South India Karnataka Special Tour

Duration: 10 Days

Destination Covered: Mumbai & Main Cities in Karnataka


Overview

Travel to Karnataka is a land of fragrance - fragrance of enchanting perfume of sandal and agarbathis, the aroma of fresh roasted coffee beans, the head fragrance of the Mysore Malligi and thousands of roses blossoming. The Kannada-speaking state of Karnataka formerly known as Mysore has a finely balanced mix of natural attractions and superb historic architecture.

Karnataka is known for its ancient and medieval heritage, which is still reflected in the South Indian temple architecture. The central and southern area of the state is known for its medieval architecture with liberal influences from Islamic architectural styles.

Trip Highlights
    • Visit the Hoysala temples of Belur and Halebid
    • Excursion to Shravanabelagola
    • Visit &  see the cave temple dating back to 6th and 7th century in Badami
    • Visit Pattadakal & Aihole
    • Visit Tipu Sultan’s Palace and capital at Srirangapatanam
Itinerary Details
Day - 1     Arrival in Mumbai, India

Distant India Journeys representative will meet you on arrival at International airport and then transfer to your hotel.

Mumbai, formerly called Bombay, is a sprawling, densely populated city on India’s west coast. On the Mumbai Harbor waterfront stands the iconic Gateway of India stone arch, built by the British Raj in 1924. Offshore, nearby Elephanta Island holds ancient cave temples dedicated to Shiva.

Day - 2     Mumbai - Bangalore by flight

In time, transfer to the airport for your flight to Bangalore (known as the Silicon Valley of India). Upon arrival in Bangalore, transfer to your pre-booked hotel for check in. Rest of the day is free to unwind at the hotel.

 

Day - 3     Bangalore - Hassan by surface

Today you see the Administrative buildings of this beautiful south Indian city. Also see the botanical gardens with 1000 different varieties of flowers. This garden was done up by Hyder Ali in the 18th century. Later continue drive towards Hassan (3 hrs away). Reach Hassan and check into your hotel.

Day - 4     Hassan – Belur – Halebid - Hassan by surface

Hassan provides as the convenient base to visit the Hoysala temples of Belur and Halebid. Halebid was the capital of the Hoysalas from the 11th century. Here we see the Hoysaleswara temple built in 1125 AD.

Belur was also the Hoysala capital for some time. Here worth mentioning is the Chenna Kesava Vishnu temple from 1117AD built by the Hoysala kings.

Day - 5     Hassan – Shravanabelagola – Hassan by surface

In the morning we take you to an interesting excursion to Shravanabelagola – the great centre for Jain pilgrimage in the south. The 20 mts high statue of Gomateshwara carved out of a single rock is very impressive. This great figure is visible for about 15 kms and was built in 980AD by the local ruler. The view from atop the Indragiri is excellent. Return to Hassan by early evening and relax at your hotel.

Day - 6     Hassan – Badami by surface

In northern Karnataka is the 6th century capital of Badami fortified by nature and the Chalukyan king Pulaskein I. Here you see the cave temple dating back to 6th and 7th century. The first to caves are dedicated to Shiva the third to Vishnu and the fourth cave is a Jain faith cave. Later visit the museum with artifacts dating back to the 1st century BC.

Day - 7     Badami – Pattadakal – Aihole – Badami by surface

Today in store is a full day excursion of Pattadakal and Aihole.

In Pattadakal the Sangameswara temple was constructed in 750 AD and bears a very strong resemblance to the Kailashnath temple of Kanchipuram as the architects were from the same area.

At Aihole there are a numerous Hindu and Jain temples that range in style from Cave to the simple well-evolved freestanding structures. The Ravala temple has the finest expression of art of that period.

Return back to Badami after a fun filled day.

Sculptures at the Ladkhan temple are considered to be the earliest of the surviving structures. The nearby Durga temple is also very impressive.

Day - 8     Badami - Hospet – Hampi by surface

Hampi is one of the magnificent ruined cities of the world and offers a totally different experience for the travelers. This city was the immense and a very rich capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. Just outside the city limits lies Hospet  on the site of the Tungabhadra Dam and dates back to the ancient ages of the Ramayana. It is believed that it is here that Rama met Hanuman the monkey god.

The Vitthal temple is an excellent example of the Vijayanagara school of architecture.

Day - 9     Hospet – Mysore by surface

Morning after breakfast drive to reach Mysore. In the evening visit to the famous Bridavan gardens.

Day - 10     Mysore – Bangalore by surface & Depart

In the morning visit the Maharaja’s palace with ornate interiors suggests the rich and extravagant lifestyle of the rulers of this region. Later visit Tipu Sultan’s Palace and capital at Srirangapatnam which holds a few mural paintings depicting life tales of Tipu Sultan and his father Hyder Ali both a living terror to the British. Finally return back to Bangalore.

In time transfer to the airport for your onward travel.

 




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