HERITAGE & CULTURE OF KARNATAKA WITH GOA TOUR

Day 01: Arrive Bangalore

Day 02: Bangalore

Day 03: Bangalore – Srirangapatna – Mysore (150 Kms / 2.5 hrs)

Day 04: Mysore / Somnathpur/ Mysore

Day 05: Mysore – Bandipur National Park (75 Kms / 1.5 hrs)

Day 06: Bandipur – Coorg (145 Kms / 3.5 hrs)

Day 07: Coorg

Day 08: Coorg – Hassan (185 Kms / 4.5hrs)

Day 09: Hassan / Belur & Halebid / Hassan

Day 10: Hassan – Chitradurga Fort – Hampi (345 Kms / 7.5 hrs)

Day 11: Hampi / Hospet / Hampi

Day 12: Hampi - Badami (185 Kms / 4.5 hrs)

Day 13: Badami – Goa (235 Kms/ 5.5 Hrs)

Day 14: Goa

Day 15: Goa / Departure 

Day 01: Arrive Bangalore

Morning arrive at Bangalore international airport.

Bangalore - The Garden City of India - Bangalore (Officially - Bangalore) is the capital of the State of Karnataka in South India. The city boasts of the highest concentration of IT companies in the country and is also referred to as "The Silicon Valley of India". There are a number of places in Bangalore that are worth visiting, including gardens, museums, palaces, temples.

On arrival meeting, assistance at airport by our representative and transfer to hotel. Where our executive will explain the travel plan in detail and hand over the essential documents (Tour programme, hotel’s vouchers, feedback report etc) to you. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 02: Bangalore

After breakfast & checkout from the hotel visit Fort & palace - This summer palace has been constructed largely of wood and is famous for its carving and paintings. Lal Bagh -This botanical gardens has over 1000 species of flora. The Glass House is the center of attraction in this 2400-acre park. Vidhana Soudha -This is perfect amalgamation of traditional neo-Dravidian and modern styles. It is the home of the State Legislature and the Secretariat. Nandi Temple - The Bull Temple in Bangalore, also known as Nandi Temple, is famous for its large statue of the sacred bull, Nandi. In fact, with a height of around 4.6 metres and a length of about 6.1 metres, the idol of Nandi in this temple is said to be one of the biggest in the world. This unique feature attracts many devotees and tourists to the place.

 

Evening free for leisure activities. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 03: Bangalore – Srirangapatna – Mysore (150 Kms / 2.5 hrs)

After breakfast & checkout from the hotel drive to Mysore

 

En route visit Srirangapatna. Srirangapatna - Practically an island formed by two branches of Cauvery River. The remains of the fort, Rangaswamy temple, Ruins of Tippu’s place where Tippu’s body was found etc. Later continue drive to Mysore. On arrival visitWorld Famous Terrace Gardens (Garden open till 2000 hrs)

 

Mysore - the city of palaces, is a popular travel destination in South India. Also called Mysooroo, the city was earlier the capital of the Wodeyar rulers. The Wodeyar rulers were great patrons of art and culture, which you can see in the rich heritage of the city.

 

In addition to its numerous attractions, the Mysore city is also known for sandalwood products and the Dasara festival (Navaratri) held every year. The Mysore Dasara is famous far and wide and attracts people from all parts. The name Mysore is said to have been derived from Mahishuru, which in turn has come from Mahisha. According to legends, the area around the Mysore city was once under the demon king Mahishasura, who was defeated and killed by goddess Chamundeshwari.

 

Later check in at the hotel. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 04: Mysore – ENJOY EXCURSION TOUR TO SOMNATHPUR

After breakfast at hotel visit Mysore Palace –Built in the Indo – Saracenic Style with domes, turrets, arches and colonnades, the palace in-spite of housing the Royal Family.

 

Chamundi Hills – A symbol of victory of Good over Evil is a 335 meter landmark with 1000 steps. Half way up along the stone steps is Nandi, a majestic 4.8 mts monolith.

