Depart on a flight to Hyderabad where your holiday begins.
Most suited for
Couples, Families
Ideal time to visit
December- May
This itinerary captures the rich contrasts of South India: from Hyderabad’s regal heritage and Hampi’s dramatic ruins to the emerald hills of Coorg and Kerala’s peaceful backwaters.
Travelling through changing landscapes of forest, coffee estate and coast, you’ll experience the rhythm of southern life in all its variety. Along the way, stay in beautiful boutique hotels, discover age-old traditions and enjoy moments of calm by the Arabian Sea. With its mix of culture, history and laid-back charm, this journey celebrates the essence of South India.
Varied Landscapes of South India
As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We will create a bespoke package which will be completely unique for you.
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Day 1
Your adventure begins
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.
Days 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.
India, exceeded all expectations
A trip taking in the Golden Triangle... rest and relaxation at Ramathra Fort and a beach resort in Kerala. Great planning... everything went perfectly and we felt we experienced all aspects of India.
Ian
28 February 2025Excellent
850 Reviews
850 Reviews
What’s included:
With ETG, what’s included goes well beyond the basics. From the moment your trip begins to your final farewell, the essentials are already taken care of, leaving you free to immerse, explore and enjoy without the hassle of hidden extras.
Here’s what comes as standard in all of our holidays:
All flights (unless you’ve booked your own!)
Expert guides and drivers
All accommodation
Many meals and snacks
Immersive experiences throughout
All regional transfers
Tips
24/7 In-Country support
Personal travel consultant throughout
Pricing:
As every holiday is bespoke, prices vary depending on destination, flights, hotel choices, inclusions and travel dates. We aim to include as much as possible upfront, so you know exactly where you are. As an approximate guide:
Bespoke Holidays £4,500 - £8,500pp
Bespoke Luxury Holidays £8,500 - £14,500pp
Bespoke Family Holidays from £4,000 - £7,500pp
Meet Our India Experts
With over a decade of experience, Sara knows how to blend India’s vibrant energy with luxurious, personalised touches. Her itineraries balance historic cities, serene countryside retreats, and cultural experiences that stay with you forever.
Sara
Regional Expert
Explore Our Hotels & Villas
Wherever you go, and whatever you do, at the end of every day you can always be sure of a comfortable rest. Every location on our list of hotels is handpicked, and in its own way, shares the history, the hospitality, and the soul of the destination. Below are some examples of the different hotels we use.
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Karnataka, India
Evolve Back, Hampi
Evolve Back, Hampi is a grand and luxurious retreat just minutes from the awe-inspiring ruins of Hampi. Inspired by the opulence of the Vijayanagar Empire, the property offers palatial architecture, tiered rooftops and regal courtyards set within a boulder-strewn landscape. A true haven after a day exploring the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Highlights
Highlights
Luxury stay near Hampi,
Vijayanagara-inspired architecture
Best for
Couples,
Culture Seekers,
History Enthusiasts
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Karnataka, India
Evolve Back Coorg
Tucked deep in the Western Ghats of Coorg, Evolve Back Resort blends striking tribal architecture with contemporary comforts and pristine nature. Overlooking the Kabini River, this eco-lodge invites a peaceful escape surrounded by rosewood forests, coffee estates and bird-filled canopies.
Highlights
Highlights
Riverside setting,
Private pools,
Wildlife safaris
Best for
Couples,
Families,
Wildlife Enthusiasts
Gallery
See More
Kerala, India
Neeleshwar Hermitage
A serene beachfront escape in northern Kerala, Neeleshwar Hermitage offers peace, privacy, and pristine landscapes. Hidden between the Arabian Sea and the Kasaragod backwaters, this tranquil resort blends rustic charm with understated luxury. Unspoilt beaches stretch in both directions, while the lush grounds and sacred forest groves nearby create a sense of quiet spirituality. Once you’re here, the stillness and seclusion make it hard to leave.
