Hampi and the Deccan Sultanates

Drive through the Western Ghats to the small coffee-growing town of Chikmagalur via Shravanabelagola, a site famous for its colossal 10th-century monolithic statue of the Jain saint Gomateshwara Bahubali. On arrival, the remainder of the day is at leisure to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities.

Spend the day exploring the magnificent Chennakesava temple at Belur and the impressive Hoysaleswara temple complex at Halebid. These twin jewels of 12th-century Hoysala art and architecture are counted among the masterpieces of South Asian art. The star-shaped temples, with their ornate monolithic pillars and exquisitely carved stone sculptures, reveal the hybrid architectural style of Hoysala Art that combines the ‘Nagara’ style of north India with the ‘Dravidian’ style of south India.

Drive to Hampi, the imperial capital city of the celebrated 14th-century Vijayanagara Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The spectacular spellbinding ruins of Hampi are scattered on the southern bank of the Tungabhadra River and spread over a dramatic boulder-strewn landscape.

Spend the day exploring the striking ruins of Hampi’s sacred quarter on foot and by bicycle. Begin your tour at the 7th century Virupaksha Temple, noted for its splendid architecture and erotic sculptures; discover the Courtesans’ Street with its finely carved stone pillars; the Achyuta Raya temple complex, which is the last of the grand creations of the Vijayanagara Empire; the riverside gorge with its clusters of temples and the Lakshmi Narasimha temple, the site of the tallest statue in Hampi. The tour concludes with a visit to the Musical Pillars and the magnificent large stone chariot at the Vittala Temple.

Return to Hampi’s bewitching ruins to discover the royal living quarters. Start at the Sister Stones, a natural archway created by two giant leaning boulders; visit the Dannayaka enclosure with its sprawling quarters of the aristocrats, several ruined palaces including that of the Palace of Krishnadevaraya and a massive watchtower with a dome roof, a superb example of the Vijayanagara military architecture. Continue to the Hazara Rama Temple, famous for its bas-relics depicting the story of Ramayana, and visit the Royal enclosure’s attractions, including the majestic elephant stables in the Royal Centre, the Lotus Mahal and baths for the Queen and the public.

A scenic drive past lush, colourful fields will bring you to Badami, the erstwhile capital of the Chalukya Empire. In the afternoon, visit Badami’s 6th-century rock-cut temples carved out of soft sandstone and the splendid Bhuthanatha shrine that combines late Chalukyan and Dravidian architecture.

Drive to the village of Aihole, regarded as the cradle of Indian temple architecture. The 6th-century temples and ruins of Aihole reveal the different styles of temple building and the experimentation and evolution of Hindu temple architecture. Continue to Pattadakal, an art historian’s dream and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the plethora of exquisitely carved temples collectively represent the pinnacle of Chalukyan art. Next, proceed to the historic town of Bijapur, a former Deccan Sultanate famous for its Islamic heritage and architecture.

Begin your day with a visit to the magnificent Golgumbaz, which dominates Bijapur’s landscape with a dramatic dome that is believed to be second only to the St Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Continue to the beautiful Ibrahim Rouza, considered by many to be one of the finest Islamic monuments in India. Visit the crumbling Bijapur Fort, which holds one of the largest medieval cannons ever cast, before driving to Gulbarga, the 14th-century capital of the Bahmani Sultans.

Set off this morning to explore the historical monuments of Gulbarga, including the 14th-century Jami Masjid (built on the lines of the Cordoba mosque in Spain) and the Haft Gumbaz, where the seven tombs chronicle the Bahmani architectural style. Next, proceed to Bidar, where you will visit the fort, regarded as one of the most formidable in the Deccan, before continuing to Hyderabad.

Visit the virtually impregnable Golconda Fortress this morning, a citadel synonymous with diamonds and once the hub of the world’s diamond trade. Continue to the imposing tombs of the Qutb Shahi Kings with their distinctive onion-shaped domes and intricate stone and stucco ornamentation, then return to your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

Set off on a full-day tour inspired by William Dalrymple’s acclaimed book ‘White Mughals’ on which Hyderabad’s colonial past will be revealed, and you will hear tales about the 18th-century British residents who adopted the Indo-Islamic culture and the lifestyle of the Nizams. Visits will include Raj period churches, the Chowmahalla Palace, and the old British Residency, originally home of Colonel James Kirkpatrick, the main protagonist of Dalrymple’s tale.

Explore Hyderabad’s Old City this morning, starting at the 16th century Charminar with its splendid mosque, then continue to the Mecca Masjid (believed to have been built using soil brought from Mecca), and stroll through the bustling Laad Bazaar lined with shops selling pearls, jewellery and lacquer bangles. The afternoon is at leisure. Alternatively, discover Hyderabad’s famed street food with a chef (supplement applies).

Transfer to the Hyderabad International Airport and check in for your onward flight.