01 Day: Arrival Bangalore
Meeting and assistance on arrival at the International airport, our representative welcomes and escorts you by a private car and transfer to the hotel, whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our representative would introduce the tour to you and hand over the documents to you.
Bangalore: Capital of Karnataka State, Bangalore is famous as the city of gardens. It is one of the most attractive cities in India with its beautiful parks avenues and impressive buildings. Bangalore is renowned as much for its industrial plants as for its silk saris, and for the sprawling Cubbon Park, which lies at the heart of the city, as also its prestigious race course. It is now part of the great Silicone Valley, is a beautiful city filled with the tranquillity of its greenery. The Lalbagh garden is particularly beautiful and well laid out. It has one of the largest collections of exotic Indian Tropical and Sub-tropical vegetation, Lakes and Lotus-filled pools. Cubbon park, Bull temple, Mysore arts & crafts centre are worth visiting.
02 Day: Bangalore
After breakfast take a sightseeing tour of the city visiting Lal Baugh - One of the many gardens in the city; it derives its name from the profusion of Red roses which are in bloom here, Cubbon Park - a garden laid down by Lord Cubbon in 1864. The ambience of the city life is broken with presence of such a large park in the center of the city. The Bull Temple - The 4.57 m high and 6.10 meters long image is carved out of single granite rock, Bangalore Palace - Built in the Tudor style and inspired by the Windsor palace, Vidhan Soudha - the Vidhan Soudha houses the state legislative assembly of state government, Tipu’s Palace - The summer palace of Tipu Sultan later followed by visit to Sri Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple - The temple is natural monolith carved cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. In the evening you can visit Ulsoor Lake. Overnight at the hotel.
03 Day: Bangalore - Puttaparthi (Excursion 120 kms: 2 ˝ hrs)
After breakfast, take an excursion tour visiting Puttaparthi, Day free to spend the time in the Puttaparthi. Visit at Sai Baba's Ashram at Puttaparthi is called Prashanti Nilayam. Prashanti Nilayam means "the abode of Highest Peace". This is a very big ashram with the capacity to house thousands. Here we will give you an overview of visiting Sai Baba, and some important information to get you well prepared! After visit return to Bangalore in the evening. Overnight stat at Bangalore.
Puttaparthi: 120 kms away from Bangalore. A small village in Ananthapur district of Andhra Pradesh, Puttaparthi. And the person responsible for it is "Bhagawan Sri Satya Sai Baba" considered as a loving God by millions. Prasanthi Nilayam (Adobe of peace) is an imposing edifice at Puttaparthi built by the devotees in reverence to the living God at his birthplace. People seeing peace of mind and solace make a beeline to this village from all over the world.
04 Day: Bangalore – Mysore (140 Kms: 3 ˝ hrs)
After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Mysore. En route visit the Srirangapatnam (20 kms from Mysore) to visit Fort and Sri Ranganathaswami Temple. After visit proceed to Mysore. On arrival transfer to the hotel. After lunch visit the flower and sandal wood market, handicraft museum. In the evening visit to Brindavan gardens & spectacular musical fountains. Overnight at the hotel.
Mysore, the capital city of the Wodeyars has always enchanted its admirers with its quaint charm, rich heritage, magnificent palaces, beautifully laid-out gardens, imposing buildings, broad shady avenues and sacred temples. Mysore races its history back to the mythical past,when Goddess Chamundeshwari of Chamundi Hills killed the wicked buffalo-headed demon, Mahishasura. Mysore Dasara is the celebration of this victory of good over evil. Mysore also has associations with the Mahabharata and King Ashoka of the 3rd century B.C. During the Wodeyar rule Mysore reached the Zenith of its glory as a fabled centre of oriental splendor.
