Central & South India In Style
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
A brilliant profusion of rock-cut temples, extraordinary architecture and sumptuous landscapes, South India offers up the promise of some of the most authentic cultural experiences that this remarkable country has to offer. Combine this with some of the most luxurious hotels on the Indian Subcontinent and you have an adventure filled with luxury and life changing experiences. Beginning in the city of Hyderabad, you’ll enjoy experiencing some of the splendour of the once powerful Nizams,...
A brilliant profusion of rock-cut temples, extraordinary architecture and sumptuous landscapes, South India offers up the promise of some of the most authentic cultural experiences that this remarkable country has to offer. Combine this with some of the most luxurious hotels on the Indian Subcontinent and you have an adventure filled with luxury and life changing experiences. Beginning in the city of Hyderabad, you’ll enjoy experiencing some of the splendour of the once powerful Nizams, before your adventure takes you on to discover the magnificent monuments at Hampi. Here you can explore the medieval ruins of the Vijayanagar Empire, before continuing south towards the foothills of the Western Ghats and the glorious setting of Chikmagalur. Next stop is Kabini, and the rich wildlife sanctuaries of Nagarhole neeleshNational Park, where you can enjoy jeep safaris and river cruises before heading up into the cooling hills and coffee plantations around Coorg. Th journey next takes you to the tranquil beaches and coastline of Neeleshwar, where the waters of the Arabian Sea and the remarkable cultural ritual of the Theyyam dancers provide an unforgettable ending to a breathtaking Southern India adventure.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Suggested Itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 ARRIVE HYDERABAD
Day 1 ARRIVE HYDERABAD
Arriving in Hyderabad, you will be met at the airport by a Wild Frontiers representative and transferred on to your hotel, the sumptuous Taj Fulaknuma Palace. An exquisite example of 19th-century elegance, this evening you will be invited to join the hotel's butlers on a heritage walk around the palace. Beginning at sunset, you'll wander through halls of Italian-Neoclassical design, filled with custom-made furnishings and lavish decorations, to provide a fascinating insight into the wealth and eventual fall of the once powerful Nizam of Hyderabad.
Day 2 HYDERABAD
Day 2 HYDERABAD
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.
Day 3 HYDERABAD - HAMPI
Day 3 HYDERABAD - HAMPI
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.
Day 4 HAMPI
Day 4 HAMPI
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.
Day 5 HAMPI
Day 5 HAMPI
Heading out after breakfast, this morning you will visit the magnificent settings of Aihole, Pattadkal 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.
Day 6 HAMPI - CHIKMAGALUR
Day 6 HAMPI - CHIKMAGALUR
Your journey south continues into the foothills of the Western Ghats today, as you negotiate the long drive on to Chikmagalur. Famed for its coffee and its pleasant climate, the town lies close to the heights of Mullayanagiri, the highest peak in Karnataka. Arriving later this afternoon, the rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy at your own leisure.
Day 7 CHIKMAGALUR
Day 7 CHIKMAGALUR
Following an early breakfast, you'll drive out of Chikmagalur this morning and head for the ancient temples of Belur and Halebeedu. Stunning examples of temple architecture from the Hoysala dynasty and filled with Hindu mythology, they stand as superb testaments to the glory of Hindu temple art. Returning to the hotel for lunch, this afternoon then sees you enjoying a trek to the summit of Mullayanagiri, to enjoy the spectacular views from the top of one of the highest peaks lying between the Himalayas and the Nilgris Mountains.
Day 8 CHIKMAGALUR - KABINI
Day 8 CHIKMAGALUR - KABINI
This morning you'll set off through the beautiful Indian countryside towards Kabini, paying a visit en route to Shravababelagola, one of the most important Jain pilgrimage sites anywhere in India. A climb up the 650 steps to the top provides a chance to see the monolithic Gommateshwara Statue, one of the largest free-standing statues in the world. From here you continue on to Kabini, arriving in time for lunch, before embarking on a naturalist tour with a sunset cruise.
