Best of Karnataka

Arrive Bangalore

Arrival Bangalore Airport. You will be welcomed at the airport and will be transferred to the hotel (30 mts) , Overnight at Bangalore

From Bangalore to Mysore

Morning , drive to Mysore . Enroute visit Sritangapattanam. 

The ruins of Hyder Ali’s and Tipu sultan’s capital, from which they ruled much of Southern India during the 18th century.  The dungeon where Tipu held a number of British officers has been preserved.  Inside the fortress walls there’s a mosque and the Sri Ranganathsway Temple  

Mysore, once the capital of the Wodeyar kingdom is a city of fine gardens, tree-lined boulevards, art galleries and an intriguing palace. 

Afternoon visit Maharaja’s palace built in 1911-1912. The palace harmoniously synthesizes the Hindu and the Saracenic styles of architecture with archways, domes, turrets, colonnades and sculptures, which are truly magnificent .  

Evening visit the devaraja fruit & Vegetable market. Devaraja market  is an apt place to get a flavor of the local people’s . With more than 100 years of history, this market is well knitted into the heritage of Mysore. This is a good sample of a traditional Indian market place that is colourful, noisy, vibrant and a tad chaotic. 

Overnight at Mysore

From Mysore to Kabini

After breakfast ,  proceed to Kabini (90 km,02 hrs) . 

The legend and romance of Kabini plays out in a theatre called Nagarhole, and revolves around a pristine river called Kabini (originally Kapila) that snakes its way through the Nagarhole National Park in Karnataka, and forms an aqueous boundary with the Bandipur National park.Together, this area constitutes the largest contiguous forest cover in this part of the world and is part of the Nilgiri biosphere, the largest in Asia, and home to the largest concentration of herbivores in Asia. And herbivores don't get larger than the Asiatic elephant, whose favourite playground this is. At Nagarhole, one can witness the largest congregation of Asiatic Elephants in the world, and these majestic mammals rule the roost here.

Evening proceed for a Jungle Safari. During the safari, which lasts for two hours the visitor has a good opportunity to sight the herbivores. Sightings of the predators are less frequent, but improve considerably during the summer.

Overnight at Kabini

At Kabini – Jungle Safari

Early morning proceed for a Jungle Safari in Jeep.  

Rest of the day, free at the resort or engage in activities offered by the resort

Overnight at Kabini

From Kabini to Hassan via Belur & Halebid

Morning drive to Hassan ( 160 km,3.5 hrs) en-route visit of Berlur & Halebid

The temple in Belur is dedicated to Lord Chennakesava and the construction commenced in 1116 A.D. and took 103 years to complete. The Hoysaleswara temple in Halebid has two shrines dedicated to LordShiva – Hoysaleswara and Shanteleswara. The open air museum in the temple premises displays treasured articles of sculpture. 

Over night at Hassan

From Hassan to Hospet

After breakfast, proceed to Hospet. (07 hrs)

Hospet is the gateway town to the Hampi ruins. 

Over night at Hospet.

Hampi visits

After breakfast , proceed for a full visit of Hampi (18 kms)

The splendid remains of the magnificent palaces, gateways and creativity of architects silently narrate the story of the prosperous kingdom of the 14th century, and the destruction it was inflicted with by the Moghuls. Nestled between granite ridges and with the Tungabhadra river flowing in full force on one side, Hampi, the erstwhile capital of the Vijayanagara empire, has now been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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 lies scattered in about 26 sq. km area, amidst giant boulders and vegetation. Protected by the tempestuous river Tungabhadra in the north and rocky granite ridges on the other three sides, the ruins silently narrate the story of grandeur splendor and fabulous wealth.   

Over night at Hospet.

From Hospet to Badami

Morning ,  drive to Badami (165 kms) en-route  visit Aihole and Pattadackal                                                                                                                                         

Aihole , this temple city is famous as the 'Cradle of Indian Temple Architecture'. 
Aihole has over 125 temples, all intricately carved and rich in detail. The oldest temple here, is perhaps the 5th century Lad Khan Temple. 

Pattadackal , a World Heritage site of early Chalukyan architecture.   These temples are built in the seventh and eighth centuries.  
      
Overnight at Badami

From Badami to Hubli & Flight to Bangalore

Mid morning check out and visit Badami caves and later drive to Hubli (105 kms,2.5 hrs ) to connect flight to Bangalore at 1725 hrs. Arrive Bangalore 1845 hrs. Met on arrival and transfer to nearby hotel (30 mts) . 

Overnight at Bangalore.

Departure from Bangalore

In time transfer to Bangalore airport to connect flight back home.