05 Day: Mysore
After breakfast take a sightseeing tour of Mysore; the Sandalwood and Incense Capital of the World & some of India's finest Crafts, such as Printed Silk, Inlaid, Furniture and Ivory Carvings are also found here. Also known as the city of Palaces, Mysore retains a quaint charm that never fails to enchant. Later visit the Palace of the Maharaja (Emperor) built in 1911 - 1912. The palace is of harmonious syntheses of the Hindu and saracenic styles of architecture with archways, domes, turrets, colonnades and sculptures which are magnificent followed by visit at St. Philomenas cathedral - folklore museum - visit the Art Gallery; drive up to Chamundi hill to see Chamundeshwari Temple and a panoramic view of Mysore. On the way back, see the Nandi Bull. Overnight at the hotel.
06 Day: Mysore – Halebid – Belur – Hassan (170 kms: 4 hrs)
After breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Hassan en route through picturesque hilly landscape and en route stopover in Halebid, which is the ancient capital of Hoysala Empire. In Halebid we visit the Hoysalesvara Temple of 12th century where we see half-life size statues of Hindu deities, with minute details of each, all around the temple. After the visit in Halebid we proceed to Belur. At Belur we visit the group of Chennakesava Temples, which are famous for its architecture and sculptures. After visit drive to Hassan for overnight stay.
Halebid is 27 kms northwest of Hassan and 17 kms east of Belur. The temples of Halebid - like those of Belur - bear mute testimony to the rich, cultural heritage of Karnataka. The Hoysaleshwara Temple, dating back to the 21st century, is astounding for its wealth of sculpture details. The walls of the temple are covered with an endless variety of Gods and Goddesses, animals, birds and dancing girls. Yet no two facets of the temple are the same. This magnificent temple - guarded by a Nandi Bull - was never completed despite 86 years of labour. The Jain basdis nearby are equally rich in sculpture detail.
Belur, this quaint hamlet - 38 kms from Hassan - is located on the banks of the river Yagachi. It was once capital of the Hoysala Empire, today made unforgettable for its exquisite temples. The Shennakeshava temple is one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture. It took 103 years to complete this architectural marvel. The facade of the temple is filled with intricate sculptures and frescos, with no portion left blank. Elephants, episodes from the epics, sensuous dancers.. they are all there - awe-inspiring in their intricate workmanship. Hand-lathe-turned filigreed pillars support the temple. The Veeranarayana Temple and the smaller shrines are worth a visit.
Hassan is a convenient base to visit Shravanabelagola, Belur and Halebid. The District Museum here has a collection of sculpture, paintings, weapons, coins and inscriptions. The temples of Halebid - like those of Belur - bear mute testimony to the rich cultural heritage of Karnataka. The Hoysaleshwara Temple, dating back to the 12th century is astounding because of its wealth of sculptural details. The walls of the temple are covered with an endless variety of gods and goddesses, animals, birds and dancing girls. Yet no two facets of the temple are .
07 Day: Hassan – Udupi (250 kms: 5 hrs)
Morning after a leisurely breakfast checkout from the hotel and drive to Udupi. On arrival check in to the hotel. Later the day is free for leisure and relaxation. Today you can visit the local souvenir markets and nearby temple. Also you can opt to visit the local restaurant to enjoy the famous cuisines of Udupi “Masala Dosa” kind of dish prepared from Vegetables and wrapped in specially prepared very thin rice bread which is o be eaten with a curry name Sambar. In the evening drive towards Malpe, about 6 kms from Udupi. St. Mary's island another delightful get away spot right across Malpe is only a boat ride away. Over night stay at Udupi.
