Karnataka Safari & Serenity

We’ll meet you at Bengaluru airport or your hotel to begin the 220 km journey to Sakleshpur – approx. 5 hrs. If you’re flying in, aim to land before 12:00 PM to allow time for sightseeing. As we leave the city, we drive through picturesque villages and rolling countryside to Shravanabelagola, one of India’s most revered Jain pilgrimage sites.Here, we climb around 600 stone cut steps to Vindhyagiri Hill, a steady 30–45 minute ascent, to see the monolithic 57 ft statue of Lord Bahubali. The climb is moderately challenging – comfortable shoes and water are advised. From the summit, enjoy serene, far-reaching views and a great photo opportunity before we descend.We then continue through lush coffee plantations and misty hills to Sakleshpur. On arrival, we check in at a boutique coffee estate stay. The evening is at leisure – you can join a guided nature walk in the estate gardens, take in the scent of spices and fresh coffee beans, and unwind with a warm estate brew. Overnight in Sakleshpur.

After breakfast, we set off from Sakleshpur on a heritage‑rich day trip to explore the Hoysala temples at Belur and Halebeedu. At Belur, we visit the 12th century Chennakesava Temple, a masterpiece of intricate stonework with sculpted scenes from the Indian epics and exquisitely carved deities. A short drive brings us to Halebeedu and the Hoysaleswara Temple, its walls alive with thousands of carvings – gods, mythical beasts and celestial nymphs – each telling a story in stone. After taking in the artistry, we return to Sakleshpur along scenic countryside roads. In the evening, we enjoy a guided tour of the coffee estate, learn about plantation life, follow the bean–to–brew process and sip freshly roasted coffee under the trees. Weather permitting, we gather around a cosy bonfire with light snacks. Overnight stay in Sakleshpur.

After breakfast we depart Sakleshpur for Nagarhole National Park – 140 km and roughly 4 hours – trading hill country for fertile forest. On arrival we check in to an eco-friendly lodge on the jungle’s edge and sit down to lunch before our first safari.In the afternoon we head into the park on a shared jeep or canter – depending on availability – scanning the forests and waterholes for elephants, spotted deer, wild boar, Indian bison, leopards and, with luck, tigers. Birdlife is prolific, with hornbills, kingfishers and eagles often seen above the canopy. We return by dusk. You can unwind to the sounds of the forest before we serve dinner in the lodge’s rustic dining area. Overnight at the jungle lodge in Nagarhole.

Rise before dawn for our morning safari in Nagarhole National Park – the prime time to see wildlife at its most active as the mist lifts from the forest. We return to the lodge for breakfast, after which the late morning is at leisure – you can take a short guided nature walk with a naturalist or relax on your veranda with a book and the sounds of the jungle.After lunch, we head back into the park for a second safari, offering fresh chances to witness different behaviour and habitats – perhaps a herd of elephants at a waterhole or a shy sloth bear foraging in the undergrowth. Return to the lodge in the evening for your final night in the forest. Overnight at the jungle lodge in Nagarhole.

We begin before dawn with a final safari in Nagarhole National Park – prime time for wildlife activity and a last chance to spot leopards, elephants and deer. After breakfast back at the lodge, we check out and drive towards Bangalore via Mysore (220 km – approx. 6 hours).In Mysore, we visit the grand Mysore Palace, whose ornate interiors reflect the legacy of the Wodeyar dynasty, followed by St Philomena’s Church with its striking twin spires and stained glass. At Chamundi Hills, you may choose to climb the iconic 1,000-step path; otherwise, we drive to the summit for panoramic city views and a closer look at the massive Nandi bull statue. We round off with a relaxed wander through Devaraja Market – a lively place for photos, spices and flowers, where you can pick up souvenirs – before continuing to Bangalore for evening drop-off at your hotel or the airport.