Bangalore - World Heritage of Hampi

Group of Monuments at Hampi - 7 AM - Departure from Bangalore
1 PM - Arrival in Hampi followed by lunch
2 PM - Post-lunch, the exploration of Hampi’s monuments begins. Badavi Linga, the largest lingam in Hampi, is crafted from black stone and stands 12 feet tall. A canal flows through it, ensuring it is always surrounded by water. Nearby, the largest idol in Hampi, Ugra Narasimha, towers at 22 feet. The tour continues with a visit to the Balakrishna temple and Hemunta Hill, which is home to many ancient temples and offers a splendid sunset view. The day concludes with a visit to the magnificent Virupaksha temple, dating back to the Hoysala period, and the oldest temple in Hampi. The temple’s tower boasts eleven stories, and the Tungabhadra River flows within. Overnight stay in Hampi.

Hampi World Heritage Site

Vijaya Vittala Temple - The Vijaya Vittala Temple is arguably the most magnificent masterpiece in the area. It is built on a polyhedron foundation, and its musical pillars are considered one of humanity’s greatest artistic achievements.

King’s Balance - The next stop is King’s Balance, a massive stone frame located east of Purandara Mantapa. A stone beam rests on two stone pillars. According to legend, the generous Vijayanagara kings used to weigh themselves with gold and gems, distributing the wealth among the poor.

Royal Enclosures - The tour proceeds to the Royal Enclosures, featuring memorable structures such as the Elephant Stables, Queen’s Bath, and the Lotus Mahal. The itinerary also includes the Zanana Enclosure, the royal women’s quarters. In the evening, a visit to Anegundi village reveals cave paintings dating back to the Iron Age, around 1500 BC.

Badami, Aihole, and Pattadakal

Aihole - After breakfast in Hampi, a 3-hour drive leads to Aihole, home to over a hundred stone temples dating from the 5th century onwards. Legend has it that Lord Parashurama washed his axe here after defeating the Kshatriyas.

Pattadakal - Following Aihole, the journey continues to Pattadakal, 14 km away. This UNESCO World Heritage Site epitomizes the Visara style of architecture. The most magnificent temple here is the Virupaksha, built in the 8th century by Queen Lokamahadevi.

Badami - A half-hour drive takes us to Badami, the former capital of the Chalukya Kings. Nestled in a ravine at the base of red sandstone hills, Badami is enchanting, surrounded by the Agastya Lake. The cave temples, carved from red sandstone, feature a hall with numerous pillars and a square-shaped sanctum, with paintings adorning the ceiling.

Chitradurga

World Heritage Sites of Belur and Halebid

Belur - After breakfast, a 4-hour drive from Chitradurga leads to Belur to visit the world heritage site of the Channakesava Temple. The main hall boasts sculptures renowned for their intricate carvings. The bracelets on one dancer statue’s arms can be moved up and down, while another dancer statue’s headdress features a movable ring. A unique aspect of Belur’s sculptures is that they are signed by the sculptors, akin to a painting, often with a boastful epithet.

Halebid - After lunch, the tour heads to Halebid, the other capital of the Hoysala Empire, located 16 km from Belur. The highlights of Halebid include two magnificent temples dedicated to Hoysalesvara and Shantalesvara. A notable sculpture is the giant statue of Nandi, the holy bull of Lord Shiva, which took 86 years to complete. The veins depicted on its face are particularly impressive.

Royal Mysore

Mysuru Palace - After breakfast in Hassan, a 2.5-hour drive leads to Mysore. The grand Mysore Palace is the highlight of the Mysore tour from Bangalore. Visitors are transported back to the golden era of the Mysore Maharajas, imagining the glory of Mysore epitomized by this wonder built in Indo-Saracenic style, blending Hindu, Muslim, Rajput, and Gothic architectural styles. The palace is a three-storied stone structure with marble domes and a 145-foot five-storied tower. The guided tour includes the Public Hall, Private Hall, Dolls Pavilion, and the Royal Wedding Hall.

Daria Daulat Bagh - The Summer Palace of Tipu Sultan, built in Indo-Saracenic style, features magnificent murals depicting the war between Tipu and the British. The most famous exhibit is the painting “Storming of Srirangapatna” by Sir Robert Ker Porter, illustrating the final fall of Srirangapatna on May 4, 1799, when the British defeated Tipu’s forces.

Captain Bailey’s Dungeon - Colonel Bailey Dungeon is renowned for being the place where Tipu imprisoned several British officers during the war. Stories about this infamous location are shared during the Mysore tour from Bangalore.

Devaraja Market - A visit to Mysore’s charming old bazaar is a sensory delight, featuring flowers, vegetables, fruits, jaggery, onions, potatoes, puffed rice, and coconuts.

World Heritage Site of Somnathpur

Somanathapura - Somnathpur is renowned for the magnificent Chennakesava Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in 1268 by Somanatha, a general of King Narasimha III, the temple features three shrines and three beautifully carved peaks with a common Mandapa. Visitors can admire the 16 different ceilings, each depicting a different stage of a blooming banana flower, and the central wall adorned with images of deities adorned with jewelry, bangles, crowns, and anklets.

Bengaluru - A 3-hour drive returns to Bangalore.

• Local guide
• Breakfast
• 6 nights accommodation
• Private car

• Food and drinks

“Must Visit Places in Karnataka” is a 7-day guided experiential tour showcasing the finest cultural and heritage sites in Karnataka. Key highlights include exploring the Mysore Kingdom and Tipu Sultan’s Srirangapatna, the world heritage sites and Hoysala capitals of Belur and Halebid, the ruins of the Vijayanagar Empire and the world heritage site of Hampi, the cave temples of Badami, Aihole, and Pattadakal, and the formidable Chitradurga Fort.

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.