SOUTH INDIA TOUR

The Deccan Odyssey

14 Nights | 15 Days

Destination:

Overview

A traveller who loves gentle refinement and stories will surely enjoy palace rituals, elephant trails and evenings by the sea. The stories that are lived through people and traditions and sights that are left unseen by most. This South Indian odyssey brings you into a world where everything has a scent of sandalwood and kindness. Karnataka is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites and diverse sanctuaries, yet its essence lies in a conversation over a cup of freshly brewed filter coffee and its folk songs and ceremonies that have been passed down for centuries. In this tour, each destination shares culture through its hospitality, so come, let’s turn this trip into a connection with India, and discovery will become a part of you.

Itinerary

DAY 1 Arrive at Bangalore

Arriving at Bangalore International Airport around midnight, you will be warmly greeted by our representative and escorted to your accommodation for a smooth check-in. After a restful night, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and let the morning unfold at your own pace until noon. Later, explore the grandeur of Bangalore Palace and the iconic Bull Temple. As evening descends, take a guided walking tour through the charming streets of the old city, soaking in its history, colours, and local life. Return to your hotel to relax and unwind for the night.

DAY 2 Drive from Bangalore to Coorg

Once breakfast is finished, check out and set off on a drive to Coorg. After a 6-hour (273 km) drive you will reach and settle into your hotel, followed by a leisurely lunch. The afternoon is yours to unwind and soak in the serene surroundings. As evening approaches, immerse yourself in a captivating cultural show that brings the region’s traditions and stories to life. Enjoy a delicious dinner and a restful overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 3 Explore Coorg

After a hearty breakfast, start exploring through the landscapes of Coorg. Begin with the famous Buddhist Monastery, a peaceful haven of spirituality, before heading to the Dubare Elephant Camp. You will get to make friends with and learn about these gentle giants.

Or if you would like a more personalised experience, you can choose one of the following:

As the day winds down, return to your hotel and relax. After a delightful dinner, you can have a bit of downtime.

DAY 4 Drive from Coorg to Kabini

Once breakfast is out of the way, we will hit the road to Kabini.

DAY 5 Kabini

Start your day with an early morning wildlife safari in an open vehicle inside the National Park, spotting rare flora and fauna in their natural habitat. Return to the hotel for breakfast and spend the rest of the day at leisure, soaking in the surroundings or enjoying the property’s amenities. Overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 6 Drive from Kabini to Mysuru

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Mysore. Arrive by noon, check in, and enjoy lunch followed by some relaxation. Later, visit the grand Mysore Maharaja’s Palace, an iconic marvel of Indo-Saracenic architecture. Evening at leisure to explore or unwind. Overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 7 Drive from Mysore to Bangalore and Fly to Hampi

After breakfast, check out and drive to Bangalore Airport for an afternoon flight to Hampi. Arrive within an hour at this UNESCO World Heritage site, then transfer to your hotel for check-in and some relaxation. In the evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel. Overnight stay in Hampi.

DAY 8 Exploring the Ruins of Hampi

After breakfast, set out to discover the iconic temples and the magnificent ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire. Return to the hotel for lunch, then continue exploring more of Hampi’s ancient wonders in the afternoon. In the evening, return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

DAY 9 Excursion to Anegundi

After breakfast, proceed to Anegundi, a historic town encircled by hills on three sides and the Tungabhadra River on the fourth. Known in Indian mythology as Kishkindha, the kingdom of monkeys, Anegundi also flourished during the Vijayanagara Empire and even served as its first capital. The name translates to “elephant pit”, recalling the site where royal elephants once bathed. Return to the hotel for relaxation. Dinner and an overnight stay in Hampi.

DAY 10 Journey to Aihole

After breakfast, check out and drive to Aihole. Arrive by noon, check in at the hotel, and enjoy lunch followed by some relaxation. In the afternoon, explore the renowned UNESCO monuments of Aihole, celebrated as the cradle of Indian temple architecture. Return to the hotel in the evening for an overnight stay.

DAY 11 Excursion to Badami & Pattadakal

After breakfast, drive to Badami and Pattadakal, ancient towns with roots tracing back to the 5th and 6th centuries and deeply connected to the Chalukya dynasty. Explore their remarkable cave temples and architectural wonders before returning to Aihole in the evening. Overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 12 Drive from Aihole to Dandeli

After breakfast, check out and proceed by road to Dandeli. Arrive around noon and settle into the hotel. Known as Karnataka’s second largest wildlife sanctuary, Dandeli offers thrilling opportunities for adventure, including rafting on its rapids. Spend the evening at leisure, soaking in the natural surroundings. Dinner and overnight stay in the hotel.

DAY 13 Drive to Gokarna

After breakfast, we will start our day by travelling to Gokarna. Upon arrival, we will check you into your hotel, leaving you free to explore the city or relax in the peaceful surroundings.

DAY 14 Gokarna

After breakfast, enjoy the entire day at leisure. You may choose to stroll along the pristine Om Beach, soak in the coastal charm, or indulge in a rejuvenating Ayurvedic therapy at the resort. Evening at ease, followed by an overnight stay at the property.

DAY 15 Departure via Goa

After breakfast, enjoy the morning at leisure until noon. Later, check out from the hotel and transfer to Goa Airport to board your flight to Mumbai, followed by your onwards journey.

Make This Itinerary Yours

Like what you see? Make this itinerary into a trip of your lifetime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Ayurvedic treatments or wellness services available?

Yes, resorts in Gokarna and other wellness stops offer Ayurvedic massages, therapies, and yoga sessions for relaxation.

Are there any festivals or local holidays I should know about?

Festivals like Dussehra in Mysore or temple festivities in Hampi may affect sightseeing schedules. They also provide a unique cultural experience if planned for.

How physically demanding is the itinerary?

The itinerary balances sightseeing with leisure. Moderate walking and climbing at sites like Hampi and Badami are involved.

Are adventure activities suitable for beginners?

Yes, activities like rafting, wildlife safaris, and light trekking are beginner-friendly with professional supervision and safety equipment.