Highlights
Highlights
Sacred forest groves,
Serene backwaters,
Unspoilt beaches
Best for
Couples,
Solos
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Andhra Pradesh, India
Taj Falaknuma Palace
Towering above Hyderabad’s skyline, Taj Falaknuma Palace is a spectacular showcase of regal grandeur. Painstakingly restored to mirror the lifestyle of the Nizams, the palace is a treasure trove of European antiques, glittering chandeliers, and centuries-old artworks. From the moment you arrive, it promises an experience steeped in history and opulence.
Highlights
Highlights
Palace heritage,
Hilltop views,
Fine dining
Best for
Couples,
Culture Seekers,
Luxury Travellers
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Mumbai, India
Taj Mahal Palace
Overlooking the Arabian Sea beside Mumbai’s Gateway of India, the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel is one of India’s most iconic heritage properties. Built in 1903, its ornate blend of Moorish, Florentine and Oriental architecture makes a dramatic impression both inside and out. The palace wing is a celebration of regal Indian design, from Belgian chandeliers to historic tribal artefacts, while the newer tower wing provides a more contemporary experience. Service is refined, the atmosphere quietly luxurious, and the harbourfront location hard to beat.
Highlights
Highlights
Waterfront location,
Historic architecture,
Grand luxury
Best for
Families,
Couples,
Culture Seekers,
Business Travellers
Gallery
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Karnataka, India
The Serai Chikmagalur
Surrounded by verdant coffee plantations in Chikmagalur, The Serai offers an elegant yet peaceful retreat. This stylish resort invites guests to relax and recharge in a lush landscape steeped in heritage and greenery.
Highlights
Highlights
Coffee estate setting,
Private villas,
Spa and pool
Best for
Couples,
Families,
Slow Travellers
Gallery
The ETG Guarantee
We guarantee you an experience no one else has ever had.
The travel magic you’ll remember won’t be found on a well-trodden – or over-Instagrammed – itinerary. It will be the surprises, discoveries and secrets that you’ll uncover along the way with us.
Do you ever feel like people aren’t listening to you?
We get it. And we will – that’s a promise. Your holiday starts with with a proper, no-pressure call to understand what you want, what you don’t want, and what matters to you. From there, we create a completely unique adventure, inspired by our conversation together.
And because of our long-standing relationships with trusted partners across Asia, you’ll have access to experiences you can’t find on Google. The kind of special experiences that are literally impossible to find on your own.
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Kerala, India
A Day in Munnar's Tea Lands
An opportunity today for you to explore the picture perfect tea plantations that swathe the sloping hills of the Western Ghats. As you walk along the paths that separate the tea plants, past tea pickers in colourful saris, you will see the importance of tea in this area as a cash crop, a way of earning a living and a cultural institution. As well as tea, plenty of coffee, pepper and cardamom can be seen growing in this lush and fertile area. You will also have the chance to visit the local markets where the herbs, spices and tea are traded and sold. Always a colourful and sometimes a raucous affair, local markets in this part of India are fantastic places to mingle with the locals. You may also like to visit the local tea museum in Munnar.
Important FAQs about India
India is a place of contrasts and deep cultural richness, and travelling here with ETG ensures you experience it in a way that is authentic, seamless, and meaningful.
We craft holidays that go far beyond the typical tourist trail: think hand-picked boutique hotels, private guides with expert local knowledge, and immersive experiences that give you genuine insight into India’s diverse traditions and landscapes. From the calm of rural Rajasthan to the chaotic charm of Delhi, our holidays are designed to be both inspiring and stress-free, with 24/7 in-country support so you can focus on the magic of the moment.
India is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on the region and your interests. For most of northern India, the cooler, drier months from October to March are ideal for exploring cultural sites, cities, and wildlife reserves. The southern states, such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu, are also wonderful during these months, while the Himalayan regions are best visited in the warmer months from April to June. If you’re looking for fewer crowds, travelling in the shoulder seasons—September or April—can offer a great balance of pleasant weather and quieter
Every ETG holiday to India is designed to feel seamless, immersive and stress free. We’ll arrange international flights (if you’d like us to), your drivers and guides, and stays in characterful hotels we know and trust.
You’ll experience India in a way that’s completely bespoke to you – from quiet moments to big adventures – all planned by our India specialists. And while you’re away, our local team is on hand 24/7, so you’ll always feel well looked after.
