The Karnataka Odyssey
Uncover the cultural highlights and scenic beauty of South India in this sojourn. Witness typical, tranquil villages, visit ancient temples and bustling markets in Mysore, and wander amid verdant coffee and spice plantations in Chikmagalur. Gaze in awe at majestic monuments from bygone eras at Hampi and Badami. Top it off with a peaceful stay on the golden beaches of Goa where you while away time sunbathing or set out to explore the region’s Portuguese heritage.
- See one of India's most astonishing palaces at Mysore
- Explore Coffee Plantations of Chikmagalur
- Experience the city of Hampi rising like phoenix from the ancient ruins
- Get versed with the rich and ancient architecture of Badami
- Spend time relaxing at the beach in Goa
Itinerary
Day 01 - Arrive Bangalore
On arrival in Bangalore, you’ll be met by your Indus Bound Representative and transferred to your hotel, where you’ll be staying for two nights. Spend the remainder of the day recovering from your journey, and perhaps a stroll around the local neighborhood later.
Day 02 - In Bangalore
Full day exploring Bangalore, visiting Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Cubbon Park, Bangalore Palace and Nandi Temple.
Day 03 - Drive to Mysore
Drive to Mysore (03-04 Hrs) with sightseeing en-route of Somnathpur located 35 Kms from Mysore, with the famed Keshava Temple, which is a splendid example of Hoysala architecture. On arrival in Mysore, spend your afternoon at leisure.
Day 04 - In Mysore
Explore Mysore this morning. Visit Chamundi Hill, the location of Chamundeswari Temple and the city’s famous Nandi Bull, and the grand City Palace complex. One of Mysore’s highlights, the City Palace was re-built by architect Henry Irwin in 1897 and is known for its wall paintings, stained glass work and inlaid doors. Outside of Mysore visit the beautiful temple complex at Somnathpur and Srirangapatnam where Tipu Sultan’s army was defeated in battle against the East India Company.
Day 05 - Drive to Hassan
This morning leave Mysore (02-03 Hrs) and visit the Jain pilgrimage site of Sravanabelagola. Defined by its towering statue of Gommateshwara which stands proudly atop its hill, the summit is reached by a steep seven-hundred step climb past several small shrines. On arrival in Hassan, spend your afternoon at leisure.
Day 06 - Drive to Chikmagalur
Today visit the nearby temples of Belur and Halebid. Located on the banks of the Yagachi River, the temples at Belur where built during the 12th and 13th centuries under the tutelage of the Hoysala kings whilst nearby Halebid was once the ancient capital of the Hoysala kings. The temples at both sites are quite exquisite and are characterised by their fine sculptures and intricate designs. At time, drive to Chikmagalur (01-02 Hrs).
Day 07 - In Chikmagalur
This morning enjoy a private guided tour of Coffee Plantation and Coffee Museum. The afternoon is then at leisure to relax.
Day 08 - Drive to Hampi
Today you’ll continue your journey with a drive to what many regard as India’s most atmospheric ancient site – the ruined city of Vijayanagar, near Hampi in central Karnataka (05-06 Hrs). On arrival in Hampi, spend some time at leisure at your hotel.
Day 09 - In Hampi
Full day tour visiting Hemakuta Hill, Virupaksha Temple, Queens Bath, Elephant Stables, Royal enclosure, Hazara Rama Temple.
Day 10 - In Hampi
Further explorations today. Hampi is one place where it pays to wander. Jump on a coracle across the Tughabadhra River to reach the hilltop ‘Monkey Temple’ – a fabulous viewpoint, or follow the sandy tracks east through fields littered with chunks of carved masonry and discarded colonnades to discover forgotten cave shrines and reliefs sculpted from giant boulders.
Day 11 - Drive to Badami
Leaving Hampi, drive north through Karnataka to the village of Badami (03-04 Hrs). With a striking location, this former Chalukyan capital is best known for its Hindu and Jain cave temples that occupy a spectacular setting cut into the cliff-face of a sandstone hill that looks over this ancient village. Later visit the Badami caves, the nearby village of Pattadakal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Aihole which is regarded as the birthplace of Indian temple architectural design.
Day 12 - Drive to Goa
Today it is a scenic drive to Goa (06-07 Hrs) for a 2 nights stay. (you can opt in to add in more days here for leisure).
Day 13 - In Goa
Full Day city tour of Goa with a Market Walk and head to the old town to see the influences left behind by the Dutch and Portuguese.
Day 14 - Departure Transfer
At time transferred to Goa Airport for your flight back home, or continue with your onward journey with us
Quick Enquiry
Starting from USD 1380 Per Person
Price is based on double occupancy, and is subject to change based on hotels & dates of travel. Price includes daily breakfast, sightseeing, monument entrance fees, private guides, transfers, chauffeur driven air-conditioned SUV car & All Taxes.
When to Travel?
Karnataka is best visited between October and November or February and April, when temperatures are comfortable throughout the day, dipping slightly at night when a light jumper should suffice if you're outdoors.
Hotel Ideas
These are some of the recommended hotels for your private tour. Let us know for more options you may need, we work with a wide range of hotels in India & Beyond.
ITC Windsor
Bangalore
FIRST CLASS, HERITAGE
Royal Orchid Metropole
Mysore
MID RANGE, HERITAGE
The Serai
Chikmagalur
FIRST CLASS
Evolve Back
Hampi
OPULENT
Ahilya by the Sea
Goa
FIRST CLASS
The Alila Diwa
Goa
FIRST CLASS
Why 'Private' Travel?
Full flexibility & Personalized service with your own experienced Private guide
A private Car & Driver at your disposal for your holiday. Set your own pace
Select from Hand-picked hotels; from Luxury Palaces to boutique homestays
Meet the locals & Discover the real 'authentic' experiences of a destination
Our Reviews
Our guests seem happy to tell us about their Indus Bound holidays and we are very happy to share their thoughts with you.
Dear Pankaj, you delivered what we missed in our last 6 trips to India, a true Indian experience!! An advise for all those hesitating working with you, 'If you are tired of cookie-cutter tours and looking for an authentic travel experience in India, you are at the right place'.
Ms Elaine & Mr Wayne Helson, UK
Tailor-made Central India & Gujarat
I wanted to take the time to thank you for all the hard work you put in to arrange a magical honeymoon for us. We had a ball. All the transfers worked like clockwork, the hotels were great and the route planning excellent. We really felt we were spoon-fed all the way through.
You guys were absolutely true to your word, the holiday experience we have been waiting for years. Big thanks for arranging our visit to Ruskin Bond's home, you are certainly more than a holiday provider.
Mr Neil & Mrs Susan Everington, UK
Tailor-made North India & Nepal
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