Karnataka & Goa

Visit the ancient cities that cradled the Dravidian culture and enter a magical world little known beyond India’s borders. In the Central Southern state of Karnataka, history has a backdrop of breathtaking mountains, endless forests, waterfalls and wildlife – immerse yourself in a kaleidoscope of Indian beauty, then relax by the azure sea.

MYSORE – CITY OF OLD WORLD CHARM

Arrive in Bangalore and enjoy your first visions of India: the Bull Temple and Tipu Sultan’s beautiful timber Summer Palace; then visit his exquisite tomb at Seringpatnam. But your destination is Mysore, a princely capital with a rich heritage of Maharaja’s palaces and tranquil gardens, sacred temples, lagoons and waterfalls.

FROM HILLS TO SEA – CHIKMAGLUR TO MANGALORE

En route for Chikmaglur you will visit Sravanabelagola, an ancient Jain pilgrimage centre where a monolithic statue looks down from the top of a hill. From Chikmaglur you’ll have the opportunity to visit fascinating local temples and see the ravishing stone carvings of Halebid, once capital of the Hoysalas. On to the beaches and estuaries of Mangalore, a city of caves, temples, churches and gardens.

TRANQUILLITY BY THE OCEAN – GOKARNA RETREAT

Where two rivers meet the sea, the pilgrimage town of Gokarna offers a haven of peace and natural beauty for the weary traveller. Here’s a chance to rest and unwind at the luxurious Swa Swara resort. Private villas in lush gardens above a pristine beach form a small slice of paradise where you can relax, practise yoga and enjoy the pleasures of Ayurvedic massage.

GENTLY NORTHWARDS VIA GOA TO MUMBAI

A long-favoured destination for visitors to India, Goa combines a lush and beautiful coastline with a reputation for warm hospitality and fabulous cuisine. From your base in the luxurious Taj Exotica Hotel, you can explore the Indo-Portuguese heritage of this unique Indian state or simply dream away the hours on the beach. Then it’s a flight to Mumbai and a tour of India’s largest city with its unique colonial heritage before your return flight to London.

ITINERARY