July - April

Karnataka Heritage: Mysore, Hampi, Coorg - Signature

Karnataka Heritage: Mysore, Hampi, Coorg - Signature

Physicality

Moderate

Downtime

Generous

Choose your tier

Things to know

Eight days through Karnataka's defining heritage and landscape layers at the highest register. The route opens at The Leela Palace Bengaluru before moving into Mysore's royal quarter at Lalitha Mahal Palace — a former royal guesthouse with Mysore Palace views. Chikmagalur follows at The Serai for the coffee country: estate immersion, a Mullayanagiri sunrise, and two genuinely unhurried days in the hills. The route then crosses to Hampi at Evolve Back — one of South India's finest heritage resorts — where two days are built around the UNESCO Vijayanagara ruins and a private archaeologist session. Coorg closes at The Serai Coorg with plantation walks and a slow final chapter before return to Bengaluru. A senior Farbound trip lead escorts the full eight days with most meals included.

Architecture

Culture

Food

History

Photography

UNESCO

Trip Highlights

Day 1

Day 2

Heritage, Culture, UNESCO

Day 3

Food, Plantations, Coffee, Nature

Day 4

Food, Plantations, Coffee, Nature

Day 5

UNESCO, Culture, History, Architecture, Fort

Day 6

Temples, UNESCO, Heritage, Culture, History

Day 7

Culture, Nature, Temple, History

Day 8

What’s Included

Curated sightseeing with private access. Private archaeologist session at Hampi. All tickets pre-purchased.

Iconic luxury and heritage hotels across the route. Premier rooms by default.

Premium private vehicle. Fortuner or equivalent. Senior chauffeur throughout.

Most meals included with curated dining at heritage properties throughout.

Senior Farbound trip lead throughout, with a private archaeologist at Hampi.

Premier rooms by default. Upgrades on request.

Why Farbound

Curated for You

Trips designed around your interests, pace, and preferences

Comfort, scaled to Fit

Trips designed around your interests, pace, and preferences

Connections, Not Crowd

Trips designed around your interests, pace, and preferences

From

$3,850 per person

Signature tier — indicative pricing

Age : 14–75

Check FAQs

Day to Day Itineraries

Day 1 - Arrive Bengaluru

Fast-track arrival at The Leela Palace, welcome dinner, and a light first evening.

Fast-track airport handling and escorted transfer to The Leela Palace Bengaluru.
Bespoke welcome at the hotel with gifting and your hardback itinerary book.
Briefing from your senior trip lead on the circuit ahead.
Evening at leisure with a welcome dinner at a curated Bengaluru table.

Dinner

The Leela Palace Bengaluru or similar

Day 2 - Mysore Royal Quarter

Drive to Lalitha Mahal Palace via Mysore Palace and Chamundi Hill.

Drive to Mysore with your trip lead managing timing.
Mysore Palace private tour — one of India's most ornate royal residences, visited with a specialist guide.
Chamundi Hill darshan scheduled for heat and access management.
Check in at Lalitha Mahal Palace, the former royal guesthouse with views toward Mysore Palace.
Dinner at the hotel.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel or similar

Day 3 - Into Chikmagalur Coffee Hills

Drive to The Serai Chikmagalur via a private coffee estate tour and optional Belur-Halebid.

Drive into the coffee hills with a steady pace and genuine buffers.
Private coffee estate tour with the estate manager: growing, processing, and single-origin tasting.
Optional Belur-Halebid temple detour with a specialist guide for the finest Hoysala stone carving in Karnataka.
Arrive at The Serai and settle into the coffee-country luxury.
Dinner at the property.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The Serai Chikmagalur or similar

Day 4 - Mullayanagiri Sunrise

Early Mullayanagiri sunrise, then a full slow day at The Serai's coffee estate setting.

Early start for Mullayanagiri — Karnataka's highest peak — with a jeep approach and a short ridge walk for the sunrise panorama.
Return to The Serai for a slow morning reset.
Afternoon fully open: spa, pool, plantation walks, or rest.
This day is the route's breathing space before the Hampi drive.
All meals at the property.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The Serai Chikmagalur or similar

Day 5 - Chitradurga to Hampi

Long drive to Hampi via Chitradurga Fort, coracle ride arrival.

Drive toward Hampi with a Chitradurga Fort stop — the multi-layered fort across natural granite boulders with a specialist guide.
Curated lunch en route.
Arrive at Evolve Back Hampi and check in to the heritage resort on the river.
Private Tungabhadra coracle ride at dusk as a first Hampi layer.
Dinner at the property.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Heritage Resort

Day 6 - Hampi UNESCO Ruins

Private sunrise heritage walk, Virupaksha Temple, and a private archaeologist fireside session.

