12 Day Karnataka Wildlife Tour

with Nagarhole, Bandipur & Mysore

Private Safaris in Nagarhole & Bandipur, Royal Mysore and the Hoysala Temples of Belur & Halebidu

This private Karnataka wildlife tour blends forest safaris, royal heritage and ancient temple architecture in one well-paced 12-day journey. You explore the renowned forests of Nagarhole and Bandipur National Parks on jeep safaris, where elephants, gaur, deer, wild dogs, leopards, sloth bears and a wide variety of birdlife can be seen, depending on the season. Tiger sightings are rare and can never be guaranteed, but both parks are among South India’s most important tiger habitats.

The tour begins in Bangalore, then moves gradually from city life to the forests of the Western Ghats. In Nagarhole you stay close to the Kabini backwaters, famous for elephant herds and birdwatching, and Bandipur offers open grasslands and dry deciduous forest that feel quite different, even though both parks lie within the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

Beyond the wilderness, the route turns to Karnataka’s cultural heart. In Mysore you visit the grand Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hill and the colourful Devaraja Market, before continuing to Hassan for the UNESCO-listed Hoysala temples of Belur and Halebidu, celebrated for their intricate stone carvings.

Travelling by private chauffeur-driven vehicle and staying in carefully selected jungle lodges and heritage-style hotels, this tailor-made itinerary suits wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, couples and families. Safari timings, number of game drives and length of stay in each place can all be adjusted to your dates and interests.

Karnataka Wildlife Tour – Detailed Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Bangalore – Arrive at Bangalore International Airport, where your private chauffeur will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, relax after your flight or enjoy a leisurely evening exploring nearby cafés and restaurants in India’s Garden City. Overnight stay in Bangalore.
• Day 2: Bangalore Sightseeing – Discover Bangalore’s blend of heritage and modernity with visits to Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Cubbon Park, Bangalore Palace, the Bull Temple and vibrant local markets. Enjoy the city’s pleasant climate and relaxed atmosphere before beginning your wildlife adventure. Overnight stay in Bangalore.
• Day 3: Bangalore → Nagarhole National Park (Approx. 230 km | 5–6 hrs) – After breakfast, drive through Karnataka’s picturesque countryside to Nagarhole National Park, one of South India’s finest wildlife reserves, within the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Check into your jungle lodge before an evening jeep safari in search of elephants, gaur, deer, leopards and other wildlife. Overnight stay in Nagarhole.
• Day 4: Nagarhole National Park Safari – Set out on an early morning jeep safari, when wildlife is most active, then return to the lodge for breakfast. Later, enjoy a peaceful boat safari on the Kabini backwaters (subject to availability), renowned for elephant herds, crocodiles, otters and exceptional birdlife. Spend the rest of the day relaxing amid the forest surroundings. Overnight stay in Nagarhole.
• Day 5: Nagarhole National Park Safari – Continue exploring the rich biodiversity of Nagarhole with another morning or afternoon safari. Several game drives improve your chances of seeing elephants, gaur, wild dogs, sloth bears and leopards, while tigers are seen only occasionally and can never be guaranteed. Overnight stay in Nagarhole.
• Day 6: Nagarhole → Bandipur National Park (Approx. 85 km | 2–2.5 hrs) – After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive through the forests of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve to Bandipur National Park. Check into your jungle resort before an evening safari across Bandipur’s open grasslands and dry deciduous forest, home to elephants, deer, peacocks and leopards, and part of a protected tiger reserve. Overnight stay in Bandipur.
• Day 7: Bandipur National Park Safari – Begin the day with an early morning safari through one of South India’s best-known tiger reserves. The park offers excellent opportunities for wildlife photography and birdwatching, and its landscape feels distinctly different from Nagarhole, even though both lie within the same biosphere reserve. Overnight stay in Bandipur.
• Day 8: Bandipur → Mysore (Approx. 80 km | 2 hrs) – After breakfast, drive to Mysore, the former capital of the Wadiyar dynasty. Visit the magnificent Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hill, Devaraja Market and St. Philomena’s Cathedral, and experience the city’s royal heritage, silk-weaving traditions and famous sandalwood craftsmanship. Overnight stay in Mysore.
• Day 9: Mysore Heritage Experience – Enjoy a relaxed day exploring more of Mysore’s cultural attractions. Visit the Railway Museum, Jaganmohan Palace Art Gallery or the beautifully landscaped Brindavan Gardens. The city offers a balanced mix of history, architecture, local cuisine and traditional South Indian culture. Overnight stay in Mysore.
• Day 10: Mysore → Hassan via Belur & Halebidu (Approx. 140 km | 3–4 hrs) – Drive to Hassan, stopping on the way at the UNESCO-listed Hoysala temples of Belur and Halebidu. Admire the extraordinary stone carvings that represent the pinnacle of medieval Indian temple architecture before continuing to your heritage-style resort in Hassan. Overnight stay in Hassan.
• Day 11: Hassan Excursion – Visit Shravanabelagola, one of India’s most important Jain pilgrimage sites, famous for its 17-metre monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali. Depending on your interests, you may also visit nearby coffee estates and rural villages, or enjoy a relaxed day at your resort in the peaceful Karnataka countryside. Overnight stay in Hassan.
• Day 12: Hassan → Bangalore Airport (Approx. 185 km | 3.5–4 hrs) – After breakfast, drive to Bangalore International Airport for your onward journey. Your Karnataka wildlife tour concludes with memories of forest safaris, royal palaces and UNESCO-listed temples.

