Karnataka Heritage Tour

On arrival check in to the hotel and proceed for sightseeing of Badami. Badami, more than anything else, it is known for its rock-cut cave temples. They have been carved out of the red sandstone hills surrounding Badami. Apart from rock-cut temples, the town also has some other temples and a beautiful tank. Finally, the Badami Fort is a good place to view the entire Badami ruins. Overnight will be at Hotel in Badami

Check out after early breakfast from the hotel. Proceed for sight seeing of ‘AIHOLE & PATTADAKAL’. ‘Pattadakal’ was the second capital of the mighty Chalukyans and a place that hosted important state functions of the time. It is also a center of the Chalukyan architectural extravaganza. There are many temples here, mostly dating back to 6th and 7th centuries AD. ‘Aihole’ completes the third dimension of Chalukyan architectural centers. This place had an important position during the rule of the Chalukyas. There are a number of richly carved Hindu temples constructed in the 6th and 7th centuries. The small museum run by the archaeological department that showcases objects found in Aihole, mostly of the Chalukyan era is worth a visit too. Later drive to reach Hospet. On arrival check-in to the hotel and after refreshment we proceed for the sightseeing of Daroji bear sanctuary – only special Sanctuary in India for Bears.

A short drive of 20 km will reach you to this sanctuary where you drive through the Shrubby forest looking out for Bears. You also have a great chance to view the bears from the viewpoint at a good height. If you are lucky it’s the best place to see & enjoy the activities of bears in wild (untamed). Overnight will be at the hotel in Hospet.

Breakfast will be at the hotel. Start the day excursion to HAMPI. HAMPI, the seat of the famed VIJAYANAGARA Empire was the capital of the largest empire in post-mogul India, covering several states. The empire reigned supreme under Krishnadevaraya, the Emperor. The Vijayanagara Empire stretched over at least three states – Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh. Although in ruins today, this capital city once boasted riches known far beyond the shores of India. The ruins of Hampi of the 14th Century lie scattered in about 26 sq. km area, amidst giant boulders and vegetation and silently narrate the story of grandeur splendor and fabulous wealth.

Every rock, every path and every monument at Hampi speaks the same language; a language of glory and beauty.

In the afternoon enjoy your lunch at a specialty restaurant “Under the Mango Tree” Restaurant – The small sign tacked to a tree is the only indication that the narrow path through a banana plantation leads to a lovely outdoor restaurant. The best thing about the Mango Tree is the surroundings: on a packed-earth bank under a giant mango tree (with a swing!), looking out over the Tungabhadra River. Later return to the hotel. Overnight will be at the hotel in Hospet.

After early breakfast drive to Hassan, en route visit the famous Hoysala temples of “Belur & Halebid”.

The 12th century temples of Belur and Halebid stands the most beautiful for its most beautiful sculptures when compared to any other temples in south India. Typically these temples are squat & star-shaped. Its outstanding sculptures all over the walls and pillars state the stories from the old epics of Ramayana, Mahabharata & Bhagavad Gita enabling to know of Hindu culture. It also describes the story of the rulers of Karnataka and their interest in dance and music. Later drive to reach HASSAN. Check-in and rest as this would be a long day. Overnight will be at the hotel in Hassan.

Check out from the hotel after breakfast and drive to Mysore. Enroute visit Shravanabelagola, the famous Jain pilgrim center & one of the oldest in India. The place is known as one of the greatest monuments of Jain art. The colossal statue of Gomateswara with a height of 57 feet is situated on the summit of Indragiri hill. It is one of the two giant sculptures in the world, after the Colossus Ramses II in Egypt. After visiting in here we drive further to reach the hotel at “Mysore” – the palace city of South India. On arrival at Mysore check in to the hotel and later proceed for sightseeing tour of Mysore.

Visit the Maharaja’s Palace built as recently as 1897, which is one of the biggest in India; St Philomena’s Church etc; Sri Jauyachamarajendra Art Gallery housed in the Jagmohan Palace, which has a collection of exquisite paintings. In the evening visit the Chamundi hill temple and Bull temple. Overnight will be at Hotel in Mysore.

Sightseeing of Somnathpur & Srirengapatnam. Morning after breakfast, drive to Somnathpur – a tiny village on the banks of the Kaveri. Here in this everlasting rural stillness, like a milestone to eternity stood one of the last and the grandest of Hoysala monuments – the Kesava Temple built 740 years ago.

Later return to Srirengapatnam – a place with Ancient history is an Island fortress. We visit Tipu’s Summer Palace & the Fort. Later drive to Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary – on one of the three islands in the Cauvery River. It’s a good place to see Storks, Ibis, Egrets, Darters, Spoonbills and Cormorants round the year. Return to hotel late afternoon and leisure. Overnight will be at Hotel in Mysore.

Bangalore – Next Destination (130 Km / 3 Hrs)

Check out from Hotel and drive to Bangalore. The tour ends today with a transfer to Bangalore airport for onward flight.