Private journey · Karnataka heritage
Deccan Heritage: Hoysala, Vijayanagara and Chalukya
A recommended 10-night private journey from Bengaluru through Mysuru and Somanathapura, the Hoysala temples of Belur and Halebidu, three nights at Hampi and the cave temples of Badami, ending at Hubballi airport, with Goa as an optional onward extension. Chauffeur-driven throughout; custom pacing available.
Duration
Recommended 10 nights (8–12 possible)
Route
Bengaluru → Hubballi
Pace
Heritage-paced: 2–3 nights per stop
Best months
October to February
Journey overview
Three dynasties, one road north
Karnataka holds three of South India’s great architectural chapters within a day’s drive of each other: the Hoysalas of the 12th century, whose temples at Belur, Halebidu and Somanathapura were inscribed by UNESCO in 2023; the Vijayanagara empire, whose ruined capital at Hampi has been a World Heritage Site since 1986; and the Chalukyas of the 6th to 8th centuries, who worked out the grammar of the southern temple at Badami, Aihole and UNESCO-listed Pattadakal.
This journey follows them in order of distance from Bengaluru, which happens to be reverse chronological order: Mysuru and the Hoysala country first, Hampi in the middle with three nights, and the Chalukyan sites last, close to Hubballi airport and the road to Goa. There is one long transfer day, from the coffee hills to Hampi, and we keep it free of sightseeing. The route can be run in reverse from Hubballi, which some guests prefer so that the journey ends in Bengaluru for their flight home.
Route summary
- Bengaluru — 1 night
- Mysuru via Somanathapura — 2 nights
- Chikkamagaluru via Shravanabelagola and Belur — 2 nights
- Hampi — 3 nights
- Badami, with Pattadakal and Aihole — 2 nights
- Hubballi airport (optional extension: Goa)
An 8-night version omits Mysuru and goes straight to the Hoysala country; a 12-night version adds Coorg or Kabini between Mysuru and Chikkamagaluru, or three nights in Goa at the end.
Who it suits
Who this journey suits
A journey for travellers who came to South India for its history and want to see it properly rather than quickly.
- First-time heritage travellers who want Karnataka’s three great sites in one trip
- International cultural travellers with an interest in architecture, sculpture or Indian history
- Couples and friends who like a slower rhythm and good light at the end of the day
- Families with older children, with rest days built around the long drives
- Seniors who prefer a measured pace: each site is split across half-days
- Private groups who want one vehicle, one driver and a guide where it matters
Highlights
Deccan Heritage highlights
Somanathapura
The Keshava temple, the third of the Hoysala UNESCO ensemble, seen on the way to Mysuru with few other visitors.
Belur and Halebidu
The two greatest Hoysala temples, visited from a coffee-estate base with a private guide to read the carving.
Three nights at Hampi
Time for the Vittala temple, the royal centre, a sunrise viewpoint and the river, with the hot hours spent at the hotel.
Badami at sunset
Cave temples in a red sandstone cliff above Agastya lake, best in the last light of the day.
Pattadakal and Aihole
The Chalukyan temple complex and the village where temple architecture was tested out, a short drive apart.
A finish to suit you
Fly out of Hubballi, add Goa as an optional extension, or run the whole route in reverse and end in Bengaluru.
Day by day
Day by day: recommended 10-night plan
Drive times are approximate and depend on traffic and stops. Every day can be adjusted to your flights and pace.
Day 1 · Arrive Bengaluru
Your chauffeur meets you at Kempegowda International Airport. Depending on your arrival time, a gentle afternoon at Lalbagh or Cubbon Park, or simply rest. See Bengaluru.
Overnight: Bengaluru
Day 2 · Bengaluru to Mysuru via Somanathapura
Leave after breakfast for Somanathapura (approximately 3 hours) and the Keshava temple, the smallest and most complete of the Hoysala ensemble. Continue to Mysuru (approximately 1 hour) for the evening.
Overnight: Mysuru
Day 3 · Mysuru
A full but unhurried day: Mysuru Palace early, Devaraja Market, and Srirangapatna or Chamundi Hill in the afternoon. See Mysuru.
Overnight: Mysuru
Day 4 · Mysuru to Chikkamagaluru via Shravanabelagola and Belur
Approximately 5 hours of driving in stages. Shravanabelagola’s hilltop statue is optional (steep steps). Lunch, then the Chennakeshava temple at Belur in the afternoon light before the short drive into the coffee hills.
Overnight: Chikkamagaluru
Day 5 · Halebidu and the coffee hills
Morning at the Hoysaleshwara temple in Halebidu (approximately 1.5 hours away), then back to the estate for a plantation walk, a hill drive or an afternoon of nothing. See Chikkamagaluru and the Hoysala temples.
Overnight: Chikkamagaluru
Day 6 · Transfer to Hampi
The long day of the journey: approximately 290 km and 6–7 hours with a lunch stop. An early start, no sightseeing on arrival, and an evening by the hotel pool.
