Itinerary
A Journey through Karnataka
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Brandon Clements
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A Journey through Karnataka
Travel through India’s history and culture in immersive luxury before a few days soaking up the sun and laid-back lifestyle. Starting in Mysore, walk through the Maharaja’s palace, illuminated with 97,000 custom-made bulbs. You will also visit Namdroling Monastery and the Bylakuppe, the second largest Tibetan settlement outside of Tibet, as well as exploring the architecture and ruins of Hampi. Cave temples at Badami are an excellent example of architecture from the Chalukya Dynasty. There’s opportunity to spot wildlife on a boat safari along Kabini River and finally to rewind and take in India’s natural beauty on Goa’s paradise beaches.
UK – Bengaluru
Maximise your time and fly overnight to Bengaluru.
Bengaluru
At Bengaluru Airport, meet your A&K representative and transfer to Taj West End. Nestled amidst eight hectares of flora and defined by its illustrious heritage and colonial charm, The Taj West End is a lush sanctuary in Bengaluru. There are two speciality restaurants - Masala Club which serves Indian cuisine and Blue Ginger for Vietnamese cuisine. Other amenities include spa, two outdoor pools, fitness centre and a clay tennis court.
Bengaluru
Today you will enjoy a half day sightseeing tour of Bengaluru – the Garden City of India. Visit the Vidhana Souidha, the imposing granite building of the state government; the glorious gardens of Cubbon Park, founded in 1846 and the magnificent Lal Garh Botanical Gardens. Two historic buildings, the 19th-century Bangalore Palace, a unique imitation of Windsor Castle, and the 16th-century Bull Temple complete your tour.
Bengaluru – Mysore
Take a private vehicle transfer to Mysore - the ‘City of Palaces’. The Maharaja’s Palace is the most impressive of all the palaces but the Brindavan gardens, and their illuminated fountains, are also beautiful. Your accommodation here is a Heritage hotel – the Royal Orchid Metropole – in the heart of the city. Its imperial arches, imposing pillars and ornate corridors capture the old-world charm of this majestic guesthouse built by the former Maharaja of Mysore.
Mysore
Today you will enjoy a half day tour of the city. Mysore is known for its fine craftsmanship in wood, ivory, sandal-wood, and its silk. Visit the Maharaja's Palace which is lavishly decorated in a mixture of styles. Then head to the Zoological Garden, Mysore Arts & Crafts Centre and finally the Chamundi Temple, set on a hill high above the city.
Mysore – Kabini
Two and a half hours from Mysore is your next stop, Kabini. Here take part in an afternoon game drive at Nagarhole National Park. The Nagarhole ecosystem supports the highest density of herbivores anywhere in Asia such as chital, sambar, gaur, Asian elephant and a large number of predators including tiger, leopard and wild dog. At your hotel, Evolve Back Kabini, be drawn into the vibrant social tapestry of the local Kadu Kuruba tribe and a wildlife experience like no other. Amenities include a swimming pool, reading lounge, family swimming pool and Ayurveda spa.
Kabini
Enjoy an early morning boat cruise along Kabini River. You will be taken upstream from the resort to where the river itself separates the Nagarhole National Park from Bandipur National Park. The boat safari offers an opportunity to observe the marsh crocodile, smooth-coated otter and myriad water birds.
Kabini – Coorg
Leave Kabini and head to Coorg and the Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa. This is one of the best luxury resorts and the perfect place to rediscover yourself. Live each day in a rainforest and experience sunrise in a unique environment. Relax in the fitness centre, beauty salon, temperature-controlled pool, an outdoor swimming pool. Your dining choices are excellent at either Fern, the all-day dining, multi-cuisine restaurant or for mouth-watering dishes, head to the Nellaki restaurant.
Coorg
Today enjoy a half-day tour of Coorg. Visit the striking Namdroling Monastery, a large Tibetan Buddhist compound home to the striking Golden Temple and impressive Zangdogpalri Temple. Around 5,000 monks and nuns live within the complex still today. Take your time to explore the small bookstore and indulge in a coffee too.
Coorg - Hassan
Drive from Coorg for four hours to Hoysala Village in Hassan. Once here, enjoy an afternoon tour of Halebid, Belur and Shravanabelagola. The Belur temple complex and those at Halebid have been proposed to be listed under UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Chennakeshava Temple, also referred to as Keshava, Kesava or Vijayanarayana Temple of Belur, is a 12th-century Hindu temple in the Hassan district of Karnataka state. Shravanabelagola is a near Channarayapatna and the Gommateshwara Bahubali statue here is one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in Jainism.
Hassan – Hampi
Drive from Hassan to Hampi and check in at Evolve Back Hampi. This is a journey back in time to the Vijayanagara Empire of the 14th century. With stunning rugged forests and boulders forming its backdrop, Evolve Back Kamalapura Palace, Hampi is located just 4 km from this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its fort like entrances, stone-paved boulevards, arched hallways and regal chambers mirror the famed palaces of a bygone but glorious era.
Hampi
Hampi’s monuments are yours to explore all day. These rocks dominate the landscape and are rarely out of sight. The tour include visits to Virupaksha Temple, Hampi Bazaar, Monolith Bull, Lakshmi Narasimha temple, Hemakuta Hill temples, Big Shivlinga, Vithala Temple, Hazara Rama Temple, Queen's Bath, Zanana Enclosure and the Lotus Mahal), Elephant Stables, Achyut Raya Temple, Statue of Ugra Narsimha, Virupaksha Temple, Mahanavmi Dibba, the Stepped Bath and, if time permits, Matanga Hill. The perfect setting for a sundowner after a busy day.
Aihole, Pattadakkal and Badami
Today enjoy a full day excursion to Aihole, Pattadakkal and Badami.
These significant centres of the Chalukya Dynasty, Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal have been frequently visited since the sixth century due to the temple architecture, stone artwork, and construction techniques. Rightly termed the Cradle of Hindu Rock Architecture, all three sites are absolutely must-visits for those interested in history and architecture.
Hampi – Gokarna
Today you will drive from Hampi to the beach and check in at Kahani Paradise Gokarna. This is a glimpse of paradise – where the Western Ghat cliffs plunge into the Arabian Ocean. The unexplored expanse of jungle and beach encompasses India’s best luxury villa. Kahani Paradise sits at the top of the hills and offers a world of quiet indulgence amidst nature, with spectacular views over both sea and forest.
Gokarna
Your last two days in India all completely in control. Relax and wander the eight hectare hotel estate of garden, forest and farm. Read in the orchard of coconut, betelnut and banana trees or wander past stunning views of the ocean and tropical flowers around every corner. Borrow the complimentary bikes or Jeep to explore nearby beaches, towns and temples or take short walk to Paradise Beach. The hotel also offers badminton, croquet and table tennis as well as yoga lessons or open-air massages.
Gorkana - Mumbai
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Mumbai where you will enjoy your final night in India at the iconic Taj Mahal Hotel.
Mumbai - UK
Fly from Mumbai to London.
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