Southern Splendour

After breakfast, visit Somnathpur, home to the famous Chennakeshava Temple built by the Hoysala commander Somnath in 1268 AD — a soapstone masterpiece of Hoysala art. In the evening, visit Brindavan Gardens, among the finest terrace gardens in the world. Conceived by Sir Mirza Ismail, then Diwan of Mysore, it enchants with its symmetric design, illuminated fountains and botanical park — a fitting end to the day. Overnight in Mysore.

After breakfast, visit the Maharaja's Palace, a sumptuous blend of Hindu and Muslim styles rich with gateways, domes, turrets and colonnades. Drive up Chamundi Hill to its ancient temple and the 16-foot Nandi carved from a single boulder, with sweeping panoramas over Mysore. Later, drive to the Kabini reservoir (about five hours), adjoining Nagarhole National Park — the Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary is among South India's finest, its forests, lakes and streams sheltering a wealth of wildlife. Overnight in Kabini.

Early in the morning, enjoy Jeep Safari with a naturalist guide in the footsteps of the park's fauna: tigers, elephants, gaurs (Indian bison), leopards, fallow deer and a wide variety of birds. Boat trip on the calm waters of the Kabini River — the opportunity to observe wildlife, many birds, perhaps also large mammals coming to drink (elephants, bison, deer etc.). Overnight in Kabini.

After breakfast, depart for Coorg (approx. 03 hrs drive). Arrival in the town of Madikeri, perched at an altitude of 1,500 m, capital of the Coorg region and whose landscapes are among the most beautiful in South India. Afternoon of relaxation and walking in the middle of lush nature and coffee and pepper plantation. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Coorg.

After breakfast, drive to Hassan visiting Shravanabelagola, a major Jain pilgrimage site in Karnataka, and the colossal and monolithic statue of Bahubali, a saint of Jain mythology, dating from the tenth century. Overnight in Hassan.

After breakfast, drive to Chikmagalur, en route visiting Belur and Halebid. Belur flourished 800 years ago under the Hoysala kings, and its Chennakeswara Temple is breathtaking — stone walls covered in a profusion of intricate carvings; legend has it that conquerors who came to raze it were left overawed by its magnificence. Halebid's double-shrine temple, built a decade later, seems created from lace rather than stone, its friezes alive with mythological episodes. Reach Chikmagalur and check in. Overnight in Chikmagalur.

After breakfast, depart for Hampi, en route visiting Chitradurga Fort — Elusuttina Kote, 'the fort of seven circles' — one of the country's strongest hill forts. Its soaring ramparts are hewn from the living rock of a craggy landscape, with zigzag pathways designed to slow invaders, gateways once bristling with iron spikes against war elephants, and dozens of postern gates and secret entrances. Upon arrival in Hampi, check in at the hotel. Overnight in Hampi.

After breakfast, visit the 15th-century Vijaya Vittala Temple, the grandest of Hampi's monuments, where the extraordinary stone chariot and 56 musical pillars — each sounding a different note when tapped — embody the city's bewitching architecture. Continue to the Virupaksha Temple, believed to be India's oldest functioning temple, a 7th-century shrine still drawing pilgrims through its soaring gateway towers. Later, explore the Vijayanagar Ruins, spread over nearly 26 sq km of temples, pavilions, baths and palaces. Overnight in Hampi.

After breakfast, drive to Aihole, visiting Badami and Pattadakal en route. At Badami, explore the rock-cut cave temples magnificently sculpted in honour of Vishnu, set in a crown of hills above the Bhutanath Tank. At Pattadakal, coronation site of the Chalukyan kings, ten temples blend north Indian and Dravidian styles, carved with scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. End at Aihole, the cradle of Hindu temple architecture, with more than seventy temples including the remarkable Durga Temple. Overnight in Aihole.

Post breakfast, drive to Goa. Upon arrival at Goa, check-in at your hotel. Overnight in Goa.

Post breakfast, discover Old Goa. Visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus, holding the tomb and relics of Saint Francis Xavier, apostle of Portugal's eastern colonies; the convent and church of St Francis of Assisi, with magnificent gilded woodcarving and a floor of emblazoned tombstones; the ruins of the 17th-century church of St Augustine; the church of San Cajetan, modelled on St Peter's in Rome; and the church and convent of Santa Monica, once a royal monastery. Overnight in Goa.

After breakfast, full day at leisure / you may relax on the beach. Overnight in Goa.

In time transfer to Goa airport to board your onward flight.