Arrive in Bengaluru, the vibrant capital of Karnataka and the starting point of your journey through southern India. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in.

The remainder of the day is yours to relax and settle in after your international journey. Enjoy the comforts of your hotel or step out at leisure for a first glimpse of this cosmopolitan city, known for its leafy avenues, pleasant climate and fascinating blend of heritage and modern life.

Your arrival in Bengaluru marks the beginning of an exciting adventure through Karnataka’s royal cities, ancient temples, coffee-growing hills and historic landscapes, before concluding beside the tropical shores of Goa.

Overnight stay in Bengaluru.

After breakfast, leave Bengaluru behind and travel by road towards Mysore, one of southern India’s most elegant and culturally fascinating cities.

On arrival, check in to your hotel before beginning your introduction to this historic royal city. Discover the magnificent Mysore Palace, the former residence of the Wadiyar dynasty and one of India’s most impressive royal landmarks, renowned for its grand halls, intricate interiors and striking Indo-Saracenic architecture.

Continue to Chamundi Hill, an important spiritual landmark overlooking the city, where you can enjoy panoramic views across Mysore and the surrounding countryside.

Later, enjoy time to experience Mysore’s colourful atmosphere, known for its markets, silk, sandalwood and rich cultural traditions, before returning to your hotel.

Overnight stay in Mysore.

After breakfast, continue your exploration of Mysore, a city celebrated for its royal heritage, graceful architecture and enduring cultural traditions.

Discover more of the city’s historic character before visiting the vibrant Devaraja Market, where colourful displays of flowers, fruits, vegetables, spices and traditional products offer a fascinating glimpse into everyday local life.

Continue to some of Mysore’s notable landmarks and enjoy time to appreciate the city’s distinctive traditions, from its famous silk and sandalwood to the legacy of the Wadiyar royal family.

The remainder of the day provides time to relax or explore at your own pace, allowing you to enjoy the atmosphere of one of Karnataka’s most charming cities before continuing into the countryside tomorrow.

Overnight stay in Mysore.

After breakfast, leave Mysore and journey towards the beautiful hill country of Chikkamagaluru, travelling through the changing landscapes of Karnataka.

En route, visit the magnificent temples of Belur and Halebidu, masterpieces of the Hoysala dynasty renowned for their extraordinary architecture and intricate stone carvings. Explore the beautiful Chennakeshava Temple at Belur and the impressive Hoysaleswara Temple at Halebidu, where remarkably detailed sculptures depict deities, animals, dancers, warriors and scenes from Hindu mythology.

Continue through the countryside towards Chikkamagaluru, a picturesque region of rolling hills, forests and sprawling coffee plantations. Known as the birthplace of coffee cultivation in India, this peaceful corner of Karnataka provides a refreshing contrast to the historic cities and temples experienced so far.

On arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening amid the tranquil surroundings of Karnataka’s beautiful coffee country.

Overnight stay in Chikkamagaluru.

After breakfast, discover the beautiful landscapes and rich coffee heritage of Chikkamagaluru, one of India’s most celebrated coffee-growing regions. Surrounded by forested hills and lush plantations, the area offers a wonderfully peaceful side of Karnataka.

Enjoy a fascinating guided coffee plantation experience, learning how coffee is cultivated, harvested and processed while walking through plantations shaded by tropical trees and spices. Discover the story of coffee in India and gain an insight into the traditions that have shaped this picturesque region for generations.

Continue through the surrounding hill country, taking in sweeping views of green valleys, plantations and forested landscapes. Depending on local conditions, there will be opportunities to stop at scenic viewpoints and appreciate the natural beauty for which Chikkamagaluru is renowned.

Later, return to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure, relaxing amid the tranquil surroundings of Karnataka’s coffee country.

Overnight stay in Chikkamagaluru.

After breakfast, bid farewell to the peaceful coffee-covered hills of Chikkamagaluru and begin your journey by road towards Hampi, one of India’s most extraordinary historic destinations.

