On arrival at Mumbai airport, assistance and transfer to the hotel (check-in/out time 12pm). Mumbai is vibrant with shopping arcades, nightclubs, theatres, music venues, and gourmet restaurants. Enjoy personal time for exploring or relaxing. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive along Marine Drive, a picturesque boulevard known for its stunning sea views and colonial-era architecture. Visit the Gateway of India, a monumental archway overlooking the Arabian Sea, symbolizing the city’s rich history. Board a ferry to Elephanta Caves, famous for their rock-cut temples dedicated to Hindu gods. A climb of 100 steps leads to these ancient caves. Return to Gateway of India and continue the city tour, passing CST (Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus), a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its Gothic architecture. View the Parliament House, a prominent government building showcasing Victorian architectural style. Visit Dhobi Ghat, the city’s famous open-air laundry, where hundreds of dhobi (washermen) wash clothes in traditional stone troughs. Explore Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalay, a prominent museum with a vast collection of ancient artifacts and artworks, offering a glimpse into India's historical and cultural past. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for a flight to Aurangabad. Upon arrival, visit Bibi ka Maqbara, an imitation of the Taj Mahal built in 1678 by Aurangzeb's son as a tribute to his mother. The mausoleum features beautiful Mughal architecture. Explore Panchakki, a historical water-powered flour mill that once provided grain for pilgrims. Discover Aurangabad Caves, a series of artificial caves carved from soft rock during the 6th and 7th centuries, known for their Buddhist rock-cut temples and monasteries. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Excursion to Ajanta Caves, a collection of 30 ancient Buddhist caves featuring exquisite sculptures and paintings. The caves are renowned for their historical and artistic significance, dating back to 200 BC to 650 AD. Explore Chaityas (prayer halls) and Viharas (monasteries), with intricate murals depicting the life of Buddha and his previous incarnations. Return to Aurangabad for the night.

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 34 rock-cut temples and monasteries representing Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism. Highlights include the Kailasa Temple, a single monolithic structure carved to resemble a temple complex. Explore Grishneshwar Temple, a significant Jyotirlinga shrine dedicated to Shiva. Visit Daulatabad Fort, a formidable medieval fort known for its strategic significance and impressive architecture. Transfer to the airport for a flight to Hyderabad. Arrival and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Explore Golconda Fort, famous for its diamond mines that yielded the Kohinoor and Darya-i-noor diamonds. The fort is renowned for its acoustic system and grand architecture. Visit Qutub Shahi Tombs, a group of elaborate tombs and mosques built by the Qutub Shahi dynasty, characterized by their unique architecture and historical significance. See Charminar, an iconic 16th-century monument with four grand arches and a bustling market surrounding it, known as Laad Bazaar, famous for its bangles and traditional crafts. Explore the Salar Jung Museum, one of India’s largest museums, housing an extensive collection of antiques, art pieces, and historical artifacts. Visit Chowmahalla Palace, the former seat of the Nizams, known for its grand courtyards, royal reception halls, and exquisite architecture. View Birla Mandir, a serene Hindu temple built of white marble, offering panoramic views of the city. Drive past Hussain Sagar Lake, home to a massive monolith of Lord Buddha, situated in the middle of the lake. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for a flight to Vijaynagar. Upon arrival, assistance and transfer to the hotel in Hampi. Rest and relax. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Explore Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with extensive ruins from the Vijayanagara Empire, located along the Tungabhadra River. Visit Hazara Rama Temple, renowned for its detailed carvings depicting scenes from the Ramayana. See Kings Balance, a massive stone structure used for weighing royal guests and gifts. Explore Mahanavami Dibba, a large platform used for royal ceremonies and processions. Discover the Royal Enclosures, an area with remnants of palaces, temples, and government buildings from the Vijayanagara period. Visit the Statue of Ugra Narasimha, a colossal stone sculpture of the half-man, half-lion incarnation of Vishnu. Explore Virupaksha Temple, one of the oldest functioning temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Tour the Vithala Temple Complex, famous for its iconic stone chariot and musical pillars. Visit Lotus Mahal, an elegant palace with lotus-shaped architecture and airy design. Explore the ASI Museum, which houses artifacts and sculptures from the Vijayanagara Empire. