Mysore royal splendour, aromatic Coorg coffee mist, and the Vijayanagara Empire

Royal Palaces, Coffee Hills & Hampi Ruins of Karnataka
A rich, multi-faceted holiday combining wildlife, royal history, coffee plantations, and monumental stone ruins. From the opulent glass chandeliers and silver doors of the Mysore Wodeyars to the UNESCO World Heritage monuments of the Vijayanagara Empire on the Tungabhadra River, this journey is tailored for families and discerning culture seekers.
Ancient Vijayanagara Landscape Exploration
Float across the Tungabhadra River in a traditional woven round coracle boat navigating between giant granite boulders and ancient bathing ghats, followed by a guided climb up Matanga Hill for a 360-degree sunset across the ancient imperial ruins.
Pickup from Bengaluru Airport. Drive past Srirangapatna (Tipu Sultan's summer palace) to the royal city of Mysore. In the evening, visit Brindavan Gardens to watch the synchronized musical fountain show.
Full morning exploring the Mysore Amba Vilas Palace with its Belgian stained-glass dome and carved rosewood doors. Drive up Chamundi Hill to view the giant monolithic Nandi bull. Evening visit to Devaraja Market for sandalwood, silk, and spices.
Ascend into the lush Western Ghats to Coorg. Halt at the Tibetan Namdroling Monastery (Golden Temple) in Bylakuppe with its 40-foot gilded statues. Arrive at your chosen estate stay nestled within coffee, pepper, and cardamom plants.
Morning visit to Dubare Elephant Camp along the Cauvery River for elephant bathing and feeding. Visit Abbey Falls nestled in thick spice foliage. In the evening, visit Raja's Seat for sunset views overlooking layered blue mountain ranges.
Drive down to Hassan to marvel at the 12th-century Chennakeshava Temple at Belur and Hoysaleswara Temple at Halebeedu, renowned for stone filigree so fine it resembles ivory carving.
Drive north across central Karnataka into the dramatic boulder-strewn terrain of Hampi, capital of the 14th-century Vijayanagara Empire. Settle in and enjoy evening leisure by the Tungabhadra River.
Full-day guided exploration of Hampi: the active 7th-century Virupaksha Temple, the iconic Stone Chariot and musical pillars at Vittala Temple, the Royal Enclosure, Queen's Bath, and the Indo-Islamic Elephant Stables.
Early morning panoramic sunrise over Hemakuta Hill's cluster of early temples. In the morning, commence the return drive to Bengaluru Airport for your evening flight departure.
Your private chauffeur is seasoned across the ghat bends of the Western Ghats and coastal highways of South India. Every assigned driver adheres to strict rest guidelines, manages all toll and interstate border checkpoint documentation seamlessly, and provides courteous assistance with family baggage at every arrival.

Plan this 8-day journey your way. Let our specialists tailor the pacing and highlights just for you.