
Hyderabad, Bijapur & Badami Architecture
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This 4-day architectural odyssey takes you from Hyderabad to Bijapur and Badami, then back again. Unravel the rich history and cultural heritage of South India, beginning with a drive to Bijapur, exploring the historic Gulbarga Fort and Jama Masjid along the way. Discover Bijapur Fort, Asar Mahal, and the iconic Gol Gumbad, then continue to Badami, where ancient cave temples carved out of sandstone hills beckon. Explore Badami Fort, the Badami Caves showcasing intricate rock-cut architecture, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pattadakal Temple Complex. Conclude your expedition with a visit to Aihole, featuring Durga Temple, Huchamalli Temple, and the Meguti Jain Temple, then return to Hyderabad.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Overview
Duration
4 daysHotel Rating
3 or 4 star hotelsStarts
HyderabadEnds
HyderabadMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in India that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesTour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeing.Country
IndiaPassengers
$2,340.00
$1,170.00
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 1 / Max Private Tour
Trip Type
Private Tours
Range
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeing.Group Size
Min 1 / Max Private TourRange
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Private ToursPlaces You'll See

Hyderabad

Gulbarga

Bijapur

Kalaburagi Division

Badami

Khammam

Belgaum Division

Vijayapura

Bagalkot

Pattadakal
Accommodation Standard
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Included
Not Included
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Itinerary
Day 1 - Hyderabad to Gulbarga & Bijapur
Hyderabad – Gulbarga - Bijapur (385kms/ 7hrs approx). You depart Hyderabad and travel towards Bijapur, following a route steeped in South India’s history. En route, you stop at Gulbarga Fort, where imposing walls and bastions reflect its past as a stronghold of the Bahmani Sultanate.
You continue to the Jama Masjid, known for its vast prayer hall and architectural style influenced by Persian design, creating a calm and atmospheric setting. Nearby, you visit the Sharana Basaveshwara Temple, an important pilgrimage site, where detailed stone carvings depict stories of devotion and local tradition.
Your journey also includes a visit to the tomb of the Sufi saint Khwaja Bande Nawaz. The shrine is recognised for its peaceful surroundings and distinctive blend of Indo-Islamic and Persian design elements. You then proceed to Bijapur, arriving in the evening.
Day 2 - Exploring Bijapur & Journey to Badami
Bijapur - Badami (120kms/ 2hrs approx). You start the day with breakfast in Bijapur before setting out to explore the city’s historic landmarks. You visit Bijapur Fort, where extensive ramparts and historic structures reflect the power of the Adil Shahi dynasty. Inside, you explore Asar Mahal, known for its elegant halls, detailed paintings and fine woodwork, once used for royal gatherings.
Continue to Bara Kaman, an unfinished structure that still conveys the scale and ambition of its original design. At Gol Gumbaz, one of the largest domes in the world, you take in panoramic views across the city from the upper gallery.
Further visits include Mehtar Mahal, a fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture with intricate detailing, and the Malik-e-Maidan cannon, one of the largest medieval cannons, symbolising Bijapur’s military strength.
You then travel onwards to Badami, a town set among dramatic sandstone cliffs. On arrival, you check into your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure - you may choose to explore the local market or relax and take in the surroundings.
Day 3 - Exploring Aihole, Pattadakal & Badami
Set out from Badami to explore the nearby heritage sites of Aihole and Pattadakal, both central to the development of early Chalukyan temple architecture. At Aihole, you visit the Durga Temple, known for its distinctive curved layout and detailed carvings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. You also explore Lad Khan Temple, one of the earliest examples of temple architecture in the region, and the nearby Ravanaphadi Cave Temples, where rock-cut interiors showcase early sculptural work.
You continue to Pattadakal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where a collection of temples reflects a blend of northern and southern Indian architectural styles. Here, you visit the Virupaksha Temple, noted for its scale and intricate carvings, as well as a Jain temple within the complex.
Returning to Badami, you explore the Badami Cave Temples, carved into sandstone cliffs and adorned with impressive sculptures and reliefs. You also visit Badami Fort, which offers views over the surrounding landscape, and Agastya Lake, set between the cliffs and historic structures. You return to your hotel in Badami in the evening.
Day 4 - Return to Hyderabad
Badami – Hyderabad (380kms/ 7hrs approx). Enjoy a relaxed breakfast in Badami before beginning your journey back to Hyderabad.
On arrival in Hyderabad, you are dropped off at your hotel or at the airport for your onward journey.
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Tour Reviews
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Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
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Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Prices & Dates
The prices you see below are a guide, with final prices per person being determined by the number of travellers in your booking party, desired hotel standard and the rooming arrangements required. To see an accurate price, please click "Book Dates" and enter the details for your booking party.
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