14 Days from $4,390 USD / person
Karnataka Explored: Heritage and Landscapes
Sample Itinerary
Day 1 – 2
International Arrival
Transfer from Bangalore Airport to Hotel
1 Night
Bangalore
Bengaluru, India’s answer to Silicon Valley, was ranked third in 2012 amongst the list of world’s top ten cities to visit by Lonely Planet! Formerly a ‘pensioners paradise’, the bustling city sits high above sea-level, and is blessed with pleasant weather all year round. A center for British resistance in the 18th century, Bangalore has remained a permanent home of the Indian Army, retaining the campgrounds scattered all over the city and a distinct Cantonment atmosphere. The multicultural and multilingual city boasts charming gardens, tree-lined avenues and cozy bungalows, apart from several of the largest software and IT parks in india.
Hotel options
Vivanta Bengaluru, Residency Road – Opt 1
Room
Standard Room
Meals
Breakfast
Style
International
The Taj West End – Opt 2
Room
Luxury Grand
Meals
Breakfast
Style
Resort
Day 2 – 5
Transfer to the airport
Flight from Bangalore to Hubli
Drive from Hubli to Hampi (165 km, 3.5 hrs)
3 Nights
Hampi
Hampi is so mystical with its boulder-strewn landscapes that you might feel like you’ve landed on the moon! This ancient village is split into two by Tungabhadra River, which has become a natural epicenter. Hampi has a soothing quality to it, as its gentle agricultural community tend to lush green paddy fields and global travelers gather. As the former capital of the mighty Vijayanara Kingdom and home to ruins of a once sacred and regal city, the village is home to several major UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Hotel options
Heritage Resort Hampi – Opt 1
Room
Deluxe Villa
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Style
Boutique
Evolve Back Resort Kamalapura Palace, Hampi – Opt 2
Room
Nivasa
Meals
Breakfast
Style
Resort
Day 5 – 7
Drive from Hampi to Chikmaglur (300 km, 9 hrs)
2 Nights
Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur is a captivating natural canvas nestled in the Baba Budan Hills within the Western Ghats, best known as the life-giving spine of India. This calm and serene town is spread across lush green hills and valleys and is brimming with scenic surprises, from the occasional stream to the snow white blossoms of its sprawling coffee and spice plantations. Chikmagalur is one of the largest coffee producers in India. Enjoy a welcome respite from the stuffy Indian heat in this cool yet deliciously tropical climate.
Hotel options
The Gateway Hotel KM Road Chikmagalur – Opt 1
Room
Standard Garden View
Meals
Breakfast
Style
Lodge
Primrose Villas – Opt 2
Room
Primrose Villa
Meals
Breakfast
Style
Resort
Day 7 – 9
Drive from Chikmaglur to Mysore via Shravanbelagola, Belur and Halebid (220 km, 4.5 hrs)
2 Nights
Mysore
Mysore provides you with an opportunity to step back in time into a world of regal opulence, and is often described as the City of Palaces. All roads in Mysore lead to the beautiful Mysore Palace built for the Maharajahs of Mysore, the Wodeyar Dynasty, who contributed to much of the city’s cultural development. Before them, Mysore was the stomping ground for rulers Hyder Ali and his son Tippu Sultan. Steeped in Hindu legend, the city’s name comes from a Sanksrit word for a mythical part-human, part-buffalo demon. The city comes alive during September/October when the state Hindu festival of Darasa takes place.
Hotel options
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Mysore – Opt 1
Room
Superior Room
Meals
Breakfast
Style
International
Royal Orchid Metropole – Opt 2
Room
Royal Room
Meals
Breakfast
Style
International
Day 9 – 11
Drive from Mysore to Nagarhole (90 km, 2.5 hrs)
2 Nights
Nagarhole
Nagahole National Park calls you into the wild! A haven for nature lovers, the park starts within the foothills of the Western Ghats, and heads into low undulating hills through to stretches of wild grass. It was the former exclusive hunting reserve of the Wodeyar dynasty, the regal rulers of Mysore. The name literally translates as snake hole, but the wildlife focus is more on the vast elephant, bison and monkey population, as well as over 250 bird species. If you are lucky, you may even spot the enigmatic tiger!
Hotel options
Kaav Safari Lodge – Opt 1
Room
Superior Room
Meals
Full Board and Safari
Style
Lodge
Evolve Back Kuruba Safari Lodge – Opt 2
Room
Pool Hut
Meals
Full Board and Activities
Style
Lodge
Day 11 – 14
Drive from Nagarhole to Neeleshwar (200 km, 5.5 hrs)
3 Nights
Neeleshwar Kasaragod
Neeleshwar: Refreshingly different! Behind luxuriant coconut groves and paddy fields lies another Kerala, where a variety of festivals and rituals that bring the human world into harmony with itself and the Divine exist. The earthy, ethnic hues evoke a purely rustic mood. Meditation at sunset can be a divine experience.
