India – Karnataka Heritage Tour

Today, drive further to Bijapur known as Vijayapura, The city is known for its historical monuments of architectural wonders built during the the Adil Shahi dynasty. Here, you visit Gol Gumbaz. The size of the central dome of Gol Gumbaz is the second to the dome of St Peter’s Basilica of Rome. It stands unsupported by any pillars. It serves as the crypt of Sultan, the King Mohammed Adil Shah. Also, visit Ibrahim Roza, a palatial Mosque and considered as one of the supreme exemple of Islamic architecture.

Arrive at Badami formerly known as Vatapi, was the royal capital of the Chalukyas between AD 540 to 757. It is renowned for its rock-cut structural temples. Here you visit the superb Badami Caves Complex. This complex includes four olden rock-cut cave temples. These temples are examples of Hindu Temple architecture of the Deccan period. Your next halts are at Badami Fort and Bhutanatha temples. Badami Fort is a wonderful archaeological location, which is situated on the top of a hill. The Bhutanatha temples are sandstone temples. These temples are dedicated to the Deity Bhutanatha. The architecture of the temples is a unification of different architecture of different periods.

Take a full day Village Settlement tour of Hebbaili Village, Known for 101 wells and 101 shrines with different styles of architecture. These wells and temples stand mute testimony to the enchanting history of the eleventh century and the traditional lifestyle of a bygone era. In the evening return to Badami.

After breakfast leave for an excursion trip to Pattadakal. This UNESCO world heritage site is situated on the banks of the River Malaprabha. It represents the 7th and 8th century’s Hindu and Jain temples. Pattadakal’s Chalukyan architecture is the mark of prosperity and wealth. The next stop shall be at Aihole, recognized as ‘the cradle of the Indian Architecture’. It displays various ancient as well as medieval era’s Hindu, Buddhist and Jain monuments. Dinner and night stay at Badami.

After an early breakfast, Proceed to Hampi – a UNESCO world heritage site. It is the perfect place to see the Hindu architecture. Hampi was the capital of the great Vijayanagara Dynasty. Currently a ruined city of Hampi, holds over 1,600 existing remains of forts, royal complexes, temples, pillared great halls, water infrastructures and more belonging to ancient Hindu Dynasty. Hampi is the most popular place on the Karnataka tourist circuit. Dinner and night stay at Hampi.

Take a full day to explore Hampi. Dinner and night stay at Hampi. Virupaksha, a temple two major architectural influences: North Indian Nagra style and Dravidian Vimana Shaili. It is said that this temple was influenced by none other than the Kailash Parvat which is considered to be the home of Lord Shiva. See the remains of a huge fortified complex of Kings Palace. The figures of horses, elephants and dancers are engraved on the floors. This shows the complex could be an enclosure for the parade of royal pomps or military.
The evidence of underground temple and aquatic structures proves that it could be the seat of an ancient royalty. Also, the visit is the Mahanavami Dibba, the tallest structure in this area and is the first thing you notice when you enter this Royal compels. You will some other very important sites like Queens Bath – historic bathing chamber, Lotus Mahal… It is one of the fine architectural design with a lotus look. This glorious building is within the Zenana Enclosure, an isolated area used by the royal women of the Vijayanagara Empire, Elephant Stables, the impressive structure used as a shelter for the royal elephants. It is one of the structures that have not suffered extensive damage during the Mughal attack on Hampi. This ancient stable is a major attraction among tourists even today.

After breakfast, leave for a day excursion of Anegundi, previously called Kishkindha. At Anegundi there is prehistoric settlement called Onake Kindi. The boulders with rock art, a rock with some red and white markings had figures of human and bull. It is older than Hampi and situated on the northern bank of the Tungabhadra River. Here we visit Vijaya Vittala Temple, renowned for its extraordinary architecture and matchless craftsmanship. The iconic temple has astounding stone structures such as the unmatched stone chariot and the fascinating musical pillars. This village is also famous for historical sites like the Anegundi Palace and Anegundi Fort.

After breakfast rest of the day is at your disposal to spend as you wish.

Today, after breakfast drive to Mysore, the capital of the Kingdom from 1399 to 1947. Mysore Palace was seat of the ruling Wodeyar dynasty & is located a the centre. This iconic palace blends Hindu, Islamic, Gothic and Rajput style of Architecture. Mysore is also known for centuries-old Devaraja Market, filled with spices, silk and sandalwood. Before entering Mysore, you visit Annigeri, a small town. It is famous because of Amruteshwara Temple  and also the birth place of Adikavi Pampa, the renowned Kannada poet.
Amruteshwara Temple, is constructed in typical Western Chalukya style and dated 1050 CE. It’s a first temple Built of the Western Chalukyas built in black soapstone. Professor Adam Hardy, an architect and architectural historian puts the temple to the Lakkundi school and mark it as the forerunner of the Mahadeva temple at Ittagi.
The temple was largely patronized and extended during the Hoysala rule.
On arrival in Mysore, check into the hotel. In the evening you can take enjoyable stroll in Devraja Market. Overnight stay at Mysore.

Today, after breakfast drive to guided tour of Mysore. First halt will be at Chamundi Hills to view a huge Nandi Bull, carved out of a single rock. Temple of diety Chamundeshwari, on the top of the hills is also worth visiting. Next halt will be at the Mysore Palace, one of the most marvelous palaces in India. Mysore Palace is the seat of the Kingdom of Mysore and the authorized home of the Wadiyar dynasty. Mysore Zoo – one of the oldest and most famous zoos in India and home to a wide range of species, Dinner and night stay at Mysore.

