Karnataka Uncovered: Empires, Temples & Wild Landscapes

On arrival at Bangalore International Airport, you are met and driven to your city hotel. After check-in and time to refresh, you set out with an expert local guide. Begin at Lalbagh Botanical Garden, known for its tropical and subtropical collections and its ancient granite outcrop, among the region's oldest geological formations. Then step into the vibrant everyday life of KR Market, where flowers, spices, and fresh produce reveal Bangalore's enduring commercial traditions. Lunch is at the legendary Mavalli Tiffin Room (MTR), an institution of South Indian cuisine. The afternoon continues with guided stops at Vidhana Soudha, seat of Karnataka's government, and Bangalore Palace, tracing the city's evolution from princely settlement to modern capital. What to Expect: A layered introduction to Bangalore's gardens, markets, architecture, and cuisine Pace: Gentle introduction after arrival Overnight: Comfortable city hotel in Bangalore

After breakfast, check out and travel in comfort to Hampi, once one of the largest and wealthiest cities in the world as the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. Today, it stands as one of the most extensive and evocative ruin landscapes anywhere. With your guide, begin exploring the spiritual and ceremonial heart of the city. Visit Virupaksha Temple, a living place of worship that has remained active for centuries, followed by the monumental Two Ganeshas carved from enormous granite boulders and the imposing Lakshmi Narasimha, whose scale reflects the imperial ambition of the Vijayanagara rulers. The day concludes at Hemakuta Hills, where sunset views reveal the sacred geography of the former capital. What to expect: A fitting and atmospheric introduction to Hampi Pace and comfort: Comfortable long-distance journey in private, air-conditioned vehicle with breaks; a gentle guided sightseeing experience Overnight: Hampi

Today takes you beyond Hampi into the Chalukyan heartland, a region central to the development of Indian temple architecture between the 6th and 8th centuries. At Aihole, explore early experiments in temple design, where architects tested new ideas in form and structure. Continue to Pattadakal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where royal coronation temples bring together northern and southern architectural styles in a single ceremonial landscape. At Badami, the former Chalukyan capital, discover cave temples carved directly into red sandstone cliffs, dramatically uniting architecture, landscape, and royal authority. You return to Hampi by evening, carrying a deeper understanding of how South Indian temple architecture evolved over time. What to expect: Early temple forms, UNESCO-listed monuments, and dramatic rock-cut sanctuaries Pace and comfort: Easy to moderate walking level, with guided pacing Overnight: Hampi

Today focuses on how Hampi functioned as a living, planned imperial city. Begin with a walk along the Tungabhadra River, once vital to trade, ritual, and daily life. Continue to the Vijaya Vittala Temple, where ceremonial architecture reaches its peak, most famously in the iconic stone chariot. Explore the Royal Enclosures, including the Mahanavami Dibba and Lotus Mahal, followed by the impressive Elephant Stables, which speak to the scale and organisation of the imperial court. The day concludes at Hazara Rama Temple, where sculpted panels vividly depict the close relationship between kingship, ritual, and epic tradition. What to expect: Insight into Hampi’s urban planning, courtly life, and ceremonial architecture Pace and comfort: Unhurried sightseeing, with regular rest points Overnight: Hampi

After breakfast, check out and travel in comfort towards the Bhadra landscape, a region of forests, reservoirs, and river systems supporting one of Karnataka’s important wildlife areas. After checking in at River Tern Lodge, beautifully located on the fringes of Bhadra Tiger Reserve, head out with a resident naturalist for an afternoon safari. Traverse dry deciduous and evergreen forests that support elephants, gaur, deer, rich birdlife, and predators such as leopards and tigers. The emphasis is on experiencing the ecosystem as a whole, guided by expert interpretation. What to expect: Immersion in a rich forest habitat with chances to observe large mammals and birdlife Pace and comfort: Fully guided and unhurried, well-supported exploration Overnight: River Tern Lodge Overnight: River Tern Lodge Experience: Fully guided and well-supported

Begin the day with an early morning safari, when the forest is at its most active. Afterwards, travel in comfort into the hills of Chikmagalur, set within the Western Ghats, one of the world’s most important biodiversity regions, known for its remarkable concentration of endemic plant and animal life. After checking in to your curated accommodation, visit a working coffee estate with a knowledgeable guide. Learn how shade-grown coffee evolved alongside native forests and how cultivation shaped both the landscape and local livelihoods over generations. The remainder of the day is free to relax and enjoy the cooler climate and green surroundings. What to expect: Nature-rich travel combining safari exploration with plantation life Pace and comfort: Balanced and restorative pace Overnight: Chikmagalur

From Chikmagalur, travel in comfort to Belur and Halebidu, where you are joined on site by an expert temple guide. At the Chennakesava Temple and Hoysaleswara Temple — both UNESCO World Heritage Sites and widely regarded as among the finest stone temples in the world — explore monuments built in the 12th century. Thousands of intricate soapstone carvings depict deities, epic narratives, courtly life, dancers, musicians, and everyday scenes with astonishing precision. Return to Chikmagalur by evening, with time to rest and reflect. What to expect: Close-up encounters with some of India’s most intricate temple sculpture and sacred architecture Pace and comfort: Easy walking pace and comfortable travel in air-conditioned vehice Overnight: Chikmagalur

After breakfast, check out and travel to Shravanabelagola, one of Jainism’s most sacred sites. Climb the gently stepped hill to encounter the colossal Gomateshwara statue — a powerful symbol of renunciation, balance, and spiritual discipline. Continuing onward, arrive in Mysore, a former princely capital that developed into a major centre of administration, culture, and royal patronage. With a palace specialist, explore Mysore Palace, one of India’s grandest royal residences, followed by the Jaganmohan Palace Art Gallery, offering insight into courtly art traditions and royal collecting. What to expect: Sacred Jain heritage followed by royal architecture and courtly art Pace and comfort: Stepped ascent at Shravanabelagola, taken at a relaxed pace Overnight: Mysore