Southern India Historic Trail
New
Kick off in Bangalore and choose to wrap up back there or in Delhi after 10 memorable days. In Bangalore you’ll explore leafy Lalbagh and palatial splendour, before heading to sacred Shravanabelagola and the sculpted Hoysala masterpieces at Belur and Halebidu. Hampi delivers fabulous UNESCO listed ruins amid boulder strewn hills. Fly to Hyderabad to wander Golconda, Charminar and vibrant bazaars. Continue to Puri for the Jagannath temple, the Konark Sun Temple and a Chilika Lake boat ride – watch for dolphins. Round off around Bhubaneswar’s caves and classic temples, then return to Bangalore.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Overview
Duration
10 daysHotel Rating
3, 4 or 5 star hotelsStarts
BangaloreEnds
BangaloreMinimum 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
$2,845.00
$1,568.00
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
Bengaluru
Bangalore
Bangalore Division
Shravanabelagola
Hassan
Karkala
Mysore Division
Hampi
Belur
Hospet
Hyderabad
Vijaynagar
Bhubaneshwar
Puri
Central Division
Konark
Delhi
Bhubaneswar
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Included
Not Included
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Itinerary
Day 1 - Exploring Bangalore
Arrive in Bangalore (Bengaluru). On landing at the airport, our representative will assist and transfer you to your hotel, then we explore the city’s highlights. We visit Lalbagh Botanical Garden – commissioned by Hyder Ali and completed by Tipu Sultan – known for its glasshouse, a major annual flower show and one of India’s largest collections of tropical plants.
We continue to Bangalore Palace – built in 1887 by the Wodeyar dynasty, with rich woodcarvings and Tudor–style interiors reminiscent of English medieval castles. We stop at Dodda Basavana Gudi – the Bull Temple set within Bugle Rock park – and Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, an Indo–Islamic residence begun by Hyder Ali and completed in 1791, later used by the British administration before it moved to Attara Kacheri in 1868. We also view Vidhana Soudha – the seat of Karnataka’s state legislature – completed in 1956 in a Neo–Dravidian style. Overnight at your chosen category hotel – 3 star, 4 star or 5 star.
Day 2 - Bangalore to Shravanabelagola & Hassan
After breakfast, we drive 200 km – around 4 hours – from Bangalore to Hassan, stopping at Shravanabelagola to visit the Gomateshwara Jain temple. We explore this major Jain pilgrimage centre, home to the 17 m high statue of Lord Bahubali (Gomateshwara) – regarded as the world’s tallest monolithic statue – set on Vindhyagiri Hill overlooking the town. We then continue to Hassan and check in at the hotel. Overnight at hotel 3* / 4* / 5* as per price selection.
Day 3 - Hassan to Hampi
After breakfast, we drive from Hassan to Hampi – 330 km, around seven hours – with visits en route to Belur and Halebedu. In Belur, once the Hoysala capital 38 km from Hassan, we explore the Chennakeshava Temple, commissioned by King Vishnuvardhana in 1117 AD. Its star–shaped shrine stands on a raised platform with intricate black–stone carving, a Garuda figure at the entrance and a frieze of 650 unique elephants, alongside finely carved bracket figures.
We continue to Halebedu 17 km from Belur to see the 12th century Hoysaleswara Temple, noted for detailed stone scrollwork and walls covered with depictions of gods and goddesses, and we also visit the nearby Jain temples. After sightseeing, we continue to Hampi and check in at the hotel. The rest of the day is free – you can relax after the journey. Overnight at a 3*, 4* or 5* hotel as per your selection.
Day 4 - Exploring Hampi
After breakfast at the hotel, we spend the full day exploring Hampi, the former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire on the banks of the Tungabhadra River and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although the city was largely destroyed in the 16th century, its extensive temples, royal enclosures and monuments remain impressively intact and give a clear sense of the scale of the medieval city.
