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Home , Aihole, Annigeri, Badami, Gommateshwara statue, Hampi, Hampi (town)

Architecture of South Page 2 of 20 TRIP SUMMARY

Bangalore Pick up from airport and transfer to hotel

Bangalore - - (145kms/ 3hrs approx)

Bangalore Sightseeing Lunch during sightseeing

Dinner options

Mysore - Srirangapatna - - Hassan (140kms/ 3hrs approx)

Mysore Sightseeing

Lonch Optional Srirangapatina Temple Shravanabelagola Dinner options

Bangalore - Shravanabelagola - Hassan (140kms/ 3hrs approx)

Hassan & Belur Sightseeing Lunch during sightseeing Dinner options

Hassan - / (330kms/ 7hrs approx)

Lonch Optional

Dinner options

Hospet/ Hampi

Hampi & Hospet sightseeing Page 3 of 20

Hospet/ Hampi - (195kms/ 4hrs approx)

Lakkundi sightseeing Gadag sightseeing Lonch Optional

Dinner options

Badami - - (70kms/ round)

Badami Sightseeing Aihole Sightseeing Lunch during sightseeing Pattadakal Sightseeing Dinner options

Badami - (235kms/ 5hrs approx)

Lonch during intercity drive Dinner options

Goa

Goa sightseeing Lunch during sightseeing Dinner options

Goa

Lunch during sightseeing Dinner options

Goa - Departure Page 4 of 20 BANGALORE

Pick-up Pick up from airport and transfer to hotel On arrival at airport meet with our office executive assistance and transfer to hotel. Rest time free and easy for personal activities relax. Overnight at hotel.

BANGALORE - SRIRANGAPATNA - MYSORE (145KMS/ 3HRS APPROX)

Breakfast at hotel

Bangalore Sightseeing City tour of Bangalore 'Garden City' visiting the Garden: Hyder laid out this famous botanical garden and his son added horticultural wealth to them by importing trees and plants from several countries. The garden today houses over 1000 species of flora which include rare and enchanting collection of tropical plants, trees and herbs. Also see the Government buildings : This splendid neo-Dravidian granite building that dominates the northern boundary of the is the home of the State Legislature and the Secretariat. The massive door of the Cabinet room is a spectacular feature of this imposing building. The Vidhana Soudha is bedecked in illuminated glory during special periods and is a sight worth viewing.

The & Fort: The was built by Kempe Gowda and expanded by Tippu . Within its walls is the well preserved 16th century Ganapathi Temple. The Bangalore Palace was built by a Wodeyar king in 1887 on the 400 acre space. Inspired by the Windsor castle, this palace was built in the Tudor style, complete with Gothic windows, foiled windows, battlements and turrets resembling the Daria Daulat Palace in Srirangapatanam, this summer palace has been constructed largely of wood and is famous for its carving and paintings. Tippu’s Summer Palace: The palace was first a mud-brick defense built by Kempegowda in 1537. and his son later rebuilt it 1791. The two-storied structure (replica of the Daria Daulat in Srirangapatnam) served as Tipu's summer retreat. An inscription on the wooden screen describes the palace as the 'abode of happiness', almost mocking the ruins that surround it. Though the palace still has elegant teak pillars, most of the painted decorations have been destroyed and it is in very bad shape. Page 5 of 20

Lunch during sightseeing Lunch during the tour at your choice of restaurant on direct payment basis. Our guide can suggest the restaurant of your choice meal and within your budget.

Afternoon drive to Mysore check in at hotel.

Dinner options Dinner at your choice of restaurant or at your hotel on direct payment basis. Overnight at hotel.

MYSORE - SRIRANGAPATNA - SHRAVANABELAGOLA - HASSAN (140KMS/ 3HRS APPROX)

Breakfast at hotel. Page 6 of 20

Mysore Sightseeing Visit Mysore Palace built in 1911-12. The piece of harmonious synthesis of and saracenic styles of architecture with archways, domes turrets, colonnades and sculptures which are magnificent. The palaces and royal garden of Mysore, ‘The Jewel of ’, provide glimpses of its past grandeur. Thus the Maharaja’s Palace is one of the largest in the country, embellished with stained glass and domes and turrets giving it an ethereal air. Enjoy sightseeing tour visiting Chamundi Hill lies just outside the city and is topped by a temple to Chamundi, the Rajas chosen . Half way up the hill, sits a huge granite of , the bull, Lord ’s vehicle, and the route is dotted with other minor shrines.

