The temple architecture of Karnataka reflects the style of the Hoysala dynasty that created smaller, intricately carved shrines quite different to those in neighbouring Tamil Nadu. The extensive Vijayanagar site at Hampi is well worth a two day stop. Conclude your cultural experience with time for relaxation on the beaches of Goa and a visit to Mumbai – India’s most cosmopolitan city.
Travel Route
Bangalore – Mysore – Sravababelogola – Hospet – Hampi – Badami – Bijapur -Goa – Mumbai
- Visit the Flower market in Mysore
- See some of the excellent temple architecture of Somnathpur , Aihole and Pattadikal
- Stop at Sravanbelagola where you will see 17 metres tall and probably the largest monolithic statue in the world.
- A day spent in Hampi ruined temple complexes from the Vijayanagara Empire a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site
- Leisure time at Goa Beach
Day 01- Arrival Bangalore
On arrival at Bangalore, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in.
Later part of the day you take a short tour of the city visiting the VidhanaSoudha – Legislative Assembly, famous for its famous carved sandalwood doors and the LalaBagh – the botanical garden famous of the largest banyan Tree in Asia.
Overnight athotel.
Day 02- Bangalore – Mysore by road (142 kms / 3 hrs Approx)
In the morning drive to Mysore and visit Srirangapatanamen route. You visit the imposing temple of another Hindu deity Rangnath, an aspect of Lord Vishnu . You also visit Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace before continuing your drive to Mysore. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. In the afternoon, go for a city tour of Mysore and visit Tipu Sultan’s Museum & Palace and Vrindaban Garden among other famous landmarks of the city.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 03- Mysore – Hassan by road (118 kms / 2 ½ hrs Approx)
Drive to Hassan. On the way, make a stop at Sravanbelagola and visit the 17.7mtr high monolithic statue of first Jain sage GommateshwaraBahubali and the various Frescoes. Upon arrival at Hassan check in at hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 04- Hassan – Belur – Halebid – Hassan by car
In the morning leave for an excursion to Belur and Halebid, which are considered twin cities. The cities were also home to Hoysala dynasty. Visit CennaKesava temple and be amazed at the miniature shrines that flank the steps to the Ekatachala temple. Also, visit the Narashima Pillar which used to rotate on its own axis and intricately carved Mohini Pillar in Belur. Post the tour of Belur, visit Halebid and take in the Ancient Hoysala sculpture & Architecture of Hoysaleswar Temple, Dikutachala Temple, Shantaleswara temple and Kedareswara Temple.
Return to Hassan for Overnight stay.
Day 05- Hassan – Hospet by road ( 314 kms / 6 hrs Approx)
Drive to Hospet. Upon arrival, check-in at hotel and in the afternoon visit various temples of Hospet.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 06-Hospet – Hampi – Hospet
A day trip to Hampi – the capital of Vijaynagar a UNESCO World Heritage site. This tour takes you to the various ruins of temples, the broken dance of nymph, the impassive resistance of fortifications, Vithala temple, Hemkuta Temple, Kadalkalu Ganesh temple and Lotus temple among others.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 07-Hospet – Badami by road (129 kms / 2 ½ hrs Approx)
Today you will be driven to Badami, once the capital of Chalukyas till they were ousted by Pallava king. Badami nestles amongst hills that enclose the healing waters of Bhuthanatha Lake. Upon arrival, check in at hotel and take an afternoon city tour of Badami. You visit the gigantic carvings on the walls of the four cave temples of Four armed Vishnu , Shiva – shown in many forms as Natraja, Ardhanareshwar, Bhuthanatha and as lingam, Krishna, and Jain deities of Mahavir, Jain saint Parsanatha and also some beautiful though faded frescos.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 08-Badami – Pattadakal – Aihole by road
A full day excursion to Pattadakal and Aihole – the famous UNESCO World Heritage sites. Chalukyas have left a scattering of fine temples, all built with local pink sand stone – the eighth century Virupaksha temple, Mallikarjuna and Papanatha Temples decorated with detailed scenes from the epics and the ninth century Jain temples. Later, visit Aihole, the first capital of Chalukyas and the city of Aryans. You visit the Temple Lad khan, which dates back to AD 450 and is probably Aihole’s oldest building. Also, visit the Temple of Durga, Hulchimalli temple dedicated to Hindu Gods Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma, Buddhist temple and one of the finest temples, the RavanaPhadi that is carved out of sandstone.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 09-Badami – Bijapur by road ( 122kms / 2 ½ hrs Approx.)
In the morning, after breakfast, drive to Bijapur. Enroute, visit GolGumbaz – the great mausoleum of Ibrahim’s Successor, Mohammad Adil Shah III. Continue your drive to Bijapur and check in at your hotel on arrival. Later go for a city tour of Bijapur where you visit Bijapur Castle, Jama Masjid & Ibrahim Roza .
Overnight at hotel.
Day 10-Bijapur – Goa byroad (311 kms / 6 hrs Approx.)
After breakfast, depart for Goa – the exotic beach destination meant for relaxation and rejuvination. Upon arrival, check into the resort and enjoy the day at leisure .
Overnight at hotel
Day 11-Day 13- In Goa
You have the days at leisure to explore the various beaches of Goa or indulge in water sports.
Overnight is at Goa
Day 14- Goa – Mumbai by flight
After breakfast, transfer to the Goa Airport to board flight to onward destination.