Central & South India in Style

Once the foremost centre of culture on the entire Indian subcontinent, Hyderabad was established by the Qutb Shahi dynasty in the latter years of the 16th century. A tour of the city today will take in its historic Golconda Fort and the Qutb Shahi Tombs, whose beautifully domed granite tombs and tranquil landscaped gardens provided the final resting place for seven of the dynasty's rulers. Finish your day with a visit to the old city, home to Char Minar, the Makka Majid and the fabulous old bazaar, a labyrinth of lanes filled with fruit sellers, bangle-makers and sari embroiderers, Biriyani restaurants, and the wonderful old cafes famous for tea and Hyderabadi-style biscuits.

Transferring to the airport this morning you'll fly south to Hampi, home to the medieval ruins of the once great capital of the Vijayangara Empire. Between 1336 and 1565, this small town lay at the centre of a Hindu empire that was one of the largest in all India, once believed to rival that of Rome. On arrival at the airport you will be met and driven on to your hotel.

The temples and monuments of Hampi are considered amongst the finest examples of Dravidian architecture anywhere in southern India. Today you will enjoy a historic tour of some of its highlights, taking in a number of its suburbs (puras) and markets. You'll visit the renowned Vijaya Vitthala Temple, considered by many to represent the pinnacle of Indian temple architecture. You'll also take in the Royal Enclosure and stroll through the ruins of the Achyutaraya Temple, before enjoying the sight of the sunset over the scenic Tungabhadra River.

Heading out after breakfast, this morning you will visit the magnificent settings of Aihole, Pattadakal and Badami, considered to be the cradle of Indian temple architecture. Spanning nearly two thousand years of history, these ancient sites encompass an array of Buddhist, Hindu and Jain monuments that date back as far as the 4th-century BC. Aihole alone is home to more than 120 temples, whilst Badami and Pattadakal are both major centres of historically important Chalukya monuments.

Your journey south continues today as you negotiate the long drive on to the coffee hills of Chikmagalur, home of India's coffee industry — the town of Chikmagalur is where coffee was first cultivated in India in the 17th century.

A day exploring the extraordinary coffee estates — walking through Arabica and Robusta plantations, learning about the coffee production process and enjoying the remarkable biodiversity of this Western Ghats landscape.

Drive to Kabini for an afternoon boat safari on the Kabini reservoir — watching elephants come to the water's edge.

Full day of jeep and boat safaris through Nagarhole National Park's extraordinary wildlife.

Morning game drive then drive to Kochi.

Full day exploring Fort Kochi's remarkable heritage.

Houseboat embarkation for the Kerala backwaters cruise.

Full day on the backwaters.

Drive to Varkala for a beach close.

Full beach day at Varkala's clifftop beach.

Morning at leisure before departure.

Transfer to airport for departure.

Traditional Kerala houseboats (kettuvallams) are converted rice barges with private bedrooms, en suite bathrooms, a dining area and sun deck. A dedicated crew of two or three — including a cook preparing fresh Keralan meals — accompanies each boat as you cruise the palm-fringed backwater canals.

Kerala cuisine is generally milder than North Indian food, with coconut, curry leaves and seafood at its heart. Hotels and houseboats readily adjust spice levels, and vegetarian options are outstanding throughout the region.

Yes — beach extensions, additional wildlife parks, Ayurvedic retreats and different hotels can all be woven in. Contact us to shape the perfect South India journey.