We visit the Hazara Rama Temple, the King’s Balance, the Mahanavami Dibba and the Royal Enclosures, the monolithic statue of Ugra Narasimha, the riverside Virupaksha Temple, the elegant Lotus Mahal and the Vithala Temple Complex. We return to the hotel in the evening. Overnight at hotel 3*/ 4*/ 5* as per price selection.
Day 5 - Fly to Hyderabad
After breakfast we transfer from Hospet/Hampi to Jindal Vijaynagar Airport for the flight to Hyderabad (not included). On arrival in Hyderabad we meet our representative for assistance and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure – you can relax or spend time on personal activities. Overnight in Hyderabad at a 3*, 4* or 5* hotel as per your selection.
Day 6 - Exploring Hyderabad
After breakfast at the hotel, we set out to explore Hyderabad – a 400 years old capital known for its lively bazaars and historic monuments. We begin at Golconda Fort – once linked to diamond mines that produced celebrated gems such as the Kohinoor and Darya i Noor – before continuing to the Qutubshahi Tombs, where the domed mausoleums vary in scale yet share striking architectural detail.
We visit Charminar, built in 1591 by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, then continue to the Salar Jung Museum – home to an extensive collection of antiques with artefacts dating back to the first century – and Birla Mandir, a hilltop temple to Lord Venkateswara built from white Rajasthani marble. We also tour Chowmahalla Palace, former seat of the Asaf Jahi dynasty where the Nizams received official guests. Please note that the Salar Jung Museum and Chowmahalla Palace are closed on Fridays. Return to the hotel for overnight stay in your selected category.
Day 7 - Fly to Bhubaneswar & Drive To Puri
After breakfast, we transfer to Hyderabad airport for your flight to Bhubaneswar (not included). On arrival, we meet you and drive to Puri – around 65 km, approximately 1 hour 20 minutes depending on traffic.
We take you to your hotel and assist with check in. The rest of the day is free – you can relax. Overnight in Puri.
Day 8 - Chilika & Konark Day Trip
After breakfast in Puri, we set out on a 130 kilometres round trip to Chilika and Konark, returning to Puri later. We begin at the Lord Jagannath Temple, a key Char Dham pilgrimage site – please note non-Hindus are not permitted to enter the sanctum sanctorum. We then continue to Chilika Lake, a vast brackish lagoon at the mouth of the Daya River, where we take a boat on the lake with the chance to spot dolphins. In Konark, we explore the 13th‑century Sun Temple, conceived as a colossal stone chariot with twelve pairs of intricately ornamented wheels drawn by seven horses; the complex once included a lofty sikhara, a jagamohana around 30 metres square and high, and a detached nata mandira, along with subsidiary shrines. On the way, we also stop at Pipili, known for its applique work, and Raghurajpur artisan village. Overnight at hotel 3*–4*–5* as per price selection.
Day 9 - Udayagiri, Khandagiri & Fly Bhubaneswar to Bangalore or Delhi
After breakfast we drive 65 km – around 1 hour 20 minutes – to Bhubaneswar, stopping to explore the rock‑cut caves of Udayagiri and Khandagiri, renowned for their Jain heritage. We also visit the Dhauli Rock Edicts of Ashoka, an important Buddhist site, before continuing to Bhubaneswar’s landmark temples: Parasurameshwar, the exquisitely carved 7th‑century shrine; Mukteswara, built around 950 AD and often called the gem of Odishan architecture; Rajarani, an 11th‑century temple celebrated for its sculpted figures; and Lingaraj, the city’s great living temple, where non‑Hindus are not permitted inside the main sanctum.
After sightseeing we transfer to Bhubaneswar airport for your flight to Bangalore or Delhi (not included), with assistance on arrival and a private transfer to your hotel. Overnight at your selected hotel category.
Day 10 - Bangalore
After breakfast at the hotel, we arrange your transfer to the airport in line with your flight schedule – ensuring you arrive in good time 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
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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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