Tour Details
Duration
13 Days / 12 Nights
Price
On Request
Destinations Covered
Bangalore – Coorg – Kabini – Mysore – Hassan – Hospet – Badami – Goa
Trip Highlights
- Explore Karnataka's Royal Heritage: Visit Mysore Palace, Srirangapatna Fort, and the Wodeyar dynasty's legacy.
- Wildlife Safari in Kabini: Enjoy jeep and boat safaris in Nagarhole National Park, spotting tigers, elephants, and diverse birdlife.
- Discover UNESCO Heritage Sites: Marvel at Hampi's ruins, Belur and Halebid's Hoysala temples, and Pattadakal's Chalukyan architecture.
- Relax on Goa's Golden Beaches: Unwind on Calangute, Palolem, or Benaulim beaches, and explore Old Goa's Portuguese heritage.
- Immerse in Local Culture: Visit coffee estates in Coorg, tribal villages, and spice plantations, experiencing Karnataka and Goa's rich traditions.
Tour Itinerary
Arrival in Bangalore – Gateway to the South
Breakfast: Not included (arrival day)
Overview: Welcome to Karnataka’s dynamic capital – a thriving tech hub with British-era charm and lush parks.
Experiences:
- Arrival at Bangalore International Airport, meet your tour representative and transfer to your hotel.
- Lalbagh Botanical Garden: Established by Hyder Ali and expanded by Tipu Sultan, home to 1,800+ species of flora and the famous Glass House inspired by London’s Crystal Palace.
- Cubbon Park: A colonial-era lung space offering a green escape in the city center.
- Drive past Vidhana Soudha, Karnataka’s legislative building with imposing granite neo-Dravidian architecture.
- Optional: Visit Bangalore Palace, inspired by Windsor Castle with Tudor-style architecture and lavish interiors.
- Explore MG Road & Brigade Road, known for nightlife, cafes, and shopping.
Overnight: Bangalore
Bangalore to Coorg – Coffee, Culture & Nature
Breakfast at hotel
Drive: ~5-6 hrs / 250 km
Overview: Leave the city behind and head into the lush green Western Ghats to Coorg – a land of misty hills, coffee estates, and Kodava culture.
Experiences:
- En route stop at Bylakuppe, one of the largest Tibetan settlements in South India. Visit the Namdroling Monastery, renowned for its peaceful ambiance, massive Buddha statues, and golden artwork.
- Arrive in Madikeri, the capital of Coorg (Kodagu district), and check in to a scenic coffee plantation resort.
- Stroll through aromatic coffee estates and learn about the life cycle of coffee.
- Evening at leisure – soak in the serenity of the hills or enjoy a plantation dinner.
Overnight: Coorg
Full-Day Coorg Exploration – Sacred Rivers & Scenic Beauty
Breakfast at hotel
Overview: Discover Coorg’s natural and spiritual highlights, and immerse yourself in its unique Kodava heritage.
Experiences:
- Visit Talacauvery, the mythological birthplace of River Cauvery, nestled at 1,276 meters in the Brahmagiri Hills. Take in panoramic views and visit the nearby Bhagandeshwara Temple.
- Continue to Raja’s Seat, a royal garden with spectacular sunset views once enjoyed by Kodava kings.
- Explore Abbey Falls, a gushing cascade surrounded by coffee and spice plantations.
- Visit a local market in Madikeri to shop for homemade chocolates, spices, and local honey.
- Optional: Visit Madikeri Fort and Omkareshwara Temple, blending Islamic and Gothic styles.
Overnight: Coorg
Coorg to Kabini – Into the Heart of the Jungle
Breakfast at hotel
Drive: ~3.5 hrs / 120 km
Overview: Drive east to Kabini, part of the famed Nagarhole Tiger Reserve – a hotspot for big cats, elephants, and birdlife.
Experiences:
- Check into a forest lodge or luxury wildlife resort on the banks of the Kabini River.
- Later, embark on a boat safari across the Kabini backwaters. This scenic cruise offers opportunities to spot herds of elephants bathing, marsh crocodiles sunning, and a variety of birdlife including cormorants, darters, and storks.
- Enjoy a wildlife documentary screening or tribal folklore session at the lodge.
Overnight: Kabini
Kabini – Wildlife Safari & Forest Immersion
Breakfast at lodge
Overview: A full day to experience Kabini’s lush biodiversity with expert naturalist-guided safaris.
Experiences:
- Early morning jeep safari in Nagarhole National Park, once the hunting grounds of the Wodeyars. Search for leopards, tigers, dholes (wild dogs), sloth bears, and over 300 bird species.
- Return to the lodge for breakfast and leisure time.
- Afternoon options: a guided nature walk, visit to a Kuruba tribal hamlet, or just unwind at your eco-lodge with jungle sounds all around.
Overnight: Kabini
Kabini to Mysore – Where Royalty Lives On
Breakfast at lodge
Drive: ~2 hrs / 90 km
Overview: Explore the elegant palaces, sacred hills, and vibrant markets of Mysore, known for its Dussehra festivities and regal charm.
Experiences:
- Arrive in Mysore, once the capital of the Wodeyar dynasty.
- Visit Mysore Palace: An Indo-Saracenic masterpiece with stained glass, mirrored halls, and grand courtyards.
- Climb Chamundi Hill to visit Chamundeshwari Temple and enjoy sweeping views of the city.
- Stroll through Devaraja Market, famous for its colorful stalls of jasmine flowers, incense, fruits, and Mysore sandalwood.