Hotel options
Khanhan Beach Resort – Opt 1
Room
Home Type 1
Meals
Breakfast
Style
Beach Resort
Neeleshwar Hermitage – Opt 2
Room
Deluxe Garden View Cottage
Meals
Breakfast
Style
Beach Resort
Day 14 – 14
Drive from Neeleshwar to Mangalore (100 km, 3 hrs)
Flight from Mangalore to Bangalore
Bangalore
Bengaluru, India’s answer to Silicon Valley, was ranked third in 2012 amongst the list of world’s top ten cities to visit by Lonely Planet! Formerly a ‘pensioners paradise’, the bustling city sits high above sea-level, and is blessed with pleasant weather all year round. A center for British resistance in the 18th century, Bangalore has remained a permanent home of the Indian Army, retaining the campgrounds scattered all over the city and a distinct Cantonment atmosphere. The multicultural and multilingual city boasts charming gardens, tree-lined avenues and cozy bungalows, apart from several of the largest software and IT parks in india.
International Departure
Price & Inclusions
Prices are in USD and exclude international flights. This trip price is based on low season rates for accommodation and other applicable services, and may change depending on availability, currency fluctuations and number of people traveling together. For high season prices, please contact us with your exact travel dates and preferences.
Price Includes
- Accommodation and meals, as specified in the itinerary
- Activities and excursions, as specified in the itinerary
- Transportation services, as specified in the itinerary
- Your Trip Coordination Team: Dedicated support throughout your journey, with a primary, personal point of contact. Plus, in case of emergencies while you’re traveling, our trip coordination team are available 24/7 by phone
Not Included
- Entrance fees and meals, unless mentioned in the itinerary description
- Tips and personal expenses
- Visa and tourism fees
- Travel, health, and cancellation insurance
- International airfare
What Our Guests Say
This trip was my gift to my wife for her birthday. I had traveled to India numerous times for business and wanted her to see this interesting and beautiful land. This was our 7th trip with Enchanting and I knew they would put together a journey that would explore the most important sights in the time which we allowed. We spent 2 weeks in the North of India and 2 weeks in the South. I was hesitant to do some much traveling by car but India has really improved their highways and the car trips where enjoyable. Our drivers were excellent. They knew the lay of the land and how to navigate the hectic Indian traffic. I am a retired international airline pilot and I will tell you that the hotels we stayed in are some of the finest in the world.
Everett Beasley
USA
This was our 14th trip with Enchanting. Each trip is always very well coordinated with never any worries about transportation, reservations or tickets etc…. The guides are always very knowledgable, helpful and kind. The drivers are always very prompt and courteous. The trip coordinators are in constant contact for any needs or concerns throughout the journey. I always answer the survey after our trips and know that Enchanting takes the answers very seriously. Thanks to the staff at Enchanting for many happy memories!
Julie Goodwin
USA
I have been using Enchanting Travels from their very beginning and I will continue to use them in the future. Although I use them mainly for India, they did arrange a very nice trip to Vienna when I went there to attend a wedding. They are reliable, efficient, trustworthy and knowledgeable and just plain excellent.
Marianne Oort-Lissy
Netherlands
A level of service that was second to none. We have no hesitation in recommending Enchanting Travels!
Jeremy Lewis
UK
I would definitely use Enchanting travel again. By planning your holiday well before you go. It is worth spending time doing this, and listen to the advice you are given You can relax during your holiday.
Erica McDonagh
Australia
Kamesh, who was the airport greeter, did an excellent job getting both us and our son from the airport to and into the hotel and situated for the trip. ALSO I don’t know if Prathima or Shivangi were responsible, but one or both of them arranged for us to get tickets to a dance performance Dec 16 at the Yagnaraman centre for performing arts at Sri Krishna Gana Sabha Trust — I was delighted. We wanted to see dance and had been unable to find information on this. Very grateful that we were able to attend. Let me also emphasize how excellent both Prathima and Shivangi were. Prathima with amazing patience and knowledge planned the trip. She was totally responsive — but also resolutely and gently made sure her experience guided our plan. And Shivangi was always there, fixing what needed to be fixed on occasion and always providing a friendly and encouraging voice. I felt we learned a lot about history, about Tamil culture and about Hinduism (that last especially on this and the next part of the trip and from our guides). Auroville is something else again and fascinating in its own different way.
Carole Uhlander
USA
