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The Palaces, Wildlife, Plantations & Beaches of Karnataka

14 days from £10,350 for 2025 per person

The astounding ruins of the Vijayanagar Empire at Hampi, exquisite rock cut temples of Badami, Pattadkal and Halebeedu, and giant monolithic statue of Shravanabelagola, Karnataka is a state of historical importance and spectacular beauty. This itinerary will take you back in time to discover the architectural styles and extraordinary craftsmanship of ancient artisans and sculptors at these sites, and you will soon realise why this region is so special.

Arrive in Bangalore and transfer directly to Hampi; a flight path which has totally opened up this fascinating region, which has always been notoriously difficult to get to. Spend three days in the 600-year-old Vijayanagar kingdom, exploring this beautiful and ancient landscape; offbeat treks take you through giant boulders, the ruins of the Achyutaraya Temple and the famed ‘Courtesan Bazaar’; splendid views of the setting sun behind the boulder hills as you walk along the banks of the scenic Tungabhadra River; delve deep into the Vitthalapura bazaar that leads to the famous Vijaya Vitthala temple, considered by many to represent the pinnacle of temple architecture in India; set off on the Raya Trail This trail which looks back five hundred years for a glimpse at the life and times of the Rayas (Maharajas) of Vijayanagar. You will also explore the magnificent sites, Aihole, Pattadkal and Badami, almost as old as two millenniums and considered to be the ‘cradle of Indian temple architecture’. Witness true and ancient Indian Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism on the stone carved monuments, a reflection of their strong influence on early Indian dynasties at various timelines.

After the architecture and history of northern Karnataka, prepare to be mesmerised by wildlife and natural beauty of southern Karnataka. With the wildlife safaris at Kabini and the coffee plantations of Coorg, and finally ending your tour in northern Kerala’s seaside village at Neeleshwar. This tour is a scintillating smorgasbord of culture, nature and tradition of the perceptive.

This luxury holiday is purely a suggested itinerary; it can be booked as it is, or used as a starting point for creating your perfect tailor-made tour. If you would like to see similar trips, take a look at our collection of South India itineraries.


Itinerary details

14 days from £10,350 for 2025 per person

Orange County Coorg Karnataka South India 5
Orange County Coorg Karnataka South India 9
Orange County Coorg Karnataka South India 14
Orange County Coorg Karnataka South India 12
The Lotus Neeleshwar South India 2
Neeleshwar Hermitage Neeleshwar South India 12
Neeleshwar Hermitage Neeleshwar South India 6
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Hampi, Karnataka, South India (9).jpg
BADAMI Lake Hampi
BADAMI View Hampi
AIHOLE Temple Hampi
Hampi, Karnataka, South India (5).jpg
Elephan Stables Hampi
Hampi, Karnataka, South India (10).jpg
Hampi, Karnataka, South India (3).jpg
Hampi, Karnataka, South India (9).jpg
BADAMI Lake Hampi
BADAMI View Hampi
AIHOLE Temple Hampi
Hampi, Karnataka, South India (5).jpg
Elephan Stables Hampi
Hampi, Karnataka, South India (10).jpg
Hampi, Karnataka, South India (8).jpg
Orange County Coorg Karnataka South India 11
Orange County Kabini Karnataka South India 7
Orange County Kabini Karnataka South India 3
Orange County Kabini Karnataka South India 10
Orange County Coorg Karnataka South India 10
Orange County Kabini Karnataka South India 12
Orange County Coorg Karnataka South India 15
Orange County Coorg Karnataka South India 5
Orange County Coorg Karnataka South India 9
Orange County Coorg Karnataka South India 14
Orange County Coorg Karnataka South India 12
The Lotus Neeleshwar South India 2
Neeleshwar Hermitage Neeleshwar South India 12
Neeleshwar Hermitage Neeleshwar South India 6
There are no foreign lands. It is the traveller only who is foreign.
Robert Louis Stevenson

Client Testimonials

We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
- Redmayne family, Phuket
I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand
I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India

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