Depart on your flight to Bangalore.
Most suited for
Couples, Families
Ideal time to visit
December- May
This itinerary captures the very essence of Karnataka: from the wild jungles of Nagarhole National Park and the ancient ruins of Hampi to the misty coffee plantations of Coorg and Chikmagalur.
As you travel through forests, temple towns and verdant hill country, you’ll experience the contrasts that define South India’s most diverse state. Along the way, enjoy authentic wildlife safaris, ride a local train through the Western Ghats, and unwind on Goa’s golden beaches. With its rich wildlife, UNESCO heritage sites and natural beauty, this journey brings to life the untamed spirit of Karnataka.
Wild Karnataka and Beach
As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We will create a bespoke package which will be completely unique for you.
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Day 1
Your adventure begins
Days 2 - 4
Mysore (World Heritage Opulence)
On arrival at Bangalore airport, you’ll be picked up by your driver, who will be travelling with you until you reach Goa. All costs for the driver, such as food and accommodation, are included, and if you have a day at leisure during your trip, your car is still available for use at no extra charge.
You will drive to Mysuru (Mysore), which will take about 4 hours. If you wish, you can stop at Srirangapatna, the de facto capital of Mysore, en route. Check in to your centrally located hotel on arrival. This evening, we can organise dinner at Lalitha Palace; its lovely views will give you a charming introduction to this area of India.
During your stay in Mysuru, you will have a walking tour, unravelling the story of the city’s heart where Maharajas lived a truly opulent lifestyle. As well as visiting the most iconic monuments, you’ll also have a chance to explore the surrounding area like Chamundi Hill and Devaraja market.
Days 5 - 6
Nagarhole National Park
The trip to Nagarhole National Park takes 2 hours and is well worth it. The park was declared a tiger reserve in 1999 and is a key part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Tigers are still incredibly elusive, but the elephants are relatively plentiful, and this lovely park is home to much more wildlife besides.
Over the next few days, you’ll enjoy a boat ride on the reservoir as well as both a morning and a late afternoon game drive in an open-top jeep. You’ll see the park from lots of different perspectives, and there will be plenty of time to relax and enjoy the gorgeous lodge.
Days 7 - 8
Coorg
Today you’ll journey into the Western Ghats to the pretty area of Coorg. It will take around 4-5 hours through vast coffee, cardamom and ginger plantations. You’ll be staying at a beautiful hotel, where there is a chance to relax and to experience a rural way of life. For those wanting more activity, you can take part in some trekking around the Dubare reserve or go fishing on the river Cauvery.
Days 9 - 10
Chikmagalur (Coffee Plantations and Temples)
Drive through the remote Karnataka towards Chikmagalur, the home of the very first coffee plantations in India.
Here you’ll be in the countryside in a stunning, surprisingly modern hotel for its remote location. You’ll have time at leisure to go for a walk, a bike ride or even do some archery! The following day takes you on a guided tour of Hoysala temples at Belur and Halebid.
Days 11 - 13
Hampi (UNESCO world heritage sites)
Journey to the ancient village of Hampi, the highlight of many people’s trips for the sheer beauty of its cultural sights. You will stay in cosy cottages on the banks of the Tungabhadra river, close to many of the must-see spots.
Over the next few days, you will explore some of the UNESCO world heritage site’s key temples and monuments. The highlights include the 15th-century temples of Virupaksha and Vittalla, the Elephant Stables and the Royal Enclosure.
Days 14 - 16
Goa
A short drive takes you to Hospet train station, where you will say goodbye to your driver and board the train for your day’s journey to Goa’s Madgaon station. Here you’ll be met and transferred to a lovely boutique hotel for a 3-night stay.
Days 17
Fly home
You’ll be picked up and driven to the international airport for your flight home. Or you might like to stay longer at the beach; please just let us know.
Wonderful introduction to India
A relaxed yet comprehensive introduction to India's many different shades, customs, history, beliefs, cuisine and societal strata. A well-thought out tour... all backed up by fabulous hotels and full supportive team. ETG... have a strong environmental ethic and encourage their clients to respect the places they visit, and the world we all live in. But above all, they come up with innovative ideas and... can be relied upon.
David
24 October 2024Excellent
850 Reviews
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What’s included:
With ETG, what’s included goes well beyond the basics. From the moment your trip begins to your final farewell, the essentials are already taken care of, leaving you free to immerse, explore and enjoy without the hassle of hidden extras.
Here’s what comes as standard in all of our holidays:
All flights (unless you’ve booked your own!)
Expert guides and drivers
All accommodation
Many meals and snacks
Immersive experiences throughout
All regional transfers
Tips
24/7 In-Country support
Personal travel consultant throughout
Pricing:
As every holiday is bespoke, prices vary depending on destination, flights, hotel choices, inclusions and travel dates. We aim to include as much as possible upfront, so you know exactly where you are. As an approximate guide:
Bespoke Holidays £4,500 - £8,500pp
Bespoke Luxury Holidays £8,500 - £14,500pp
Bespoke Family Holidays from £4,000 - £7,500pp
Meet Our India Experts
With over a decade of experience, Sara knows how to blend India’s vibrant energy with luxurious, personalised touches. Her itineraries balance historic cities, serene countryside retreats, and cultural experiences that stay with you forever.
Sara
Regional Expert
Explore Our Hotels & Villas
Wherever you go, and whatever you do, at the end of every day you can always be sure of a comfortable rest. Every location on our list of hotels is handpicked, and in its own way, shares the history, the hospitality, and the soul of the destination. Below are some examples of the different hotels we use.
The ETG Guarantee
We guarantee you an experience no one else has ever had.
The travel magic you’ll remember won’t be found on a well-trodden – or over-Instagrammed – itinerary. It will be the surprises, discoveries and secrets that you’ll uncover along the way with us.
Do you ever feel like people aren’t listening to you?
We get it. And we will – that’s a promise. Your holiday starts with with a proper, no-pressure call to understand what you want, what you don’t want, and what matters to you. From there, we create a completely unique adventure, inspired by our conversation together.
And because of our long-standing relationships with trusted partners across Asia, you’ll have access to experiences you can’t find on Google. The kind of special experiences that are literally impossible to find on your own.
Experiences in India
Crafting bespoke packages is the heart of what we do. Each holiday is specially designed to confound preconceptions and share magical, memorable, and truly exceptional experiences.
Important FAQs about India
India is a place of contrasts and deep cultural richness, and travelling here with ETG ensures you experience it in a way that is authentic, seamless, and meaningful.
We craft holidays that go far beyond the typical tourist trail: think hand-picked boutique hotels, private guides with expert local knowledge, and immersive experiences that give you genuine insight into India’s diverse traditions and landscapes. From the calm of rural Rajasthan to the chaotic charm of Delhi, our holidays are designed to be both inspiring and stress-free, with 24/7 in-country support so you can focus on the magic of the moment.
India is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on the region and your interests. For most of northern India, the cooler, drier months from October to March are ideal for exploring cultural sites, cities, and wildlife reserves. The southern states, such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu, are also wonderful during these months, while the Himalayan regions are best visited in the warmer months from April to June. If you’re looking for fewer crowds, travelling in the shoulder seasons—September or April—can offer a great balance of pleasant weather and quieter
Every ETG holiday to India is designed to feel seamless, immersive and stress free. We’ll arrange international flights (if you’d like us to), your drivers and guides, and stays in characterful hotels we know and trust.
You’ll experience India in a way that’s completely bespoke to you – from quiet moments to big adventures – all planned by our India specialists. And while you’re away, our local team is on hand 24/7, so you’ll always feel well looked after.