Private sunrise heritage walk through the ruin clusters with your specialist — cooler air, cleaner light, and fewer visitors.
Virupaksha Temple with your guide for the full religious and architectural context.
Midday block fully protected — Hampi at noon is exposed granite and direct sun.
Private archaeologist fireside session for the complete Vijayanagara Empire narrative: the city at its peak, the fall, and what the ruins reveal.
Dinner at the property.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Evolve Back Hampi or similar

Day 7 - Drive to Coorg

Drive to The Serai Coorg via Belur-Halebid if not visited earlier.

Drive toward Coorg with a Belur-Halebid temple detour if not covered on Day 3.
Specialist guide for the Hoysala temple circuit: Chennakeshava Temple at Belur and the star-shaped Hoysalesvara at Halebid.
Curated lunch en route.
Arrive at The Serai Coorg for the plantation close.
Dinner at the property.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The Serai Coorg or similar

Day 8 - Departure from Coorg

Return drive to Bengaluru airport for international or onward departure.

Morning at leisure at The Serai.
Return drive to Bengaluru Kempegowda International Airport with comfortable buffers.
Fast-track handling where available.
Private transfer coordinated around your departure flight.

Breakfast

FAQs

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What does “customizable” mean?

You may adjust hotel tier, pacing, interests, extensions, and guide language where feasible. Final options depend on availability and routing.

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Are domestic flights included?

Domestic flights are included only when explicitly stated in the itinerary.

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What is a Farbound tour director?

A tour director is a Farbound-appointed lead who are local experts, licensed by the ministry of tourism India, & responsible for coordination and issue resolution, either end-to-end or city-by-city.

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Can I request a guide in a specific language?

Language-specific guides can be requested, subject to availability and routing.

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Can I upgrade or downgrade hotels?

Yes, subject to availability and repricing.

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Can I add nights or extensions?

Extensions can be added subject to availability and repricing.

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Do you have minimum or maximum group sizes?

There is no fixed minimum or maximum. Group size depends on routing, vehicles, and accommodation.

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What should I expect in Hampi?

Hampi involves heat and walking across uneven terrain. Routing and timing can be adjusted, but site conditions cannot be changed.

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Can we add a stronger coffee and plantation focus in Coorg?

Yes. Plantation and tasting layers can be increased based on interest and time.

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Do we need any special tickets for key heritage sites?

Some sites use timed tickets or controlled entry. Farbound coordinates what is required where applicable and confirmed in vouchers.

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Do I need an e-Visa for India?

Most nationalities can apply for an Indian e-Visa online at indianvisaonline.gov.in - it is typically approved within 72 hours and valid for 30 or 365 days depending on the type. We advise applying at least 2 weeks before travel. Some nationalities require a sticker visa from an Indian consulate.

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What is the best time to visit India?

India is vast and each region has its own season. The Himalayan north (Ladakh, Himachal) is best May-September. Rajasthan and the Golden Triangle are ideal October-March. Kerala and the south are good November-February. The northeast is spectacular March-May. We'll advise based on your chosen region.

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Is India safe to travel to?

India is safe for the vast majority of travellers when you take sensible precautions. Solo female travellers should exercise extra caution in certain areas, and we always advise on destination-specific safety. Our partners and guides are vetted, and we brief guests on local customs and areas to avoid.

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What vaccinations do I need for India?

Recommended vaccinations include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus. Depending on your itinerary, your GP may suggest Hepatitis B, Rabies, or Japanese Encephalitis. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for some rural and jungle regions. Consult a travel health clinic 6-8 weeks before departure.

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Is the food safe in India?

Indian food is wonderful but your stomach needs time to adjust. Stick to cooked food, avoid tap water and ice from unknown sources, and opt for bottled or filtered water throughout. High-end restaurants and hotels are generally very safe. We include a food safety briefing in every pre-departure pack.

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Is India good for vegetarians?

India is arguably the most vegetarian-friendly country in the world. Virtually every restaurant offers extensive vegetarian menus, and many are entirely meat-free. Vegan options are increasingly available in cities and tourist areas. Please let us know your dietary requirements and we'll ensure every meal is taken care of.

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What is the weather like during monsoon season?

