Uncover the rich culture and heritage of central India on a comprehensive tour filled with regal splendour, exquisite forts and palaces, boulder-strewn ruins, rolling hills and national parks teeming with wildlife.

14 Days & 12 Nights

Day 1: Fly to Bangalore

Fly from London (regional connections available) to Bengalaru (Bangalore) with British Airways. (N)

Day 2: Srirangapatna • Mysore

On arrival in Bengaluru, transfer to the LaLit hotel for an early lunch. Continue to Mysore, visiting the island fortress of Srirangapatna en route. Stay 2 nights at the Radisson Blu Plaza. (L)

Day 3: Mysore

Morning exploration of the Maharajah’s Palace, which displays a synthesis of Hindu and Saracenic architecture. This evening take an optional walking tour of Mysore and learn about the opulent lives of the Maharajas*. (B)

Day 4: Nagarhole National Park

Travel to Kabini to explore Nagarhole National Park, home to over 400 tigers and the world’s largest congregation of Asiatic elephants. Take a boat safari on the Kabini river. Stay 2 nights at Serai Kabini (or similar). (B, L, D)

Day 5: Nagarhole National Park

Morning 4×4 safari to explore the park further. As well as the sizeable tiger and elephant populations, leopards, dhole and sloth bears also reside in the park along with over 300 species of birds. In the afternoon, take a further 4×4 safari (optional). (B, L, D)

Day 6: Kodagu

Drive to Kodagu (Coorg) for 2 nights at the Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa, set on a hillside and surrounded by a 180-acre rainforest. This afternoon take a guided tour of the estate. (B)

Day 7: Kodagu

Immerse yourself further in the culture of Kodagu by spending the day with a local Kodava family, a community which is known for its expertise in agriculture, warfare and sports. Enjoy a traditional lunch and interact with your hosts in an authentic home overlooking verdant plantations and valleys. (B, L)

Day 8: Chikmaglur

Drive to Chikmaglur and overnight at the Hoysala Village Resort. Visit the Hoysala temple complexes of Belur and Halebid, some of the finest examples of Hindu artistic and cultural development in India. (B)

Day 9: Hampi

Drive to Hampi and spend 3 nights at the luxurious Evolve Back Kamalapura Palace. Upgrade to the exceptional Ultimate Travelling Camp, Kishkinda Camp (luxury suite tent) from $465. Rest of the day at leisure. (B)

Day 10: Hampi

Visit the ruins of the Vijayanagara empire at Hampi, once the capital of one of the largest Hindu empires in Indian history. The ruins are set in a mystical boulder-strewn landscape interspersed with groves of coconut palms. (B)

Day 11: Hampi

Explore the quaint village of Anegundi, known for its artisans and social enterprises. Climb Anjaneya hill, allegedly the birthplace of Lord Hanuman, and visit the monkey temple. Afternoon at leisure. Head to Hemakuta hill in
the early evening to watch the sunset over Hampi. (B)

Day 12: Hyderabad

Take an optional sunrise climb of Matanaga hill, which offers superb views of Hampi. Rest of the morning at leisure. This afternoon fly to Hyderabad for 2 nights at the Park Hyatt. Upgrade to the Taj Falaknuma Palace (luxury
room) from $815. (B)

Day 13: Hyderabad

Visit the monumental Golconda fort, originally built in 1518. Later explore the old city of Hyderabad; highlights include the magnificent Chowmahalla Palace complex, the lively Laad bazaar and the Char Minar, a masterpiece of Qutub Shahi architecture. (B)

Day 14: Fly to London

Transfer to the airport for the early morning British Airways flight to London. (B)