Udupi an important coastal town in Karnataka India is located 381 kms from the capital Bangalore. The urban focus of Udupi is an open square surrounded by temples and mutts. Udupi is the birth place of the 12th century saint Madhava, who set up eight sanyasi mutts in the town and is one of Karnataka's most important south Indian pilgrimage sites. Udupi is also known for its delicious cuisine. Udupi is also known as Shivali - or Shiva belli. According to a legend it is said that, Parasurama for reclaiming land from the sea, crowned his devotee Ramabhoja as a ruler. Ramabhoja created a silver peetham with a snake carved on it, installed Parasurama in the linga swaroopam and worshipped him as Ananteswara. The main attraction of this temple is the 'Kanakana kindi'- a small window through which Krishna is believed to have given darshan to his devotee, Kanakadasa, a saint-ministrel. The colorful Paryaya festival at Udupi beckons thousands of devotees from all over the country. The Balakrishna temple at Udupi enshrines an image of Krishna believed to have been made by the divine architect Viswakarma. The main festival of Udupi is Makara Sankranti, which comes in the month of Makara. On this occasion a grand chariot festival is celebrated where people carry images of Krishna, Chandamouleeswara and Ananteshwara in procession. This seven-day festival involves a float festival, and another chariot festival the Brahma Rathotsavam is celebrated on the 7th day, when the Aaraattu is carried out in the Madhva Sarovar tank. Krishna Janmashtami is also celebrated with great splendor here.
08 Day: Udupi – Chitradurga (325 kms: 7 hrs)
After breakfast take a city sightseeing tour visiting Ananteswara temple, the main attraction of this temple is the 'Kanakana kindi'- a small window through which Krishna is believed to have given darshan to his devotee, Kanakadasa, a saint-minstrel. Also visit the Balakrishna temple which enshrines an image of Krishna believed to have been made by the divine architect Viswakarma. If time permits visit at Manipal, 3 kms from Udupi, which is a centre of modern learning with well known medical and engineering colleges. MGM college here has an institute of Yakshgana a unique dance drama indigenous to the two districts. After visit drive to Chitradurga, later drive to Sringeri 86 kms from Udupi, on arrival take a sightseeing of the Sringeri temple. Later continue to drive to Chitradurga on arrival transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.
Chitradurga is an administrative district of Karnataka state in southern India. The city of Chitradurga is the district headquarters. Chitradurga gets its name from Chitrakaldurga, an umbrella-shaped lofty hill found there. Tradition dates Chitradurga District to the period of the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The whole district lies in the valley of the Vedavati River, with the Tungabhadra River flowing in the northwest. During the British times it was named Chitaldrug. The district was practically ruled by all the well known dynasties that ruled Karnataka.
Sringeri is one of the most celebrated pilgrimage centers in Karnataka, and is home to the Sarada Peetham established by the revered spiritual leader Aadi Sankaracharya. Sringeri is located amidst the Sahyadri hills in Chikmaglur district of Karnataka on the left bank of the river Tungabhadra. The nearest railhead is Birur on the Bangalore - Pune railroad. The nearest airport is at Mangalore (150 km). Bangalore is at a distance of 336 km from Sringeri. Near Sringeri, are the Sringagiri hills, said to be the birth place of Sage Rishyasringa.
09 Day: Chitradurga – Hospet (120 kms: 3 hrs)
After breakfast take sightseeing tour of Chitradurga Kote is only of its kind of fort. As it is built on top of Hill with Stones, Ashoka Siddapura is an important archeological site where emperor Ashoka's edits were found. Nearby is Ramagiri, a hillock that has mythical associations with the epic Ramayana. A temple dedicated to Rameshwara built in 926 CE exists here. Chandravalli is an ancient archeological site where painted pottery and coins from the Shatavahana empire and prehistoric times were discovered. After visit check out the hotel and drive to Hospet on arrival transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.
Hampi was once the glorious capital of mighty Vijayanagar Empire (1336-1565), from the Deccan Plateau to the tip of the Peninsula. Founded in the middle of the 14th century by two local princes, Hukka & Bukka, the Vijayanagara Empire came to be celebrated for its might and wealth and as a showpiece of imperial magnificence. The emperors of this dynasty were great patrons of art and architecture, which can still be seen in the vast ruins of Hampi. In an effort to resurrect this abandoned capital, the government has been involved in the restoration, excavation and protection of the ruins which spread over an area of 26 sq. kms. The terrain is dominated by rocky hills and the mighty Tungabhadra river which flows through this rugged landscape..
