Best of Karnataka and Goa
13 Days
Suitable for families with young children
Highest point/ Max altitude
Fitness Grade
Easy
Fairly easy 5-6 hours of activity per day. May include some uphill sections, reasonable fitness recommended.
Karnataka is one of the most colourful and rewarding parts of India to explore, and our carefully planned 13-day itinerary guides you to the very best that it has to offer. Within the varied landscapes of this large southern state are a rich concentration of temples, forts and other historic sites, a scattering of characterful old towns and the cool green heights of the Western Ghats. And then there is Goa, India’s beach retreat on the verdant Malabar coast, a wonderfully relaxing place to unwind at the end of the tour.
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Tour Highlights
- Ostentatious splendour at Mysore Palace
- Wild elephants and fabulous scenery at Bandipur National Park
- Sravanabelagola, a prominent Jain pilgrimage centre
- Amazing ruins and landscape at Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Magnificent rock-cut cave temples of Badami
- Tropical beaches and warm seas in Goa
- Flexible tailor-made booking options
Best Season
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Tour Details
Setting out from the dynamic city of Bangalore, we drive across the countryside to Mysore, the so-called sandalwood city. It’s a delightfully atmospheric place in which to gain a sense of the ‘real’ India; we’ll visit the extraordinary Maharaja’s Palace and the hilltop Chamundi temple, with fine views across the city. From Mysore our route takes us south to the cool green heights of the Western Ghats and a visit to Bandipur National Park – one of the best places in the country to see wild elephants; we’ll enjoy two game drives into the park, one in the evening and another the following morning.
We then travel north Hassan for a two-night stay, our base for excursions to the architectural marvels of nearby Belur, Halebid and Sravanabelagola – some of the most historically significant Hindu and Jain temples in India. Next up is an encounter with the truly awe-inspiring ruins of Hampi, a vast open-air museum of history, architecture and religion set within an amazing rocky landscape. We’ll be based at the local town of Hospet for two nights, allowing full exploration of this remarkable site.
En-route to Goa we’ll stop over at Badami, another venerable location, renowned for its rock-cut temples. The town is dramatically located in a ravine at the foot of a rugged, red sandstone outcrop that surrounds Agastya lake.
The final leg of the trip takes us west to the glorious coastline of Goa, where we’ll enjoy a wonderfully relaxing four-night stay with plenty of time lazing on the golden beaches. A half-day sightseeing tour gives insight into Goa’s Portuguese heritage, with visits to Fort Aguada, some historic churches and the attractive capital, Panaji, as well as Calangute and Miramar beach.
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Flexibility Guaranteed
Please note: You can use this itinerary as a guide to fully customise this tour as per your budget and requirements. Flexible options include travel dates and duration, places, activities and experiences, hotel category (star/rating) and any specific requirements that you may have.
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DAY 01 - Bangalore
Arrive Bangalore and transfer to the hotel for check-in
Arrive at Bangalore, on arrival our KVT’s representative will welcome and assist you at the airport. Later you will be transferred to the hotel for check-in. Rest of the day is free to relax or explore the surroundings on own. Bangalore, the capital of the Karnataka, is fifth largest city in India. It is also known as the 'Garden City of India'. The beautiful parks and gardens and tree-lined streets of Bangalore make travel to the city a pure pleasure. Today, the city is known as "The Silicon Valley of India' and is also very famous for its amazing nightlife.
Overnight Hotel
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DAY 02 - Mysore
Drive from Bangalore to Mysore, visit Mysore Palace and Chamundi temple
Today morning after breakfast we will be transfer from Bangalore to Mysore (Distance: 150Km appx). Today we visit Mysore Palace is one of the most magnificent buildings. The interior of the Palace is equally worth a visit, for its spacious halls, paintings and architectural beauty. The palace is an excellent combination of Indo-Saracenic architecture. The Mysore Palace illuminates on every Sunday and on all public holidays from 7pm to 7.45 pm. Later we visit Chamundeshwari Temple, located on the top of Chamundi Hills about 13 km from the palace city of Mysore in the state of Karnataka in India. The temple was named after Chamundeshwari or Durga, the fierce form of Shakti, a tutelary deity held in reverence for centuries by Mysore Maharajas.