Today, after breakfast you leave for a guided tour of Somanathpura Chennakesava Temple, also referred to as Chennakeshava Temple, Keshava Temple, consecrated in 1258 CE by Somanatha Dandanayaka, a general of the Hoysala King Narasimha III. It is one of the finest exemplary of Hoysala Architecture. Later visit the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, One of the country’s most famous bird sanctuaries. It is 40 acres in area and the largest bird sanctuary in the state.
It is home to over 200 species of birds. Many of them — white storks, northern shovellers, wagtails and warblers — are migrants from as far as Central Asia, Siberia and the Himalayas. It includes six islets on the banks of the Kaveri river. Your todays tour gets concluded after a visit to The famous Brindavan Gardens. Overnight stay at Mysore.

Today, after breakfast drive to Hassan, situated 980 m above sea level. It is named after the Hasanamba temple. En-route we halt at Shravanabelagola, one of the prominent Jain pilgrim centers in India & It is said that the Great Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of Maurya Dynasty, had departed in this town in 298 BC. It was the time, when he turned into a Jain monk and implicated an ascetic lifestyle. Dinner and night stay at Hassan.

Today, after breakfast, start your guided tour of Halebid and Belur. Halebid was the regal capital of the Empire of Hoysala during the 12th century. The city is accredited for its temple complexes such as Hoysaleshwara temple and Kedareshwara temple. And your next stop Belur is well-known for its Chennakeshava Temple, one of the premium exemplars of Hoysala artistry that is still active. After watching these manmade intricate sculptures, you start your return journey to hotel in Hassan for overnight stay.

Today, after breakfast drive to Chikmangalur is a hill station in Karnataka, a state in southwest India. To the north is Baba Budangiri, a mountain range in the Western Ghats, with 3 large caves said to be holy. Trails through forests and grasslands lead up to Mullayanagiri Peak. The cascading Hebbe Falls lie in an area of coffee plantations. The forested Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, northwest of Chikmagalur, is home to elephants, tigers and leopards. en-route visit Sri Veeranarayana Swamy Temple…
This ornate trikuta (three shrined) temple from 1200 CE was built by Hoysala Empire King Veera Ballala II. The material used is Soapstone. Each of the three monuments has a tower on top of shrine and is one of the largest temples built by the Hoysala kings. While the famous temples at Belur and Halebidu are known for their intricate sculptures, this temple is known for its architecture. On arrival check into your hillstation. Rest of the evening is to relax and unwind. Overnight stay at Chickmaglur.

After breakfast leave for Angadi Historians have identified Angadi as Sasakapura or Sosevur, the original home of Hoyasalas who held sway in vast swathes of South India. The shrine here has pillars of granite with cylindrical shafts and hemi spherical mouldings. Belavadi the pilgrimage of Belavadi is dotted with a number of ancient temples and shrines. Coffee Plantations, Sringeri & Hornadu Temple. Overnight stay in Chikmagalur.

After breakfast leave for Kemangudi Trek. Kemmannugundi, hill station situated at an altitude of 1434 meters from the sea level & was the summer retreat of Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV. As a mark of reverence to the king, it is also known as Sri Krishnarajendra Hill Station. Later Visit Baba Budan Giri for a breath taking view of the green carpet mountain fields and the blue valley. It is really a very peaceful and soul soothing experience. This place is also know for its shrine of Sufi saint Baba Budan, a pilgrimage place for both Hindus and Muslims. Overnight stay in Chikmagalur.

After breakfast, check out & proceed to Udupi. A coastal city in the southwest of Karnataka. It’s known for its 13th-century Sri Krishna Temple, which houses a statue of Lord Krishna, which attracts many pilgrims. The Corporation Bank Heritage Museum features coins dating from 400 BC, plus stamps and displays about India’s banking industry. En-route you visit the place of great importance – Sringeri Sharada Peetham.
It is one amongst the four cardinal pīthams established by the 8th century philosopher-saint Śrī Ādi Śaṅkara to preserve and propagate Sanātana Dharma and Advaita Vedānta, the doctrine of non-dualism. Later proceed to Udupi. On arrival visit Shrikrishna Temple, dedicated to god Krishna. In the evening enjoy watching sunset over Malpe Beach. Overnight at Udupi / Malpe.

After leisurely breakfast, leave for Murdeshwar. Lying on the coast, this town has world’s the second tallest Shiva statue. The place is named Murudeshwara, as the God Shiva is also called Murdeshwar. This temple is a good illustration of the architecture of the Kings of Vijayanagar & attracts tourists from all over the world. Arrival in Murdeshwar check in & overnight stay. Evening is for the leisurely stroll on Murdeshwar Beach. Overnight at Murdeshwar.

After breakfast, we leave for leisurely tour of neibourhood. First halt will be at Idagunji Katri village, to pay visit to  Shree Vinayaka Devaru, a temple dedicated to God Ganesha. It is one of the six renowned Ganesha temples on the west Coast of India & is also popularly called the “Ganesha Coast”. Later return to Murudeshwara. Post lunch you will get some good time for rest. In the evening, enjoy a enchanting view of the sun set from Baindur.Overnight stay at Murdeshwara.

After breakfast we proceed to Mangalore. On arrival chck into the hotel after freshnup you can visit Dharmasthala Temple and Subhramanya temple. These are very fmous landmarks of the place. The Catholic sites Milagres Church, dating 17th century and St. Aloysious Chapel, landscapes interior paintings. You can conclude your days tour with a visit to Tannirbhavi Beach, which is famous for some cool sunset views.

After leisurely breakfast, It’s time now to say goodbye! You will be dropped at Mangalore Railway/ Airport.