Monsoon (roughly June-September) brings heavy rainfall to most of the subcontinent but it varies enormously by region. It's not necessarily a reason to avoid travel - landscapes are spectacularly green, prices are lower, and crowds are thinner. Some areas like Ladakh and Spiti are actually best during this period. Ask us about the specific region you're considering.

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Is it worth visiting during monsoon?

For the right destinations, absolutely yes. Kerala during its early monsoon is lush and magical. The northeast (Meghalaya, Assam) is most dramatic in the rains. Sri Lanka's east coast comes alive during the southwest monsoon when the west is wet. We'll always be honest with you about whether monsoon affects your specific plans.

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What is NOT included in the price?

International flights, visa fees, travel insurance, personal spending, tips for guides and drivers, and meals not listed in the itinerary. A clear inclusions and exclusions list is in every quote we send.

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What should I pack for a tropical trip (Sri Lanka / South India / Kerala)?

Light, breathable clothing (linen and cotton), a light waterproof jacket for unexpected showers, comfortable walking shoes and flip-flops, high-SPF sunscreen, insect repellent, a reusable water bottle, and modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered) for temple visits. Full packing list sent with your booking confirmation.

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Should I bring local currency or can I use cards?

A mix of both is ideal. Cards are accepted at most hotels and large restaurants, but local markets, tuk-tuks, tips, and smaller guesthouses are cash-only. We recommend having USD as an emergency backup - it's accepted or exchangeable almost everywhere we operate.

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Do you arrange flights?

We can arrange flights as part of a full package or advise on the best routing and airlines for your trip. Many clients prefer to book flights independently for flexibility with points and upgrades - we're happy to work either way and will give you the ideal arrival and departure airport for your itinerary.

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How far in advance should I book?

We recommend booking at least 3-6 months ahead for peak season travel (October-March for South Asia). Bhutan during festival season can need 6-12 months lead time. That said we've pulled together excellent last-minute trips - if your dates are flexible get in touch and we'll see what's possible.

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Can I customise my itinerary?

Absolutely - customisation is what we do. Every Farbound itinerary is built around your interests, pace, travel style, and budget. Whether you want to add a cooking class in Kerala, a yoga retreat in Rishikesh, or an extra night at a tea estate, just tell us and we'll design it for you.

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What is included in the price?

Our packages typically include accommodation, all meals as specified, private transfers, a local guide, entrance fees, and internal transport. International flights are usually separate unless stated. The exact inclusions are listed on every itinerary and quoted in writing before you confirm.

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How do I pay and what are the payment terms?

We typically require a deposit of 20-30% at booking to secure your itinerary and accommodation, with the balance due 60 days before departure. For last-minute bookings full payment is taken upfront. We accept bank transfer and major credit cards. Full payment terms are in your booking confirmation.

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What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellations made more than 60 days before departure receive a full refund minus the deposit. Between 30-60 days we retain 50% of the total cost. Within 30 days the full amount is non-refundable. We always recommend travel insurance to cover unexpected cancellations. Full terms are in your booking agreement.

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Is there a single room supplement?

Yes, single travellers occupy a private room and a supplement applies as hotels charge on a per-room basis. The exact supplement varies by property and destination. We always quote this clearly upfront and work to minimise it where possible - some boutique properties have more affordable single rates.

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Do you run group tours or private only?

Farbound specialises in private, bespoke journeys. You won't be sharing a vehicle or guide with strangers. For travellers who prefer a social group setting, we can occasionally match solo travellers or small groups - get in touch to discuss.

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What happens if something goes wrong on my trip?

We have a 24/7 emergency contact for all guests travelling with Farbound. Our local partners are experienced in handling medical issues, itinerary changes, and unexpected situations. We also ensure all guests have comprehensive travel insurance before they travel.

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Do you cater for dietary requirements?

Yes - vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, kosher, and severe allergy requirements are all manageable with advance notice. South Asia is exceptionally accommodating for vegetarian and vegan diets in particular. Please tell us at the time of enquiry so we can brief every restaurant and property on your itinerary.

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Can I drink the water?

Tap water is not safe to drink in Sri Lanka, India, or Bhutan. All reputable hotels provide filtered or bottled water. We advise carrying a reusable bottle with a built-in filter (e.g. LifeStraw or GRAYL) to reduce plastic waste - Bhutan in particular encourages this as part of its sustainability ethos.

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Should I take out travel insurance before booking?

Yes - and we ask that you do so before final payment. A good policy covers medical emergencies, evacuation, trip cancellation, curtailment, and lost luggage. Adventure activities (trekking, rafting, safaris) must be explicitly covered. We're happy to recommend providers if you need a starting point.