Unveiling the South

Arrive at Hyderabad International Airport, where you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. After checking in, begin your afternoon sightseeing with a visit to Chowmahalla Palace, renowned for its four palaces, elegant courtyards, the impressive Durbar Hall (Khilwat), and beautifully landscaped gardens with fountains. Next, explore Mecca Masjid, followed by the iconic Charminar, a major attraction for both visitors and worshippers. In the evening, stroll through the bustling Laad Bazaar before returning to your hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, proceed to Golconda Fort, a remarkable showcase of advanced engineering and captivating architecture. Originally constructed as a mud fort during the Rajah of Warangal’s rule, it was later strengthened and expanded from the 14th to 17th centuries by the Bahmani Sultans and subsequently the Qutub Shahi dynasty. Golconda served as the main capital for the Qutub Shahi rulers. Within the fort, you’ll find remnants of palaces, mosques, and a hilltop pavilion that rises about 130 meters, offering panoramic views of the surrounding structures. The visit continues to the Qutub Shahi Tombs.

In the afternoon, head to the Salar Jung Museum, renowned for its rare and diverse collection of art objects gathered from around the world by the Salar Jung family. The museum’s exhibits reflect the evolution of human civilization, spanning from the 2nd century B.C. to the early 20th century A.D.

In the evening, visit Birla Mandir, a temple that uniquely blends North and South Indian architectural styles. Its tower, or ‘Gopuram,’ displays distinctive features of South Indian temple design. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, set out for Bidar, stopping en route to explore Bidar Fort. Positioned on the eastern edge of the city, the fort contains the remains of palaces, mosques, and various other structures, all constructed with trap rock and fortified with stone and mortar walls. Entry is through a zigzag passage on the south-east, guarded by three gates, with the main entrance featuring a high dome once adorned in vibrant colors. Bidar became the Bahmani Kingdom’s capital in the 14th century, and the fort was originally built by Ahmad Shah Wali Bahmani. In the 15th century, Sultan Ahmad Shah-I renovated the fort after relocating his capital from Gulbarga (now Kalaburagi) to Bidar. Continue your journey to the resort and check in at Black Buck Resort by Jungle Lodges. The landscape, seemingly endless, surprises with its tranquility. Your cottage sits right on the lakeshore, offering an excellent view of nature’s daily spectacles. Early mornings and evenings are ideal for tracking blackbucks, while nature walks provide ample chances to spot birds, including the confident peacock. Later in the afternoon, enjoy a blackbuck trail in the reserve forest. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Start your day with a refreshing walk amidst nature. After breakfast, set out for Bijapur, making stops along the way to explore the Bahamani Fort and Juma Masjid in Gulbarga. Continue your journey to Bijapur, check in to your hotel upon arrival, and spend the night there.

After breakfast, embark on a sightseeing tour of Bijapur beginning with Ibrahim Rauza, a stunning memorial tomb believed to have inspired the Taj Mahal. The term “Rauza” means tomb, reflecting its purpose. This complex contains the tombs of Ibrahim Adil Shah II of the Adil Shahi dynasty and his wife, Taj Sultana. Next, visit Malik-e-Maidan, a massive cannon from the early 16th century. Then proceed to Bara Kaman, the unfinished mausoleum of Ali Adil Shah II. Finally, explore Gol Gumbaz, the tomb of King Mohammed Adil Shah of the Adil Shahi dynasty. Construction of Gol Gumbaz in Bijapur, Karnataka, began in 1626 and was completed in 1656. Its name derives from “Gol Gumbadh,” meaning “circular dome.” Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

After an early breakfast, depart for Hampi and check in at your hotel. In the afternoon, explore the Royal Centre, which features remnants of palaces, ceremonial baths, pavilions, stables, and temples. Discover the Queen’s Bath, the Royal Enclosure, the Step Well, and the Hazara Rama Temple. Continue to the Queen’s Palace, Lotus Mahal, and the Royal Elephant Stables. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, explore Hampi’s Sacred Centre along the banks of the Tungabhadra River. In the morning, see the Vitthala Temple, famous for its stone chariot and unique musical pillars, all located together. Continue to the Narasimha statue, Badavi Linga, and Krishna Temple. In the afternoon, visit Sree Virupaksha Temple, the Monolithic Bull, and Achyutaraya Temple. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, head to Badami and check in at the hotel. Once called Vatapi, Badami served as the capital of the Badami Chalukya dynasty from 540 to 757 CE and is renowned for its impressive rock-cut temples. In the afternoon, visit the Badami Cave Temple, the fort, Agastya Lake, and the Bhuthnatha Temple. Stay overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, embark on a sightseeing trip to Aihole and Pattadakkal. Aihole, a peaceful village by the Malaprabha River, is dotted with numerous temples scattered throughout its landscape. The standout structure is the Durga Temple, notable for its semicircular apse, raised base, and a corridor that surrounds the sanctum. The Lad Khan Temple, among the oldest in the area, originally served as a royal meeting hall and marriage pavilion before becoming the residence of the Muslim leader Lad Khan. Other significant sites include the Huchimalli Temple, featuring a depiction of Lord Vishnu seated on a cobra, the Ravalphadi Cave Temple which honors various forms of Lord Shiva, the Konti Temple Complex, the Umamaheswari Temple, the Jain Meguti Temple, and a two-level Buddhist temple.

In the afternoon, visit Pattadakkal, a site renowned for its 7th and 8th-century Hindu and Jain temples situated on the western bank of the Malaprabha River. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pattadakkal is celebrated for its unique blend of northern and southern Indian architectural styles, representing the height of artistic fusion. Most Hindu temples here are dedicated to Shiva, though elements from Vaishnavism and Shaktism are also present. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Breakfast at the hotel, followed by transfer to Hubli International Airport according to the flight schedule.