Essence of Karnataka with UNESCO Sites

After breakfast, your Bangalore sightseeing tour begins with a visit to Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace. Tipu Sultan was a powerful king who ruled Mysore from 1782 to 1799. This two-storied palace is elaborated with beautiful floral-pattern pillars supported by wooden beams and the walls are adorned with floral motifs.

Next, visit the Bangalore Palace built-in 1887 featuring beautiful wooden interiors and Tudor and Scottish Gothic style of architecture. It is said that this palace is inspired by the Windsor Castle of England. Drive past Vidhan Soudha - the seat of the State Legislature of Bangalore. This imposing edifice built in 1956 showcases Neo-Dravidian style of architecture and is one of the largest legislative buildings in India. Spend some time clicking photographs here. Later, visit the Government Museum that is divided into 18 galleries - each displaying a wide collection of inscriptions, paintings, ornaments, beautiful stones, coins and much more.  

After breakfast, drive to Mysore. On reaching, check-in at the hotel. Mysore is a city noted for its royal heritage, especially the Mysore Palace. It is known as the cultural capital of Karnataka. This city is noted for its spectacular palaces and mansions representing the opulence of Wadiyar Dynasty (that ruled Mysore for more than 500 years).

Proceed with Mysore sightseeing tour with the first visit to Mysore Palace - the former residence of the royal Mysore family. The palace displays an Indo-Saracenic style of architecture and comprises of Durbar (meeting) halls, beautiful courtyards, perfectly-manicured gardens and magnificent buildings. Visit the Jaganmohan Palace, close to the Mysore Palace. It was an alternate retreat for the royal family built during 1861 when the whole Mysore Palace caught fire. The Art Gallery is another feature of this Palace that displays weaponry, musical instruments, a French music calendar and is said to have more than 2,000 paintings. Drive to St. Philomena’s Church - the tallest Church in Mysore. Built-in 1843, this church dedicated to Saint Philomena stands tall at a height of 175 ft. and can accommodate up to 800 people at one time. In the evening, visit the Brindavan Gardens located across the river Cauvery for a Musical Light show.

After breakfast, drive to Hassan. Hassan is a district in Karnataka that derived its name from the presiding deity of the town - Goddess "Haasanamba" meaning smiling mother. This city was founded by Channa Krishnappa Naik (a chieftain) in the 11th century. It boasts a veritable treasure-house of Hoysala architecture and a wide array of specimens. The traditional Kannada culture, literature and unique style of this town will keep you amazed.

Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel and later, proceed with Hassan sightseeing tour with the first visit to the Channekeshava Temple. The Chennakeshava Temple is a complex of 12th-century temples, which are UNESCO-listed sites. These temples display the spectacular artistry of the Dravidians. In 2017, this temple turned 900 years old. The pillars of the temple feature the intricate carvings and finishing of sculptures and artworks. Next, visit the Hoysaleswara Temple built in the 12th century. This temple built on a star-shaped pedestal is made of soapstone. Hassan sightseeing tour ends with a visit to Shravanbelgola. It is a popular Jain pilgrimage site that features a magnificent statue of Lord Bahubali.

After breakfast, drive to Hospet. It is a city established in 1520 AD located on the Tungabhadra River. It is home to the glorious Hampi temples that display ruins of the Vijayanagara city. On arrival, check-in at the hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure.

After breakfast, proceed with Hospet sightseeing with the first visit to the Tungabhadra Dam. It is a multipurpose dam built for the purpose of irrigation, producing electricity and controlling floods etc. This dam was designed by an architect from Madras - Dr Thirumala Iyengar. It is said to be the biggest water reservoir on the Tungabhadra River.

Next, visit Hampi - a historic town renowned for its impressive set of temples built in the 14th-century. Here you will see temples with brilliant architecture and magnificent history, making it a must-visit spot for history lovers and architecture buffs. This city is an open-air museum of temples. The major attraction here is the Vitthala Temple wherein the pillars of the temple produce sounds resembling that of musical instruments when tapped. Also, the Lotus Mahal - a lotus-shaped palace - is another attraction here. Walkthrough the Hampi Bazaar that was a thriving marketplace of high-class merchants. Here, you will find traditional shops selling ornaments, antiques and handicrafts. Next, visit the Queens Bath - built as a private bathing chamber of the King and his queens. It is a monument designed with elaborate Indo-Islamic architecture. Later, visit the Kings Balance. It is a lofty frame that was used in the 15th century to balance the Kings weight with precious stones, gems and gold, those were later offered to the temple priests.

After breakfast, drive to Badami. It is a city nestled in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka. It is renowned for its rock-cut cave temples carved out of red sandstone surrounded by the Agastya Lake. The Cave temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva and Jain Tirthankars are the prime attractions here. The architecture of Badami displays the artistic brilliance of Dravidian and Indo-Aryan Nagara architectural styles.

On arrival, check-in at the hotel. Then proceed for Badami sightseeing with the first visit to the man-made Badami Cave Temples dating back to 6th century. There are 4 Badami capital temples here displaying sculptures and prominent carvings of Hindu divinities. The largest Cave temple is the one dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Next, visit the Badami Fort where a series of steep steps leads you the structure of the fort as it is perched on a clifftop. The architecture of this fort signifies the opulence of the Chalukyan rulers. Visit the Badami Museum- an open-air museum established in 1979. It comprises of four individual galleries displaying exhibits belonging to the 6th century. Later, visit the Banashankari Temple dating back to 7th century.

The next day after breakfast, go for a full-day excursion to Pattadakal and Ahihole. Pattadakal is located approx. 30 minutes from Badami and it is a historical place with a massive temple complex. Pattadakal has a group of UNESCO monuments which dates back to the 7th and 8th century under the Chalukya dynasty. The temple complex has an impressive collection of nine Hindu Temples and amongst them all, one of the masterpiece structures is the 740 built Virupaksha Temple.

After the tour of the Pattadakal, you will be driven to Ahihole which is approx. 45 minutes from Badami and around 20 minutes form Pattadakal. This is a historic site which treasures the medieval era Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain monuments. Ahihole has rich cultural significance and it was previously known as the capital of the Chalukya Dynasty. This temple village cradles more around 125 temples and it is also the archaeologists’ favourite place. Some of the must-see sites here are the Meguti Temple, Ravanphadi Cave, Konti group of temples and many more.

After breakfast, drive to Hubli. It is the 2nd largest city of Karnataka. Also called Hubbali, it is a massive producer of cotton and peanuts. This city is ingrained with various heritage sites that are a must-visit for every art and history lover. On arrival, check-in at the hotel and head for Hubli sightseeing tour. Visit the ISKCON Temple located in Rayapur, Hubli, formed by International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). It is a revered tourist spot that offers a spiritually-uplifting experience.

Next, visit the Siddharoodha Math. A holy shrine dedicated to Swami Siddharoodha. It is also a centre for the propagation of Advaita philosophy (that teaches that the soul is not different from God). Later, visit the Chandramouleshwar Temple - a beautifully-carved temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed to be 900-years old and is adorned with artistic sculptures and carvings that attract a huge number of art lovers every year. End your Hubli sightseeing tour enjoying the mesmerizing sunset view at the Unakal Lake. 

After breakfast, transfer to Hubli airport to board on a flight to Bangalore. From Bangalore International Airport to board the flight for your onward destination.