Ancient India: Legends of the South

Welcome to Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay), the gateway to India, and home to the prolific and world-famous Bollywood industry. Brimming with some of the country’s finest culinary hotspots, architecture and history, Mumbai captivates at every turn. Receive a warm A&K welcome and transfer privately to the Taj Mahal Palace & Towers, set on the waterfront opposite the Gateway of India. Settle into your luxury accommodation or step out on your own to discover more of this pulsating city.

The Taj Mahal Palace

Embark on an expertly guided walking tour with a true local, discovering a kaleidoscope of colour and a rich colonial history. Starting from the Gateway of India, unpeel layers of history as you explore the Royal Mumbai Yacht Club, the Police Headquarters and the City Museum. Navigate Mumbai’s vibrant art area, Kala Ghoda, filled with museums and galleries, gaze up at the soaring Raja Bhai towers, the Big Ben of Mumbai, and hear chimes of old British tunes. Then take in the World Heritage-listed Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, an architectural masterpiece made famous by the movie Slumdog Millionaire. Soak up the lively vibe of the market over a delicious glass of Falooda (sweet milk-based drink), before lunch in the world-renowned Bombay Canteen. Spend the afternoon your way. Relax in the luxury of your hotel, choose a half-day cruise to the 8th century Elephanta Caves or explore more of Mumbai on a guided tour of the Hanging Gardens (additional charges).

The Taj Mahal Palace | Meals: BL

Rise early to greet Mumbai by dawn. Witness the real Mumbai unfolding in the clamorous and chaotic Sassoon docks, where you’ll see a fish auction and meet the local traders who keep the city running. End your tour on a cricket ground to learn how this game captured the hearts of billions, before returning to your hotel for a morning at leisure. Later, en route to the airport, stop at the famous 140-year-old Dhobi Ghat, India’s human-powered washing machine, to observe the hundreds of laundrymen washing clothes.

Vivanta Aurangabad | Meals: B

Journey to the ancient UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ajanta Caves, a series of 29 cave temples and monasteries carved out of a sheer cliff along the Waghora River. Marvel at the intricate Buddhist sculptures, wall art, ceiling paintings and frescoes carved into solid rock depicting the life of the Buddha. Discover how these amazing caves, built by monks between 2nd century BC and 7th century AD, were rediscovered by British Officers on a hunting trip after being forgotten for 100 years. Brave the darkness as your expert guide lights the way and unravels thousands of years of ancient Buddhist history.

Vivanta Aurangabad | Meals: BL

Venture into the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ellora Caves — an incredible technological feat that illustrates the spirit of co-existence and religious tolerance that was characteristic of ancient India. Dating back to the 4th and 9th centuries, the complex comprises 33 different Hindu, Buddhist and Jain cave temples dug side by side in the wall of a high basalt cliff. Head to Cave 16 to see the headline act: the mysterious Kailasa Temple, one of the oldest single-rock carving, multi-storeyed complexes in the world. During an archaeological survey, the temple astounded Western archaeologists who found it to be double the size of the Parthenon in Athens. Later, fly to Hyderabad where you’ll be staying at the exquisite palace-turned-hotel, Taj Falaknuma Palace. Perched on a hill overlooking the city below, this original residence of the Nizams is one of the most remarkable sights of Hyderabad. Settle in before an evening at leisure.

Taj Falaknuma Palace | Meals: B

After a leisurely morning take a tour of the graceful tombs of the Qutub Shahi kings. The entire dynasty is buried here in 21 granite and stucco sepulchres set among beautifully landscaped gardens. Continue to the sprawling Golconda Fort, built between the 14th and 16th century and filled with pavilions, gates, colonnades, cupolas and fortifications, which was the seat of power for a region once famed for its diamond mines. Later this evening, with a glass of champagne in hand, enter the opulent world of the Nizams on a fascinating walk around the palace led by the hotel butlers.