 

Later enjoy excursion tour to: Somnathpur is well known for the breathtaking Prasanna Chennakesava Temple, one of the three famous & finest representations of Hoysala architecture. This is one of the three Hoysala temples nominated for UNESCO World Heritage Site status. This is one of the popular tourist places to visit. The Hoysala temples are known for minute & intricate carvings and sculptures with metal like polishing. It is one of the well known Karnataka tourist places.Later return back to Mysore. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 05: Mysore – Bandipur (75 Kms / 1.5 hrs)

After breakfast & checkout from the hotel drive to Bandipur

 

Bandipur National Park - is regarded as one of the most beautiful and the better-managed national parks of India. Bandipur National Park covers an area of about 874.2 sq km. Together with Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala and Nagarhole National Park in the North, it creates the India's biggest biosphere reserve popularly known as the 'Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve'. The Bandipur National Park occupies a special place in India's efforts towards Eco-conservation.

 

On arrival, check in at Jungle Resort.Later in the evening around 1500 hrs enjoy Jungle safari to explore wild life inside the park. Overnight at resort.

 

Day 06: Bandipur – Coorg (145 Kms / 3.5 hrs)

Morning enjoy safari to explore wildlife inside the park.

 

Later after breakfast & checkout from hotel drive to Coorg. Coorg - officially known as Kodagu, is the most affluent hill station in Karnataka. It is well known for its breathtakingly exotic scenery and lush greenery. Forest covered hills, spice and coffee plantations only add to the landscape. Madikeri is the region's centre point with all transportation for getting around starting from here. On a visit to Coorg, cover the beautiful towns like Virajpet, Kushalnagar, Gonikoppal, Pollibetta, and Somwarpet, and experience the beautiful concept of "homestays" to make your experience more memorable!

 

On arrival, check in at Hotel. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 07: Coorg

Morning breakfast at hotel. Rest of the day free to explore Coffee and spice plantations. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 08: Coorg – Hassan (185 Kms / 4.5hrs)

After breakfast & checkout from hotel drive to visit Shravanabelagola - a prominent centre for Jain art, architecture, religion and culture for over two millennia. About two thousand years ago, Bhagawan Bhadrabahu, the earliest among the great Jain Acharyas came to Shravanabelagola from Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, with his disciples. Influenced by this ascetic, Chandragupta Maurya, the great emperor who ruled a large part of India, settled in this region, handing over the reins of his kingdom to his son.

 

Later drive to Hassan. Hassan - one of the important south-western parts of Karnataka in India. The district has had an eventful and rich history. In the past, it reached the height of its glory during the rule of the Hoysalas who had their capital at Dwarasamudra, the modern Halebeed in Belur Taluk.

 

The district, noted for its enchanting natural scenic beauty is also a veritable treasure-house of Hoysala architecture and sculpture, the best specimens of which are at Belur and Halebeed. Shravanabelagola, in Channarayapatna taluk, which is studded with Jain monuments, is a renowned center of pilgrimage for the Jains.

 

On arrival, check-in at hotel. Rest of the day free. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 09: Hassan - ENJOY TRIP TO BELUR & HALEBID

After breakfast at hotel drive to visit Halebid (Halebeed) &Belur.

 

Belur, situated on the banks of river Yagachi, 38 km from Hassan, is a world famous tourist destination. Belur was the erstwhile capital of the Hoysalas and referred to as Velapur, The town is renowned for its Chennakeshava temple, one of the finest examples of Hoysala workmanship.

Halebidu temple is another great example of temple architecture the twin temples of Hoysaleshwara, Kedareshwara built by Vishnuvardhana and Ballala-II at Halabeed. Sequences from Ramayana, Mahabharatha&Bhagavatha are depicted on the outer walls of these temples.

Later back at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 10: Hassan – Chitradurga Fort – Hampi (345 Kms / 7.5 hrs)

After breakfast &checkout from the hotel drive to Hampi.

 

Enroute visit Chitradurga - The charming town of Chitradurga is a must visit for the tourists going to Hampi. The hill and fort town of Chitradurga is often referred to as KallinaKote or the Place of Stones. The bold rocky hills and picturesque valleys with huge towering boulders offer nature at its best at Chitradurga. The Palegars, Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan built the famous fort of Chitradurga.

 

Later continue drive to Hampi. Hampi - The former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, Hampi remains an essential religious hub, housing the Virupaksha, Lakshmi Narasimha, Hemakuta Hill, Big Shivlinga and Vithala temples. The architectural ruins of Hampi are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rock-climbing enthusiasts will adore Hampi, considered the bouldering capital of India, and the city’s rocky landscape, dotted with ancient temple ruins, makes for a unique climbing experience.

