Kyriad Hotel Gulbarga, a standard grade hotel– comfortable and well-located for an overnight stay

Explore Bijapur’s architectural gems, including the massive Gol Gumbaz—home to the world’s second-largest dome—and the elegant Ibrahim Rauza, known for its intricate Persian-inspired carvings and said to have inspired the Taj Mahal. Discover other highlights like the Sky Palace (Gagan Mahal), Sat Manzil, Jala Manzil, Bara Kaman, and the historic Jama Masjid.

Then journey to Badami, the ancient Chalukyan capital famed for its stunning Hindu and Jain cave temples carved into sandstone cliffs. Dating back to the 6th century, these remarkable rock-cut shrines showcase vivid carvings and intricate temple architecture set against a dramatic cliff-face overlooking the village.

Accommodation: Badami: Krishna Heritage – a simple yet scenic resort located near the historic sites.

Travel to Hampi, stopping at the UNESCO-listed temple towns of Aihole and Pattadakkal to admire early Chalukyan stonework and intricate carvings.

Spend two days exploring Hampi’s vast ruins, once the thriving capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. Discover grand palaces, temples, and iconic sites like the Vitthala Temple, Stone Chariot, Lotus Mahal, and Queen’s Bath.

Experience a sunrise walk up Matanga Hill, and wander the ancient city’s paths—cross the Tungabhadra River by coracle to the ‘Monkey Temple’ viewpoint, or explore hidden cave shrines and sculpted boulders scattered across the landscape.

Accommodation: Heritage Resort Hampi – a resort blending traditional design and modern comfort, ideally located for exploring the ruins.

Travel to Hassan, your tranquil gateway to the remarkable Hoysala temples of Belur and Halebidu. At Belur, be captivated by the delicate, intricate carvings of the Chennakeshava and Veeranrayana Temples—UNESCO-listed masterpieces alive with scenes from mythology and daily life.

Then journey to Halebidu, the ancient Hoysala capital, where the richly sculpted Hoysaleswara Temple stands as a testament to artistry, its walls telling timeless stories carved in stone.

Accommodation: Hoysala Village Resort – a rustic, serene stay with traditional architecture and green surroundings.

Drive to Mysore (Mysuru), a city rich in culture at the foot of Chamundi Hills. En route, stop at Shravanabelagola to see the impressive 10th-century statue of Gommateshwara Bahubali, a key Jain pilgrimage site reached by climbing over 600 steps.

In Mysore, explore the grand Mysore Palace, famed for its Indo-Saracenic architecture, stained glass domes, and ornate halls. Visit Chamundi Hills to see the temple dedicated to the city’s guardian goddess and the towering Nandi Bull statue.

Finish with a stroll through the vibrant Devaraja Market, alive with colourful dyes, exotic fruits, fragrant flowers, and bustling stalls.

Accommodation: Royal Orchid Metropole – a regal heritage hotel with colonial charm, once the residence of Mysore royalty.

The final stop on your journey is Bangalore, South India’s cosmopolitan tech capital.

Accommodation: Taj Bangalore – an upscale airport hotel offering luxury, convenience, and world-class hospitality.

In plenty of time, you’ll be transferred to Bangalore International Airport for your onward flight. As you depart, carry with you vivid memories of the temple bells, royal palaces, ancient ruins, and the enduring spirit of this South India heritage tour.