Srirangapatnam fort the stronghold of Tippu Sultan. Tippu made a last minute ditch against the British in 1799 before surrendering his kingdom. Among the many fort buildings still intact, are Tippu’s Airy summer palace and his tomb at the Darya Daulat Bagh (garden) built in 1784. Summer Palace was one of Tipu's favourite retreats, it stands on a raised platform at a height of 1.5 metres. The Bagh is situated on the banks of Cauvery river has treasured the paintings, engraving, arms that depict the Valiant victories and Struggles of Tipu Sultan. The structure made of teak, this Indo-Saracenic structure has ornate and beautiful frescoes. The corridors showcase murals which describe Tipu’s ordeals in the battlefield against the British. Page 7 of 20

Check out from hotel drive to Hassan. En route visit Srirangapatina Temple & Shravanabelagola Temple.

Lonch Optional Lunch at hotel after check in or at your choice restaurant during sightseeing. Our guide can suggest the restaurant of your choice meal and within your budget.

Srirangapatina Temple The temple has an imposing tower over the entrance gate and two large concentric rectangular enclosures around its perimeter. The entrance to the inner sanctum is through multiple columned halls. A vestibule, hall and a front hall are the other main structures in the temple. The roof of the mukhamantapa is decorated with a garland of miniature decorative towers whose niches contain stucco images of the god . In the sanctum, the image of Vishnu reclines on the coils of the snake Adisesha, under a canopy formed by the snake's seven hoods, with his consort at his feet. Flanking Vishnu are other from the Hindu pantheon; Sridevi, Bhudevi (goddess of earth) and (the creator). There are other smaller shrines within the complex dedicated to (an avatar of Vishnu), Gopalakrishna, Srinivasa (manifestation of Vishnu), , and the Alwar saints. Page 8 of 20

Shravanabelagola The at Shravanabelagola is one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in , one that reached a peak in architectural and sculptural activity under the patronage of Western Ganga of Talakad. Chandragupta Maurya is said to have died here in 298 BCE after he became a Jain monk and assumed an ascetic life style.

The 58-feet tall monolithic statue of Gommateshwara is located on Vindyagiri Hill. It is considered to be the world's largest monolithic statue. The base of the statue has an inscriptions in Prakrit i.e. script, dating from 981 AD. The inscription praises the king who funded the effort and his general, , who erected the statue for his mother. Every twelve years, thousands of devotees congregate here to perform the , a spectacular ceremony in which the statue is anointed with Water, Turmeric, Rice flour, Sugar cane juice, Sandalwood paste, saffron, and gold and silver flowers. Jains refer the statue as "".

Dinner options Dinner at your choice of restaurant or at your hotel on direct payment basis. Overnight at hotel.

BANGALORE - SHRAVANABELAGOLA - HASSAN (140KMS/ 3HRS Page 9 of 20 BANGALORE - SHRAVANABELAGOLA - HASSAN (140KMS/ 3HRS APPROX)

Breakfast at hotel.

Hassan & Belur Sightseeing Make a short trip to Belur (38kms). It was once the capital of the Hoysala , today made unforgettable for its exquisite temples.

The serenity of Belur is attributed to the celebrated temple of Chennakeshava Temple built by the Hoysala King in 1117 A.D, one of the finest examples of . The main structure of the temple, which is star- shaped, is a homogeneous architectural unit on a raised platform. Everything is carved in black stone, looking like metal. Facing the temple, at the entrance, stands the winged figure of Garauda, Lord Vishnu’s carrier. The 650 charging elephants on the frieze around the walls outside are all different from each other. The exotic bracket figures on the walls of this temple are serene, playful and amorous, enhancing the overall effect of this pinnacle of architectural excellence.

