Karnataka Heritage Tour

Destinations Covered: Bangalore - Srirangapatana - Mysore - Madikeri - Hassan - Belur - Helebid - Hospet- Aihole - Pattadakal - Badami - Belgaum - Goa - Mumbai
Duration: 15 Nights/16 Days

Day 01: Arrive Bangalore
On arriving at Bangalore international airport, our representative will receive and greet you. Then you would be transferred to a comfortable hotel. Bangalore city is the capital of Indian state Karnataka. Modern and fast developing, it was founded in the initial years of the 16th century. The beautiful city is also popularly called as the 'Garden City' of the country because it houses a large number of parks and green spaces. Since there are no major activities scheduled for the day, you can spend it as you like. Overnight stay would be at the hotel.

Day 02: Bangalore
Be prepared to get introduced to this wonderful city. Post breakfast, commences the full-day sightseeing trip. Firstly, you visit the Ganesha Temple, extremely popular Nandi Bull Temple and the stunning palace of Tipu Sultan. Thereafter, you would be taken to Lalbagh Botanical Garden. Established by Muslim ruler Haidar Ali in 1740, it is considered among the most richly diverse botanical gardens in South Asia and covers a vast area of 250 acres of parkland. The garden also display a huge iron and glass conservatory fashioned on the lines of Crystal Palace of London. Next in line is the colossal neo-Dravidian granite structure of Vidhan Saudha. The building offers an alluring sight and houses the state legislative and secretariat. Overnight is in the hotel.

Day 03: Bangalore - Srirangapatana - Mysore
Next morning after having luscious breakfast, begins the journey towards another angelic city of Mysore. On your way, you get an opportunity to explore the incredibly beautiful town of Srirangapatana, which is popular for Ranganathaswami Temple. Constructed in the 9th century, the temple's unique design is quite eye catching. The journey continues as you reach Mysore, where you would be checked in to a hotel. Post rest, you would visit the astounding Mysore Palace. Designed keeping in mind the Indo-Saracenic style, the palace comprises of numerous domes, turrets, arches and colonnades. Other attractions worth visiting include Brindavan Garden, Chamundi Hill, Nandi Bull and St. Philomena's Church. Overnight is in Mysore.

Day 04: Mysore - Madikeri (Coorg district)
Day four starts with traveling to the enticing town of Madikeri which is 100 km away from Mysore. The place embraces you with its sparkling greenery, magnificent mountains and captivating coffee plantation. The major attractions of this town include the exquisite-looking Madikeri Fort, also known as Mud Fort, Raja's Seat which is a beautiful small square mantapa and mortar of four pillars, Raja's Tomb, a royal tomb with a authorizing view and outstanding Abey Water Falls. Night stay is in Madikeri.

Day 05: Madikeri - Hassan (Excursion to Shravanabelagola)
In the morning, post breakfast the journey begins yet again to the next destination, Hassan. Popularly known as the "Architecture Capital of Karnataka State", you get to witness numerous places of interest such as majestic Hasanamba Temple. The opens only once in a year for seven days prior to Diwali and closes on the very next day, therefore it's an important rare site. Thereafter, you would visit the famous and important Jain pilgrim center at Shravanabelagola. Located at 51 km southeast from Hassan, it houses a huge monolith of Lord Bahubali, which is around thousand years old and 17 meters in altitude. In the evening, you would be driven back to Hassan followed by the night's stay there.

Day 06: Hassan - Belur - Helebid - Hassan
Post breakfast, begins the excursion trip to Belur and Helebid. Belur is situated around 38 km north-west from Hassan. It is a picturesque village settled on the shores of Yagachi River. Popular for being home to impeccable temples, the excursion starts with exploring Chennakeshava Temple. It is believed that the temple took almost 103 years to build, the flawless and unique architecture justifying the elaborate schedule. Next you get to explore the beautiful Hoysaleswara Temple, built in 12th century. The walls of the temple are carved with the various avatars of Gods and Goddesses, dancing girls, animals, birds and so on. Later in the day, you would be driven back to Hassan. Overnight at Hassan.

Day 07: Hassan - Hospet
Enjoy a lip smacking breakfast in the morning, after which you would be driven to Hospet. Usually a base town for the travelers moving towards Hampi, the day forwards a short sightseeing trip. Later, you would be checked in to a hotel. Relax and prepare yourself for an exciting day ahead. The major tourist attraction, Hampi lies close to this town. It is situated at a distance of 13 km from Hospet. Hampi is the place of the medieval Vijayanagar Empire.

