The Story
Best for: Culture & Beach, Cultural & Immersive, Adventure & Off-the-beaten track
This journey takes you through Central India from Hyderabad to Hampi and onto the beaches of the Indian Ocean, a classic combination of culture and beach.
Hyderabad
Begin your journey in Hyderabad, once the capital city of the Qutb Shahi dynasty of the 16th century and a bastion of Islamic culture in south India. Hyderabad now has a vibrant cosmopolitan character and you can explore the graceful British Residency (made famous by William Dalrymple’s White Mughals). Visit the impregnable Golconda fortress with its striking ruins of old palaces and military structures.
See the old city with its iconic Charminar and the bustling Laad Bazaar. We suggest three nights in Hyderabad, and we heavily recommend you stay at the superb, iconic Falaknuma Palace. If the budget doesn’t quite stretch to this, we have a range of boutique alternatives.
You will be led around the city by Jonty Rajagopalan, possibly one of the best private guides in India. Her insight into the city is absolutely second-to-none. We will tailor your experience around four different themes: historical, culinary, local life and arts & crafts. We will then focus on what you truly want to uncover and let Jonty wow you with her enthusiasm and creativity.
Hampi
There is now a new direct flight from Hyderabad to Vijaynagar Airport close to Hampi, about a 45-minute drive to the stunning Evolve Back Hampi. The hotel was established in 2017 and was the first hotel that offered a truly excellent standard of accommodation and service. We again suggest three nights here, so you have two full days of seeing Hampi. Hampi was the base of the Vijayanagara Empire, the last great Hindu empire to rule over south India (1336 until 1565). Until its destruction in the 16th century, Hampi was one of the richest and largest cities in the world. The ruined remains of this imperial city are set amidst a beautiful boulder-strewn landscape on the southern banks of the River Tungabhadra. Many consider the ruins to be the finest of their type in India, and the sunsets are spell-binding.
Gokarna
You then have a long drive (about 7 hours) to get to the coast. We suggest heading to Gokarna, a small temple town to the south of Goa where the superb Kahani Paradise Hotel as just opened (again the first quality hotel to open in this area). We suggest three leisurely days here, and you can, of course, extend your time. Spend your days exploring the town, the many quiet beaches and taking walks in the local area.
Goa
Drive two hours to Goa, along the coast, and conclude at the wonderful Ahilya By the Sea for some well deserved R&R with all the trimmings.
Guide Pricing
Starting At
| £3775 |
|---|
Highlights
- Stay in luxury hotels and palaces in Hyderabad and Hampi, with boutique hotels to conclude on the beach
- Explore Hyderabad, one of India’s most diverse and interesting cities
- Fly to Hampi on a newly opened route, and spend three days exploring one of India’s best historical sites
- Visit Gokarna, offering some of India’s most picturesque beaches and home to temples and Hindu culture
- Conclude in Goa, where you can kick back and spend a few days reading a book, or exploring local churches, beaches, and markets.
Day 1-3
Falaknuma Palace
Day 4-6
Evolve Back Hampi
Day 7-9
Kahani Paradise
Day 10-12
Ahilya by the Sea
| Days | Location | Hotel |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1-3 | Hyderabad | Falaknuma Palace |
| Day 4-6 | Hampi | Evolve Back Hampi |
| Day 7-9 | Gokarna | Kahani Paradise |
| Day 10-12 | Goa | Ahilya by the Sea |
Day 1
Hyderabad
Fly to Hyderabad, where we will meet you and transfer to you the stunning Falaknuma Palace. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 2
Hyderabad
We always tailor your experience with Jonty, but this is what we suggest! We suggest seeing a little of the history of Hyderabad on your first day; Charminar Walk, Golconda Fort, the Qutb Shahi Tombs and a visit to the British Residency, made famous by White Mughals.
Day 3
Hyderabad
Today is all about local life, where you start with a culinary experience, where you dine with a local family, seeing how the famous Biryani is made. You then visit the Banjara or the Lambada community which will give you a glimpse into the simple village life. Mud houses with thatched roofs keeping the interiors dark and cool, rustic food cooked on outdoor fires, fields being tended to by the whole family, innovative techniques to store food in the absence of urban storage systems and above all, smiling and welcoming faces in the midst of all what to us are insurmountable obstacles.
Day 4
Hampi
Fly to Vijaynagar where we will meet you and transfer to to Evolve Back Hampi. Take a private evening coracle journey on the Tungabhadra River.
Day 5
Hampi
Today will be your first day in Hampi with your private guide. Explore the Sacred area, seeing the 7th-century Virupaksha Temple and the extravagant 16th-century Vittala Temple.
Day 6
Hampi
The second day in Hampi will allow you to truly get a feel for the vast array of things to see. Begin with the ‘Sister Stones’, a natural archway created by two giant leaning boulders, then head to the Royal Quarter where you can explore the many palaces, Elephant Stables, Queen’s Bath, Hazara Rama Temple, and octagonal watchtower.
Day 7-9
Gokarna
Drive to Gokarna, which will take about seven hours, but we promise it is worth the long drive. Stay at Kahani Paradise and spend your days at leisure, exploring the many beaches, small temples, and markets.
Day 10-12
Goa
Drive north to Goa, which takes about two hours. Stay at the Ahilya-by-the Sea where you can truly kick back and relax.
Suggested Hotels
Itinerary Experiences