Travel through the changing landscapes of Karnataka, passing rural communities, farmland and small towns as you make your way towards the former capital of the mighty Vijayanagara Empire.

On arrival in Hampi, check in to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Surrounded by dramatic boulder-strewn landscapes, ancient ruins and the winding Tungabhadra River, Hampi offers an unforgettable setting unlike anywhere else in India.

Relax this evening in preparation for tomorrow’s exploration of the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi and the remarkable remains of one of southern India’s greatest kingdoms.

Overnight stay in Hampi.

After breakfast, set out for a fascinating full-day exploration of Hampi, the spectacular former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire and one of India’s most remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Explore an extraordinary landscape scattered with ancient temples, royal enclosures, ceremonial structures and immense granite boulders. Visit the magnificent Virupaksha Temple, one of Hampi’s most important sacred sites, before discovering the impressive remains of the royal city.

Continue to the celebrated Vittala Temple complex, renowned for its exquisite stone craftsmanship and iconic Stone Chariot. Discover grand pavilions, intricately carved pillars and architectural details that reveal the wealth and artistic achievements of this once-powerful empire.

As you explore, your guide will bring to life the fascinating story of a city that was once among the richest and most important in southern India. With ancient monuments set against dramatic rocky scenery and the Tungabhadra River, Hampi is certain to be one of the cultural highlights of your journey.

Overnight stay in Hampi.

After breakfast, leave the extraordinary ruins of Hampi behind and continue your journey through Karnataka towards the historic town of Badami, once the powerful capital of the early Chalukya dynasty.

Travel through the rural landscapes of northern Karnataka, where ancient kingdoms have left behind some of southern India’s most remarkable architectural treasures.

On arrival in Badami, check in to your hotel and enjoy time to settle in. Dramatically positioned among red sandstone cliffs and the peaceful Agastya Lake, Badami provides an atmospheric setting for the next chapter of your journey.

The remainder of the day is at leisure, allowing you to relax before tomorrow’s exploration of the magnificent Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal temple heritage.

Overnight stay in Badami.

After breakfast, set out to discover the remarkable archaeological treasures of Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal, three historic centres that reveal the extraordinary architectural legacy of the Chalukya dynasty.

Begin with the impressive Badami Cave Temples, carved directly into dramatic red sandstone cliffs overlooking Agastya Lake. Explore beautifully sculpted rock-cut sanctuaries dedicated to Hindu and Jain traditions, with intricate carvings depicting deities and scenes from ancient mythology.

Continue to Aihole, often described as a cradle of Indian temple architecture, where an extraordinary collection of ancient temples demonstrates the evolution of different architectural styles.

Later, visit the magnificent UNESCO-listed monuments of Pattadakal, an impressive complex of temples showcasing a remarkable fusion of northern and southern Indian architectural traditions.

Return to Badami after a fascinating day exploring some of Karnataka’s most important ancient temples, rock-cut caves and archaeological treasures.

Overnight stay in Badami.

After breakfast, bid farewell to Badami and journey west towards the beautiful coastal town of Gokarna, where Karnataka’s historic heartland gives way to the tropical landscapes of the Arabian Sea.

Travel through changing countryside towards the coast, passing rural communities, lush vegetation and picturesque landscapes along the way. On arrival in Gokarna, check in to your hotel and settle into the relaxed surroundings of this charming seaside destination.

Known for its golden beaches, sacred temples and laid-back atmosphere, Gokarna offers a wonderful change of pace after the cultural discoveries of Hampi and Badami.

Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure, perhaps taking a gentle stroll, relaxing by the beach or simply unwinding as the sun sets over the Arabian Sea.

Overnight stay in Gokarna.

After breakfast, enjoy a wonderfully relaxed day in Gokarna, where palm-fringed landscapes, golden beaches and the warm waters of the Arabian Sea provide the perfect setting to slow the pace of your journey.