10 Day: Hospet - Hampi – Hospet (Excursion: 13 kms ˝ hrs)
Early morning trek up to sunrise point on Matanga Hill, which is to the east of Hampi ... It’s beautiful and not to be missed if you ever visit Hampi. Return to the hotel for breakfast later take an excursion to Hampi, Hampi the once beautiful capital city of Vijaynagar Empire was greater than Rome and had palaces; Hampi ruins spread over an area of more than 26 sq. kms. protected by the tempestuous river Tungabhadra in the north and by rocky granite ridges on the other three sides, visit at Some of the interesting ruins remaining Hazara Rama Temples, huge Ganesha & Narasimha images, the elephant stables, the queen's bath, and carvings on the Ramachandra Temple & Lotus Mahal. There are a number of temples in Anegondi, which is a fortified area on the northern side of Hampi Bazaar. A terrain such as this was excellent for a capital city that needed to be vigilant and spend a further day in the heart of the lost empire. Explore Hampi at your own pace. Its monuments- like its centuries- old patience & wisdom- most is savoured bit by bit. Overnight stay at the hotel.
11 Day: Hospet – Aihole and Pattadakal - Badami (190 kms: 5 hrs)
After breakfast drive to Badami enroute stopping at Aihole and Pattadakal. Aihole is the cradle of stone temple architecture of the southern Dravidian School. The oldest temple, Lad Khan goes back to the 5th century A.D. There are 70 temples in this group. The Durga temple is noted for its sculptures. The Meguti temple is built of 630 small stone blocks. The Ravanaphadi Cave has some beautiful carvings. Pattadakal, referred to as Petrigal, reached its pinnacle of glory under the Chalukya kings from 7th to 9th centuries. The oldest in this group is the Sanghameswara Temple. The Mallikarjuna Temple has pillars depicting life of Krishna. Virupaksha temple has sculptures and panel scenes from the epics, the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The Papanatha Temple has impressive carvings on pillars and ceiling. After sightseeing continue to drive to Badami on arrival transfer to the hotel for overnight stay at Badami.
Aihole, A tranquil village on the banks of the Malaprabha river, Aihole is acclaimed as the cradle of Hindu temple architecture. There are hundreds of temples in the villages and fields nearby. The most impressive one is the Durga Temple with its semicircular apse, elevated plinth, and the gallery encircling the sanctum. The Lad Khan Temple, which is one of the earliest temples, was originally a royal assembly hall and marriage mantapa chosen as the abode of a Muslim prince, Lad Khan. The Huchimalli Temple with a sculpture of Vishnu sitting atop a large cobra, the
Ravalphadi Cave Temple celebrating the many forms of Shiva, the Konti Temple
Complex, the Umamaheswari Temple, the Jain Meguti Temple, and the twostoried
Buddhist Temple are other sights worth seeing.
Pattadakal, with its beautifully chiselled temples, this World Heritage Site on the banks of the Malaprabha River bears testimony to the richness of Chalukyan architecture. Pattadakal reached its pinnacle of glory under the Chalukya kings and was once used as a ceremonial centre where kings were crowned and commemorated. It has a cluster of 10 major temples, each displaying interesting architectural features. At the entrance of the site, you can see the 8th century temples of Jambulinga, Kadasiddeshvara, and Galaganatha with their curvilinear shikaras or spires. The biggest temple, dedicated to Virupaksha, has a huge gateway, several inscriptions, and a profusion of friezes from the epics. Facing the temple is a pavilion containing a massive nandi. The Mallikarjuna Temple is similar in design to Virupaksha Temple, but smaller in size. The ornate Papanatha Temple is yet another impressive piece of architecture, with delicately chiselled ceilings and a 16-pillared main hall. The Sangameshwara Temple dating from the reign of King Vijayaditya (696–733 AD) is the earliest temple in this complex.
