Karnataka Heritage And Wildlife Tour with Hyderabad
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Duration 16 nights / 17 days
About This Tour
Discover the cultural treasures, magnificent wildlife, and royal heritage of South India on this luxury 17-day Karnataka and Hyderabad tour. Journey through Bengaluru, the royal city of Mysore, the wildlife-rich forests of Kabini, the coffee plantations of Coorg, the magnificent Hoysala temples of Belur and Halebidu, the UNESCO World Heritage monuments of Hampi, and the historic city of Hyderabad. Experience thrilling wildlife safaris in Nagarhole National Park, scenic nature walks, coffee plantation experiences, tribal cultural encounters, ancient temple architecture, and vibrant local traditions. Explore the remarkable ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire, visit the UNESCO monuments of Aihole, Pattadakal and Badami, and admire Hyderabad's iconic Charminar, Golconda Fort, and royal palaces. Blending luxury, history, wildlife, culture, and authentic regional experiences, this carefully crafted itinerary offers one of the finest luxury holidays in South India for travellers seeking exceptional heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable experiences.
Tour Plan
Arrive at Bengaluru airport. On arrival, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Known as India's Garden City, Bengaluru is a vibrant blend of modern innovation, colonial heritage, beautiful parks, and pleasant weather. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax after your international journey and enjoy the comfort of your hotel before beginning your unforgettable South Indian adventure. Overnight stay in Bengaluru.
After breakfast, drive to the historic royal city of Mysore, the former capital of the Wodeyar dynasty and one of Karnataka's cultural gems. Upon arrival, check into your hotel before embarking on a guided sightseeing tour. Visit the magnificent Mysore Palace, renowned for its Indo-Saracenic architecture, lavish interiors, and royal collections. Later, stroll through the colourful Devaraja Market, where vibrant displays of flowers, spices, silk, sandalwood products, fruits, and handicrafts provide an authentic glimpse into local life and traditions. Overnight stay in Mysore.
Following breakfast, drive through the scenic countryside to Kabini, one of India's premier wildlife destinations located along the edge of Nagarhole National Park. Upon arrival, check into your wildlife lodge and spend some time relaxing amidst the tranquil natural surroundings. Later, enjoy your first exciting wildlife safari into Nagarhole National Park, home to Bengal tigers, leopards, Asian elephants, gaur, deer, sloth bears, and abundant birdlife. After dinner, accompany an experienced naturalist on a fascinating Night Trail to discover the forest's nocturnal wildlife. Overnight stay in Kabini.
After breakfast, enjoy the exclusive Spirit of Kabini excursion, where a resident naturalist accompanies you to a nearby Jenu Kuruba tribal settlement. Learn about the indigenous community's traditional lifestyle, forest knowledge, and centuries-old customs. Following lunch, embark on a relaxing boat safari along the scenic Kabini River, offering excellent opportunities to spot elephants, crocodiles, otters, colourful birdlife, and occasionally big cats along the riverbanks. In the evening, witness an authentic Kuruba tribal dance performance showcasing the region's vibrant cultural heritage. Overnight stay in Kabini.
Begin the day with a guided nature walk through the forests surrounding the lodge, accompanied by expert naturalists who introduce you to the fascinating flora, butterflies, medicinal plants, birds, and smaller wildlife often missed during jeep safaris. Spend the afternoon at leisure enjoying the peaceful surroundings and lodge facilities. In the evening, watch an informative documentary highlighting the wildlife and conservation efforts of Nagarhole National Park, providing deeper insights into one of India's finest tiger reserves. Overnight stay in Kabini.
After breakfast, drive through the beautiful Western Ghats to Coorg, affectionately known as the "Scotland of India" for its misty hills, coffee estates, and lush forests. Upon arrival, check into your hotel before enjoying an exciting guided plantation tour through sprawling coffee and spice estates. Learn about coffee cultivation, pepper vines, cardamom, vanilla, and the plantation lifestyle that defines Coorg. During the evening, enjoy a lively performance of traditional Karnataka folk dances. Overnight stay in Coorg.
