Highlights of the tour:

Day 01

Hyderabad

On arrival, in Hyderabad, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Stay for two at Taj Falaknuma Palace. Built in 1894, it is the former palace of the Nizam, rumoured to be the richest man in the world at one time. spread over 32 acres, this glorious hotel is under the auspices of Taj Group who have spent years restoring it to its former glory. It is, without doubt, one of the most spectacular hotels in India now and one could spend a day just exploring the hotel.

Day 02

Hyderabad

Your sightseeing tour starts with a visit to the Golconda Fort and Qutub Shahi tombs. No place can give you a glimpse of Hyderabadi life like the Charminar area can. After lunch, walk through Laad Bazaar and get dazzled by the shiny lac bangles that Hyderabad is known for and take the by-lanes to meet the master craftsmen behind this. Walk into the chaos of fluttering pigeons in the Mecca Masjid courtyard and then onto the simplicity of the Nizam's tombs.

Day 03

Hampi

After breakfast you will be transferred to Hyderabad Airport to board your short flight to Hampi. You will be met on arrival at Vidyanagar Airport and transferred to your hotel. Stay for two nights at Evolve Back Kamalapura Palace, a luxury hotel built in classic Vijayanagara style.

Day 04 - 05

Hampi

Over the next two days, visit the ruins and monuments in Hampi ,once the capital city of the Vijayanagara Empire, an Imperial city to rival Rome with its palaces, temples and sculptures. As one of the largest Hindu empires to have ever existed, the ruins at Hampi are extensive and, in many cases, exceptionally well preserved. Established in the early 1300s, there is an impressive array of palaces, temples, structures and ruins to visit including the Vitthala Temple, Stone Chariot, Lotus Mahal and Queen's Bath.

Day 06

Hampi - Bengaluru - Cochin

In good time you will be transferred to Vidyanagar Airport to board your flight to Cochin via Bengaluru. You will be met on arrival at Cochin International Airport and transferred to your hotel. Stay for two nights at Brunton Boatyard, a first-class period hotel overlooking the harbour. In the evening enjoy a sunset cruise along the harbour.

Day 07

Cochin

Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Fort Cochin & Mattancherry in the morning. Visit the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, St Francis Church, Spice Markets, Chinese Fishing Nets and the local fish market. In the evening witness Kathakali dance performance, the traditional dance drama of Kerala based on stories from Ramayana and Mahabharata. Accompanied by a gong, drums and cymbals, Kathakali performers combine dance and theatre in a ritualistic portrayal of gods and demons.

Day 08

Cochin - Kumarakom

Late morning drive to the tranquil backwaters of Kumarakom. On arrival check-in to Kumarakom Lake Resort for two nights, a luxury heritage backwater resort overlooking the Vembanad Lake. Remainder of the day at leisure to relax by the backwaters or to experience some authentic ayurvedic therapies at the Ayurveda spa.

Day 09

Kumarakom

In the morning, proceed for a Village Life Experience at Kumarakom a half-day program to give you an authentic experience of the village and community in this area. It is also a fine example of an itinerary linking the community-based tourism products and services, as envisaged by the Responsible Tourism programme. Afternoon at leisure to relax by the backwaters or to experience some authentic ayurvedic therapies at the Ayurveda spa.

Day 10

Kumarakom - Alleppey

Morning at leisure. Afternoon board your private houseboat (Kettuvallom) for an overnight cruise through the famous Vembanad Lake. Enjoy a relaxing cruise through the tranquil backwaters and narrow canals enjoying the village life. Your lunch, evening tea and dinner will be served on board the houseboat. Overnight on houseboat.

Day 11

Alleppey - Kovalam

After a leisurely breakfast, you disembark from the houseboat at Alleppey, where you’ll be met by the driver and transferred to the famous beach destination of Kovalam. Enjoy a relaxing stay at Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra for three nights, a first class beach resort on a cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea.

Day 12 - 13

Kovalam

Day at leisure to relax by the beach or to experience some authentic ayurvedic therapies at the Ayurveda Spa.

Day 14

Transfer To Trivandrum Airport

In good time you will be transferred to Trivandrum International Airport to connect your flight home.