Mysore & Nagarhole

Day 1. Depart London

Depart London for Bangalore.

Bangalore is a rapidly expanding modern city and capital of the southern Indian state of Karnataka. Previously a centre for British colonial rule the city has some beautiful civic buildings and gardens dating from this time. The Royal Orchid Hotel is a smart hotel close to the city centre. Accommodation is in 195 modern rooms and suites offering views of both the city centre and the lush green golf course next door.

Days 2 & 3. Mysore [B]

After a four hour drive you reach Mysore for a 2-night stay at the Lalitha Mahal Palace.

Mysore is considered one of the most beautiful cities in India, and the highlight of any visit here is a trip to the fabulous Maharaja's Palace. In this city of palaces this stands out as a vast confection of a building with an eclectic range of tastes and styles inside and out. Inside, the palace is filled with magnificent antiques, golden elephant howdahs and thrones, Victorian tiling, stained glass, chandeliers and frescoes.

The Lalitha Mahal Palace is an historic hotel in a spectacular location on a hill overlooking Mysore. This 54 roomed hotel retains the quirky charm of a heritage property and is filled with antiques and historical oddities.

Days 4 to 7. Nagarhole [B, L, D]

Today you transfer to Nagarhole (approximately two and a half hours) and the Kabini River Lodge for four nights.

Nagarhole lies 94 kilometres from the city of Mysore in southern India. It is a mixture of rich green tropical and deciduous forests with rolling hills criss-crossed by streams, swamps, rivers and waterfalls. Nagarhole, a former Maharajas hunting area, is dedicated to saving the wildlife and is considered one of the best places in India to observe Elephants in the wild. About a thousand Elephants are thought to populate the park, and in the hot summer months they congregate in large herds along the banks of the River Kabini. Other animals include Four-Horned Antelope, Spotted Deer, Mouse Deer, Gaur, Indian Wild Dog, Sloth Bear, and the elusive Leopard and Tiger. Over 200 species of birds have been recorded here, and as well as large numbers of game and water birds the park is noted for its Ospreys. Due to the large number of Elephants in the park, gameviewing and birdwatching are by jeep or early morning coracle rides.

Kabini River Lodge is a typical Indian safari lodge. The lodge was formerly the hunting lodge of the Maharaja of Mysore, and this is reflected in the colonial style architecture which offers 16 rooms spread throughout beautiful grounds which run alongside the Kabini River.

Days 8 & 9. Homeward [B]

It is a five hour drive to Bangalore where you spend the night at the Royal Orchid Hotel before transferring to the airport for your flight back to the UK.