Karnataka Heritage

Day 01 -- Arrive Bangalore by International flight Assistance and transfer to hotel

Day 02 -- Bangalore- drive Morning city sightseeing tour Bangalore, the capital city of is one of the most important metropolis of . It is a vital centre of science, aeronautics and electronics. Situated 1000 m above sea level, this garden city has pleasant weather round the year. The Lalbagh, one of the finest botanical Gardens of India, Cubbon Park laid in 1864 sprawling across 300 acres, Vidhana Soudha built in 1956 housing The State Legislature and Secretariat are the main attractions. Afternoon drive to Mysore, visit Srirangapatnam en-route. Srirangapatnam - 16 km from Mysore on the north, the capital of great warrior Tipu Sultan, the Tiger of Mysore who was killed while fighting with British in 1799. His remains lie in a magnificent mausoleum, the Gumbaz. Nearby is the Tipu's summer Palace, the Dariya Daulat. On arrival, check-in at the hotel.

Day 03 -- Mysore Morning city sightseeing tour Mysore, 770 m above sea level, this imperial city was the erstwhile capital of the Wodeyars. The legend takes its name from a famous demon called Mahishasur, a great warrior who ruled as a tyrant until he was killed by the goddess Chamundeshwari. Mysore as we see today is most famous for the imposing Royal Palace with a magnificent Durbar Hall, particularly splendid during the Dussehra Festival when the Maharaja's jewelery, studded gold throne (weighing 200 kgs) is on display. perched on a hilltop is 2000 years old, Bull half way to the hill is a 4.8 metre monolith. Afternoon visit Somnathpur Temple Somnathpur, Built in 1268 AD, the temple is known for its Hoysala architecture and is seated on a star shaped base, set on a chiselled plinth and guarded at internals by miniature elephants. The temple wall depicts scenes from Ramayana, Mahabharta and Bhagvata, the three holy religious books of Hindus.

Day 04 -- Mysore-Hassan drove, 150 km Afternoon visit Belur and Halebid temples. Belur, 38 km from Hassan is located on the banks of the river Yagachi. Once the Capital of the , it is known for The Chennakeshava Temple, one of the finest exmples of Hoysala architecture. It took 103 years to complete and the reason is evident. The façade of the temple is filled with intricate sculptures and friezes with no portion left blank. Elephants, episodes from the epics, sensuous, dancers they are all there - awe inspiring in their intricate workmanship. Halebid, 27 km from Hassan and 17 km from Belur, bear mute testimony to the rich, cultural heritage of Karnataka. The temple dating back to the 12th century is astounding for 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 faces of the temple are the same. The magnificent temple - guarded by a Nandi Bull was never completed despite 86 years of labour.

Day 05 -- Hassan-Hospet, 358 km Early departure for Hospet via Chitradurga, a quaint town with its famous Fort Kallina Kote Palaces of Stone. This marvel of military architecture - made impregnable by the Nayak Paleyagars, has 19 gateways and 38 postern entrances. Arrive Hospet and check-in at MAILIGI hotel

Day 06 -- Hospet Situated 12 km from Hampi, The Tungabhadra Dam here harnesses the sweet waters of the Tungabhadra river. HAMPI, a World Heritage Centre, the most beautiful and evocative of all the ruins in Karnataka. The erstwhile capital of the Vijaynagar Kingdom, Hampi is full of delightful surprises. Like the King's balance where kings were weighed against grain, gold or money, The Queen's Bath with its arched corridors, projecting balconies, the two storied Lotus Mahal, the huge Elephant Stables, the splendid Vkttala Temple with its musical pillars and the Stone Charriot, The Virupaksha Temple, Ugra Nasasimha, the 6.7 m tall monolith, the Mahanavami Dibba and much more.

Day 07 -- Hospet-Badami, 125 km Drive to Badami and on arrival, check-in at the hotel. Afternoon visit Badami, picturesquely situated. It has four cave temples overlooking them is a reservoir, its bank dotted with temples dedicated to Lord and Vishnu.

Day 08 -- Badami Day trip to visit Aihole and . Aihole, 'cradle of Indian temple Architecture' has over 125 temples all intridcated carved and rich in detail. The oldest temple here is, perhaps the 5th century Lad Khan Temple. The other temples worth visiting are Temple, Hutchmalli Temple, the Ravalphadi Cave Temple, The Konti Temple Complex and two storeyed Buddhist temple. Pattadakal, A world Heritage centre, it has 10 major temples representing early Chalukyan architecture. The biggest temple dedicated to Virupaksha, ha a huge gateway and several inscriptions. In front the temple is a majestic 2.6 m high Nandi.

Day 11 -- Badami-Dandeli, 125 km Drive to Dandeli and on arrival, check-in at BISON RIVER RESORT Jungle safari in Dandeli Reserve Forest Located on the scenic Bank of the magnificent river Kali, a short drive from Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is generally undulating with steep slopes with picturesque, deep river Valleys and rich Hilly forest terrain. The main wildlife species include Elephant, Tiger, Leopard, Spotted Deer, Wild Boar, Sambar, spotted Deer, Wild Dog. Giant Squirrel, Flying Squirrel, Jackal and Common Languar. The main Bird species include Magpie Rob, Blue Headed Gound Thirush, Golden Back, Woodpecker, Indian Cuckoo and Grey Hornbill. Overnight at the Resort.

Day 12 -- Dandeli-Goa drive, 140 km Drive to Goa and on arrival, check-in at the hotel. Rest of the day free.

Day 13 -- Goa Day at leisure

Day 14 -- Goa-Mumbai-Dep. Transfer to the airport for flight to Mumbai On arrival, drive through the city for an orientation trip and dinner before boarding flight for onward destination.