A mix of UNESCO World Heritage sites, village life and beaches will give you a complete view of South India!

South India has something for everyone. We’ll show you a different side of the rich region: explore the ancient temples of Hampi and UNESCO World Heritage site, Badami Caves, and end up on one of India’s most laid back beaches. Starting from Mumbai, this 10 day tour package takes guests through some of South India’s best kept secrets–a world of history, culture and nature to discover. You’ll see why when you visit this interesting and laidback part of India.

But we’ll also take you further and deeper into South India. We’ll visit rural Karnataka where you will stay at a family home. Learn about village life as you spend over a day in this coconut and fish filled tropical paradise. A mix of must-see sights and numerous opportunities for local interaction make this tour the ideal choice to experience a different side of South India!

Day 1: Mumbai

Welcome to the cosmopolitan metropolis of Mumbai! Your tour guide will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Colaba. Depending on your arrival time and how tired you are, you might want to explore the surrounding area on foot on your own or with your guide, seeing places like the Gateway of India, the Prince of Wales Museum and Marine Drive.

Over a welcome dinner at a traditional Indian rooftop restaurant, your guide will go over the itinerary for the next 9 action-packed days!

Day 2: Mumbai

In the morning we will travel together to Dharavi, one of Asia’s biggest slums and the heart of small-scale industry in Mumbai, and experience our company’s signature tour. In the afternoon, we’ll visit Mumbai’s sights of your choice, such as Haji Ali Mosque, Mani Bhavan, Dhobi Ghat, Malabar Hill and Banganga Drive.

In the evening, you have the option to join our food tour if you have the energy!

Day 3: Mumbai / Badami

We will take a morning flight to Hubli (there is an overnight train option if you wish), where we will then transfer to Badami (2 hours drive). Badami, in North-central Karnataka, is home to some of India’s most spectacular Hindu Cave temples. After checking into the hotel we’ll take you to explore the wonders of the Badami Cave complex, a UNESCO World Heritage monument with a local guide.

Day 4: Badami / Pattadakal / Aihole / Hampi

Today we will travel by car to Hampi, departing Badami in the morning after breakfast. On the way we will see Aihole and Pattadakal Temple complexes, two more UNESCO World Heritage sites.

During the journey to Hampi, we’ll make several stops where your guide will show you many aspects of domestic and agricultural village life in Karnataka. Upon arrival in Hampi in the late afternoon, you will have free time to relax.

Day 5: Hampi

Today you will have the chance to visit the astounding ancient city and historical marvel of Hampi. You’ll learn about what makes the city of ruins and temples a UNESCO World Heritage site, taking in the fascinating history of an ancient civilisation in Karnataka. Get ready for a full day of walking and exploring! You also have an option to take a traditional boat (coracle) ride on the river.

Day 6 – Shivamogga

We’ll continue south from Hampi to Shivamogga (5 to 6hrs), home to waterfalls, rolling hills and mystical temples. Upon arrival, we will take you on an orientation walk of the city and visit some local markets.

Day 7: Shivamogga / Heranjalu

Today we will drive to Heranjalu (4 hrs), the village where Reality Tours’ Founder, Krishna, is from. When we get to Heranjalu we’ll be welcomed into the family home and have a typical South Indian meal. Your guide will orient you with an introductory walk through the village where you will meet the people and learn about their lives and you’ll participate in whatever village activities are happening at the time.

We will once again join the family for a group dinner in the evening. After dinner, we will visit a live Yakshagana performance, one of the most popular folk theater forms of Karnataka, and learn about the history and beliefs of this cultural and religious art.

Day 8: Heranjalu / Goa

After a morning relaxing in the family home and village, after an early lunch, we’ll say goodbye to the family and head by car to Murudeshwar Shiva Temple, the second tallest Shiva idol in the world.

From there we will continue on to Palolem, known as “Paradise Beach”, in South Goa, arriving in the early evening.

Day 9: Goa

This is a day where you decide to either sit on the beach, enjoying the laid back atmosphere of Palolem, or your guide can take you by car to discover the world of Old Goa in Panjim (4 to 5 hours in total). With the assistance of a local guide, you will learn about the history and the Portuguese influence in Goa, wandering through the old Latin quarters and taking in the architecture and churches that characterize the area.

Day 10: Goa (Departure)

This is the end of the tour, but you may decide to spend more time relaxing either in Palolem or on one of the many other beaches that Goa has to offer.

What to expect:

• 10 days duration
• Start in Mumbai and Finish in Goa
• All Accommodation and Transportation included
• Family meals and some other activities included
• Enjoy a stress free trip as your designated Tour Guide will take care of everything
• Tour is fully customisable to your needs, such as adding another city, upgrading hotels etc

Please Note: Entry fee to any monument and any optional activity is not included in the trip cost.