Echoes of Vijayanagara
Eleven nights across Karnataka, from the forests of Kabini and the palaces of Mysore to three nights among the boulder-strewn ruins of Hampi.
A journey shaped by contrast, moving from city to wilderness to sacred landscape to the remains of a once-great empire.
Private
Tailor-Made Journey
11
Nights in India
Daily
Breakfast Included
Private
Chauffeur Throughout
Expert
Local Guides
ATOL
Protected Holidays
Forest, Palace and Ruin
Karnataka at Its Most Atmospheric
A journey shaped by contrast and character, this Karnataka itinerary moves effortlessly from vibrant city life to remote wilderness, and from sacred landscapes to the haunting beauty of ancient ruins.
Begin in Bangalore, before slipping into the stillness of Kabini, where the rhythm of the forest and quiet riverbanks set a deeply immersive tone. The route then traces a cultural arc through Mysore’s regal past and the spiritual calm of Bylakuppe and Shravanabelagola, before reaching its most dramatic expression in Hampi, where vast boulder-strewn landscapes cradle the remnants of a once-great empire.
Journey Highlights
Experiences You Will Never Forget
Less about sightseeing and more about experiencing Karnataka in its most atmospheric and authentic form.
Safari at Nagarhole
A morning safari in Nagarhole National Park, 643 square kilometres holding tigers, leopards, elephants and over 270 bird species.
Boating on the Kabini River
A boat safari on the Kabini River, where elephants take mud baths on the shore and marsh crocodiles bask in the sun.
Mysore Palace
Mysuru Palace: the Indo-Saracenic seat of the Wadiyar dynasty, with carved mahogany ceilings and gilded pillars.
The Golden Temple at Bylakuppe
Bylakuppe – Namdroling Monastry with Golden Temple, presided over by three 18-metre gold-plated Buddha statues.
Hampi's Vittala Temple
Hampi, capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, spread over 26 kilometres: Virupaksha temple, Vittala temple and the Lotus Mahal.
The Monolith at Shravanabelagola
Lord Gometeshwara, 18 metres of single-block granite, reached by 700 steps hewn into the rock face.
Your Journey
From Bangalore to the Ruins of Hampi
A cultural arc across Karnataka, from a former royal hunting reserve through the Hoysala heartland to the City of Victory.
Bangalore
Stop 1
Kabini
Stop 2
Mysore
Stop 3
Hassan
Stop 4
Hampi
Stop 5
Sample Itinerary
Your Echoes of Vijayanagara Journey
The itinerary can be extended, shortened or upgraded to suit your preferred travel style.
Day 01 : Arrive Bangalore
Days 1
Arrive Bangalore
A warm welcome with fresh flower garlands, then a city tour taking in Vidhana Soudha, Cubbon Park, Lalbagh Botanical Garden, the ISKCON temple and Bangalore Palace, modelled on Windsor Castle.
Days 02 - 03 : Bangalore - Kabini
Day 2-3
The Forest and the River
rive to Kabini, once a private hunting reserve for the Maharaja of Mysuru. A morning safari in open canter through Nagarhole National Park, then a boat safari on the Kabini River for elephants, marsh crocodiles, cormorants, cranes and darters.
Days 04 - 05 : Kabini - Mysore
Day 4-5
The Royal City and Srirangapatna
Drive to Mysuru for Mysuru Palace: Chamundeshwari Temple and the Devaraja Market. Next day, an excursion to Srirangapatna for Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple and Daria Daulat Bagh, then an evening in Mysore’s local markets.
Days 06 - 07 : Mysore - Bylakuppe - Hassan
Days 6-7
A Tibetan Enclave and Hoysala Stone
En route to Hassan, visit Bylakuppe – Namdroling Monastry with Golden Temple. The following day, Belur and its Chennakeshava Temple, then Halebeedu, and on to Shravanabelagola for the statue of Lord Gometeshwara.
Days 08 - 10 : Hassan - Hampi
Days 8-10
The City of Victory
Drive to Hampi, capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, spilling from the south bank of the Tungabhadra among golden-brown boulders. Visit the Virupaksha temple, Vittala temple, Hazara Rama temple, elephant stables, Queen’s Bath, Ramachandra temple and Lotus Mahal. A free day follows.
Days 11 - 12 : Hampi - Bangalore
Days 11–12
Return and Departure
Transfer to Vijayanagar airport for the flight to Bangalore and a final night, then a departure transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Your Holiday
Thoughtfully Arranged From Beginning to End
Your Journey Includes
- 11-night accommodation on sharing double/twin room basis with breakfast
- Complete transport in AC vehicle with driver
- English-speaking tour guide for sightseeing as per program
- Safari in Nagarhole National Park and boat safari on the Kabini River
- Presently applicable taxes
- Warm welcome with fresh flower garlands at Bengaluru Airport
- Water bottles in vehicle throughout
Tailor Your Holiday
- Choose from four hotel collections, including Evolve Back at Kabini
- Add a second safari at Nagarhole
- Drive rather than fly the Hampi to Bangalore leg
- Add monument and activity entrance fees to your package
- Add nights at Hampi for a slower pace among the ruins
- Combine with a Kerala itinerary for a fuller South India journey
- Adjust the pace and number of nights in each place
Choose Your Karnataka Experience
Travel Karnataka Your Way
Choose the style of holiday that suits you. Every journey is privately arranged and can be personalised around your travel dates, preferred hotels, pace and experiences.
Echoes of Vijayanagara Classic
Based on two adults sharing
- Emerald Clarks Inn Suites in Bangalore
- Serene Crest Resort or The Serai Kabini
- The Windflower Resorts and Spa in Mysore
- The Ashhok Hassan
- Royal Orchid Central in Hampi
- Safari and river boat safari at Kabini included
- Private chauffeur and air-conditioned vehicle
Echoes of Vijayanagara Luxury
Based on two adults sharing
- ITC Gardenia in Bangalore
- Evolve Back Kabini
- Fortune JP Palace, Mysore
- Hoysala Village Resort in Hassan
- WelcomHeritage Shivavilas Palace Hotel at Hampi
- Private chauffeur and premium vehicle
- Expert private local guides throughout
Echoes of Vijayanagara Exceptional
For an extraordinary private journey
- The Leela in Bangalore
- Evolve Back Kabini
- Radisson Blu Plaza in Mysore
- Hoysala Village Resort in Hassan
- Evolve Back at Hampi
- Bespoke private touring throughout
- Completely personalised itinerary
Prices are per person based on two adults sharing and vary according to travel dates, availability and final hotel selection. Rates for 4-6 and 7-9 travelling together are lower and available on request. International flights are not included in the guide prices above but can be added to create a complete ATOL-protected holiday where applicable.
Looking for something even more exceptional?
We can create a fully bespoke Rajasthan journey featuring palace suites, private villas and luxury hotels including Oberoi, Taj, RAAS, Raffles, Aman and Six Senses.
Make It Your Own
Add Extraordinary Private Experiences
Personalise your holiday with special experiences designed around your interests.
A Second Kabini Safari
Add an afternoon safari for a better chance of a tiger or leopard sighting.
Evolve Back at Kabini
Upgrade to Evolve Back, among the best wildlife lodges in southern India.
Longer at Hampi
Add nights among the ruins, which reward slow exploration far more than a rushed day.
All Entrances Included
Add every monument and activity entrance fee so nothing is payable as you travel.
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.