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India’s Hidden Southwest

Forgotten Kingdoms and Magical Landscapes

12
Nights
Duration
$
0
Starts From
Luxury & Romance
Luxury & Romance
Family Adventures
Family Adventures
Nature & Wildlife
Nature & Wildlife
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Discover the hidden treasures of the southwest; authentic, little-touristed, with world class (read UNESCO World Heritage) sites, the luscious landscapes of a hill station plantation paradise, and the soothing sanctum of the Malabar Coast. Start in Hyderabad, steeped in history with a masala mix of colour and spice. In Hampi discover a forgotten kingdom with its stories carved in stone. Walk through the boulder strewn landscape revealing the ruins of one of the largest and richest cities in the world with over 500 monuments including beautiful temples, palaces, royal pavilions, and markets. A day trip to Badami introduces the cradle of Indian temple architecture. There are similarly beautiful temples at Halebid and Belur, examples of the apex of one of the most artistically exuberant periods of ancient Hindu culture. Mysore is home to a lavish palace, wide airy boulevards, and a colourful market filled with flowers, fruits, and wandering cows. Explore Coorg’s coffee and spice plantations and indulge on the tropical shores of the Arabian Sea.
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
01-02
Hyderabad
Awe-inspiring palaces and the story of the White Mughals
03-05
Hampi
Abandoned ruins, fabulous temples, and stone chariots
6
Hassan & Belur
Masterpieces of architecture
07-08
Mysore
Atmospheric bazaars, foodie’s delight
09-10
Coorg
Coffee and spice plantations
11-12
Neeleshwar
Soulful relax by the Arabian Sea
13
Departure
Depart

Detailed Itinerary

DAY
01-02
Princely Splendour
Hyderabad
,
India
Explore the evocative old city and impressive Islamic architecture. See the sites of the Indian conquest of the British imagination; the opulent Chowmahalla Palace compound with its magnificent Durbar Hall; the Golconda tombs restored by the Aga Kahn Foundation; the gardens of the British Residency, and the Charminar area of the old city.
India’s Hidden Southwest - 1
DAY
03-05
Magnificent ruins in an unearthly landscape
Hampi
,
India
A short flight to Bellary and drive to Hampi. Explore the abandoned ruins of a forgotten dynasty. Admire the landscape of huge volcanic rocks scattered across a huge area dotted with hundreds of monuments. Explore the many fabulous temples, stone chariots, and singing pillars of the Hampi site. Visit the cradle of India temple architecture; the Hindu mythology at Aihole, magnificent cave temples at Badami, and the gorgeous sculptural decorations at Pattadakal. Take offbeat treks along boulder-strewn paths.
India’s Hidden Southwest - 2
DAY
6
Extravagant Art
Hassan & Belur
,
India
By road to see Halebid, a masterpiece of Hoysala architecture with fabulous wall carvings depicting episodes from India’s great epics. The remarkably well preserved 12th C Channakseshava Temple with sculptures from the Kama Sutra and gods of the Hindu pantheon.
India’s Hidden Southwest - 3
DAY
07-08
Enchanting tradition
Mysore
,
India
Heritage walk through Mysore’s history and food. Visit Mysore Palace, visit the grand old structures that have played host to Gandhi and Nehru, delve into the atmospheric bazaar, and stop in for snacks at the best food places in town.
India’s Hidden Southwest - 4
DAY
09-10
Luscious Greenery
Coorg
,
India
Enjoy a scenic drive through the green hills of the Western Ghats. Visit the Namdroling Tibetan Monastery to meet with monks and nuns keeping the traditions of the Dalai Lama alive. Walk through coffee and spice plantations. Step up for birdwatching, trekking, and cycling while staying at deluxe plantation paradise.
India’s Hidden Southwest - 5
DAY
11-12
By the soulful Arabian Sea
Neeleshwar
,
India
Indulge in the quiet luxury of the little-visited Malabar Coast amid coconut plantations, peaceful inland waterways, and lush hillside spice gardens. Take in optional ayurvedic treatments and yoga classes, amble along quiet lanes, and marvel at the Arabian Sea sunsets.
India’s Hidden Southwest - 6
DAY
13
International Departure
Departure
,
India
Drive to the airport to connect your flight back home.
India’s Hidden Southwest - 7

What's Included:

•       All airport and hotel transfers

•       Accommodation based on double occupancyfor 11 nights

•       Breakfast daily

•       Lunch or dinner daily

•       Services of your driver/host

•       Transportation by comfortableair-conditioned private vehicle with unlimited mileage

•       Domestic flight: Hyderabad to Bellary

•       All activities with your private guideas listed:

•       Hyderabad: Full day tour

o    Hampi:Visit of the archaeological site

o    Hampi:Full day excursion to Aihole, Badami, and Pattadakal

o    Hampi:Full day tour of Halebid and Belur

o    Mysore:Heritage walk

o    Coorg: Visitto Namdroling Monastery

o    Coorg:Resort activities

o    Neeleshwar:Visit to coconut plantations and spice gardens

o    Neeleshwar:Resort activities

•       Entrance fees where applicable

•       24/7 Support Service

•       Trip kit with travel documents anditinerary information

•       All taxes and fees

What’s not included:

•       International flights

•       Items of a personal nature, includingtelephone, laundry, taxis etc.

•       Video/Photography fees at monuments

•       Travel insurance

•       India Visa

•       Domestic flights within the USA

•       Gratuities

•       Beverages (other than water) at meals

+ SHOW DETAILED ITINERARY

Accommodation

Taj Falaknuma Palace Hyderabad

Taj Falaknuma Palace Hyderabad

Called the ‘Mirror of the Sky’ this palace is the erstwhile residence of Nizam Mehboob Ali Khan. After ten years of sensitive restoration, the Taj hotel group has infused new life into this private palace to offer visitors a glimpse of the imperial lifestyle. There are 60 luxurious rooms, six fabulous dining options, an outdoor pool and the Jiva Spa, spread across 32 acres of land.

Evolve Back Kamalapura Palace Hampi

Evolve Back Kamalapura Palace Hampi

A gorgeous resort set in a tranquil setting close to the historical ruins of Hampi and the perfect base from which to explore this intriguing and less-travelled area. Expect opulence in the 46 spacious rooms, all with separate living and sleeping areas and a modern style inspired by the magnificence of the architectural heritage. Enjoy the infinity pool and Ayurvedic treatments at the spa and don’t miss the comfortable reading room where creative storytelling takes place nightly. This is a hidden gem.

Neeleshwar Hermitage

Neeleshwar Hermitage

An oasis of calm set in twelve naturally landscaped acres beside a long sandy beach, this boutique hotel is the perfect place for relaxing. The 18 luxurious thatched roof cottages are spread through gardens that contain a magnificent 70ft pool overlooking the sea. Room have stylish contemporary touches and beautiful locally-made furniture. The beach restaurant has tables set on the sand under umbrellas. A delightful hidden tropical destination.

On The Ground

Sandeep Singh

Sandeep Singh

Dynamic travel designer who continually develops unique ways to educate and entertain each and every tour group. Adept at delivering exceptional customer service and turning each tour opportunity into an unforgettable experience. Personally, Sandeep is a fashionable trendy gentleman who’s impossible to miss with his colorful turbans. Commencing his career within hotels, Sandeep understands the importance in providing exemplary, consistent service.

Stories

Tales and travelogues from our guests and our team travelling the world, forming new bonds and giving back to the society.