Travel distances and driving times are approximate and may vary with road conditions, weather and traffic. Wildlife sightings are seasonal and cannot be guaranteed, as safari experiences depend on natural animal movement and local conditions within the national parks.

What’s Included – Karnataka Wildlife Tour

• Accommodation in carefully selected jungle lodges, heritage-style hotels and comfortable city hotels throughout Karnataka
• Daily breakfast, plus selected lunches and dinners at the wildlife lodges, as per the final itinerary
• Private chauffeur-driven air-conditioned vehicle for airport transfers, sightseeing and all intercity travel
• Jeep safaris in Nagarhole and Bandipur National Parks, plus a boat safari on the Kabini backwaters where available
• National park permits, safari charges and forest entry fees, as included in the itinerary
• Experienced local guides and naturalists for wildlife safaris and heritage sightseeing
• All parking charges, toll taxes, fuel costs and applicable government taxes related to the tour
• 24/7 on-tour assistance from Premium India Tours throughout your journey

Tour Customisation – Karnataka Wildlife Tour

This private itinerary can be adjusted to your dates, pace and interests, from the number of safaris to the style of stay.

• Add extra jeep safaris in Nagarhole or Bandipur for more time in the forest
• Upgrade to premium safari lodges and heritage hotels for a more exclusive stay
• Include coffee plantation visits, village walks, birdwatching excursions or guided nature trails
• Extend your journey to Hampi, Coorg or Kerala after the wildlife circuit, or add the Kerala wildlife tour
• Add extra nights at Kabini for more boat safaris and wildlife photography sessions
• Allow more leisure time in Bangalore, Mysore or Hassan to suit your interests

Best Time to Visit – Karnataka Wildlife Tour

• October to March: Pleasant temperatures, green landscapes, comfortable sightseeing and very good conditions for wildlife safaris.
• April to May: Often the best time for wildlife sightings, as animals gather around waterholes in Nagarhole and Bandipur, though the days can be hot.
• June to September: The monsoon turns Karnataka’s forests intensely green. Safari schedules may occasionally be affected by rain, but this is a good season for nature lovers and photographers who enjoy quieter conditions.

FAQs – Karnataka Wildlife Tour

Which wildlife parks are included?
The tour includes Nagarhole and Bandipur National Parks, two of South India’s finest wildlife destinations, both within the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

What wildlife can I expect to see?
Elephant herds, gaur, spotted deer, sambar, wild dogs, sloth bears, leopards, crocodiles and numerous bird species are all possible, depending on the season. Tigers are seen only occasionally.

Are tiger sightings guaranteed?
No. Tigers are wild animals and sightings can never be guaranteed, although Nagarhole and Bandipur are among India’s important tiger habitats.

What is the difference between Nagarhole and Bandipur?
Nagarhole is a dense forest park beside the Kabini backwaters, known for elephants and birdlife. Bandipur has more open grasslands and dry deciduous forest, so visiting both gives you two quite different safari landscapes.

What is the best time for a Karnataka wildlife tour?
October to March is usually the most comfortable season, while April and May are often best for waterhole sightings, although it is hotter. Safari conditions during the monsoon can vary.

Is this tour suitable for photographers and birdwatchers?
Yes. Multiple safaris, the Kabini backwaters and Karnataka’s varied habitats offer excellent opportunities for wildlife and landscape photography.

Can the itinerary be extended?
Absolutely. Many guests combine this tour with Coorg, Hampi, Goa, Kerala or other South India destinations.

Why Travel With Premium India Tours

• Well-paced itineraries combining Karnataka’s finest wildlife reserves with royal heritage and UNESCO-listed temples
• Handpicked jungle lodges, heritage-style hotels and comfortable city hotels, chosen for comfort and location
• An experienced local team with in-depth knowledge of safari planning, wildlife seasons and Karnataka’s cultural sights
• Private chauffeur-driven journeys offering flexibility, comfort and personal service throughout the tour
• Tailor-made travel for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, couples and families
• Dedicated support before and during your journey, and more options in our India wildlife tour packages