Karnataka Wilderness Exploration

Eight nights combining Mysuru’s royal heritage with safaris at Nagarhole and the Kabini backwaters, finishing in the coffee hills of Coorg.

Elephants in numbers, a genuine chance of tiger and leopard, and a plantation finale in the Western Ghats.

Private

Tailor-Made Journey

Nights in India

Daily

Breakfast Included

Private

Chauffeur Throughout

Expert

Local Guides

ATOL

Protected Holidays

Palaces, Elephants and Coffee

Wildlife and Heritage in Southern Karnataka

This journey through southern Karnataka combines royal heritage, exceptional wildlife encounters and the scenic beauty of the Western Ghats.

Beginning in the historic city of Mysuru, the itinerary ventures into Nagarhole National Park, one of India’s premier reserves and part of the UNESCO-recognised Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Set amidst forests, bamboo groves, meadows and the wildlife-rich Kabini backwaters, Nagarhole offers outstanding opportunities to observe Bengal Tiger, Asian Elephant, Leopard, Dhole and Gaur. The journey concludes in the cool highlands of Coorg (Kodagu).

Journey Highlights

Experiences You Will Never Forget

Three days of safaris in one of South India’s finest reserves, then coffee, culture and quiet.

Elephants on the Kabini

The Kabini backwaters are famous for seasonal congregations of elephants and offer some of the finest wildlife viewing in South India.

Nagarhole's Predators

Nagarhole National Park supports Bengal tiger, leopard, dhole (Indian wild dog) and sloth bear** across its varied habitats.

Mysore Palace

Mysuru Palace, seat of the Wadiyar dynasty, with carved mahogany ceilings, stained glass and gilded pillars.

Birding in the Biosphere

Malabar pied hornbill, grey-headed fish eagle, crested serpent eagle and changeable hawk-eagle among 270 recorded species.

Coffee in the Western Ghats

The Sidapur Coffee & Culture Museum and a Coffeeology session on the art and science of gourmet coffee.

Kodava Cooking

A live Kodava culinary experience introducing the distinctive flavours and traditions of Coorg’s indigenous community.

Bylakuppe's Tibetan Settlement

The Bylakuppe Tibetan Settlement, one of the largest Tibetan communities outside Tibet, with its monasteries and prayer halls.

Chamundeshwari Temple

Chamundeshwari Temple atop Chamundi Hills, with the imposing statue of Mahishasura nearby.

Your Journey

Bangalore, Mysuru, Nagarhole and Coorg

A compact southern loop from the state capital through its royal city into the Nilgiri Biosphere and up into the coffee hills.

Bangalore

Stop 1

Mysuru

Stop 2

Nagarhole

Stop 3

Coorg

Stop 4

Sample Itinerary

Your Karnataka Wilderness Exploration Journey

The itinerary can be extended, shortened or upgraded to suit your preferred travel style.

Days 01 - 02 : Arrive Bangalore - Mysuru

Days 01-02

The Garden City and the Royal City

A warm reception at Kempegowda International Airport. A city tour of Bengaluru taking in Vidhana Soudha, Cubbon Park, Lalbagh Botanical Garden, the ISKCON Temple and Bangalore Palace, then the drive to Mysuru.

Day 03 : Mysuru - Nagarhole National Park

Day 03

Palace, Market and Into the Forest

Mysuru Palace in the Indo-Saracenic style, then Chamundeshwari Temple on Chamundi Hills with the statue of Mahishasura, and the Devaraja Market. Later, the short drive into Nagarhole National Park and an introductory session with the resident naturalist.

Days 04 - 05 : Nagarhole National Park

Days 04-05

Safaris on the Kabini

Morning and afternoon safaris with naturalists and trackers, searching for Asian elephant, Bengal tiger, leopard, dhole (Indian wild dog), sloth bear, gaur, sambar, chital and four-horned antelope. All meals at the lodge, with birdwatching and wellness treatments between drives.