Day 9 KABINI
Day 9 KABINI
Located on the edge of the River Kabini, in the heartland of the Kadu Kuruba tribe, Kabini borders both the Bandipur and Nagarhole National Parks. Home to elusive tigers, leopards, elephants and over 250 species of birds, it will be the setting of an early morning safari in the company of your naturalist guide. This evening then provides an opportunity to make the most of a myriad of activities including coracle trips, bullock cart rides and an evening's nature trail walk.
Day 10 KABINI
Day 10 KABINI
After a chance for some early morning bird watching, you will head out to visit the local tribal village, to experience first-hand a little of the culture and spirit of traditional Kabini. Later this afternoon you will then take a boat safari through the meandering waterways that flow between the rich landscapes of the national parks. This evening there will be a traditional Kadu Kuruba dance performance, followed by an enriching collection of local stories.
Day 11 KABINI - COORG
Day 11 KABINI - COORG
Driving up into the lush hills of the Western Ghats this morning, the next leg of the journey sees you enjoying the misty hills and verdant forests around the old hill station of Coorg. Traditional home of the Kodava people, the area is rich in rice and coffee and the drive takes you through a serene landscape of undulating hills and quaint Indian villages. On arrival at the hotel later there will be time to relax and enjoy one of southern India's most scenic landscapes.
Day 12 COORG
Day 12 COORG
The day begins with a bird tour and a visit to the local village with your in-house naturalist. After breakfast you'll then head off to visit the nearby community at Bylekuppe, home to one of the largest Tibetan settlements in India. With several magnificent temples on show, it provides a unique insight into the rich cultural heritage of the Tibetans in southern India. Returning to the hotel for lunch, later you'll embark on an evening tour of the coffee and spice plantation.
Day 13 COORG
Day 13 COORG
Today's highlight is a visit to a traditional Ainmane, a 400-year-old ancestral building that belongs to the indigenous Kodava. Each Ainmane belongs to an okka (patrilineal clan) and it is here that the clan gather for special ceremonies and occasions. It also acts as a community museum, helping to enrich and nurture Kodava cultural heritage. After a traditional lunch you'll return to the hotel to relax, before soaking up the essence of Karnataka culture with an evening's programme of storytelling and dance.
Day 14 COORG - NEELESHWAR
Day 14 COORG - NEELESHWAR
Departing early this morning the drive on to Neeleshwar will take around five hours, stopping off along the way to break the journey with photo opportunities and snacks. Your destination is the Neeleshwar Hermitage, a luxurious tropical hideaway that nestles amongst palm groves beside the waters of the Arabian Sea. After checking in you will have time in the afternoon to enjoy this idyllic setting at your own pace.
Day 15 NEELESHWAR
Day 15 NEELESHWAR
A mix of activities are on the cards for today, beginning this morning with a visit to a local village. This afternoon has then been set aside to enjoy a culinary session with an experienced chef, before an evening of Theyyam culture. A ceremonial form of worship from the northern Malabar region of Kerala, Theyyam is a form of trance-ritual unique to the Malabar region and is traditionally performed in temples, usually in front of entire villages.
Day 16 NEELESHWAR
Day 16 NEELESHWAR
After a visit to a turtle hatchery this morning, you'll then take a cruise through the secluded backwaters, enjoying the traditional sights and sounds of Kerala as you soak up the views of the lush hills and rice paddies for the last time. This evening you can then relax by the beach and reflect on a journey of quite unsurpassed majesty.
Day 17 DEPART NEELESHWAR
Day 17 DEPART NEELESHWAR
Depart after breakfast and drive to Mangalore Airport, arriving in time to connect with your onward flight.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Neeleshwar Hermitage Hotel, Neeleshwar
A beautiful, private boutique beach hotel, the Neeleshwar Hermitage is set in twelve naturally landscaped acres, The Hermitage is built according to the traditional architectural principles of Kerala Vastu. These dictate that a building should be constructed in such a way as to conform to the subtle laws of nature operating in the area, so the whole site is oriented to the east and the rising sun. There are 12 cottages with carved and dressed woodwork lovingly fashioned in traditional style by local craftsmen so skilled that their usual work is building and restoring temples.These craftsmen have also produced the handmade furniture. Each room is decorated with both traditional and contemporary objets d'art. The result is an uplifting sense of elegance.
Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad
Retrace the steps of Nizams and European royalty by walking the walk of Kings through this palace in the sky. 2000 feet above Hyderabad, Taj Falaknuma Palace's 60 beautifully refurbished and lovingly restored rooms allow you to journey into the clouds and into the glided ages, where grandeur and excess is celebrated and savoured in equal measure. So say's the Taj's website and we agree this place is pretty special! The former residence of the Nizam of Hyderabad - who, at one stage was reputed to be the wealthiest man on earth - Falaknuma Palace has been leased by the Royal Family of Hyderabad to the Taj Group with members of the Royal Family having personally supervised part of the palace's refurbishment. The palace is now made up of 60 stunning guestrooms and suites, influenced by decades of signature luxury and excess.
Evolve Back Kuruba Safari Lodge, Kabini
On the banks of the Kabini River, the heartland of the Kadu Kuruba tribe, is the beautiful Evolve Back (previously Orange County), a luxurious eco-friendly lodge in Nagarhole National Park. The comfortable yet rustic huts have been built to reflect the local tribal villages and surrounding nature without compromising on the comforts of the west on the inside. The thirty thatched roof bungalow huts have either private pools or Jacuzzis and all have access to the riverside infinity pool. Guests can enjoy a meal whilst watching the sunset from either of the two restaurants which serve local and international dishes, and grill platters. There is also an Ayurvedic spa, ideal for resting your muscles after a long day on safari in the nearby Bandipur and Nagerhole National Parks.
Evolve Back Hampi, Hampi
Inspired by the magnificent royal palaces, temples of the Vijayanagara rulers at Hampi, Evolve Back (previously Orange County) Hampi is a luxurious hotel set within lovely landscaped gardens featuring reflecting-pools and flowing fountains. The property’s grand architecture is particularly appealing and boasts striking Hindu and Islamic architectural features including elegant domes, recessed arches and ornamental vaults. Accommodation at Evolve Back Hampi is comprised of stylish and luxuriously appointed Water Zenanas (private pool villas) that are scattered around the hotel’s extensive grounds, and elegantly decorated Palace Suites and Palace Studios located within the property’s opulent ochre coloured main building. Facilities include a multi-cuisine restaurant, discreet private dining venues, bar, an infinity-edge pool, and a Spa offering traditional Ayurvedic massages. Evolve Back Hampi is conveniently located twenty minutes’ drive from Hampi’s stunning archaeological treasures
Evolve Back Coorg, Coorg
Within a 300 acre plantation paradise is the Evolve Back (previously Orange County), Coorg. The resort is perfumed with the subtly intoxicating aroma of coffee and spice, providing a sense of calm and tranquillity, an ideal accompaniment to the resorts peaceful infinity pool and Ayurveda Spa. The Villas, inspired by ethnic Kodava architecture, are dotted around the resort, all with private plunge pools. Each of the resorts dishes are crafted to perfection and are matched with outstanding views, from the private ‘Machan’ dining room up high in the tree tops to the Peppercorn deck overlooking the resorts beautiful lake. From the resort, discover the local birdlife and nature on a nature trail, uncover the life of a plantation worker on a tour of the resort, experience a coracle ride along the nearby river, feel the spirit of the land during a bicycle village tour or marvel at the stunning Tibetan monastery and temple at Bylakuppe.
The Serai Chikmagalur, Chikmagalur
The Serai Chikmagalur is located on a lush hillock in the beautiful Western Ghat, surrounded by forests and in a 69 acre working coffee plantation. It is a perfectly located for those wanting to explore the Western Ghat on long day hikes, go on bird watching walks or see the nearby temples of Belur and Halebidu. The resort has beautifully designed villas equipped with all the luxury amenities and stylish interiors, some of the villas come with their own private pools. The Odyssey restaurant offers fine India cuisine and international dishes. The bar has spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and estate and is the perfect spot to enjoy a glass of wine. Oma s the lovely spa with a selection of wellness treatments and the stunning infinity pol is the perfect spot to relax.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
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WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
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HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
24-HOUR SUPPORT
Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.Meet the expert, Shalmali
Shalmali is our Indian Subcontinent expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Shalmali by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258