IndiaCoorgHigh in the Western Ghats, the Coorg region is absolutely beautiful. Its hills are patchworked with plantations growing everything from coffee and cashews to lemons, bananas, mangoes and cherries. Overview Trip ideas Experiences Regions Best time to visit Accommodation Back to all places in Goa, Karnataka & Hyderabad Further out, plantations give way to some of the most biodiverse forests on the planet, threaded with hiking trails and teeming with life: elephants and leopards, but also frogs, snakes and a kaleidoscopic array of birds.Coorg is an idyllic place to spend a few days relaxing in nature, but what sets it apart from other hill regions is the local culture. The Kodava are the dominant cultural group in the region, maintaining their language and traditions through centuries of domination by successive Hindu kingdoms and British colonization.The origins of the Kodava are mysterious. They are not indigenous to south India, but are said to have migrated here from Kurdistan or Kashmir — or even to have arrived with the armies of Alexander the Great. It’s easy to see why the latter is a popular origin story: the Kodavas are renowned for their martial traditions, and have produced some of India’s most celebrated soldiers.The best way to experience Coorg is at Evolve Back, on the Chikkana Halli Estate. Built to reflect traditional Kodava architecture, it’s a luxurious ecolodge with a private pool for every villa — but what makes it really special is its commitment to natural and cultural immersion. The program of in-house experiences here is second-to-none, including everything from coffee tastings to nature walks and visits to Kodava homesteads. Other destinations in this region India BangaloreYoung, global, edgy — whether you’re after live music, craft coffee, or avant-garde theater, Bangalore is one of India’s most exciting & progressive cities. India ChikmagalurTake a load off and soak up the scenery in Chikmagalur, known for its vivid green coffee plantations surrounded by lush, mist-cloaked mountains. India HampiA gorgeous landscape of paddy fields and palm trees, with some of the most spectacular ruins in India — plus fantastic rock climbing and laid-back, tropical vibes. India HassanOnce the heart of the Hoysala Empire, Hassan is now the staging point for visiting its most beautiful relics: the World Heritage temples of Belur and Halebidu. India HyderabadHyderabad is home to vast film studios, palatial houses and shiny shopping malls — juxtaposed with one of India’s most atmospheric old Islamic quarters. India Kabini National ParkKabini is south India’s premier national park. Visit to spot tigers, leopards and more — and visit Jenu Kuruba tribal villages on the fringes of the jungle. India Mysore It’s best-known for its magnificent Royal Palace, but what we love most about Mysore is its tropical small-town atmosphere and sprawling, medievalesque market. India North GoaOld Portuguese buildings, hippie culture and the best beaches in India combine to give North Goa its unique, fun-loving character. India South GoaEvery bit as beautiful as in the north, South Goa is all about slowing down and soaking up the surroundings, from beaches to fishing hamlets & tropical forest.