Serenity and Safari: A Journey Through Karnataka's Treasures

Your journey begins with a warm welcome and pickup from Bangalore airport or hotel. If you're arriving by air, we recommend landing before 12:00 PM to ensure there's enough time for sightseeing.

Driving out of Bangalore, you’ll pass through picturesque villages and rolling countryside on the way to Shravanabelagola — one of India’s most revered Jain pilgrimage sites. Here, you’ll climb around 600 stone-cut steps (approx. 30–45 minutes) to reach Vindhyagiri Hill, where the majestic 57-foot monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali towers above the landscape. The climb is moderately challenging, so comfortable shoes and water are advised. The view from the top is both spiritual and panoramic, offering a great photo opportunity.

After descending, continue your journey through lush coffee plantations and misty hills toward Sakleshpur. Upon arrival, check in at a charming boutique coffee estate stay. The rest of the evening is yours to relax — take a guided nature walk through the estate gardens, enjoy the scent of blooming spices and fresh coffee beans, and unwind with a warm estate brew.

After breakfast, you’ll set off on a heritage-rich day trip to explore the remarkable Hoysala temples.

Your first stop is Belur, where the famed Chennakesava Temple awaits. Built in the 12th century, it’s a masterpiece of detailed Hoysala stonework, featuring sculpted narratives from Indian epics and deities carved in breathtaking precision.

Next, a short drive brings you to Halebeedu, home to the Hoysaleswara Temple. The temple walls are covered in thousands of exquisite carvings — gods, mythical beasts, celestial nymphs — each telling a story etched in stone.

After soaking in the temple artistry, return to Sakleshpur through scenic countryside roads. In the evening, enjoy a guided tour of the coffee estate where you’re staying. Learn about plantation life, see the bean-to-brew process, and sip freshly roasted coffee under a canopy of trees. Weather permitting, enjoy a cozy bonfire with light snacks as the day winds down.

Post breakfast, leave the hill country behind and descend into the fertile forests of Nagarhole, one of India’s best-preserved wildlife parks.

Upon arrival, check into your forest lodge — an eco-friendly retreat nestled on the edge of the jungle. After a hearty lunch, you'll embark on your first safari adventure in Nagarhole National Park. Board a shared jeep or canter (depending on availability) and set off into the dense forest. Keep your camera ready — you might spot elephants, spotted deer, wild boars, Indian bison, leopards, and even elusive tigers. The park is also a haven for birdwatchers, with hornbills, kingfishers, and eagles soaring through the canopy. Return to your lodge by dusk. Spend a peaceful evening with nature sounds around you and savor a delicious dinner served at the lodge's rustic dining area.

Begin your day early with a dawn safari — the prime time to catch animals at their most active. The crisp morning air and rising mist over the forest floor make for an enchanting experience. After the safari, return to the lodge for breakfast. You’ll have some leisure time to relax, take a short guided nature trail with a naturalist, or simply read a book on your veranda with the sounds of the forest in the background. After lunch, you'll head out for your second safari. Each safari reveals something new — maybe this time you’ll encounter a herd of elephants at a waterhole or glimpse a sloth bear rustling through the bushes. Return in the evening for your final night in the forest.

Start your day with an early morning safari in Nagarhole National Park—your final chance to spot wildlife like leopards, elephants, and deer in their natural habitat. Morning is ideal for animal sightings, with the forest fresh and active. After the safari, return to the lodge for breakfast and check out.

Start your journey toward Bangalore with a cultural stop in Mysore, the royal heritage city of Karnataka. First, visit the grand Mysore Palace, an architectural marvel blending Hindu, Mughal, Gothic, and Rajput styles. Its richly decorated interiors and storied halls reflect the opulence of the Wodeyar dynasty. Proceed to St. Philomena’s Church, one of Asia’s tallest cathedrals, with twin spires and stained-glass panels inspired by European Gothic architecture. Then head to Chamundi Hills, where the sacred Chamundeshwari Temple crowns the summit. You can either ascend via the iconic 1,000-step path or drive up for panoramic city views and a closer look at the massive Nandi bull statue. Before leaving Mysore, take a leisurely stroll through Devaraja Market, alive with the scents and colors of fresh flowers, spices, incense, and local sweets—perfect for photos and souvenirs.

Conclude your tour with the onward drive to Bangalore, arriving by evening for drop-off at your hotel or airport.