Overnight Hotel
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DAY 03 - Bandipur National Park
Morning drive to Bandipur National Park and evening game drive in the park
Morning we drive from Mysore to Bandipur National Park (Distance: 80Km appx). Upon arrival check into hotel and relax. Evening we will enjoy game drive into park. Bandipur National Park is regarded as one of the most beautiful and the better-managed national parks of India. Bandipur also has a sizable number of Tigers. Other natural inhabitants of this lovely forest are gaur (a type of bull), sambhar, chital, mouse deer, four-horned antelope, wild dogs, wild boar, jackal, sloth bear, panther, Malabar squirrel, porcupines and the black-knapped hare. Birds like jungle fowl and green pigeon are also found here.
Overnight Hotel
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DAY 04 - Hassan
Morning game drive in Bandipur National Park and later drive to Hassan
Today early morning we enjoy another game drive into the park. Bandipur National Park supports a wide range of timber trees and good population of endangered and vulnerable species like Indian elephants, gaurs, tigers, sloth bears, muggers, Indian rock pythons, four-horned antelopes. Later, we drive from Bandipur National Park to Hassan (Distance: 210Km appx).
Overnight Hotel
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DAY 05 - Hassan
Sightseeing of Hassan
Hassan, full-day sightseeing in the area: visit Sravanabelagola, Belur and Halebid. Today we explore Hassan, visiting Sravanabelagola, a village famous for its impressive Jain temple. Later we visit belur; the town is renowned for its Chennakesava temple, one of the finest examples of Hoysala workmanship. We also visit Halebidu, a home to one of the best examples of Hoysala architecture in the ornate Hoysaleswara and Kedareswara temples.
Overnight Hotel
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DAY 06 - Hospet
Drive from Hassan to Hospet
Today we drive from Hassan to Hospet (Distance: 350Km appx). The city was built by Krishna Deva Raya in 1520 AD, one of the rulers of Vijayanagara in memory of his mother Nagalambika. Upon arrival check-in into hotel and relax. Evening is free to explore the town.
Overnight Hotel
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DAY 07 - Hospet
Full day sightseeing of Hospet and evening visit the old market
This day we do the sightseeing tour of Hospet city; start visiting Hampi it used to be a capital of the Vijayanagar Empire. The ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage site. Virtually every rock in Hampi has a story to say. Also we visit Ramachandra temple, also called Hazara Rama ("One thousand Ramas"), it was built in the 1420s as a royal chapel dedicated to the cult of Rama. The temple is the hub of all the eastern roads that lead into the royal center. Later we visit Chariot Temple and old local market.
Overnight Hotel
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DAY 08 - Badami
Drive from Hospet to Badami, visit Malegitti Shivalaya Fort and cave temple.
Today we drive from Hospet to Badami (Distance: 140Km appx). Upon arrival check-in into hotel and relax. Later we visit Malegitti Shivalaya temple, it is located at top of the hill of the Badami Fort overlooking the Agastya Lake. It offers a beautiful view of the rugged plateau landscape and the Badami town below. The Badami cave temples are composed of four caves, all carved out of the soft Badami sandstone on a hill cliff.
Overnight Hotel
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DAY 09 - Goa
Drive to Goa and check-in to the hotel
Today we drive from Badami to Goa (Distance: 260Km appx). Goa has magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendours of its temples, churches, sea, beaches and old houses have made Goa a firm favourite with travellers around the world. Upon Arrival check-in into hotel and relax.
Overnight Hotel
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DAY 10 - Goa
Half day sightseeing of North Goa beaches and church
Morning after breakfast, we take a half day sightseeing tour of north Goa; we visit Calangute beach is also known as "Queen of Beaches" in Goa. The beach is dotted with shacks and a lot of the clubs open up onto the beach. There are lots of shows held on the beach including rock, pop beat shows, open air dances, and fetes. Later we visit 'Miramar Beach’, it is great beach for romantic walks with your beloved. We also visit Fort Aguada, old churches and Goa’s capital, Panaji. Evening is free to explore the surrounding area.
Overnight Hotel
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DAY 11 - Goa
Goa, free day on the beach
Free day for relaxation or to explore the beaches of Goa on own.
Overnight Hotel
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DAY 12 - Goa
Goa, free day on the beach
Free day for relaxation or to explore the beaches of Goa on own.
Overnight Hotel
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DAY 13 - Goa
Departure transfer to Airport to catch flight to Mumbai, interconnected with International flight from Mumbai airport.
Tour Map
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Flexibility Guaranteed! Using the above itinerary as a guide you can fully customise this tour as per your budget and requirements. Flexible options include travel dates and duration, places, activities and experiences, hotel category (star/rating) and any specific requirements that you may have. On receiving your enquiry we will respond with prices and work with you to create a truly personalised holiday experience that is in your budget and personal style.
