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Deccan Forts & Temples to Kerala Backwaters: An Epic Journey

0/5
Duration

14 Nights / 15 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

Embark on an epic journey through India’s historical and natural wonders with our Deccan Forts & Temples to Kerala Backwaters tour. Explore the grandeur of Hyderabad’s Golconda Fort and the architectural marvels of the Qutub Shahi Tombs, before venturing into the ancient Islamic and Hindu monuments of Gulbarga and Bijapur. Discover the timeless temples of Badami and the sprawling ruins of Hampi, each echoing with tales of bygone eras. Transition from historic fortresses to the serene landscapes of Kerala, where you will enjoy the lush tea estates of Munnar, the vibrant wildlife of Thekkady, and the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey. This tour blends historical exploration with natural beauty, offering a comprehensive glimpse into India’s rich heritage and scenic splendor.

Highlights

  • This is a private tour/activity only for your group.
  • Enhanced cleaning/ traveler safety.
  • In-depth cultural experience.
  • Flexible sightseeing & stopover.
  • Most travelers can participate.

Bulk discount (by Percent)

Bulk discount adult
# Discount group From adult To adult Value
1 Discount on 2-person group 2 2 45.4%
2 Discount on 3-person group 3 3 43.6%
3 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 53.0%
4 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 52.6%
5 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 57.0%
6 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 56.1%
7 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 60.5%

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Hyderabad

On arrival, assistance and transfer to the hotel. Relax and explore Hyderabad at your leisure, visiting local markets or enjoying the city's vibrant atmosphere. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Hyderabad

Breakfast at the hotel. Explore Golconda Fort, a 16th-century fortress known for its strategic location and diamond mines, including the famous Kohinoor diamond. Visit Qutub Shahi Tombs, a collection of seven tombs and mosques that showcase the architectural grandeur of the Qutub Shahi dynasty. See Charminar, a 1591 monument with four grand arches and a bustling market area known as Laad Bazaar, famous for its bangles and traditional jewelry. Tour Salar Jung Museum, which houses an extensive collection of art and antiques, including the renowned Veiled Rebecca sculpture and historical manuscripts. Visit Chowmohalla Palace, the grand residence of the Nizams with its exquisite courtyards, chandeliers, and historical artifacts. Drive past Hussain Sagar Lake, featuring a large monolithic Buddha statue and offering picturesque views of the lake and cityscape. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3: Hyderabad - Gulbarga (260kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Bidar Fort, a large fortification known for its Persian-style architecture, multiple gates, and expansive walls. Explore Bahmani Tombs, an impressive complex with 12 tombs adorned with arches and intricate designs, reflecting the grandeur of the Bahmani Sultanate. See Narasimha Jhira Cave Temple, a sacred site with natural water springs, dedicated to Lord Narasimha and known for its serene atmosphere. Arrive in Gulbarga, check in, and overnight at the hotel.

Day 4: Gulbarga - Bijapur (170kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Tour Gulbarga Fort, which includes historic towers, cannons, and a mosque with impressive architecture from the Brahmani era. Visit Jama Masjid, a 14th-century mosque with a vast interior and grand arches, similar to the Great Mosque of Cordoba in Spain. See Sharana Basaveshwara Temple, known for its elaborate stone carvings depicting Hindu deities and mythical figures. Explore the Tomb of Sufi mystic Khwaja Bande Nawaz, a unique blend of Persian, Indo-Saracenic, and Arabic architectural styles. Drive to Bijapur, check in, and overnight at the hotel.

Day 5: Bijapur - Badami (120kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Bijapur Fort, featuring architectural marvels such as Gol Gumbaz, with its massive dome and acoustics, and Malik-e-Maidan, the largest cannon ever made. Explore Asar Mahal, an ancient hall of justice with distinctive Mughal architecture and historical significance. See Bara Kaman, the unfinished mausoleum of Ali Adil Shah II, notable for its intricate stonework and ambitious design. Visit Ibrahims Rouza, a 15th-century mausoleum with beautiful carvings and peaceful surroundings. Drive to Badami, check in, and overnight at the hotel.

Day 6: Badami

Breakfast at the hotel. Explore Aihole, known for its over 125 Chalukyan temples, including the Durga Temple with its intricate carvings and Lad Khan Temple with its unique architecture. Visit Pattadakal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a collection of Hindu and Jain temples, including Virupaksha Temple and Papanatha Temple, showcasing early Chalukyan architecture. See Badami Caves, a set of rock-cut temples with detailed sculptures depicting Hindu gods, including Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Tour Badami Fort, perched on a cliff with panoramic views, featuring ancient temples and a watchtower. Visit Agastya Lake, surrounded by ancient sandstone temples and offering scenic views of the area. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 7: Badami - Hampi (180kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Gadag, famous for its historical temples such as Trikuteshwara Temple, with its three Shivalingas carved from a single rock. Explore Lakkundi, known for its ancient temples and step wells, including ornate carvings and historical ruins from various dynasties. Arrive in Hampi, check in, and overnight at the hotel.

