Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
India – Karnataka – Mysore – Hassan – Hampi – Hubli – Badami – Goa
100% customisable for you
The adventure begins today. Head to the airport, breeze through security and relax in the lounge before boarding your ten-hour-and-20-minute overnight flight to Bangalore. On arrival the following morning, you’ll be met at the airport and driven two-and-a-half hours south to Mysore, Karnataka’s royal capital.
The route offers a gentle introduction to southern India, passing rocky hills, sugarcane plantations and coconut groves. En route, stop for a private visit to Srirangapatna, once the stronghold of Tipu Sultan. Explore the impressive fort, elegant Summer Palace decorated with colourful murals, and the Gumbaz mausoleum where the former ruler of Mysore is buried.
By late afternoon, arrive in Mysore and check into a historic hotel which will be home for the next two nights. Settle in and perhaps enjoy afternoon tea or a dip in the pool before some much needed shut eye.
Today is devoted to discovering Mysore, nicknamed the ‘City of Palaces’. Begin with a private visit to the magnificent Mysore Palace, completed in 1912 and widely considered one of the grandest palaces in India.
Next, climb the thousand steps of Chamundi Hill to reach the Sri Chamundeshwari Temple, dedicated to the goddess Shakti. Along the way, pause to admire the monumental statue of Nandi, Shiva’s sacred bull, which is carved from a single block of granite. From the summit, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views across Mysore and the surrounding countryside.
In the afternoon, travel to the nearby village of Somnathpur to visit the beautifully preserved Keshava Temple. Built in 1268, it is one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture, with a star-shaped structure adorned with intricate friezes depicting scenes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana.
This morning, drive north to Hassan, a journey of around five hours through the green landscapes of the Malnad region.
Along the way, stop to explore two of South India’s most remarkable temples. First, visit Halebid, once the capital of the Hoysala Empire. Today, it is a pleasant village with well-maintained gardens and lawns. Its Hoysaleswara Temple is covered in stone carvings depicting mythological scenes and royal history.
Continue to nearby Belur, home to the Channekeshava Temple, widely regarded as one of India' s greatest architectural masterpieces. Every inch of its surface is decorated with sculptures of dancers, warriors and gods.
By late afternoon, arrive at your hotel set amid lush gardens and rolling hills. The rest of the day is yours to settle in and rest up ready for more exploring tomorrow.
Today’s journey takes you deeper into Karnataka towards Hampi, where you'll check in for two nights at a striking palace-inspired hotel overlooking the region’s dramatic terrain.
Spend the evening relaxing by the pool before tucking into some traditional Indian dishes (we’re talking coconut-infused curries, aromatic lentil stews and fluffy flatbreads).
On the agenda today is a tour of the vast ruins of Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage site and once the capital of the mighty Vijayanagara Empire.
Spread across a surreal landscape of giant boulders and palm groves, the site includes temples, royal pavilions and ancient marketplaces. Highlights include the Krishna Temple complex, the impressive monolithic statues of Narasimha and Ganesha, and the elegant Lotus Mahal.
Later, visit the beautifully carved Hazara Rama, a 15-century Hindu temple whose bas-reliefs depict scenes from the epic Ramayana. We’ve left the afternoon free for you to wander the ruins or enjoy lunch overlooking the Tungabhadra River.
This morning, enjoy a private bicycle tour of Anegundi, located across the Tungabhadra River from Hampi. One of the oldest settlements in the region, the village offers a glimpse of rural life, where restored heritage homes and artisan workshops support the local community.
After lunch, continue north towards Hubli. En route, stop at Badami, famed for its dramatic cave temples carved directly into red sandstone cliffs. Dating from the sixth century, the caves are dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, and Jain traditions, their sculptures displaying extraordinary artistry.
If you like, we can also arrange a visit to the historic temple sites of Aihole and Pattadakal. Arrive in Hubli this evening and check in to a comfortable contemporary hotel for the night.
Today offers a different perspective on contemporary India. Begin with a visit to the temple of the International Krishna Consciousness Association (ISKCON), where daily rituals are performed from sun up to sun down.
You’ll also visit the impressive kitchens of the Akshaya Patra Foundation, which prepares thousands of meals each day for local schoolchildren.
Later, travel to Kalkeri Sangeet Vidyalaya, a school that supports disadvantaged children through music, dance and theatre.
Leave Karnataka behind as you journey west towards the Arabian Sea. The six-hour drive brings you to the relaxed coastal state of Goa, where palm trees, Portuguese heritage and a slower pace of life await.
Check in for three nights at a heritage hotel surrounded by rice paddies and tropical gardens – the perfect place to unwind.
We’ve left today free for you to enjoy the atmosphere that makes Goa so special. Once the richest Portuguese trading port in Asia, Goa blends European heritage with Indian culture. Beyond its famous beaches, the state offers colourful villages, colonial mansions and lush countryside ideal for gentle walks.
Spend the day at leisure – perhaps exploring nearby beaches, wandering local markets or simply relaxing by the pool.
After a nourishing breakfast at your hotel, set out on a private tour of Old Goa, once the capital of Portuguese India and now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Accompanied by your knowledgeable guide, explore its remarkable churches and convents, including the Bom Jesus Basilica, St. Catherine's Chapel, the Church of St. Francis of Assisi and the imposing Se Cathedral.
Later, travel to Panjim (around a 30-minute drive away) and stroll through the colourful Latin Quarter of Fontainhas, where narrow lanes are lined with pastel-coloured colonial houses. We can also arrange for you to explore Divar Island by bicycle or experience Goa’s vibrant nightlife.
Sadly, it’s time to leave South India behind and return home. Your room remains available until it’s time for your private transfer to the airport. Later, board your international flight home, arriving back in the UK the following day with heads full of history.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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