- Optional: Visit Jaganmohan Art Gallery, housing works by Raja Ravi Varma, or relax at Brindavan Gardens with its musical fountain show.
Overnight: Mysore
Mysore to Hassan – Temples of Stone Poetry
Breakfast at hotel
Drive: ~3.5 hrs / 120 km
Overview: Step back in time to the 12th-century era of the Hoysala Empire, celebrated for its intricately sculpted temples.
Experiences:
- Visit Srirangapatna, the island fortress of Tipu Sultan with sites like Daria Daulat Bagh (Summer Palace), Gumbaz (Mausoleum), and the Ranganathaswamy Temple.
- Explore Belur, home to the Chennakesava Temple – a gem of Hoysala architecture showcasing thousands of detailed carvings.
- At Halebid, witness the Hoysaleswara Temple, famed for its friezes of battle scenes, celestial dancers, and mythological narratives.
Overnight: Hassan
Hassan to Hospet – Land of Lost Empires
Breakfast at hotel
Drive: ~6 hrs / 330 km
Overview: Travel east across rural Karnataka to Hospet, your base for discovering Hampi’s legendary ruins.
Experiences:
- Enjoy the drive through sugarcane fields and Deccan landscapes.
- Arrive in Hospet, a small town near the fabled ruins of Hampi.
- Evening at leisure or take a nature walk near the Tungabhadra River.
Overnight: Hospet
Explore Hampi – World Heritage in Stone
Breakfast at hotel
Overview: Discover the surreal ruins of Hampi, once one of the richest cities in the world during the Vijayanagara Empire.
Experiences:
- Visit Virupaksha Temple, still an active temple and the oldest in Hampi.
- Marvel at the Vittala Temple Complex, with its iconic Stone Chariot and musical pillared halls.
- Walk through the Royal Enclosure, with structures like the Queen’s Bath, Stepwell, and Mahanavami Dibba.
- Explore the Lotus Mahal, Elephant Stables, and Hazara Rama Temple.
- End your day with a sunset from Hemakuta Hill, offering panoramic views of the temple town.
Overnight: Hospet
Hospet to Badami – Ancient Rock-Temples Await
Breakfast at hotel
Drive: ~4.5 hrs / 140 km
Overview: Journey into Karnataka’s early Chalukyan past, where temples were carved into cliffs and stones told mythic stories.
Experiences:
- Stop at Aihole, known as the Cradle of Indian Temple Architecture, with over 100 temples from various eras.
- Visit Pattadakal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and ceremonial center of the Chalukyas, showcasing a harmonious blend of North and South Indian temple architecture.
- Arrive in Badami, nestled between rugged sandstone cliffs.
- Explore the Badami Caves, 6th–7th century Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist cave temples carved into cliff faces above Agastya Lake.
Overnight: Badami
Badami to Goa – Beachward Bound
Breakfast at hotel
Drive: ~6-7 hrs / 250 km
Overview: Say goodbye to the rocky terrain of North Karnataka and descend to the lush coastline of Goa.
Experiences:
- Scenic drive through rolling hills and rural villages.
- Arrive in Goa and check in to your beach or riverside resort.
- Evening at leisure – soak your feet in the Arabian Sea or relax with a tropical drink under the palms.
Overnight: Goa
Goa – Old World Charm & Coastal Life
Breakfast at hotel
Overview: Goa is more than just beaches – discover its rich Portuguese heritage, tropical plantations, and peaceful riverine life.
Experiences:
- Explore Old Goa, once the capital of Portuguese India:
- Visit Basilica of Bom Jesus, housing the relics of St. Francis Xavier.
- Explore Se Cathedral, one of the largest churches in Asia.
- Take a guided spice plantation tour, learning about Goa’s export legacy and enjoy a traditional Goan lunch (optional).
- Afternoon at leisure: relax on Calangute, Palolem, or Benaulim beach (depending on stay) or explore Panaji’s Latin Quarter, Fontainhas.
Overnight: Goa
Departure from Goa – Until Next Time
Breakfast at hotel
Experiences:
- Depending on your flight time, enjoy a final stroll by the beach or shop for cashews and local crafts.
- Private transfer to Goa International Airport for departure.
Tour Inclusion & Exclusion
- 12 nights in selected hotels, plantation stays, and eco-lodges
- AC private vehicle with professional driver
- Daily breakfast
- AC private vehicle with professional driver
- English-speaking guides for key heritage sites (Mysore, Hampi, Belur, Halebid)
- 2 Wildlife safaris (1 jeep, 1 boat) in Kabini
- Monument entry fees per itinerary
- Government taxes & parking/toll fees
- Domestic or international airfare/train tickets.
- Travel insurance or emergency medical expenses.
- Meals (except breakfast), beverages, and personal expenses
- Camera/video charges at monuments and national parks
- Optional tours and activities not specified
What Client's Say?
Taj Beyond India delivered the most seamless and soulful experience we've ever had. From the grandeur of Rajasthan to the spiritual serenity of Varanasi, every detail was thoughtfully arranged. It wasn’t just a vacation — it was a connection to something deeper.
Traveling with Taj Beyond India felt like having a backstage pass to the real India. We were treated with warmth, guided by true experts, and constantly amazed by the depth and beauty of every place we visited. Highly recommended.
I’ve traveled extensively, but this was in a class of its own. From private palace tours to wildlife safaris, everything was tailored perfectly. What stood out most was the care — it felt like visiting a friend who knows every secret of India.
This was our first visit to India, and thanks to Taj Beyond India, it won’t be our last. We left with more than photos — we left with stories, friendships, and a deep appreciation for the country’s soul.