 

On arrival, check-in at hotel. Rest of the day free for leisure activities. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 11: Hampi - EXCURSION TOUR TO HOSPET

After breakfast at hotel enjoy local city tour. Hampi is the site of the ruins of the medieval Vijayanagar Empire and happens to be a World Heritage Center.

 

Later enjoy excursion tour to Hospet. Hospet was built in 1520 AD by Krishna Deva Raya, one of the rulers of Vijayanagara. The City is the gateway to Hampi. Originally named Nagalapura; however, people referred to the city as Hosa Pete, which meant "New City". The area between Hampi and Hospet is still called Nagalapura. On arrvailvisit Hemakuta Hill Temples, Monkey Temple, (Hanuman Temple), Vijaya Vittala Temple, Virupaksha Temple.

 

Later back to hotel. Evening free for leisure activities. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 12: Hampi - Badami (185 Kms / 4.5 hrs)

After an early breakfast at hotel drive to visit….

 

Aihole– The Erstwhile Capital of Chalukya Dynasty - a city with a rich and illustrious history. It has great cultural significance as the cradle of Hindu temple architecture, and has more than 125 temples in and around it. Aihole is an archaeologists’ delight with several temples dating back to Chalukyan times. Excavation and investigation into the history of Aihole continues and several thousand tourists seek out the serene and spiritual ambiance of this city every year.

 

Pattadakal, represents the high point of an eclectic art which, in the 7th and 8th centuries under the Chalukya dynasty, achieved a harmonious blend of architectural forms from northern and southern India. An impressive series of nine Hindu temples, as well as a Jain sanctuary, can be seen there. One masterpiece from the group stands out – the Temple of Virupaksha, built c. 740 by Queen Lokamahadevi to commemorate her husband's victory over the kings from the South.

 

Later continue your drive towards Badami. Badami is an ancient town located in northern Karnataka in the Bagalkot district. This town, known as Vatapi, was the capital of the Chalukya dynasty from the 6th to the 8th centuries. On arrival, check-in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 13: Badami – Goa (235 Kms/ 5.5 Hrs)

After breakfast & checkout from the hotel, drive to Goa. Goa - Variously known as "Pearl of the Orient" and a "Tourist Paradise", the state of Goa is located on the western coast of India in the coastal belt known as Konkan. The magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendors of its temples, churches and old houses have made Goa a firm favorite with travelers around the world.

 

On arrival, meeting assistance at airport by our local representative and transfer to hotel. Rest of the day free to relax at hotel / beach. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 14: Goa

After breakfast at hotel enjoy full day City tour of North & South Goa

 

Goa - renowned for its beaches, places of worship and world heritage architecture. Visit beautiful temples and churches, a lush spice farm, and learn about the region's history from Portuguese administration to the present day.

 

After picking you up up from your hotel, our day will begin with a visit to Shree Manguesh. This famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is located on a hillock surrounded by lush green hills.
From there, the Shree Mahalsa is just a short distance away. This temple is a place of worship of one of the manifestations of the god Vishnu. Afterwards, we will visit the Sahakari Spice Farm, found in beautiful lush green surroundings.

 

Then, we will continue to the Basilica of Bom Jesus. Built in the 16th century, this magnificent building is the most popular and famous of all the churches in Goa. The mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, kept in a silver casket, are enshrined here. The casket was wrought by Goan silversmiths in 1636-37. Dedicated to Infant Jesus, this church is now a World Heritage Monument.
From there, we will head to the Se Cathedral. The most imposing of all the churches at Old Goa, its vaulted interior overwhelms visitors with its sheer grandeur. This Cathedral has five bells, among them the famous Golden bell, the biggest in Goa and one of the best in the world. This church is dedicated to St.Catherine of Alexandria.

Finally, we will pay a visit to the Church of St.Francis of Assissi. The entrance and the choir were built in the Manueline style, the only fragment of its kind in the East. First built in 1517, it was later rebuilt twice, in 1521 and in 1661. The interior is illustrated with exquisite paintings and the floor has a large number of tombstones with coats-of-arms. The adjacent convent now houses the Archaeological Museum.Rest of the day free to explore local markets at your own. Overnight at hotel.

 

Day 15: Goa / Departure

Morning breakfast at hotel. Rest of the day free to explore at your own.

 

Later in time transfer to Goa international airport to board your homebound flight with the happy memory of our incredible nation.