The day is yours to spend at leisure. Relax beside the beach, enjoy the facilities of your hotel or take a gentle stroll along the coastline while soaking up the peaceful atmosphere of this charming coastal retreat.

For those seeking deeper relaxation, you may choose to experience a traditional Ayurvedic treatment or wellness experience, drawing upon India’s centuries-old approach to wellbeing and rejuvenation. Alternatively, simply enjoy an unhurried day surrounded by Gokarna’s beautiful natural scenery.

As evening approaches, enjoy the laid-back coastal atmosphere and perhaps watch the sunset over the Arabian Sea before another relaxing night in Gokarna.

Overnight stay in Gokarna.

After breakfast, enjoy another full day at leisure in beautiful Gokarna, giving you time to truly unwind before continuing your journey to Goa.

Spend the day relaxing beside the Arabian Sea, enjoy the facilities of your hotel or explore more of Gokarna’s scenic coastline at your own pace. With its palm-fringed surroundings, sandy beaches and unhurried atmosphere, this is the perfect opportunity to simply slow down and enjoy your surroundings.

Those wishing to be more active may explore the local area, while guests seeking relaxation can consider an optional Ayurvedic treatment, spa experience or yoga session. Alternatively, find your favourite spot by the beach and enjoy an entirely leisurely day.

Enjoy your final evening in Gokarna, perhaps watching another beautiful sunset over the Arabian Sea before your journey continues along India’s western coast tomorrow.

Overnight stay in Gokarna.

After breakfast, bid farewell to the relaxed surroundings of Gokarna and continue your journey along India’s beautiful western coast towards Goa, renowned for its tropical scenery, Portuguese heritage and golden beaches.

Travel through the lush coastal landscapes of Karnataka and Goa, passing palm-fringed countryside, small towns and villages before arriving at your hotel.

After check-in, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Take time to relax by the pool or beach, explore the local surroundings or simply settle into Goa’s famously laid-back atmosphere.

Your arrival in Goa provides a wonderful finale to your journey, combining historic Portuguese influences, tropical landscapes and time to unwind beside the Arabian Sea.

Overnight stay in Goa.

After breakfast, set out to discover the fascinating cultural heritage of Goa, where centuries of Portuguese influence have created a distinctive blend of Indian and European traditions.

Explore historic Old Goa, once the flourishing capital of Portuguese India and today home to an impressive collection of churches and monuments. Visit the magnificent Basilica of Bom Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site housing the remains of St Francis Xavier, and admire the imposing Se Cathedral, one of the largest churches in Asia.

Continue through Goa’s historic quarters, where colourful architecture, traditional houses and colonial influences reveal another side of this famous coastal destination.

Later, return to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure, with time to relax beside the Arabian Sea and soak up Goa’s laid-back tropical atmosphere.

Overnight stay in Goa.

After breakfast, enjoy a full day at leisure in Goa, giving you the freedom to spend the final full day of your journey exactly as you wish.

Relax beside the Arabian Sea, enjoy the facilities of your hotel or spend time on Goa’s beautiful beaches. Those wishing to explore independently may discover local markets, cafés and coastal communities, while others may simply prefer to slow the pace and enjoy the tropical surroundings.

This leisurely day provides the perfect conclusion to a journey filled with royal cities, magnificent temples, coffee-covered hills, ancient kingdoms and fascinating cultural discoveries.

As evening approaches, enjoy your final night in India and the relaxed atmosphere of Goa before beginning your journey home tomorrow.

Overnight stay in Goa.

After breakfast, enjoy your final moments in Goa before transferring to the airport for your return flight to NEW YORK.

As your journey through southern India comes to an end, take home wonderful memories of royal Mysore, the ancient temples of Belur and Halebidu, Chikkamagaluru’s coffee-covered hills, the extraordinary ruins of Hampi, the heritage treasures of Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal, and the beautiful shores of Gokarna and Goa.

From magnificent palaces and UNESCO World Heritage Sites to scenic countryside and relaxing coastal stays, your exploration of Karnataka and Goa concludes with your journey home.