Arrival at ‘Hyderabad’, capital city of Andhra Pradesh state where you tour takes off. Located around the center of the Indian peninsula, at the cross road of North and South India, Hyderabad exhibits a typical culture - more of a mix of Hindu and Muslim traditions. After a warm welcome, proceed to your hotel at Hyderabad. After check in, settle down in the comforts of your lodgings… rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight stay at Hyderabad.

A full day for sightseeing the city of Hyderabad... A city boasting of history & tradition in abundance, the sightseeing consists mainly of Old City and New City. Begin visiting Old City’s prime spots like; the ‘Charminar’ (the iconic landmark of Hyderabad - this ‘four minarets structure’ dated back to the old Sultanate days), ‘Laad Bazaar’ (famous bangles & pearls market befitting Hyderabad’s reputation as ‘city of pearls’), ‘Mecca Masjid’ (a legendary centuries-old worship centre), ‘Golconda Fort’ (the oldest existing structure in Hyderabad - former stronghold of Golconda Sultans, the famous Kohinoor diamond was supposed to be extracted from here), and ‘Salar Jung Museum’ (exhibiting a collection of over 40000 artifacts from all over the world, including articles from medieval & modern Islamic era).

Later go sightseeing the New City’s attractions namely the ‘Birla Mandir’ (a magnificent Hindu temple entirely built in white marble), the ‘Hussain Sagar Lake’ (an artificial lake that separates the twin cities Hyderabad and Secunderabad, built during the Qutb Shah Sultanate era). Enjoy a boat ride in this lake. At the centre of the lake you can see a towering statue of Lord Buddha. After the day-long city tour; return to your hotel to relax. Overnight stay at the hotel in Hyderabad.

Now travel back to the eventful past of the medieval-era Deccan… Depart from Hyderabad and drive to ‘Bijapur’ via ‘Gulbarga’ - the strongholds of Islamic Sultanates that flourished in Deccan region during the Middle Ages.

At Gulbarga, visit the imposing ‘Gulbarga Fort’. Once a key-post of the Bahmani Sultanate, this exemplifies the earliest Islamic architecture. You can see this deteriorating-but-massive fortress encompasses many age old structures ranging from Mosque, palace courtyards, towers, stables… to guns & ammunition dumps. Later continue the drive to Bijapur… On reaching the destination, check-in to the hotel and relax. Overnight stay at Bijapur.

Set out for Bijapur sightseeing this morning … Dotted with old mosques, mausoleums, palaces & fortifications… this former capital of Bijapur Sultanate stand as a mute witness of the splendid royal era. Visit Bijapur’s most noted landmark - the ‘Gol Gumbaz’, mausoleum of Muhamad Adil Shah, a ruler from the Adil Shahi dynasty that ruled Bijapur for centuries. What makes this mammoth tomb stand out is its central dome. Unsupported by any pillar, this is regarded as the third largest surviving one of its kind; in the world. See the astonishing whispering-gallery, where even the faintest sound is echoed about eleven times! After the mausoleum visit, proceed to the great ‘Juma Masjid’, which is considered as one among the finest in India.

After enough visual delights at Bijapur, bid adieu & drive to ‘Badami’, another erstwhile royal capital famous for its cave temples. On the way drop in at ‘Aihole’, the first capital of the legendary Chalukya Empire that once covered large parts of southern and central India. As time has taken its toll, Aihole now is a calm village beautified with timeworn elegant temple structures throughout. A look-around at Aihole; and you will learn that it is one of the cradles of ancient temple architecture.

From Aihole proceed to the nearby ‘Pattadakal’, another capital royal of the Chalukya Kings. This place gives a perfect illustration of Chalukyan architectural style; which was a wonderful blend of Southern (Dravidian) and Northern (Indo-Aryan) temple architectural styles. In fact Pattadakal may be the only place where both North & South Indian-styled temples share the same landscape. Here there are ten temples - four built in Dravidian style, another four in Indo-Aryan style, one in mixed style and one Jain shrine. All temples perfectly illustrate themes from Hindu mythology.

With enhanced know-how of timeless architectural legacy, continue your journey to Badami. Upon reaching, get in to your lodgings at Badami and stay overnight.

Today morning make a visit to Badami’s world renowned heritage site - Cave temple complex. Here you can see four rock-cut caves, Cave 1 (dedicated to Lord Shiva, with a magnificent statue of Nataraja - the lord in dancing posture), Cave 2 (dedicated to Lord Vishnu), Cave 3 (the biggest of the lot with depictions of Lord Vishnu’s various incarnations) and Cave 4 (dedicated to Jainism; with statues of ‘Jain Tirthankaras’ - Propagators of Jain faith).