Badami: The capital of the early Chalukyas, Badami is picturesquely situated at the mouth of a ravine between two rocky hills. It has four rock-cut cave temples, the largest being the third cave dedicated to Vishnu. Overlooking the temples is a reservoir, its banks dotted with temples dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva. The Bhutanatha Temples and the Museum set up by the Archeological Survey of India, are the other attractions
12 Day: Badami
After breakfast take a sightseeing tour of Badami, visiting Gateways, Forts, inscriptions, Sculptures that seem to come alive under your eyes…. Badami has to be seen to be believed. Climb a flight of steps to reach the ancient caves - all hewn out o sand stone on the precipice of a hill. Three are four caves here. The first three belong to the Vedic faith and the fourth cave is the only Jain Temple in Badami. The first cave temple - past Shiva's door Keepers - and there he is the eighteen-armed Nataraj striking 81 dance poses. The largest and most ornamental is the third Cave temple dedicated to Vishnu. Here are some splendid carvings of the Hindu Pantheon, Narasimha - the half man and half lion avatar of Vishnu, Hari Hara, the composite god who is half Shiva a half - Vishnu. Return to the hotel for overnight.
13 Day: Badami – Gokarna (300 kms: 7 hrs)
After breakfast check out hotel and drive to Gokarna on arrival transfer to the hotel. Rest of the evening is free for leisure, optionally visit walk through somnolent one-street town consisting almost entirely of wooden houses. Overnight at the hotel.
Gokarna situated in coastal Karnataka is 453 kms from Bangalore and about 55 kms from Karwar, the District headquarters. It is described as a Shaiva Centre, as important as Kashi and Rameshwar. History has it that the Atmalinga brought by Ravana got struck here and his efforts to extricate it resulted in his throwing the coverings of the Linga to Dhareshwar, Gunavanteshwara, Murdeshwar and Shejjeshwar temples (the last places is very near Karwar). The Mahabaleshwara is one of the major temples here. The deity here is two-armed, standing, and atleast 1500 years' old. The Bhadrakali and Venkataramana temples, Kotiteertha tank etc., are other holy places here. Gokarna is also famous for its beautiful virgin beaches and breathtaking landscapes.
14 Day: Gokarna
Today morning after breakfast visit The Mahabaleshwara is one of the major temples here, Murdeshwar and Shejjeshwar temples ( near to Karwar), later visit to Kudle beach – a 1 km long stretch of white sand fringed by palm trees – is the nearest – just about 20 minutes' walk from Gokarna. Half an hour further from Kudle is the Om beach, so named because it's shaped like the auspicious ‘Om’ symbol. Gokarna's other beaches- Paradise and Half-Moon- are smaller and lesser known, but equally great for sunbathing and swimming. Later return to the hotel for overnight stay.
15 Day: Gokarna – Goa (170 kms: 4 hrs)
Morning after breakfast checkout and drive to Goa. On Arrival transfer to the beach resort. Later the day is free for leisure and beach activities. Overnight at the beach resort.
16 Day: Goa
After breakfast, the day free to enjoy the beaches and amenities available at the resort. You can take a sightseeing tour of Old Goa -10 km from Panjim, the basilica of Bom Jesus; the 16th century church dedicated to infant Jesus and enshrining the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier is one of the most important sight of Goa. The other Churches in the same area are St. Cathedral, with its vaulted interior, Church of our Lady of Rosary and Nunnery of St. Monica. The Aguada Fort built by the Portuguese commands the mouth of the Mondovi River and houses a lighthouse. And in the evening enjoy Cruise over Mondovi River. Overnight stay at hotel.
17 Day: Goa – Bangalore – Hometown (By Air)
After breakfast the day is free for leisure and relaxation. Later drive to the airport to board the scheduled flight for Bangalore. On arrival at the Bangalore airport board the connecting flight for hometown. Tour concludes here with happy memories.
