The Serai Bandipur
Wildlife lodge setting,
Immersive outdoor experiences
Couples,
Families,
Nature Enthusiasts
Inspired by the game lodges of Africa, the Serai is an ideal place to stay if you want to experience the wildlife of Bandipur National Park.
With rooms blending in with the surrounding scenery, wild grounds and a serene, peaceful atmosphere, the property aims to highlight the beautiful natural environment of the area. Set on spacious grounds, half of which are left wild so as to create a natural setting, you’ll find great facilities despite its remoteness.
Two hours from Mysore and one hour from Ooty, the property is fit with all the hallmarks and quality service of the renowned Serai brand.
Relax by the elevated pool, in the Oma Spa with energising treatments or in the Wilderness Bar sitting high above the ground with a drink in hand overlooking the grounds. The Sanctuary restaurant sits on a raised level, providing indoor and outdoor dining and serving a range of delicious cuisines.
Sometimes, you can spot a range of wildlife just metres from the property and at night, you can watch from your balcony as deer jump the fences and graze on the land.
Activities such as nature walks, treks to local temples, cycling, hiking and archery as well as game drives in the national park are on offer for guests to completely immerse themselves in the area. Books and binoculars are provided as well incase you want to spot the abundant birdlife in the area.
The Rooms
A range of room styles are available, from the more simple mountain view courtyard rooms to the log huts and the residence. Mountain view rooms include a verandah with views out to the grounds, wooden beamed ceilings and nice, modern bathrooms. The quaint wooden log huts are raised above ground on stilts, with a lovely back verandah looking out over the hills and beyond, including four poster beds.
What You’ll Find:
Why You'll Love It:
Explore ETG's Sample Itineraries in India
A few of our favourite routes, hand-picked by the team and ripe for tweaking.
Think of them as conversation starters. Curiosity sparkers. Not fixed plans, just ideas for what your holiday could look like, shaped by years of local know-how and the kind of immersive experiences that live long in the memory.
India
Wild Karnataka and Beach
This exciting off-the-beaten-track trip takes you on a journey through Karnataka, visiting Mysuru and Hampi – both with their own world heritage sites – and then getting away from it all at two beautiful boutique hotels in the plantations of Coorg and Chikmagalur.
Nagarhole National Park offers plenty of opportunity for wildlife experiences, and the adventure closes with some relaxation at the beach in Goa.
Uniquely, this holiday is designed using alternatives to domestic flights. This makes for a fantastic way to absorb the country’s atmosphere and scenery in a way that many visitors miss out on.
Highlights
Karnataka Train Journey
Rattling through wild Karnataka on a local train journey from Hospet to Goa
Chikmagalur Coffee Plantation
Walking around the first coffee plantation in India in rural Chikmagalur
Nagarhole National Park
Bumping around in a jeep as you explore Nagarhole National Park with its herds of elephants and deer
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India
Varied Landscapes of South India
Stray from the typical South India tourist trail and immerse yourself in an array of landscapes and local experiences as you travel west on this two-week journey.
You’ll begin in the fascinating city of Hyderabad and end in India’s largest, most cosmopolitan city, Mumbai. With local guides in each place, you’ll delve into the different cultures of each area and experience an array of landscapes with time to relax in a variety of luxurious accommodation. After exploring the outskirts of Hyderabad, fly direct to the boulder-strewn horizons of Hampi, spend time in lush spice plantations and the rugged Western Ghats before relaxing on the beaches of quiet Nileshwar.
Highlights
Charminar
Explore the markets surrounding the Charminar in central Hyderabad, taste the local biryani and tour the ancient forts and tombs that surround the city
Hampi
Get to know the splendour of the Vijayanagara Empire and the stunning boulder strewn landscape of Hampi
Northern Kerala Beaches
Relax on the quiet beaches of Nileshwar in Northern Kerala
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India
Kerala Encompassed
Gain a great insight into the variety Kerala has to offer as you travel south to north over three weeks. You’ll have the opportunity to stay in different types and styles of accommodation, ranging from tea bungalows to a plantation mansion, houseboat, treehouse and tents, to name a few.
Spend your days among tea and spice plantations, relaxing in rural settings, spotting wildlife, cruising along the Alleppey backwaters, visiting local markets and getting to know the towns that make Kerala tick. Relax on a remote beach to round off your holiday through ‘God’s Own Country’.
Highlights
Cruise the backwaters
Explore the canals on a houseboat for two nights, watching local life pass by
Birdwatching
Wake up on the banks of the Periyar River, where you’ll have the chance to spot over 120 species of birds
Safaris
Track elephants and tigers in Nagarhole National Park
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India
Birds of South India
Discover lesser-visited but beautiful areas of Southern India during this two week holiday. There is a particular focus on the region’s abundant birdlife, exceptional for casual and serious aficionados. Visit several sanctuaries and travel through the lush western ghats, known as a treasure house of endemic species, as well as the strictly protected wildlife of Bandipur National Park.
Highlights
Rangananthittu Bird Sanctuary
End your journey with a visit to the Rangananthittu Bird Sanctuary, home to some 170 exquisite bird species
Valparai
Explore Valparai’s remote landscapes through forest treks in an area full of wildlife, including some of the most endangered varieties of hornbills
Bandipur National Park
Spot elusive big game on sunrise and sunset safaris in Bandipur National Park
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The Serai Bandipur on the map
In Our Travellers’ Words
Immersive India
With ETG, we have visited extraordinary places
Wonderful introduction to India
The Curious Traveller’s Expert Guide to India
Want to know more? With its vast size, rich diversity, and countless possibilities, planning a holiday to India can feel overwhelming – so we’ve created our Curious Traveller’s Guide to India to help make sense of it all.
It’s our experts’ pick of standout experiences and places to stay, with honest advice on the best regions and tips for both first-time visitors and those returning for more.