After the tryst with ancient & medieval worship centers, bid adieu to Badami and drive to ‘Hospet’, the gateway to South India’s glorious past - ‘Empire of Vijayanagara’. Upon reaching the destination city check in to your hotel. Be at leisure for the rest of the day. Overnight stay in Hospet.

Begin sightseeing of a never-before place that occupies a permanent slot in both Indian & world history… ‘Vijayanagara’ - the once-majestic capital of ‘Vijayanagara Empire’, an empire that once covered the entire South India and rated amongst the mightiest and wealthiest empires of its era! Now in ruins; this post-royal city was regarded as the most splendid city in the world of its time. This was a place that once brimmed with abundant wealth and international traders… a time when even gold & diamonds were sold on waysides here! There was never-before-or-after a place in the world which was brimming with activity on once day and reduced to ruins on the next! That was the result of the infamous Battle of Talikota (in 1565) which ended the last great Hindu Empire in South India. The aftermath was about six months of continuous merciless looting & plundering - perhaps most ruthless of its kind - that left city of Vijayanagara in shambles. What now stands is ‘Hampi’, the original centre of Vijayanagara city.

Explore the ruins of Hampi which mainly consists of two parts - ‘Royal Centre’ and ‘Sacred Centre’. In Royal Centre, as its name implies, see the remains of splendid royal monuments notably the ‘Lotus Mahal’, ‘Queen’s Bath’, ‘Royal Elephant Stables’, etc. In Sacred Centre visit legendary temples that includes the ‘Virupaksha Temple’ (the biggest shrine here that towers proudly over the Hampi leftovers), ‘Vittala Temple’ (another major pilgrimage center in Hampi), ‘The King's Balance’ (a tall granite-pillared structure formerly used as a balance), ‘Lakshmi Narasimha’ (a massive rock cut idol of Lord Narasimha), ‘Sule Bazaar’ (which was once an international trade center), ‘Achyutaraya Temple’ (one more serene temple neighbored by a hill) … With many questions about how such a wealthy state capital was reduced to ruins within no time; return to your hotel at Hospet for overnight stay.

Today, depart Hospet and travel to ‘Hassan’ - known as the ‘Poor Man's Ooty’ for its scenic locations also the base of some fabulous heritage sites (Belur, Halebid). En route visit ‘Shravanabelagola’ one of the holiest Jain pilgrimage sites; renowned for its colossal monolithic statue of Jain saint Gomateshwara. Created around 983 AD, the statue, standing at a height of 18 meters, is regarded the tallest monolithic statue in the world. Then proceed to Hassan… on arrival check in to your hotel for overnight stay.

From Hassan, start a tour to a pair of breathtakingly beautiful temple towns - Belur & Halebid - that are second to one anywhere else in architectural brilliance.

Popularly known as Southern Banaras (Dakshina Varanasi), ‘Belur’ was the former capital of Hoysala Kings who were great patrons of temples. Visit the most stunning trademark of Belur, the ‘Chennakeshava Temple’. This star shaped temple will leave its onlookers spell-bound with sublime structural beauty. Its peculiar structure, vastly contrasting from other traditional Dravidian temples, together with fantastically carved temple-walls will always keep the visitors glued to this place!

With a refreshed mindset, proceed to ‘Halebid’ - another erstwhile capital of the Hoysalas. At Halebid visit other superb testimonials of Hoysala temple architecture such as the Hoysaleshwara Temple and the Kedareshwara Temple. After seeing all these magnificent monuments you will surely wonder; is there any such temples in the world outclass the classy ones in Belur & Halebid?

Afterwards visit ‘Basadi Halli’ where you will find a number of serene Jain monasteries. Understand that Jainism was a dominant region in ancient India. As night falls, return to your lodgings at Hassan for overnight stay.

Now it’s time to chill up your tour with hill station delights… Depart from Hassan & its legendary neighbors to ‘Madikeri’ - a high range town best known for its scenic locations and coffee / coco plantations; all supplemented by an enjoyable weather.

On arrival, check in to your lodgings at Madikeri… take own time to get accustomed to the new chilly surroundings. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel in Madikeri.

Devote this day for exploring Madikeri hill station & nearby attractions. First set out to visit the ‘Abbey Falls’, a waterfall located in a remote greenish terrain. After the energizing waterfall experience, set out to a location of a different kind… towards ‘Kushal Nagar’ via ‘Nisargadhama’.

At Kushal Nagar, visit the Namdrolling Monastery (Tibetan Golden temple). This place will remind you of a miniature Tibet. In the Namdrolling Monastery, it will feel like another world - a holistic world of Buddhist Lamas. Near the Monastery you can also purchase some unique Tibetan souvenirs.