Day 08: Hampi - Hospet
Post breakfast, you would be taken to Hampi. Day eight is reserved for exploring the numerous sightseeing places of Hampi. Popularly known as the 'Rome of India' and 'The City of Ruins', it is amongst the UNESCO world heritage sites. Most of the attractions at this place were constructed in 16th century under the rule of Krishna Deva Raya. The architectural beauty of the place is breathtaking. Every nook and corner of this town is surprising and generates a strong fascination. The site King's balance is one such example. At this place, the king was weighed against grains, money, gold etc. Afterwards it was donated to the poor people. After this mind blowing tour, we drive back to Hospet for a night's stay.

Day 09: Hospet - Aihole - Pattadakal - Badami
The day begins with a drive towards Badami with two stopovers, Aihole and Pattadakal. Aihole, the first capital of Chalukyas is located on the banks of Malaprabha River. The place is extremely popular for its beautiful temples which were built back in 6th century CE. The real enthralling experience of marvelous Chalukyan era's architecture is also served by Pattadakal. Touted as the dream place of art historians, it has major nine stunning temples which are present almost is a single row. One unique feature of these temples is that some of them exhibit South India's Dravidian architecture; others North India's Nagara style and a single temple depict hybrid style. In the evening, you would reach Badami, wherein you would be checked-in at a hotel.

Day 10: Badami - Belgaum
On day tenth, you would be visiting the capital city of Chalukya Empire in India, Badami. The empire ruled here between 4th and 8th century and used the town as its capital during the same period. Badami was originally called as Vatapi. If you are still drowned in the feel of wonderful Dravidian architecture after visiting Aihole and Pattadakal, it's time to get more thrilled as Badami displays some of the finest examples of magnificent Dravidian architecture and wondrous rock cut caves. Post sightseeing of the town, you would leave for Belgaum. Upon reaching Belgaum, you would be accommodated in a hotel for a night's stay.

Day 11: Belgaum - Goa
In the morning begins the sightseeing tour of Belgaum. It is one of the oldest cities of Karnataka. The fresh greens and pleasant weather of this small town is sure to rejuvenate you completely. The excursion starts with the famous Belgaum Fort and Varapoha Falls. Once that is done, you would be traveling ahead, this time to the most beautiful and happening beach destination of India, Goa. Upon reaching Goa, you would be checked-in to a lavish and alluring beach resort in North/South Goa. Rest of the day left is free for personal excursion and relaxation. Night stay is in the resort.

Day 12: Goa
In the morning after enjoying luscious breakfast, begins the half-day scheduled trip to Old Goa. This place has its own unique charm with its tremendously beautiful beaches and admiring churches. Also called the "Beach Capital of India", it showcases a perfect fusion of legacies of Portuguese ancestors and Indian tradition. Once you have explored the bygone era of Goa, you are free. You can spend the evening lazing around the beach and immersing yourself in the feel of the place. Don't forget to try the local feni.

Day 13: Goa
This entire day is set for rest and personal activities. You can enjoy some ultimate Ayurvedic messages in or around your resort. There are numerous adventurous activities Goa has to offer like sunset watching, beach volley ball, swimming, sea cruise, beach expedition, sun basking, paragliding, banana boat ride and so on. Explore that adventurous self in you and have fun.

Day 14: Goa - Mumbai
After breakfast, make one trip more to the beach before you board an afternoon flight to Mumbai. At the Mumbai airport, you would be welcomed by our genial representative who would transfer you to a pre-booked hotel. Either you can spend the rest of the evening relaxing at your room or venture out and explore the city on your own. Overnight stay would be at the hotel.

Day 15: Mumbai
Day fifteenth is reserved completely for touring the city of Mumbai. Starting with Prince of Wales Museum, you would be taken to Dhobhi Ghat, an open air laundry, Hanging Garden and Gateway of India. The second half of the day is meant for the excursion to immensely beautiful rock cut caves of Elephanta Island. An hour-long ferry ride from Gateway of India would take you to the desired destination. In the evening, get delighted by driving through stunning Marine Drive on a horse-cart. The ride offers a startling vista of the city along Arabian Sea. Night stay is in the hotel.

Day 16: Leave Mumbai
Meet the representative in the hotel lobby at a given time. You would then be escorted to the Mumbai international airport. On reaching the airport, our representative would help you with the formalities as you move towards your onward destination.

Also Mapped to: • Mumbai Tours