Overnight: Hampi
Day 7 · Hampi: the sacred centre
Morning at the Virupaksha temple, Hampi Bazaar and Hemakuta hill, with a private guide if you wish. Rest through midday. Late afternoon at the Vittala temple and the stone chariot.
Overnight: Hampi
Day 8 · Hampi: the royal centre and the river
Lotus Mahal, the elephant stables and the royal enclosure in the morning; afternoon free, or a coracle on the Tungabhadra and a sunrise or sunset viewpoint for the keen. See Hampi.
Overnight: Hampi
Day 9 · Hampi to Badami
Approximately 3–4 hours by road, with an optional stop at the Lakkundi temples. Arrive for lunch, rest, then the Badami cave temples and the lake in the late afternoon.
Overnight: Badami
Day 10 · Pattadakal and Aihole
Pattadakal in the morning, Aihole after lunch, and the Bhutanatha temples across the lake at sunset. See Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal.
Overnight: Badami
Day 11 · Depart from Hubballi
Drive to Hubballi airport (approximately 2–2.5 hours) for domestic flights, subject to current flight schedules and availability. Optional extension: continue to Goa (approximately 6–7 hours) for a beach finish. Your chauffeur stays with you to the end of the road.
End of journey
Vehicle options
Choose a vehicle for your group
Every journey is private, with your own chauffeur-driven vehicle throughout. We suggest a category based on the size of your party and how much you are carrying.
Sedan
A comfortable choice for couples and small families travelling light.
SUV / Innova-type
More space and a higher seat for families and small groups.
Urbania / Tempo Traveller
For larger families and small groups who want to travel together.
Minibus / coach
For bigger groups, celebrations and multi-family trips.
Vehicles are booked by category; the exact model or similar is confirmed subject to availability. Compare categories on our fleet page, or see car and coach rentals with driver if you only need transport.
Hotel options
Hotels are optional
Choose the arrangement that suits you. Both follow the same route and pace.
Vehicle and driver only
You book your own accommodation, and we plan the route, timings and daily driving around where you are staying.
Vehicle, driver and hotels
We suggest places to stay based on comfort level, location, budget and availability, and include them in one quotation.
Heritage-area hotels at Hampi and Badami are limited in number and book out in season; early planning helps.
Make it yours
Flexibility and customisation
Use this plan as a starting point. Common changes include:
- Run the route in reverse, arriving at Hubballi and ending in Bengaluru
- Add Coorg or Kabini between Mysuru and the coffee hills (12 nights)
- Optional extension: three nights in Goa after Badami
- Shorten to 8 nights by starting with the Hoysala country
- Add a private guide at Belur, Hampi and Pattadakal
- Adding or removing nights at any stop
- Swapping a stop for one that better suits your interests
- Adding airport transfers at either end of your trip
- Continuing to other parts of India, with ground services arranged through vetted partners
Private guides can be arranged for selected heritage, cultural and city visits.
Senior & family pacing
Travelling with seniors or young children
We can plan slower mornings, shorter driving days, fewer stops and an extra night where it helps. Tell us about any mobility needs when you enquire so we can suggest suitable stays and visits.
The long transfer to Hampi is the only demanding day. Sites are visited in half-days with the hot hours at the hotel, hill viewpoints and temple steps are optional, and three nights at Hampi mean no outing needs to be long.
Inclusions & exclusions
What your quotation covers
Inclusions and exclusions are confirmed in your quotation based on the selected route, vehicle, hotel option and travel plan.
Your quotation sets out:
- The vehicle category and driver arrangements
- Whether hotels are included and, if so, their comfort level and locations
- Your day-by-day route and timings
- Any guides, entry tickets or activities you ask us to arrange
Pricing & payment
Pricing depends on route, vehicle category, dates and travel requirements, so every booking starts with a tailored quote. A booking is confirmed once the required advance payment is received and South Zone Holidays issues confirmation in accordance with the agreed quotation and service availability. The advance amount and balance terms are stated on your quotation. We accept international credit and debit cards, bank transfer and UPI.
5% GST applicable. GST invoice available.
FAQ
Questions about Deccan Heritage
24/7 Guest Support
English-Speaking Drivers
Airport Meet & Greet
Private Guides on Request
Senior-Friendly Planning
Plan this journey
Plan your Deccan Heritage journey
Tell us your dates, who is travelling and anything you would like to change. We will reply with a suggested plan and a tailored quote.
Karnataka Classic
10–12 nights from Bengaluru to Hampi: Mysuru, Kabini, Coorg, the Hoysala temples and the ruins of Hampi.
Wildlife Triangle
7–9 nights from Bengaluru: Kabini, Bandipur and the BR Hills, paced around the forest day.
Coffee, Hills & Backwaters
12–13 nights from Bengaluru to Kochi: Coorg, Wayanad, Munnar, Thekkady and the Alleppey backwaters.
Planning a South India Trip or Need a Vehicle?
Tell us your dates, group size and where you want to go. We reply with a clear plan and quotation — no obligation.