On return from Kushal Nagar, halt for another excursion at ‘Cauvery Nisargadhama’, a pristine island full of lush bamboo forest surrounded by River Cauvery. Here you can avail various options to relish the full beauty of this place like; a boat ride around the isle or an elephant ride thru the bamboo forest. As the day ends, get back to your hotel at Madikeri for overnight stay.

Another day for enjoying Madikeri’s crude charm to the maximum. Start with visiting a time-stained landmark, the ‘Madikeri Fort’. This monument throws light to the bygone royal times where fortresses were key protection posts. Later go for plantations visit… Refresh yourself with the chilly environment in the green coated coffee / coco plantations.

Last but not least; visit one beauty spot at Madikkerai, the ‘Raja Seat’ - a small hill which offers an enchanting panoramic view of the town and the surrounding mist coated mountains & plantations. This place is named so because the then local ruler (‘Raja in local) used to enjoy the scenery from here! After an ideal picnic return to your hotel by nightfall. Overnight stay at Madikeri

More into the thrills of wild beauties… Say farewell to the cool hilly Madikeri and drive to ‘Nagarhole’, one of the best wildlife parks in India. Richly covered with forests and beautified with valleys, streams & waterfalls, Nagarhole shelters numerous species of wildlife especially Tigers, Indian Bisons, Elephants, Asian wild dogs … in addition to many endangered birds. After reaching Nagarhole start a preliminary exploration of the wildlife habitat by taking a Jeep Safari. Spend the rest of the day immersed in the silent crude greenish environs. Overnight stay at Nagarhole.

Another day in the lap of mother nature… try out different means to uncover the hidden charm of Nagarhole viz., a delightful cruise thru the adjoining Kabini River, then an elephant ride to watch the wild species form a ‘high’ angle, plus do bird-watching at the Korapur forest region, etc. Immerse yourself completely in the pure natural habitat - views of the distant misty Brahmagiri hills at the backdrop, soothing gurgling of the streams and waterfalls, twittering of the birds, all together will recharge you completely. At nightfall get back to your lodgings at Nagarhole and stay overnight.

From the wildlife terrains to a former royal abode. Depart from Nagarhole to ‘Mysore’ - capital of erstwhile Mysore Kingdom that bears strong traces of royal era. On arrival, check in & settle down in the Hotel at Mysore. In the evening, as time permits, make a visit to one of the oldest & grandest churches in city - St. Philomena's Church, a perfect example of gothic style of architecture in India. Overnight stay at Mysore.

This day is fully devoted to sightseeing the legendary post-royal city of Mysore. Start off your trip with a visit to the Mysore Palace - once the official residence of the Wodeyar Kings, erstwhile rulers of Mysore Kingdom. Watch the magnificent architectural brilliance of the palace, where you can find a blend of various noted construction styles in medieval India era, moreover a typical Indo-Saracenic style.

Then, visit the nearby Art Gallery - which is also a former palace converted into art gallery. Considered among the best of its kind in India, here you can view the painting & murals that showcase the legacy of Mysore Royal family, as well as, famous paintings of various artists across the world.

Later set out to visit a major attraction in the outskirts of Mysore - the Brindavan Gardens and Krishnarajasagar Dam. Built across the river Cauvery, Krishnarajasagar Dam is an important irrigation project in South India. Roam around the Brindavan Gardens, a beautifully laid out terrace garden enriched with fountains, terraces, cascading water-channels, trees, green lawns and flower beds. Don’t miss its prime attraction - the ‘musical & dancing fountain’. Watch how the beauty is technicality mingled with nature! At night, return to your hotel in Mysore for overnight stay

From royal times to modern times … From Mysore, drive to Bangalore - Karnataka’s capital as well as a vibrant city. En route, visit another post-royal place - ‘Srirangapattana’ (Capital of former Mysore King, Tipu Sultan). Visit its famed monuments like, Tipu’s Fort and Palace. See the spot where the Sultan was killed during the fatal battle between Mysore and the British in 1799 (which paved way for the British dominance in South India).

Carry on your journey to Bangalore … On arrival, check in to your hotel and settle down to wash off your journey hangover. Soon set out to a quick city sightseeing tour… Visit Bangalore’s prime spots of attraction like the imposing ‘Vidhana Soudha’ buildings, the majestic ‘Bangalore Palace’, the shady ‘Cubbon Park’, etc. At nightfall return to your Hotel at Bangalore for overnight stay.

Time for departure… Check out from the hotel and proceed to Airport to catch your return flight - a memorable trip concludes.