Mysore is one of the most charming cities in India. Best-known for its magnificent Royal Palace, we love its low-key, old-world atmosphere. Wander Devaraja Market with one of our local guides, the scent of sandalwood in the air and crushed petals underfoot, snacking on sweet, buttery Mysore pak as you dodge farmers’ carts piled with produce. Hear the stories behind the colonial-era Town Hall and Clock Tower, then head up Chamundi Hill, where one of India’s biggest Nandi bulls looks out over spectacular views of the city. It may be Karnataka’s second-biggest city, but Mysore’s small-town atmosphere is delightful.

Just two hours from Mysore will bring you to the former hunting preserve of the Wodeyars: Nagarhole (AKA Kabini). Today, these dense teak and rosewood forests are a national park, home to wild elephants, leopards, sloth bears and (perhaps most excitingly) tigers. You’ll be staying at a luxurious safari lodge, which arranges some of the best experiences in the region. You’re guaranteed the best chances of seeing wildlife with a range of Jeep safaris, boat rides, and nighttime guided nature walks – but it’s not all about the animals. This area is the indigenous home of the Jenu Kuruba tribe, and you’ll also spend half a day getting to know their traditional way of life with a local guide.

Move on from Nagarhole to the green slopes of Coorg: a hill station in the foothills of the Western Ghats. Like most hill stations, Coorg was used by the colonial British to grow tea, coffee and spices, but long before that it was the heartland of the Kodava people – a Hindu tribe native to this part of Karnataka. Staying at the Evolve Back lodge means you’ll get a proper introduction to Coorg’s nature, culture and history, including guided tours of the plantation, birdwatching walks, cultural demonstrations and a visit to a Kodava village to have lunch with a local family. The setting, surrounded by fields of black pepper and cardamom against a misty mountain backdrop, is truly outstanding.

Having steeped yourself in nature and indigenous culture for the past few days, it’s time to dove into South India’s rich history with a stay at Hoysala Village Resort. During the Middle Ages, this region was ruled by the Hindu Hoysala Dynasty, who left behind some of their most exuberant architecture in the World Heritage temples at Belur and Halebidu. You’ll spend a day exploring both of these twelfth-century sites, renowned for their lively, intricate carvings, then return to the resort to relax. This isn’t a major tourist destination so it’s a little more basic than your other stays, but your hosts are charming, and there are often musical and cultural shows here in the evening.

Combining distinctly hippie vibes with some of the most extensive and impressive ruins in India, it’s easy to fall in love with Hampi. You’ll be staying at another exceptional property, the Evolve Back Hampi, so you’ll get the very best introduction – focusing not just on the ruins, but on Hampi’s local nature and living culture. Start out with an evening of storytelling to ground you in the medieval history of the once-great Vijayanagara Empire, then spend two days thoroughly exploring the area with your hosts, combining visits to the temples with a nature walk through scrub jungle and farmland, and a visit to a sustainable craft village.

After the Karnatakan countryside, Hyderabad is a complete change of pace and energy. The capital of Telangana has a strong Islamic identity, conferred upon it by the Qutb Shahs who founded it in 1591, and the Mughal Nizams, who grew phenomenal wealth from trade in diamonds and pearls. Hyderabad remains one of India’s wealthiest cities today. As you proceed through shiny, developed suburbs into its medieval heart, a tangle of alleys pulse with life around the four minarets of the Charminar. It’s a fantastically atmospheric place, and you’ll get to experience it like a king as you stay in the Nizam’s former palace – now one of the most bewitching heritage hotels in India.