DAY 1: Arrive in Hyderabad – Gateway to Deccan Heritage

Welcome to Hyderabad, the cultural capital of Telangana and the historical gateway to the Deccan Plateau. Upon arrival, you'll be warmly received by our tour manager, who will offer a brief orientation session outlining the highlights of your South India heritage tour.

After check-in at your hotel in Hyderabad, you may choose to spend a relaxed evening strolling along Necklace Road or enjoying the serene views of Hussain Sagar Lake, one of the city's most iconic urban landmarks.

The vibrant heart of the Deccan, where centuries of history come alive on every street corner. As your Tour Program Director, I am thrilled to introduce you to this magnificent city, often hailed as the 'City of Pearls' and the 'City of Nawabs.' Hyderabad is a captivating blend of ancient heritage and modern innovation, offering a journey through time from the grandeur of the Qutb Shahi dynasty to the opulence of the Nizams. Here, you'll discover a unique cultural tapestry woven from Islamic and Hindu traditions, creating a city that is as rich in history as it is in hospitality.

The tour is designed to immerse you in the very best of Hyderabad's legendary past and its dynamic present. We will begin with the architectural marvels, from the majestic four-arched Charminar, the city’s timeless icon, to the sprawling Golconda Fort, a testament to the region's royal legacy and famed for its incredible acoustics. But no visit to Hyderabad is complete without experiencing its world-renowned culinary scene. Be prepared to indulge in the aromatic spices of authentic Hyderabadi Biryani and explore the bustling bazaars, where you can find exquisite pearls and traditional handicrafts. It's a city that promises a feast for the senses, leaving you with memories as rich and enduring as its history.

Enjoy a delightful Hyderabadi dinner and unwind overnight at your hotel, preparing for the cultural journey ahead through Telangana and Karnataka’s historic heartlands.

Dinner and overnight stay at your hotel in Hyderabad.

DAY 2: Pochampally Ikat Weaving, Ramoji Film City & Royal Hyderabad

After a hearty breakfast, embark on a day rich in textile heritage and cinematic grandeur. Begin with a visit to Pochampally village, a UNESCO-recognized Ikat weaving cluster known globally for its intricate double ikat silk and cotton sarees. Watch master weavers at work and learn about the centuries-old techniques that have made Pochampally a cornerstone of traditional handloom weaving in South India.

Continue your journey to the spectacular Ramoji Film City, the largest integrated film studio complex in Asia. Experience movie magic with a behind-the-scenes glimpse into typical Indian film shoots, elaborate sets, and themed attractions. Enjoy a traditional Indian lunch at one of the studio’s in-house restaurants.

In the late afternoon, explore the historic Golconda Fort, once the seat of the Qutb Shahi dynasty and famed for its architectural acoustics, royal palaces, and commanding views over Hyderabad.

As the sun sets, drive to the exquisite Falaknuma Palace, once the royal residence of the Nizam of Hyderabad, now a luxury heritage hotel. Sip tea in regal surroundings and take in the palace’s opulent architecture and serene courtyards.

Conclude your day with lakeside fine dining at The Water Front Restaurant, known for its scenic setting on Hussain Sagar Lake and delectable local cuisine.

Dinner and overnight stay at your hotel in Hyderabad

DAY 3: Discover the Historic Charms of Hyderabad – Museums, Palaces & Bazaars

After breakfast, set out to explore the timeless treasures of Hyderabad, a city where Nizami grandeur meets Indo-Islamic architecture. Begin your cultural exploration at the renowned Salar Jung Museum, one of India’s largest art museums, showcasing an eclectic collection of artefacts from around the world — including Persian carpets, Mughal miniatures, and rare sculptures.

Next, step into the regal world of the Chowmahalla Palace, the former official residence of the Nizams of Hyderabad. Admire its elegant courtyards, grand durbar halls, and a remarkable collection of vintage cars and royal regalia that reflect the opulence of Hyderabad’s royal heritage.

Enjoy a traditional Hyderabadi lunch at a local restaurant, sampling regional favourites like biryani, haleem, or kebabs.

In the afternoon, delve into the heart of Old Hyderabad with a visit to the iconic Charminar, the city’s most famous monument and a symbol of Indo-Islamic architecture. Stroll through the bustling lanes of Laad Bazaar, famous for its lacquered bangles, pearls, perfumes, and traditional Hyderabadi souvenirs — a must-visit for lovers of local crafts and shopping. Return to your hotel for dinner and a restful overnight stay, soaking in the legacy of a city where every street whispers stories of South India’s regal past.

Return to the hotel for dinner and a relaxing overnight stay in Hyderabad

DAY 4: Hyderabad to Warangal – Kakatiya Legacy and UNESCO Temples

After breakfast, begin your road journey from Hyderabad to Warangal, the former capital of the Kakatiya dynasty and a city steeped in medieval South Indian history. The scenic drive brings you deeper into Telangana’s cultural heartland, where temple architecture and dynastic legacies await.

Upon arrival, visit the impressive Warangal Fort, a 13th-century citadel known for its intricately carved Kakatiya Toranas (stone gateways) and fortified walls. Walk through the ruins that echo tales of warrior queens, ancient battles, and remarkable craftsmanship that shaped the region’s identity.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, savouring traditional Telangana cuisine.

In the afternoon, drive to the nearby Ramappa Temple (Rudreshwara Temple) — a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its floating bricks, intricate carvings, and star-shaped sanctum. Built in the 13th century, this masterpiece of Kakatiya temple architecture stands as a testament to engineering brilliance and artistic finesse. Return to Warangal for dinner and a peaceful overnight stay at your hotel, reflecting on a day immersed in Telangana’s glorious past.

Dinner and overnight stay at hotel in Warangal

DAY 5: Warangal to Bidar & Gulbarga – Fortresses of the Deccan Sultanate

After breakfast, depart from Warangal and drive toward Bidar, a historic hilltop city in Karnataka that served as a major centre of the Bahmani Sultanate. Rich in Indo-Islamic heritage, Bidar is a hidden gem in Deccan architecture and medieval history.

On arrival, explore the sprawling Bidar Fort, one of the finest examples of Perso-Turkish military architecture in South India. Discover its royal palaces, intricate woodwork, underground chambers, and the historic Rangeen Mahal, known for its coloured tile work and ornate stucco. The fort offers a unique glimpse into the fusion of Persian artistry and local design that defined the Deccan style.

Enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant in Bidar, sampling regional Karnataka delicacies.

Later, proceed to Gulbarga (Kalaburagi), another key city of the Bahmani Sultanate. Visit the grand Gulbarga Fort, known for its massive bastions and the striking Jama Masjid, a mosque built in the 14th century with stunning arches inspired by Spanish and Moorish architecture — a rare style in Indian Islamic monuments.Conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel in Gulbarga, soaking in the atmosphere of Deccan royalty and Islamic architectural splendour.