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Hassan, with en-route visits to Belur and Halebedu. Explore Belur’s Chennakeshava Temple, known for its intricate Hoysala architecture and black stone carvings. Visit Kappe Chennigaraya Temple, an ornate 12th-century temple featuring detailed sculptures and bas-reliefs. Tour Halebedu’s Hoysaleswara Temple, renowned for its elaborate sculptures and architectural beauty. Visit other notable temples in Halebedu, including Kadareswara Temple and Lakshmi Narasimha Temple. Explore Jain Bastis, which reflect the religious significance of Jainism in the region. Continue drive to Hassan and check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Mysore, with a stop at Shravanabelagola to see the Gommateshwara statue, the world’s tallest monolithic statue. Visit Chandragiri Hill, known for its ancient Jain temples and historical significance. Arrive in Mysore and check in at the hotel. Tour Mysore Palace, an opulent palace known for its grand architecture and historical importance. Explore Chamundi Hills, home to Chamundeswari Temple, a major pilgrimage site with views of the city. Visit City Palace, rebuilt in Indo-Saracenic style, featuring stunning wall paintings and stained glass work. See St. Philomena’s Church, the second tallest church in Asia, built in Neo-Gothic style. Explore Jaganmohan Palace, showcasing paintings and artifacts from the Mysore royal family. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Ooty, check in at the hotel. Enjoy Ooty Lake, an artificial lake with boating opportunities and scenic views. Visit the Botanical Gardens, home to over 1,000 plant species and beautifully landscaped grounds. Take a ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site offering breathtaking views and a historic journey. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Munnar, check in at the hotel. Explore Munnar’s tea estates, hills, and forests. Enjoy a visit to a tea estate and participate in tea tasting sessions. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Pothamedu for panoramic views of tea, coffee, and cardamom plantations. Explore Mattupetty Dam, a concrete gravity dam known for its reservoir and hydroelectric projects. Discover Rajamala in Eravikulam National Park, a habitat for the endangered Nilgiri tahr. Visit Mattupedi Dairy Farm, part of the Indo-Swiss Livestock Project, known for its specialized dairy farming. Enjoy Echo Point, where you can shout and hear your echo. Tour the Tea Museum to learn about the history and culture of tea production in South India. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Thekkady, visiting Ramakkalmedu, known for its wind farm and spectacular views. See Frog Rock, Turtle Rock, and the Kuravan & Kurathi statues, which are significant cultural landmarks. In the evening, enjoy a performance of Kalaripayattu, a traditional martial art, and Kathakali, a classical dance form. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Explore Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary on a boat ride, spotting elephants, bison, sambar deer, and a variety of bird species in the tropical forests. Visit a spice plantation to see crops like cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, and cloves growing in their natural environment. Stop at a local market to purchase spices and other local products. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Alleppey and board a houseboat for a backwater cruise. Sail through serene backwaters, palm-fringed canals, and paddy fields. Enjoy the houseboat’s amenities, including a sun deck, dining area, bedroom, and kitchen with a chef. Overnight on board the houseboat.

After breakfast, disembark from the houseboat and drive to Cochin. Explore Fort Cochin, known for its colonial architecture and historic sites. Visit the famous bamboo fishing nets, an ancient Chinese fishing method still in use. Explore St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, where Vasco da Gama was originally buried. Visit the Jewish Synagogue, the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth, with its impressive collection of ancient scrolls and artifacts. Discover Mattancherry Dutch Palace, featuring traditional Kerala murals and artifacts from the Portuguese and Dutch eras. Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.