Day 06 : Nagarhole - Coorg

Day 06

Into the Coffee Hills

Drive to Coorg (Kodagu), an evergreen highland region of coffee plantations and spice estates, home to the Kodava people. The rest of the day is free, with additional experiences may include plantation walks, coffee tastings and guided nature walks..

Day 07 : Coorg

Day 07

Coffee, Culture and Cuisine

A guided birdwatching walk through the estate before breakfast, then the Sidapur Coffee & Culture Museum and a Coffeeology session. In the afternoon, the Bylakuppe Tibetan Settlement, and in the evening a live Kodava culinary experience.

Days 08 - 09 : Coorg - Bangalore

Days 08-09

Return and Departure

Drive back to Bangalore, 260 kilometres and five to six hours, with the rest of the day free. The following morning, a transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Your Holiday

Thoughtfully Arranged From Beginning to End

Your Journey Includes

08 nights accommodation, including three at a wildlife lodge near Nagarhole
All meals served at the lodge during the Nagarhole stay
Morning and afternoon safaris with experienced naturalists and local trackers
Guided sightseeing in Bengaluru and Mysuru as per the programme
Guided birdwatching walk, coffee museum visit and Coffeeology session in Coorg
A live Kodava culinary experience
Complete transport in AC vehicle with driver throughout

Tailor Your Holiday

Add extra safaris at Nagarhole, jeep or boat depending on your lodge
Choose a lodge on the Kabini backwaters for elephant congregations
Add nights in Coorg for plantation walks and trekking
Extend to Hampi, Hassan or the Karnataka coast
Add a dedicated bird guide for the Western Ghats endemics
Combine with a Kerala itinerary across the Ghats
Adjust the balance between safaris and heritage sightseeing

Choose Your Rajasthan Experience

Travel Karnataka Your Way

Every journey is privately arranged and priced around your travel dates, chosen lodges, number of safaris and pace. Because lodge availability and safari permits vary considerably by season, we quote each itinerary individually rather than publishing a fixed price.

5★ Deluxe Journey

Delightful Rajasthan

From £2,500 per person

Based on two adults sharing

Luxury Rajasthan

From £3,500 per person

Based on two adults sharing

Palace Collection

Rajasthan Exceptional

Tailor-Made

For an extraordinary private journey

Prices depend on travel dates, lodge selection and safari permit availability. Safari permits are allocated by the Forest Department and advance booking is strongly recommended. International flights are not included but can be added to create a complete ATOL-protected holiday where applicable.

Not sure when to travel?
Season makes more difference to a wildlife journey than to any other kind. Tell us what you hope to see and we will advise on the best months, and on which reserves are open when.

Make It Your Own

Add Extraordinary Private Experiences

The wildlife and the plantation sides of this journey can both be extended.

An Extra Safari

Add a morning or afternoon drive at Nagarhole for a better chance of a sighting.

A Boat Safari on the Kabini

Where lodge location and park regulations allow, the water gives a different view entirely.

Longer in Coorg

Add nights for trekking, plantation stays and the quieter corners of the Western Ghats.

Extend into Kerala

Cross the Ghats to Wayanad, the backwaters or the Malabar Coast.

Travel With Confidence

Why Book With India Vacations?

Your holiday is created by specialists who understand India and know how to make a complex journey feel effortless.

India Specialists

Knowledgeable consultants with first-hand understanding of the destination.

ATOL Protection

Financial protection when your holiday is booked with qualifying flights.

Tailor-Made Travel

Every itinerary can be adapted around your interests, dates and preferred level of comfort.

Personal Assistance

Support before departure and dependable local assistance while you travel.

Your Karnataka Story Starts Here

Let Us Create Your Perfect Journey Through India

Speak to an India specialist and receive a personalised itinerary based on your preferred dates, hotels, experiences and budget.

All itineraries are subject to availability and can be tailored to your requirements.

Karnataka Wilderness Exploration Experiences