Start the morning with a guided bird-watching excursion through Coorg's rich forests before breakfast. Later visit the fascinating Coffee & Culture Museum to discover the history of coffee cultivation in India and participate in an engaging coffee tasting experience. In the afternoon, explore Bylakuppe Tibetan Settlement, one of the largest Tibetan communities outside Tibet, and visit the magnificent Namdroling Monastery (Golden Temple), admired for its beautiful Buddhist architecture, colourful murals, and peaceful atmosphere. Overnight stay in Coorg.
Following an early breakfast, visit Dubare Elephant Camp, where you'll learn about elephant conservation, behaviour, ecology, and the unique relationship between elephants and their mahouts. Later, enjoy a traditional Kodava lunch hosted by a local family at their ancestral home. Discover the fascinating customs, architecture, cuisine, and hospitality of the Kodava community while gaining authentic insight into Coorg's unique cultural heritage. Overnight stay in Coorg.
After breakfast, drive to Hassan, the gateway to Karnataka's magnificent Hoysala temples. Upon arrival, visit the UNESCO-listed Chennakeshava Temple at Belur and the remarkable Hoysaleswara Temple at Halebidu. Admire the extraordinary stone carvings, intricate sculptures, and exquisite craftsmanship that make these 12th-century monuments among the finest examples of medieval Indian architecture. Overnight stay in Hassan.
After breakfast, continue your journey towards Hampi with an en-route visit to the impressive Chitradurga Fort, one of South India's largest hill forts, famous for its massive granite walls, gateways, and fascinating military history. Continue to Hampi, the former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, check into your hotel before enjoying an engaging storytelling session introducing Hampi's glorious history and architectural legacy. Overnight stay in Hampi.
Today enjoy a fascinating full-day excursion exploring the remarkable heritage sites of Aihole, Pattadakal, and Badami. Visit Aihole, often called the cradle of Indian temple architecture, followed by Pattadakal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its beautifully preserved Chalukyan temples. Continue to Badami to explore its spectacular rock-cut cave temples carved into dramatic sandstone cliffs overlooking Agastya Lake before returning to Hampi. Overnight stay in Hampi.
After breakfast, visit the magnificent Vijaya Vittala Temple, famous for its iconic Stone Chariot and legendary Musical Pillars. Continue with the Raya Trail through the Royal Enclosure to discover the Lotus Mahal, Queen's Bath, Elephant Stables, Mahanavami Dibba, and other impressive monuments that once formed the ceremonial heart of the Vijayanagara Empire. Overnight stay in Hampi.
This morning explore the sacred Virupaksha Temple, Hampi's oldest active temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, before strolling through the historic Hampi Bazaar. Later enjoy the scenic Tungabhadra Trail, walking amongst giant granite boulders, ancient temple ruins, river landscapes, and archaeological treasures that create one of India's most extraordinary cultural landscapes. Overnight stay in Hampi.
After breakfast, transfer to Vidyanagar Airport for your flight to Hyderabad. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax and experience the elegance, history, and hospitality of one of India's most fascinating royal cities. Overnight stay in Hyderabad.
After breakfast, begin your exploration of Hyderabad with a visit to the magnificent Golconda Fort, renowned for its remarkable acoustics, royal palaces, gateways, and panoramic views over the city. Continue to the elegant Birla Mandir, beautifully constructed in white marble and dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, offering spectacular views across Hyderabad. Overnight stay in Hyderabad.
Today discover the historic heart of Hyderabad with visits to the iconic Charminar, the grand Mecca Masjid, and the magnificent Chowmahalla Palace, once the ceremonial seat of the Nizams of Hyderabad. Admire exquisite Indo-Islamic architecture, royal collections, beautifully restored courtyards, and bustling traditional markets that reflect Hyderabad's rich cultural legacy. Overnight stay in Hyderabad.
After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely morning before transferring to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport for your onward flight. Your unforgettable journey through Karnataka and Hyderabad concludes with wonderful memories of royal heritage, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, wildlife safaris, coffee plantations, ancient temples, vibrant cultures, and exceptional South Indian hospitality. We look forward to welcoming you back to India for another memorable adventure.
