UNESCO Hampi
Walk deserted trails, picnic al fresco and take to the sky by hot air balloon for an incredible aerial view.
A Family Holiday to South India
A family adventure encapsulating the modern, ancient and wild side of India.
Watch the whole family grow and evolve amidst India’s kaleidoscope of flavours, sights and colours. Journey from the progressive city of Bangalore to the forested hills of the Western Ghats, through the scattered UNESCO ruins of Hampi, the wildlife and backwaters of Nagarhole National Park and, finally, to Kerala’s tropical shores.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
Wild India
Go on safari in Nagarhole National Park in search of leopards, tigers and elephants
Ritual Dances
Experience a Theyyam ceremony of dance, mime and fire walking – extravagant, exciting and authentic.
From Backwaters to Tropical Shores
Cruise the backwaters by houseboat arriving at your idyllic Keralan beach stay.
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Day 1
Arrive Bangalore
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Day 2
Bangalore - Hampi
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Day 3
Hampi
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Day 4
Hampi - Chikmagalur
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Day 5
Chikmagalur
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Day 6
Chikmagalur - Nagarhole National Park
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Day 7
Nagarhole National Park
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Day 8
Nagarhole National Park
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Day 9
Nargahole - Coorg
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Day 10
Coorg
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Day 11
Coorg - Neeleshwar
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Day 12
Neeleshwar
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Day 13 & 14
Neeleshwar
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Day 15
Neeleshwar - Mangalore - Mumbai
Day 1
Arrive Bangalore
After time to rest on arrival, spend the afternoon exploring the old-world charm of Bangalore. For cricket lovers, we can also arrange tickets for a match at Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Day 2
Bangalore - Hampi
After a traditional breakfast of masala dosa, explore the lanes of Mallesawarm where 12 walls have been reclaimed by 13 local artists as part of a street art project to make the streets safer. Later, transfer to the airport for a flight to Vidyanagar. Transfer to your accommodation in Hampi.
Day 3
Hampi
After breakfast, take a picnic and follow one of the trails to explore the site of Hampi on foot. Spend time at leisure this afternoon before a sunset walk.
Day 4
Hampi - Chikmagalur
Rise early to experience Hampi by hot air balloon. Late morning journey overland to Chikmagalur and check into your accommodation.
Day 5
Chikmagalur
Spend the day relaxing and enjoying some of the activities. Walk to a waterfall for a swim, take a walk with the resident naturalist or cycle one of the birding routes.
Day 6
Chikmagalur - Nagarhole National Park
Transfer to Nargahole National Park, a journey of around four hourse, visiting the temples of Belur and Halebid enroute. Check into your accommodation on arrival.
Day 7
Nagarhole National Park
Head out for a morning safari by shared jeep, in search of leopard, tiger and much more. After time to relax take an evening walk in search of nocturnal wildlife.
Day 8
Nagarhole National Park
Morning safari by shared jeep. After time to relax, take to the water for a ride by coracle, a traditional round shaped boat.
Day 9
Nargahole - Coorg
Transfer to Coorg, a journey of around one hour. This evening take a 4×4 tour of the coffee and spice plantation.
Day 10
Coorg
Take a morning cycle by e-bike to some of the surrounding villages, accompanied by the resident naturalist. Spend the afternoon at leisure.
Day 11
Coorg - Neeleshwar
Transfer from Coorg to the Lotus Houseboat. Board the two bedroom boat and cruise the peaceful backwaters overnighting onboard.
Day 12
Neeleshwar
After breakfast onboard, disembark and transfer 15 minutes to your beachside accommodation.
Day 13 & 14
Neeleshwar
Spend two days at leisure.
Day 15
Neeleshwar - Mangalore - Mumbai
Transfer to Mangalore for a flight to Mumbai and onward travel.
More Details
UNESCO HAMPI
Travel: A Classroom without Walls
Hampi is beyond epic. Once a bustling city of the 14th century Vijayanagara Empire, it was said to rival Rome. Ancient temples and statues carved from boulders are scattered throughout the area, relics of its rich history. Until relatively recently, this area was largely inaccessible, keeping large crowds of tourists away. Today, despite being easier to reach, much of this expansive site remains quiet and secluded. Explore on foot with a gourmet picnic, stopping to dine al fresco while soaking up the history and views. Viewing the whole site from the air by hot air balloon is a new and thrilling option.
