Heritage Tour of Karnataka

Our representative will pick up you from Bangalore and drive to Hampi. The city of Hampi, situated on the banks of Tungabhadra river in Bellary district, is an important historic and architectural site. Hampi is located within the ruins of Vijayanagara, the former capital of Vijayanagara empire and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hampi is known for its gorgeous architecture, preserved temples and monuments, palaces and market streets. The major attractions of Hampi include Virupaksha Temple, Hazara Rama Temple Complex, Krishna Temple Complex and the Vittala Temple Complex. On arrival at Hospet, check in to the hotel and time permits, at leisure or visit Tungabhadra dam built arcoss Tungabhadra River. Overnight stay in the hotel or resort.

After Breakfast, drive to Hampi for Sightseeing (Virupaksha Temple, Kadale Kalu Ganesha, Sasive Kalu Ganesha, Krishna Temple, Lakshmi Narasimha, Badavi Linga, Sister Stones, Underground Temple, Mint House, Lotus Mahal, Elephant Stables, Hazara Rama Temple, Palace Area, Mahanavami Dibba, Queen's Bath). After Lunch visit Vijaya Vittala Temple (Stone Chariot), King's Balance, Purandara Mantapa, Old Pillar Bridge and evening return to the hotel and overnight stay in the hotel

Morning after breakfast, check out the hotel drive to Kudalasangama, the Aikya Mantapa or the sacred Samādhi of Basavanna, the founder of the Lingayath faith along with Shiva Linga, which is believed to be self-born (Swayambhu), is here. Then proceed to visit Aihole, a popular tourist destination on the banks of Malaprabha river and well-known for Chalukyan architecture, with about 125 stone temples dating from 5th century CE. Aihole is acclaimed as the cradle of Hindu temple of architecture.

Then visit Pattadakal, a world heritage site, well known for bears testimony to the richness of Chalukyan Architecture. Worth visiting are the 8th century temples of Jambu Linga, Kada Siddeshvara and Galaganatha with their curvilinear sikharas or spires. Then visit Banashankari (Banashankari Temple), Mahakuta (Mahakuteshwara Temple) and finally drive to Badami. Badami was formerly known as Vatapi, was the regal capital of the Badami Chalukyas from 540 to 757 AD. Badami is picturesquely situated at the mouth of a ravine between two rock hills, the exquisite sculptures and the Red Sand stone cliffs of Badami tell many a tale of yore. On arrival at Badami, visit famous rock cut structural temples. Evening, check-in to the hotel and overnight stay at the temple.

After breakfast, check out the hotel and drive to Chitradurga. On arrival at Chitradurga, check in to the hotel and afternoon visit historical Chitradurga Fort. The Fort was built in stages between the 10th and 18th centuries by the dynastic rulers of the region. The Chitradurga fort is built in a series of seven concentric fortification walls with various passages, a citadel, mosque, warehouses for grains and oil, water reservoirs and ancient temples. Evening, return to the hotel and overnight stay at the hotel.

Morning after breakfast, check out the hotel and drive to Halebid, a regal capital of Hoysala empire during 12th - 13th century. Halebid was earlier called as Dwarasamudra and later got its name as Halebid (the old city) because it was plundered two times during the invasion of Malik Kafur. The Hoysaleswara temple was built during this time by Ketamala (around 1121 AD) and attributed to King Vishnuvardhana, the Hoysala ruler. It is believed to have been completed around 1160 AD by Kedaroja, the chief architect of Vishnuvardhana's son and Successor Narasimha I (1142 - 1173). Visit the beautiful temple complex which comprises the Hoysaleswara and Kedareswara temples and two Jain basadi.

Then drive to Belur, the earlier capital of Hoysala Empire and located at a distance of 16 Km from Halebid. The main attraction in Belur is the Chennakesava temple, containing the Chennakesava Temple as the center piece, surrounded by the Kappe Chennigaraya. There are two shrines at the place that are still in use by devotees. The Dravida style rajagopuram at the entrance was a later added by the Vijayanagar kings, who considered this deity as one of their family god. The temple is one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture, built by king Vishnuvardhana in commemoration of his victory over the Cholas. Inside the temple are a number of ornate pillars. Darpana Sundari (Lady with the mirror) carved on walls of Belur Temple is one of major attractions in the complex. Evening, check-in to the hotel at Hassan and overnight stay at the hotel.

Morning after breakfast, check out the hotel at Hassan and drive to Shravanabelagola, nestled by the Vindhyagiri and Chandragiri hills, protected by the monolith Bhagawan Bahubali and home of 2300 years of Jain heritage. On arrival, visit the major attraction of Shravanabelagola is the magnificent 57 feet tall monolithic statue of Gommateshwara Bahubali located on Vindhyagiri hill. It is considered to be the world's largest monolithic stone statue. The base of the statue has an inscriptions in Prakrutha i.e., devnagari script, dating from 981 AD. The inscription praises the king who funded the effort and his general, Chavundaraya, who erected the statue for his mother. Then drive to Srirangapatna, historic capital of Tippu Sultan, where you can find the magnificent monuments and historical temples. On arrival, visit Sri Ranganatha Temple, Mausoleum of Tipu Sultan (Gumbaz), Tipu Summer Palace. Then drive to Brindavan Gardens, a popular picnic spot laid out below the Krishnarajasagar Dam on the Kaveri River. Then drive to Mysore, the city of palaces. check in to the hotel and overnight stay at the hotel.

Morning, after breakfast check-out the hotel and proceed for half day sightseeing at Mysore. First, visit Chamundi Hills, a picturesque and popular tourist attraction of Mysore. An ancient temple dedicated to goddess Chamundeshwari is located on the top of the chamundi hills. Then visit Mysore Palace, one of the most visited monuments in India. The palace is built in Indo-Saracenic Revival style of architecture and splendid example of royal architecture. The palace is also known as Amba Vilasa Palace. Then visit St. Philomena Church, a Catholic church built in 1936 to honour of St. Philomena in the Diocese of Mysore. The church is built in a Neo Gothic style and its architecture was inspired by the Cologne Cathedral in Germany. After lunch drive to Bangalore. On arrival at Bangalore, you will be transferred to the Airport or Railway station