Day 8: Hampi

Breakfast at the hotel. Discover Hampi’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its majestic ruins from the Vijayanagara Empire. Visit Hazara Rama Temple, adorned with carvings depicting scenes from the Ramayana and known for its historical significance. See Kings Balance, a large platform used for ceremonial weighing of kings and public events. Explore the Royal Enclosures, including remnants of palaces, audience halls, and other royal structures. Visit the Statue of Ugra Narasimha, a colossal rock-cut sculpture of the deity Narasimha. Tour Virupaksha Temple, an active temple with impressive architecture and a rich history. See Vithala Temple Complex, famous for its Stone Chariot and musical pillars with intricate carvings. Visit Lotus Mahal, a beautiful palace with lotus-shaped arches and elegant design. Explore the ASI Museum, showcasing artifacts and relics from the Vijayanagara Empire. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 9: Hampi - Cochin

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Hubli airport for the flight to Cochin. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Enjoy a Kathakali performance, a traditional Kerala dance form known for its elaborate costumes, makeup, and storytelling. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10: Cochin - Munnar (140kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Fort Cochin, with its colonial-era buildings and unique Chinese fishing nets. See St. Francis Church, the original burial site of Vasco da Gama, and one of the oldest European churches in India. Explore the Jewish Synagogue, known for its historical significance and beautiful hand-painted tiles. Visit Mattancherry Dutch Palace, featuring murals depicting Hindu epics and showcasing Dutch colonial architecture. Drive to Munnar, check in, and overnight at the hotel.

Day 11: Munnar

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Pothamedu, offering sweeping views of tea, coffee, and cardamom plantations, and a great spot for photography. Explore Mattupetty Dam, with opportunities for boating and views of the surrounding hills. See Rajamala in Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, and known for its scenic landscapes and biodiversity. Visit Mattupedi Dairy Farm, a specialized dairy farm under the Indo-Swiss Livestock Project, known for its high-quality milk production. Explore Echo Point, where you can experience the natural echo effect by shouting. Visit the Tea Museum, offering insights into the history and process of tea cultivation in Munnar. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 12: Munnar - Thekkady (110kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Thekkady, stopping at Ramakkalmedu, known for its wind farms and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Visit Frog Rock and Turtle Rock, unique natural formations that add to the region's scenic beauty. See Kuravan & Kurathi statues, representing legendary figures from local folklore and situated on a hilltop with views of the valley. In the evening, watch a Martial Arts and Kathakali Dance show, showcasing traditional Kerala performing arts. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 13: Thekkady - Kumarakom (140kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Explore Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary on a boat ride, viewing a variety of wildlife including elephants, bison, and exotic birds. Take a spice plantation tour, learning about the cultivation of cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, and other spices, and visit a local market to purchase spices. Drive to Kumarakom, check in, and overnight at the hotel.

Day 14: Kumarakom - Alleppey (B,L,D)

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Alleppey boat jetty to board a houseboat for a cruise through the picturesque backwaters. Sail through palm-fringed canals, lush paddy fields, and charming villages, experiencing the unique water-based lifestyle of the region. Pass through areas where farming is done below sea level, earning Alleppey the title of "Venice of the East." Relax on the houseboat with modern amenities, including a sun-deck, dining area, and fully equipped kitchen. Enjoy lunch and dinner onboard while watching the sunset from the houseboat. Overnight on the houseboat.

Day 15: Alleppey - Cochin (60kms) (B)

Breakfast on the houseboat. Disembark and drive to Cochin airport for your onward journey.

Included/Excluded

  • Assistance on arrival at airport.
  • 11 Night's accommodation in 4-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.
  • Hubli - Cochin flight fare approx INR 5,500 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?

Hotels used or similar for 14 nights accommodation

4 Star Hotels
Hyderabad x 2 nights: The Golkonda Hotel/ Lemon Tree Hotel
Gulbarga x 1 night: Kyriad Hotel Gulbarga by OTHPL/ Mastiff Select
Bijapur x 1 night: The Fern Residency/ Kyriad Hotel Vijayapura by OTHPL
Badami x 2 nights: Morpho Banashree Resort/ WADA1
Hampi x 2 nights: Heritage Resort/ Royal Orchid Central Keerti
Cochin x 1 night: Casino Hotel/ Le Maritime
Munnar x 2 nights: Elixir Hills Resort/ Tea County Munnar
Thekkady x 1 night: Amritara Shalimar Spice Garden/ The Elephant Court
Kumarakom x 1 night: Gokulam Grand Resort & Spa/ Rhythm Kumarakom
Alleppey x 1 night: Premium Houseboat (Full Time AC)

Can travelers upgrade the accommodation to 5-star hotels?

Yes, travelers can upgrade the accommodation to 5-star hotels by paying the supplement. Please send inquiry for same from the booking page to get the price quote.

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