Private journey · 10–12 nights
Karnataka Classic: Palaces, Coffee Hills and Hampi
A private, chauffeur-driven journey from Bengaluru through Mysuru, Kabini, Coorg and the Hoysala temples to the ruins of Hampi, with two or three nights at most stops.
Duration
10–12 nights
Starts
Bengaluru
Ends
Hampi
Travel style
Private car with driver
Journey overview
Five landscapes in one state
This Karnataka private tour links the state’s best-loved sights in a logical order: the royal city of Mysuru, the forests of Kabini, the coffee hills of Coorg, the carved Hoysala temples of Belur and Halebidu, and the boulder-strewn ruins of Hampi.
You travel in your own chauffeur-driven vehicle and stay two or three nights in most places, so there is time to settle in rather than pack every morning. Most driving days are a few hours; the one long transfer, from coffee country to Hampi, is planned with breaks.
Route summary
- Bengaluru — 1 night
- Mysuru — 2 nights
- Kabini — 2 nights
- Coorg — 2 nights
- Chikkamagaluru — 1–2 nights, for Belur and Halebidu
- Hampi — 3 nights
- Optional extension: Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal — 2 nights, ending at Hubballi or Goa (see Deccan Heritage)
The day-by-day plan below shows the full 12-night version. A 10-night version spends one night each in Mysuru and Chikkamagaluru.
Who it suits
Who this journey suits
A well-rounded first journey through South India that stays within one state and keeps the driving manageable.
- Couples and families on their first trip to South India
- Travellers who enjoy history, temples and architecture
- Anyone who wants palaces, wildlife, plantations and ruins in a single trip
- Senior travellers who prefer two or three nights per stop
Highlights
Karnataka Classic highlights
Mysuru Palace
The palace of the Wadiyar dynasty, with Chamundi Hill and the city’s markets close by.
Srirangapatna
Tipu Sultan’s island capital, with his summer palace and the Ranganathaswamy temple, on the way to Mysuru.
Kabini
Forest drives and riverside evenings on the southern edge of Nagarhole National Park.
Coorg coffee country
Plantation walks, misty viewpoints and slow mornings in the hills.
Belur and Halebidu
Two of the finest Hoysala temples, known for their remarkably detailed stone carving.
Hampi
The vast ruins of the Vijayanagara capital, set among giant boulders beside the Tungabhadra river.
Day by day
Your 12-night journey, day by day
Drive times are approximate and depend on traffic and stops. Every day can be adjusted to your flights and pace.
Day 1 · Arrive in Bengaluru
Your driver meets you at Kempegowda International Airport for the transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to rest after your flight; if you arrive early and feel fresh, a gentle late-afternoon walk in Lalbagh Botanical Garden is an easy option.
Overnight: Bengaluru
Day 2 · Bengaluru to Mysuru
Drive to Mysuru (approximately 3–4 hours, depending on traffic and stops), pausing at Srirangapatna for Tipu Sultan’s summer palace and the Ranganathaswamy temple. Check in and spend a quiet evening in the city.
Overnight: Mysuru
Day 3 · Mysuru
Visit Mysuru Palace in the morning, then the colourful Devaraja Market. Later, drive up Chamundi Hill for the temple and views over the city, stopping at the great Nandi statue on the way.
Overnight: Mysuru
Day 4 · Mysuru to Kabini
A short drive (approximately 2–3 hours) to the Kabini river. After lunch and a rest, join an afternoon forest drive or boat outing, subject to availability and park rules.
Overnight: Kabini
Day 5 · Kabini
An early-morning forest drive gives the best chance of seeing wildlife, although wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Rest through the heat of the day, then enjoy the riverside at sunset.
Overnight: Kabini
Day 6 · Kabini to Coorg
Drive up into the hills of Kodagu (approximately 3–4 hours, depending on traffic and stops), visiting the Golden Temple in the Tibetan settlement of Bylakuppe on the way.
Overnight: Coorg
Day 7 · Coorg
Walk through a working coffee plantation in the morning, then visit Abbey Falls and Madikeri Fort. End the day at Raja’s Seat, a classic sunset viewpoint.
Overnight: Coorg
Day 8 · Coorg to Chikkamagaluru
Drive north through coffee and pepper country (approximately 4–5 hours, depending on traffic and stops). Arrive in the afternoon and relax at your stay.
Overnight: Chikkamagaluru
Day 9 · Belur and Halebidu
A half-day excursion to the Hoysala temples at Belur and Halebidu, about an hour away. A private guide can be arranged to explain the carvings. The afternoon is free.
Overnight: Chikkamagaluru
Day 10 · Chikkamagaluru to Hampi
A dedicated travel day and the longest drive of the journey (approximately 6–7 hours, depending on traffic and stops). After an unhurried start we stop regularly for tea, lunch and a stretch, with no sightseeing planned, and reach Hampi by late afternoon in time to rest.
Overnight: Hampi
Day 11 · Hampi
Explore the royal centre: the Vittala temple and its stone chariot, the Lotus Mahal, the Elephant Stables and the Queen’s Bath. Start early to avoid the midday heat and rest in the afternoon.
Overnight: Hampi
Day 12 · Hampi
Visit the Virupaksha temple and Hampi Bazaar, with time by the river and, when conditions allow, a coracle ride. Watch the sun set over the boulders from Hemakuta Hill.
Overnight: Hampi
Day 13 · Depart from Hampi
Transfer to Jindal Vijayanagar airport (also known as Vidyanagar), approximately 40–60 minutes away, for a flight to Bengaluru (subject to current flight schedules and availability), to Hosapete (Hospet) for an onward train, or drive back to Bengaluru by road, which takes most of the day.
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.
Make it yours
Flexibility and customisation
Use this plan as a starting point. Common changes include:
- Shortening the trip to around 10 nights, with one night each in Mysuru and Chikkamagaluru
- Adding a night in Coorg or at Kabini
- 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.
Hampi and the temple sites involve walking on uneven stone and some steps. We can plan shorter visits with rest breaks, but step-free access cannot be promised at heritage sites.
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 Karnataka Classic
24/7 Guest Support
English-Speaking Drivers
Airport Meet & Greet
Private Guides on Request
Senior-Friendly Planning
Plan this journey
Plan your Karnataka Classic 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.
Gentle-Pace Karnataka
12 nights, Bengaluru round trip: Mysuru, Coorg and Chikkamagaluru, three nights at each, with free time built in.
Deccan Heritage
10 nights from Bengaluru to Hubballi: Mysuru, the Hoysala temples, three nights at Hampi and the Badami caves.
Wildlife Triangle
7–9 nights from Bengaluru: Kabini, Bandipur and the BR Hills, paced around the forest day.
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.