Diamonds & Dynasties of Southern India
Package price On Request
Product Code : AGORA51
Embark on a captivating 14-day journey through the cultural and historical treasures of Southern India with the Diamonds & Dynasties of Southern India tour. Starting in Hyderabad, explore iconic landmarks such as the Charminar and Golconda Fort, before venturing to Bidar and Gulbarga to discover their rich heritage. Continue your adventure through Bijapur, Badami, and Hampi, where UNESCO World Heritage Sites and stunning temples await. Enjoy the vibrant beaches and nightlife of Goa, with visits to the Basilica of Bom Jesus and Fort Aguada. Conclude your trip in Mumbai, where you’ll explore famous sites like the Gateway of India and Elephanta Caves. This tour promises an unforgettable experience filled with historical insights, architectural wonders, and the vibrant cultures of Southern India.
Day 1: Arrive in Hyderabad
Arrive at Hyderabad airport and meet your guide. Transfer to your hotel and check-in. Rest of the day at leisure to explore the city on your own or relax after your journey.
Day 2: Hyderabad
Breakfast at the hotel. Golconda Fort – A majestic 13th-century fort with a rich history, featuring impressive ruins, palaces, and gardens, as well as a unique acoustic system that allows whispers to travel long distances. Qutb Shahi Tombs – A serene complex of tombs and mosques dedicated to the Qutb Shahi dynasty, showcasing a unique blend of Persian, Pashtun, and Hindu architectural styles. Charminar – A stunning 16th-century mosque and monument, the Charminar is a symbol of Hyderabad known for its four grand arches and intricate stucco work. Laad Bazaar – Located near Charminar, this historic market is famous for traditional bangles, pearls, and local handicrafts. Chowmahalla Palace – The former royal palace of the Nizams, showcasing exquisite Mughal and Persian architecture, ornate chandeliers, and beautiful courtyards. Salar Jung Museum – Houses one of the largest collections of art and artifacts in the world, including sculptures, textiles, and manuscripts, spanning multiple cultures and eras. Paigah Tombs – Exquisite mausoleums known for intricate stucco work and ornate floral carvings, honoring the Paigah noble family who served the Nizams. Drive pass Hussain Sagar Lake – A picturesque man-made lake with a colossal Buddha statue, perfect for a relaxing evening cruise.
Day 3: Hyderabad - Bidar - Gulbarga (260km)
Breakfast at the hotel.Drive to Gulbarga via Bidar (approx. 5 hours). Bidar Fort – An impressive fort known for its massive walls and historical significance, featuring beautiful architecture and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Bahmani Tombs – A group of impressive mausoleums built for the Bahmani rulers, showcasing Indo-Islamic architecture and intricate carvings. Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Sahib – A significant Sikh pilgrimage site, known for its serene ambiance and beautiful architecture. Check-in to your hotel in Gulbarga and relax. Khwaja Bande Nawaz Dargah – A revered Sufi shrine that attracts thousands of devotees, known for its serene atmosphere and exquisite Indo Saracenic architecture. Sharana Basaveshwara Temple – A beautifully carved temple dedicated to the Hindu saint Basavanna, featuring intricate designs and peaceful surroundings. Gulbarga Fort – An impressive fort with massive walls and unique architecture that showcases the city’s historical significance.
Day 4: Gulbarga - Bijapur (152km)
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Bijapur (approx. 3 hours). Check-in to your hotel and relax. Gol Gumbaz – A monumental mausoleum with one of the largest domes in the world; the Whispering Gallery within allows sounds to echo dramatically. Ibrahim Rauza – A beautiful tomb complex featuring stunning architecture and a serene garden, often referred to as a precursor to the Taj Mahal. Jumma Masjid – One of the largest mosques in India, characterized by its grand domes, beautiful arches, and intricate calligraphy. Malik-e-Maidan – A massive cannon located in the fort, which is a remarkable example of military architecture.
Day 5: Bijapur - Badami (120km)
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Badami (approx. 2.5 hours). Check-in to your hotel and relax. Badami Caves – A UNESCO World Heritage Site with four rock-cut cave temples showcasing stunning carvings of deities and intricate sculptures that reflect early Indian art. Agastya Lake – A serene lake surrounded by red sandstone cliffs and temples, ideal for a peaceful evening stroll or boat ride. Banashankari Temple – An 8th-century temple known for its beautiful architecture and spiritual significance, dedicated to the goddess Banashankari. Malegitti Shivalaya – An ancient temple perched on a hill, offering panoramic views of Badami and its surroundings.
Day 6: Badami
Breakfast at the hotel. Aihole – An ancient site often referred to as the "Cradle of Indian Temple Architecture," featuring over 100 temples with varying architectural styles from the early Chalukyan period. Pattadakal – A UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning temples that exemplify a fusion of North and South Indian architectural styles, including the magnificent Virupaksha Temple. Agastya Lake – Evening boat ride to enjoy breathtaking views of the setting sun against the backdrop of ancient temples and hills. Archaeological Museum – Explore ancient sculptures, artifacts, and inscriptions that provide insights into the region's rich history.
