The Karnataka Odyssey

See the highlights of Karnataka on your tour focusing on culture, history and leisure. 

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. End your days with some leisure time in Goa, with it's scenic beaches.

Duration: 14 Days
Places: Bangalore, Mysore, Hassan, Chikmagalur, Hampi, Badami, Goa

Highlights: 
  • See one of India's most astonishing palaces at Mysore
  • Explore Coffee Plantations of Chikmagalur
  • See 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.

Golden Triangle Tour Best time to Visit India

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