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Karnataka Heritage Tour
NA
WHEN
September To May
PRICE
From CAD 200 per night
excluding flight tickets
HOW LONG
15 nights
DAY 01
Arrival at Bangalore – Drive to Mysore
Arrive at Bangalore Airport, where you will be welcomed by your driver. Depending on your arrival time, you can either depart immediately or enjoy a meal near the airport before setting off. Travel on a smooth, divided highway to the historic city of Mysore. Night driving on this route is safe and convenient if you arrive late.
Overnight stay in Mysore.
DAY 02 & 03
Explore the Heritage of Mysore
Spend two full days immersing yourself in the rich culture and history of Mysore. Visit the magnificent Sultan’s Palace, climb to the hilltop Chamundi Temple, and stroll through the bustling fruit, flower, and vegetable market. Take half-day excursions to Srirangapatnam: The historic fortress city where Tipu Sultan famously resisted British colonial forces in the late 18th century, Somnathpur: Admire exquisite Hoysala dynasty architecture at this stunning temple complex.
Enjoy a heritage walk or cycle ride through Mysore’s charming streets, soaking up its royal ambiance. Two more nights in Mysore.
DAY 04
Jain Pilgrimage and Hoysala Temples
After breakfast, drive to Shravanabelagola, a revered Jain pilgrimage site. Here, marvel at the colossal 17-meter monolithic statue of Lord Gomateshwara (Bahubali), one of the tallest and most elegant statues in the world. Continue to Hassan and visit the beautiful Belur and Halebid temples, masterpieces of Hoysala architecture, renowned for intricate carvings.
Overnight in Hassan.
DAY 05
Full Day at Hampi – Stay in Hospet
Embark on a full-day journey to Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the former capital of the Vijayanagar Empire. Accommodation options within Hampi are limited, so overnight in nearby Hospet or the quaint village of Anegundi across the river. Explore the unique ruins and landscapes, setting the stage for deeper exploration over the next days.
DAY 06, 07 & 08
Deep Dive into Hampi’s Archaeological Wonders
Spend three days uncovering the vast archaeological site of Hampi. Once a thriving metropolis in the 15th century, the sprawling ruins include majestic temples, royal palaces, bustling bazaars, rock-cut sanctuaries, and elephant stables.
We recommend hiring a knowledgeable guide on your first day for rich historical context, then exploring further on foot or bicycle at your own pace.
Your driver remains available to ferry you to the more remote and serene corners of the site. Three more nights in Hospet.
DAY 09
Badami, Aihole, and Pattadakal – Ancient Temple Trail
After breakfast, drive north to Badami, stopping en route to explore the ancient temple complexes of Aihole and Pattadakal. Aihole boasts over 100 temples, including Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist sites dating from the 4th to 12th centuries CE. Nearby Pattadakal features a compact cluster of highly refined temples. These fascinating sites can be explored with a guide, but if time allows, linger longer to absorb their beauty.
Overnight in Badami.
DAY 10
Cave Temples and Fort of Badami
Begin your day exploring the remarkable Badami Cave Temples. Perched above 200 steps, these four rock-cut caves display intricate carvings and pillar sculptures. There are three Brahmanical temples, while the fourth is Jain. The Vishnu cave stands out for its grand scale and artistic elegance. Also visit the Badami Fort, perched between caves, and the serene Agasthya Tirtha Lake, along with the Bhoothanatha and Malegitti temples.
Overnight in Badami.
DAY 11
Departure via Hubli Airport
After breakfast, drive to Hubli for your onward flight to Mumbai, Chennai, or Bangalore, concluding your memorable journey through the unique heritage and scenic gems of South India.