Southern India Safari - Nagarhole National Park
Shared Experiences
At Nagarhole National Park wildlife takes centre stage. Asian elephants are prolific, leopard sightings almost guaranteed and tigers, although elusive, are also often seen. Explorations can be on shared game drives, boat safaris or on bush walks in the company of naturalists who will bring your surroundings to life. Staying in comfortable safari huts at Evolve Back Kabini there is time to relax and experience the beauty of the natural world as a family.
Houseboat Stay
Time Together
Why just drive to your coastal accommodation when we can sail you there? From Coorg, transfer to the lush backwaters of Kerala and board a traditional houseboat for a cruise that takes you within 15 minutes of your beach hotel. Sit back and watch the gentle rhythms of daily life unfold along the shores of inland canals and lagoons. With just two bedrooms, the Lotus Houseboat is all yours. Relax on the sundeck, spot kingfishers and turtles, dine together, and watch as the sun sets and stars emerge. You have no choice but to relax and enjoy each other’s company.
For the love of cricket
Shared Experiences
If cricket is part of your family’s story, southern India offers a lovely way to bring it into your travels. Catch a match in Bangalore, feel the energy of the crowd and then wander to nearby cafés, microbreweries and a lively food scene. An added dimension to your journey offering a deeper dip into cricket lore in a country where the sport is woven into everyday life. Read more in our cricket inspired blog.
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How does this holiday make a positive impact?
- Relevant SDGs
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Whilst in Bangalore, explore neighbourhoods where art tells a story and gives back to the community. Conceived by the Bengaluru Moving Project, this walk showcases the street murals of 13 Indian artists across twelve walls hidden among the lanes of the Malleswaram district. Reclaiming, reviving and safeguarding the streets for the local community.
Evolve Back properties at Coorg, Kabini and Hampi have adopted schools local to their neighbourhoods, in partnership with the Governments School Adoption Program. Through their Trust they provide much needed material, infrastructure, nutritional supplements, teaching support and scholarships to these schools, interventions that have seem a significant improvement in attendance and education levels.
Neeleshwar Hermitage employs 95% of their staff from the local community. As one of the biggest employers in the area they offer all staff the chance to train and develop their skills leading to a brighter future for them and their families.
Learn more about the UN's 17 sustainability goals
A note on price
This price is based on a family of four travelling and staying in two rooms. Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
This Itinerary
Price
From $7,735 Per person
When to travel
India in January
January is a very popular time to travel to India, due to mild temperatures and very little rainfall. The climate varies across India from snow in the Northern States to the Southern regions experiencing daily sunshine – perfect for an escape to Kerala’s beaches.
India in February
During peak season, February is an ideal month to travel to India, experiencing all regions of the country from Rajasthan in the North to Karnataka in the South.
India in March
Temperatures begin to rise with March typically being the last month of the peak season. A significant month for religious, Hindu festivals, March can become busy in some regions however also a perfect time to travel to experience Indian culture and wildlife.
India in April
With temperatures starting to rise, regions in Northern India start to become more accessible with excellent opportunities to discover hiking trails and the wildlife of these regions. Temperatures can sometimes exceed 40°C, with high levels of humidity in Southern India.
India in May
From May to September, Monsoon rains affect the North and Central states of India with daily rainfall and thunderstorms. During the Monsoon season, it is best to experience high altitude regions and avoid beach resorts.
India in June
Most regions of India will experience the Monsoon season in June alongside high daily temperatures and high levels of humidity. Whilst, not a popular time to travel, experience the mountainous regions as opposed to Central India to experience slightly cooler temperatures at the start of the month.
India in July
At the peak of the Monsoon season, most of the country experiences frequent, heavy rainfall. Whilst travel plans may be interrupted due to the climate, it is a great time to visit India to experience the national parks and the great outdoors.
India in August
As the Monsoon continues, the climate is very similar to that of June and July. Whilst not a suitable time to travel to India’s Southern beaches, other Northern Regions are popular with locals for hiking and outdoor pursuits.
India in September
As the final month of the Monsoon season, rainfall will be less frequent with the occasional sunny spell showcasing the lush, green vegetation that has flourished during the heavy rains.
India in October
As the monsoon rains have finished, humidity levels remain high and the peak travel season begins. During the month of October, there are lots of religious festivals, including Diwali, where some regions may become busier with domestic tourists.
India in November
As one of the best times to visit the country, November brings comfortable temperatures for sightseeing with the monsoon rains dying out from October. As the temperatures drop, however, Northern India and the Himalayas will become less accessible.
India in December
In December, temperatures and climate will be dependant on the region. In the Southern States, India will see a pleasant and mild climate, ideal for sightseeing, whereas, in Northern India and mountainous regions, snow and cold temperatures are likely.
Holiday Inspiration
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