Hampi and Historic Karnataka

Set off this morning for the remarkable Indo-Islamic island fortress of Srirangapatna (the royal residence of Tipu Sultan until his defeat at the hands of General George Harris in 1799) and the glorious Sri Ranganatha Swamy temple – a fine example of Vijayanagara and Hoysala architectural styles. Next, continue to the former princely city of Mysore, where you will walk through the lively flower market, colourful silk bazaar and aromatic sandalwood bazaar.

Explore historic Mysore today, starting with the elegant Indo-Saracenic style Amba Vilas (City Palace), redesigned by British architect Henry Irwin in the 19th century and considered the finest palace in southern India. Next, visit the remarkable 12th-century Chamundeshwari temple with its enormous statue of a Nandi bull, then drive to Somnathpur to admire the exquisite Hoysala period temple.

A scenic morning drive through the verdant countryside will bring you to Nagarhole National Park on the banks of the Kabini River. This picturesque wildlife reserve with undulating slopes, shallow valleys, and seasonal streams is a sanctuary to Asian elephants, wild dogs, gaurs (Indian Bisons), elusive Bengal Tigers and at least 300 species of birds. Late this afternoon, set off on a game drive (shared basis) to explore Nagarhole National Park.

Enjoy an early morning boat safari (shared basis) on the Kabini River in search of marsh crocodiles, water birds and Asiatic elephants. Return to Nagarhole National Park for an afternoon game drive (shared basis) this afternoon.

Set off this morning to the former princely state of Coorg through the scenic hills of the Western Ghats, draped with coffee estates and verdant spice plantations. The afternoon is at leisure. Alternatively, there will be an optional (supplement applies) late afternoon visit to a Kodava (the indigenous people of Coorg) home, where you will learn about local customs and enjoy a traditional meal of pandi (pork) curry with mutton pulao or kootu (mixed vegetable) curry with nuuputtu (steamed rice flour noodle).

Stroll through the Chikkana Halli coffee estate this morning and learn about the cultivation practices employed here. In the afternoon, drive through the Western Ghats to Chikmagalur. The remainder of the day will be at leisure.

Begin your day with a visit to the magnificent Chennakesava Temple at Belur. Constructed in 1117 AD, the temple complex, with its ornate monolithic pillars and intricately carved stone sculptures, reveals the Hoysala period’s artistic traditions. Then, continue to Halebid and visit the impressive Hoysaleswara temple complex, noted for its exquisite stone sculptures and regarded as one of the masterpieces of Hoysala architecture. You will find that the sculptures and the profuse wall carvings depicting the main episodes of India’s great epics ‘The Ramayana’ and ‘The Mahabharata’ found at this temple are more ornate than those at the temple at Belur. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Leave behind the coffee hills and drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi, a magnificent and highly scenic ruin located amongst a boulder-strewn landscape on the banks of the Tungabhadra River that was once one of the largest and richest cities in the world. Hampi was once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, the last great Hindu empire to rule over south India (1336 until 1565). En route, visit the ruins of the historic Chitradurga Fort. Built over a period of nearly 700 years by various dynasties, including the Hoysalas and the Chalukyas, this fort dates back to the 10th century and today stands a silent witness to the many battles fought to gain control over the Deccan.

Explore the striking ruins of Hampi’s sacred quarter on foot and by bicycle. Highlights will include the 7th-century Virupaksha Temple, noted for its splendid architecture and erotic sculptures; the Courtesans’ Street, the riverside gorge with its clusters of temples; and the magnificent large stone chariot at the Vittala Temple.

Return to Hampi’s dramatic ruins today. Start your sightseeing at the ‘Sister Stones’, a natural archway created by two giant leaning boulders, then spend the remainder of the day exploring the vast royal living quarters with its palaces, Elephant Stables, Queen’s Bath, Hazara Rama Temple (famous for its bas-relics depicting the story of Ramayana), and massive octagonal watchtower – a superb example of the Vijayanagara military architecture.

Drive through thriving towns and small villages to the coastal temple town of Gokarna, ideal for those seeking tranquil, virtually empty beaches. On arrival, check in at your glorious boutique-style luxury villa that enjoys a stunning location in the hills of southern Gokarna and is set amongst 20 acres of lush gardens filled with tropical flowering plants and cliffs with panoramic views of the Arabian Sea.

Today is at leisure. Have a lie-in, relax by the pool or head to Gokarna’s beautiful Paradise Beach (which is about a ten-minute walk from Kahani Paradise).

Today is at leisure. Pamper yourself with a relaxing massage or alternatively explore the surrounding towns and temples, or you might want to opt for nature walks (supplement applies).

A morning’s drive will bring you to Goa International Airport. On arrival, check in for your onward flight.