Gracing the Deccan with a glorious slice of history are stalwart cities like Hyderabad, Bangalore, Hampi and Mysore. With this, add the draw of the lesser known Gulbarga, Bidar and Badami for a wholesome trip themed around forts and palaces. The extravagance of Nizams of Hyderabad cast a surreal sheen as one starts the trip. The hypnotic beauty stays with the traveller as he makes his way through Bidar and then crossing over to the state of Karnataka, known for its array of rulers, who left an inedible imprint on the land. Of these impressions, the Vijaynagara Kingdom’s ruins at Hampi are unmatchable. The pale brown bouldery sprawl, when pitched against Mysore’s rich cultural fabric, the result is a deep influence on the travellers’ minds.