Karnataka Escape
Six nights through Karnataka’s royal and sacred heartland, from the palaces of Mysore to a Tibetan monastery and the Hoysala temples of Belur and Halebeedu.
Travel privately from Bangalore with your own chauffeur and expert local guides, at a pace that leaves room to look properly.
Private
Tailor-Made Journey
6
Nights in India
Daily
Breakfast Included
Private
Chauffeur Throughout
Expert
Local Guides
ATOL
Protected Holidays
Palaces, Monasteries and Hoysala Stone
A Refined Cultural Passage Through Karnataka
Designed as a refined cultural passage through Karnataka, this journey brings together regal legacies, sacred traditions and architectural brilliance at a thoughtfully paced tempo.
From the contemporary energy of Bangalore, travel to Mysore, where royal heritage and elegant palaces reflect a bygone era of grandeur, complemented by the historic charm of Srirangapatnam. The route then leads into the cultural heartland, with a visit to Bylakuppe’s serene Tibetan enclave and the intricate temple architecture of Hassan, before culminating at Shravanabelagola.
Journey Highlights
Experiences You Will Never Forget
Six nights that reach well beyond the obvious, into Tibetan Karnataka and the finest stone carving in South India.
Mysore Palace
Mysuru Palace: the Indo-Saracenic seat of the Wadiyar dynasty, with carved mahogany ceilings and gilded pillars.
The Golden Temple at Bylakuppe
Namdroling Monastery, a Tibetan Buddhist compound whose Golden Temple holds three 18-metre gold-plated Buddhas.
Hoysala Carving at Belur
Belur Temple: the Chennakeshava complex, built in 1116 AD and proposed for UNESCO World Heritage listing.
Halebeedu's Ruined Capital
Halebeedu Temple: the ancient Hoysala capital, home to some of the most stupendous expressions ever sculpted in stone.
Tipu Sultan's Island Fortress
Daria Daulat Bagh, Tipu’s summer palace, the Gumbaz mausoleum and the octagonal minarets of Jumma Masjid.
The Monolith at Shravanabelagola
Lord Gometeshwara, 18 metres of single-block granite, visible from 30 kilometres away, reached by 700 rock-cut steps.
Your Journey
Bangalore, Mysore and the Hoysala Heartland
A compact loop from Karnataka’s capital through its royal city and into the temple country around Hassan.
Bangalore
Stop 1
Mysore
Stop 2
Hassan
Stop 3
Sample Itinerary
Your Karnataka Escape Journey
The itinerary can be extended, shortened or upgraded to suit your preferred travel style.
Day 01 : Arrive Bangalore
Days 1–2
Arrive Bangalore
A warm airport reception with fresh floral garlands, then a city tour taking in Vidhana Soudha, seat of the State Legislature, Cubbon Park, Lalbagh Botanical Garden, the ISKCON temple and Bangalore Palace, modelled on Windsor Castle.
Day 02 : Bangalore - Mysore
Day 2
The Royal City
Drive to Mysore, 150 kilometres and three hours. Visit Mysuru Palace: also known as Amba Vilas, then Chamundeshwari Temple on Chamundi Hills, and spend time in the Devaraja Market.
Day 03 : Excursion to Srirangapatnam
Day 3
Tipu Sultan's Island Fortress
An excursion to the island fortress from which Tipu waged war against the British. Visit Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, one of the largest in Karnataka, Daria Daulat Bagh, the Gumbaz where Tipu and Hyder Ali are buried, and Jumma Masjid.
Day 04 : Mysore - Bylakuppe - Hassan
Days 4
Day 04 : Mysore - Bylakuppe - Hassan
Drive to Hassan with a stop in Bylakuppe. The striking Namdroling Monastery is a large Tibetan Buddhist compound home to the Golden Temple and the Zangdogpalri Temple, where some 5000 monks and nuns live.
Day 05 : Hassan
Days 5
Belur and Halebeedu
Belur Temple: on the banks of the Yagachi River, built by Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana in 1116 AD to mark his victory over the Cholas. Then Halebeedu Temple: 17 kilometres away, the ancient Hoysala capital whose name means old ruins.
Days 06 - 07 : Hassan - Shravanabelagola - Bangalore
Days 6–7
The Monolith and Departure
En route to Bangalore, stop at Shravanabelagola, an important Jain pilgrimage centre and home to the 18-metre statue of Lord Gometeshwara, carved from a single block of granite in 981 AD by Chamundaraya.
Your Holiday
Thoughtfully Arranged From Beginning to End
Your Journey Includes
- 06-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
- 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, from comfortable to palace
- Extend to Kabini for wildlife and a boat safari on the river
- Extend to Hampi for the ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire
- Add monument and activity entrance fees to your package
- Add a night in Bangalore at either end of the journey
- Combine with a Kerala itinerary for a fuller South India journey
- Adjust the pace and number of nights in each city
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.
Karnataka Escape Classic
Based on two adults sharing
- Emerald Clarks Inn Suites in Bangalore
- The Windflower Resorts and Spa in Mysore
- The Ashhok Hassan
- Daily breakfast throughout
- Private chauffeur and air-conditioned vehicle
- English-speaking local guides for included sightseeing
- India Vacations assistance throughout
Karnataka Escape Luxury
Based on two adults sharing
- ITC Gardenia in Bangalore
- Fortune JP Palace, Mysore
- Hoysala Village Resort in Hassan
- Daily breakfast throughout
- Private chauffeur and premium vehicle
- Expert private local guides throughout
- Enhanced touring and experiences
Karnataka Escape Exceptional
For an extraordinary private journey
- The Leela in Bangalore
- Radisson Blu Plaza in Mysore
- Hoysala Village Resort in Hassan
- Daily breakfast throughout
- Private chauffeur and premium vehicle
- 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 Karnataka journey, extending into Kabini for wildlife, Hampi for the Vijayanagara ruins, or across the Western Ghats into Kerala.
Make It Your Own
Add Extraordinary Private Experiences
Personalise your holiday with special experiences designed around your interests.
Add Kabini
Two nights of forest and river safaris in a former royal hunting reserve.
Add Hampi
Three nights among the boulder-strewn ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire.
All Entrances Included
Add every monument and activity entrance fee so nothing is payable as you travel.
Palace Hotel Upgrade
Stay at The Leela Bangalore and Radisson Blu Plaza Mysore rather than standard hotels.
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.