Taj Falaknuma Palace | Meals: B

Once home to the richest man in the world (the Nizam of Hyderabad), the city offers an enthralling fusion of old and new. Uncover these rich contrasts on a guided walk. See the splendid palaces of Hyderabad’s Nizams, the bustling bazaars and Muslim monuments, including the stunning Jama Masjid and the famous symbol of the city, the Charminar (four minarets). Spend the afternoon at leisure before an evening treat for your tastebuds with a culinary adventure. Weave through the aromatic stalls of the local spice and vegetable markets, before joining your host in her family kitchen to prepare your feast. Learn the closely guarded secrets behind a traditional Hyderabadi Biryani, considered to be one of the world’s best biryanis, then enjoy your creation.

Taj Falaknuma Palace | Meals: BD

Take to the skies today for Hubli, before your private transfer overland to Hampi, with its magnificent ruins, shady palm groves, rich banana plantations and sun-swept paddy fields.

Settle into your haven of luxury, your base for the next three nights. This evening, participate in a fascinating lecture on the history and architecture of UNESCO World Heritage site Hampi — the perfect way to whet your appetite for the adventures to come.

Evolve Back | Meals: BD

Explore extraordinary Hampi. Now a city in ruins, this magical landscape of the Vijayanagara Empire was once the ‘second-largest medieval-era city after Beijing’. Its prosperity attracted traders and artists from far and away, and has continued to attract explorers, history lovers and archaeologists for centuries. Set off on a full day of discovery, from fascinating architectural ruins to the relics and vestiges of the once prosperous capital. Your guide will unravel the archaeological mysteries of the Virupaksha and Vittala temples, the iconic stone chariot, Maha Mantapa, the musical pillars of the Ranga Mantapa and the Elephant Stables, before a tour of the remains of the queen’s sprawling recreational mansion. To top it off enjoy a picnic lunch on the banks of the scenic and holy Tungabhadra River.

This evening return to the serene waters of the river for an authentic coracle ride, just like the ancient peoples of the Vijayanagara Empire. Your coracle is a round, bowl-shaped boat made from strips of bamboo, and a ride aboard one of these makes for a true historical immersion.

Evolve Back | Meals: BLD

Enjoy a full day discovering Hampi and the surrounding region at your own pace, depending on your individual interests. Choose to continue on the temple trail, heading out to the cave sites of Aihole, Pattadakal and Badami. These significant centres of the Chalukya Dynasty feature extraordinary temple architecture, stone artwork, and construction techniques — an absolutely must-do for the discerning history buff. For an immersive slice of living culture marvel at the brightly coloured nomadic tribe of the Lambanis in their village. Be dazzled by their flamboyant garb of exquisite embroidery of glittering sequins, coins, mirrors and shells along with their trademark bright jewellery and be invited into a home for a meal. For a wildlife experience head to the Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary for the chance to see these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat. Alternatively, get active and stretch your legs as you hike your way through Hampi’s unearthly landscapes taking in sweeping views where giant boulders perch precariously, their rusty colour a stark contrast to the emerald-green paddy fields (additional charges).

Evolve Back | Meals: BD

Drive to progressive and cosmopolitan Bengaluru (also known as Bangalore), the ‘Garden City of India’ – with its burgeoning nightlife, modern shopping and diverse culinary scene, as well as an eclectic mix of modern marvels and historic monuments. After a day of travel, settle into your lush heritage sanctuary, nestled on 20 acres of landscaped gardens. This ambient stay is housed in an expansive colonial building with charms of a bygone era. Your evening is at leisure.

Taj Westend | Meals: BL

Discover the living history of the Lalbagh Botanical Gardens with its exotic plants, majestic 100-year-old trees and glistening, peaceful lakes. Follow the footsteps of your charming and knowledgeable local as they unfurl ancient legends of the Bull Temple, carved from a single grey granite boulder and polished with oil and charcoal, and navigate the more than 1000 plant species. Continue to the Vidhana Soudha, with its exquisite Dravidian and Indo-Saracenic architectural styles, then carry on exploring with an afternoon at leisure.

This evening, discover authentic Bengaluru culture on a tour through the ‘old’ neighbourhoods. Hear stories of Bengaluru’s age-old intellectuals and see popular hangouts of the rich and famous, discovering the lives and ideals of the people that once called these streets home. Rest your feet and tuck into traditional South Indian fare, with interesting modern twists on the timeless classics.

Taj Westend | Meals: BD

Today your South Indian adventure has come to an end. Enjoy a private transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Meals: B