Palaces & Plantations in South India

DAY 1: DEPART UK

Depart the UK on your flight to Hyderabad.

DAYS 2 & 3: HYDERABAD & THE OUTSKIRTS

Your local guide will welcome you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel where you will be for a two-night stay. In the morning, your guide will accompany you on a heritage walk through the atmospheric archways and historical by-lanes of Hyderabad’s Old City. Later in the afternoon, venture out to visit The Charminar, a magnificent monument known as the symbol of the city. On day three, you’ll venture to the outskirts of Hyderabad, touring the ancient fort of Golconda and the remains of the tombs of the Qutb Shahi dynasty - two of the most well-maintained monuments in the area.

DAYS 4, 5 & 6: HAMPI

You will fly to Vidyanagar before transferring to your luxurious hotel for a three-night stay. Spend the next two days exploring the splendour of the  Vijayanagara Empire and the surrounding boulder-strewn landscape with your guide. There is also time to relax by the swimming pool or in the spa, and you’ll find numerous trails and walks around the area, too.

DAYS 7 & 8: CHIKMAGALUR

Spend the day journeying south to Chikmagular, where you will be for two nights. During your time here, you can explore some of India's most vast and lesser-visited coffee plantations by cycling or walking. There are also local temples nearby at Belur and Halebid, and fantastic bird spotting opportunities on country walks.

DAY 9 & 10: COORG

The next two nights will be spent at your accommodation in Coorg high up in the Western Ghats. Mainly known for its coffee, cardamom and ginger crops, the area is also covered by ‘sacred forests’ of Rosewood and Sandalwood, which are excellent for those wanting to trek and the Kaveri River offers the opportunity to travel by coracle - a mode of transport still used in the region. Again, bird watching is excellent too.

DAYS 11, 12 & 13: NILESHWAR

Spend the next three nights in Nileshwar, a quaint beach region in northern Kerala. You’ll have two days at your leisure, or perhaps you may want to visit the nearby Bekal Fort, wander through the Western Ghats or take a cycling tour, experiencing local life amongst paddy fields, temples and fishing villages.

DAYS 14 & 15: MUMBAI

Today you will fly from Mangalore to Mumbai (or for the more adventurous why not take the Mandovi Express along the stunning Konkan coastline?) before transferring to your accommodation for two nights. Spend the afternoon eating your way through India’s largest city, sampling many classic Mumbai flavours with your local guide through the bustling Khao Gaullis (eating lanes). The next morning, your guide will introduce you to the various transport options that make Mumbai tick.  Walk to multiple monuments and travel by bus, taxi and on the infamous commuter railway. You’ll explore the British Heritage District, Marine Drive and Chowpatty beach, sample local tea and snacks, browse in a fruit and vegetable market before finishing at Mumbai’s open-air laundry system.

DAY 16: FLY HOME

You will be transferred from the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel to Mumbai Airport for your flight home.

Your bespoke proposal with Experience Travel Group will include:

• International Flights (we can omit if you prefer)
• Accommodation as described
• Privately guided tours and transfers
• Tips for guides and drivers
• Original Experience Travel Group "signature" experiences 
• Full financial protection (ABTA and ATOL bonding.) 
• 24-hour in-country backup while away
• Your dedicated travel expert in the UK