Day 7: Badami - Hampi (130km)
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Hampi (approx. 3 hours). Check-in to your hotel and relax. Hampi Bazaar – A lively marketplace near the ancient ruins, perfect for souvenir shopping and experiencing local culture. Virupaksha Temple – A stunning 7th-century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, renowned for its intricate carvings, massive towers, and vibrant rituals. Vithala Temple – Famous for its architectural splendor, the temple features musical pillars that resonate when struck and an iconic stone chariot. Hemakuta Hill – Explore ancient temples and enjoy panoramic views of Hampi’s fascinating landscape from this elevated vantage point.
Day 8: Hampi
Breakfast at the hotel.Lotus Mahal – An elegant structure with a unique design resembling a lotus flower; served as a pleasure pavilion for royal women. Hazara Rama Temple – A historical temple adorned with detailed carvings depicting the Ramayana, a visual delight for art lovers. Elephant Stables – A massive structure with eleven domed chambers used to house royal elephants, showcasing Indo-Islamic architectural influence. Queen’s Bath – A lavish bathing complex with ornate arches and a deep pool, surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens. Royal Enclosure – A historical area with remains of palaces, temples, and courtyards that once belonged to the Vijayanagara kings.
Day 9: Hampi - Goa (300km)
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Goa (approx. 6 hours). Check-in to your hotel and relax.Evening – Explore Goa’s vibrant nightlife, visiting popular clubs and beach shacks for a lively experience.
Day 10: Goa
Breakfast at the hotel. Basilica of Bom Jesus – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this basilica is renowned for its Baroque architecture and houses the relics of St. Francis Xavier. Se Cathedral – One of the largest churches in Asia, known for its impressive Golden Bell and Portuguese Manueline architecture. Fort Aguada – A well-preserved 17th-century fort with stunning views of the Arabian Sea, built to protect against invasions. Fountainhas – The Latin Quarter of Panaji, characterized by its colorful Portuguese houses, cobblestone streets, and vibrant art scene, perfect for leisurely walks. Local Markets – Stroll through the vibrant markets for unique souvenirs, spices, and Goan handicrafts. Spice Plantation Tour – Visit a local spice plantation to learn about various spices, enjoy a guided tour, and savor a traditional Goan meal.
Day 11: Goa
Breakfast at the hotel. Day at leisure for beach activities or water sports like snorkeling, jet skiing, and parasailing.
Day 12: Goa - Mumbai (flight)
Breakfast at the hotel. Flight to Mumbai, and check-in to your hotel.Gateway of India – A monumental archway that marks the entrance to Mumbai, offering beautiful views of the waterfront. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus – An iconic railway station and UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its Victorian Gothic architecture. Marine Drive – A picturesque promenade known as the “Queen’s Necklace,” perfect for a relaxing evening stroll along the coastline.
Day 13: Mumbai
Breakfast at the hotel. Elephanta Caves – UNESCO-listed rock-cut caves featuring impressive sculptures dedicated to Lord Shiva, accessible by a scenic ferry ride. Prince of Wales Museum – A museum housing a vast collection of artifacts, artworks, and historical relics representing India’s cultural heritage. Hanging Gardens – Beautiful terraced gardens offering stunning views of the city and the Arabian Sea, perfect for a tranquil afternoon. Crawford Market – A bustling market known for its vibrant atmosphere, fresh produce, and unique shopping opportunities, showcasing local culture and cuisine.
Day 14: Depart Mumbai
Breakfast at the hotel.Check out from the hotel and transfer to the airport for your onward journey.
- Assistance on arrival at the airport.
- 13 Nights' accommodation (if option selected) in selected price category hotels.
- Meal: Breakfast (13)
- Private AC car/van for airport transfers, sightseeing, and excursions as per the program.
- English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per the program
- Monument entrances and activity charges mentioned in the itinerary.
- Bottled drinking water in the car.
- Government taxes.
Hotels used or similar
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 night
3* - Atharva Hotel/ Hotel Heritage Inn
3* / 5* - Citrus Hotel
Bijapur x 1 night
3* - Sun Hotel/ Hotel Mayura Adilshahi
4* - Sun Hotel/ Hotel Mayura Adilshahi
5* - Sun Hotel/ Hotel Mayura Adilshahi
Badami x 2 nights
3* - Rajsangam Hotel/ The Heritage Resort
4* / 5* - Badami Court/ Krishna Heritage
Hospet/Hampi x 2 nights
3* - Krishna Palace/ Kishkinda Heritage Resort
4* - Heritage Resort / Royal Orchid Central Keerti
5* - Hyatt Place/ Hampi Boulders
Goa x 3 nights
3* - Varca Le Palm/ Lambana Resort
4* - Lemon Tree Hotel Candolim/ The Chances Resort & Casino
5* - Zuri Varca Goa White Sand Resort & Casino/ Alila Diwa Goa
Mumbai x 2 nights
3* - Hotel Suba Palace/ BW Hotel Sahil
4* - Sun-N-Sand Hotel/ Fariyas Hotel
5* - Trident Hotel/ ITC Grand Central
- Any flight ticket.
- Camera charges at monuments if any.
- Meals other than mentioned in inclusions.
- Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet, etc.
- Gratuities and optional activities.
- Anything not mentioned in the inclusions.