The Palaces, Wildlife, Plantations & Beaches of Karnataka

14 days from £10,350 for 2024 per person

• Hampi
• Hassan
• Kabini
• Coorg
• Neeleshwar

The astounding ruins of the Vijayanagar Empire at Hampi, exquisite rock cut temples of Badami, Pattadkal and Halebeedu, and giant monolithic statue of Shravanabelagola, Karnataka is a state of historical importance and spectacular beauty. This itinerary will take you back in time to discover the architectural styles and extraordinary craftsmanship of ancient artisans and sculptors at these sites, and you will soon realise why this region is so special.

Arrive in Bangalore and transfer directly to Hampi; a flight path which has totally opened up this fascinating region, which has always been notoriously difficult to get to. Spend three days in the 600-year-old Vijayanagar kingdom, exploring this beautiful and ancient landscape; offbeat treks take you through giant boulders, the ruins of the Achyutaraya Temple and the famed ‘Courtesan Bazaar’; splendid views of the setting sun behind the boulder hills as you walk along the banks of the scenic Tungabhadra River; delve deep into the Vitthalapura bazaar that leads to the famous Vijaya Vitthala temple, considered by many to represent the pinnacle of temple architecture in India; set off on the Raya Trail This trail which looks back five hundred years for a glimpse at the life and times of the Rayas (Maharajas) of Vijayanagar. You will also explore the magnificent sites, Aihole, Pattadkal and Badami, almost as old as two millenniums and considered to be the ‘cradle of Indian temple architecture’. Witness true and ancient Indian Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism on the stone carved monuments, a reflection of their strong influence on early Indian dynasties at various timelines.

After the architecture and history of northern Karnataka, prepare to be mesmerised by wildlife and natural beauty of southern Karnataka. With the wildlife safaris at Kabini and the coffee plantations of Coorg, and finally ending your tour in northern Kerala’s seaside village at Neeleshwar. This tour is a scintillating smorgasbord of culture, nature and tradition of the perceptive.

This luxury holiday is purely a suggested itinerary; it can be booked as it is, or used as a starting point for creating your perfect tailor-made tour. If you would like to see similar trips, take a look at our collection of South India itineraries.

I can't think of anything that excites a greater sense of childlike wonder than to be in a country where you are ignorant of almost everything.
Bill Bryson