After visiting this temple move to Halebedu (17kms from Belur). The temples of Halebid bear mute testimony to the rich, cultural heritage of Karnataka. Visit the , dating back to the 12th century, standing on platform like a casket, is a sculptural extravaganza, richly endowed with most finely detailed scroll work in stone. The walls of the temple are covered with an endless variety of gods and goddesses. Kedareshwara Temple a Hoysala era construction in the historically important town of . The temple was constructed by Hoysala King Veera Ballala II (r. 1173–1220 A.D.) and his queen Ketaladevi, and the main deity is Ishwara (another name for the Hindu god Shiva). The temple is protected as a monument of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India. Page 10 of 20

Lunch during sightseeing Lunch during the tour at your choice of restaurant on direct payment basis. Our guide can suggest the restaurant of your choice meal and within your budget.

Dinner options Dinner at your choice of restaurant or at your hotel on direct payment basis. Overnight at hotel.

HASSAN - HOSPET/ HAMPI (330KMS/ 7HRS APPROX)

Breakfast at hotel drive to Hampi check in at hotel.

Lonch Optional Lunch at hotel after check in or at your choice restaurant during intercity drive. Driver can suggest the restaurant of your choice meal and within your budget.

Rest time free and easy for personal activities relax. Overnight at hotel. Page 11 of 20

Dinner options Dinner at your choice of restaurant or at your hotel on direct payment basis. Overnight at hotel.

HOSPET/ HAMPI

Breakfast at hotel.

Hampi & Hospet sightseeing Hampi a UNESCO World Heritage Site, nestled within the ruins of medieval city of Vijayanagar in the state of Karnataka on the banks of the . , meaning the City of Victory, is set in a surreal boulder-strewn landscape. Although the city was invaded by marauding Mughul invaders in the 16th century, much of it still remains today.

Visit the Vittala Temple with a huge stone in its complex. Many pf the halls here are noted for their extraordinary pillars with intricate carvings. There are also a set of pillars, known as ‘musical pillars’, which resonate when tapped. The path that connects the ancient Hampi Bazaar to the Vittala temple leads to Riverside Ruins. Scattered along the path you can see numerous shrines, carved artifacts, ruins of ancient structures.

Virupaksha Temple that is believed to be one of the oldest active temples from 7th century in India. The temple complex consists of the god’s sanctum, pillared halls and a series of giant entrance towers. Then visit a fortified Royal Enclosure known for a platform from where the king used to watch the annual parade of imperial majesty and military might. The area is strewn with numerous palace bases, underground temples and aquatic structures. Head to the hills and visit the Hemakuta Hill Temples located on a rocky hilltop with undulations. The highlights are the sets of triple chambered temples with its pyramid like granite roofs. Also see Kadalekalu - a giant statue of the elephant headed Hindu god Ganesha. This 14 feet tall sculpture is carved in situ on the slopes of the Hemakuta Hill.

Marvel at the Sasivekalu Ganesha, which is a giant statue of Ganesha. Also see a temple dedicated to lord . The complex consists of the main shrine, shrines of goddesses, the chariot / market street and the . Next visit among-st the most famous icons of Hampi - Lakshmi Narasimha, which is a giant monolithic statue of the man-lion god. Wrap up the tour by seeing the Queen’s bath, Page 12 of 20

which essentially is a large veranda with protruding balconies all around, facing a central pool - looks like an indoor aquatic complex.

HOSPET/ HAMPI - BADAMI (195KMS/ 4HRS APPROX)

Breakfast at hotel drive to Badami en route visit & Gada.

Lakkundi sightseeing Lakkundi is a place of antiquarian interest with as many as 50 temples, 101 stepped wells (called Kalyani or Pushkarni) and 29 inscriptions, spread over the period of the later Chalukyas, Kalachuris, Seuna and the Hoysalas. A great center of Kalyani Chalukyas art, there are several temples of note here. Among them Kasivisvesvara temple, Lakkundi is the most ornate and elaborately furnished. There is also a dedicated to , the largest and oldest shrines at Lakkundi. There is sculpture gallery (Museum) maintained by the ASI (Archaeological Survey of India). Lakkundi also has a Darga of Zindeshah Wali. Page 13 of 20

Gadag sightseeing The Gadag style of Architecture marked by ornate pillars with intricate sculpture originated during the period of the Western Chalukya king Someswara I, and it flourished for a period of 150 years (During 1050 to 1200 CE) during which about 50 temples were built. Some of the examples are The Trikuteshwara temple (complex) at Gadag, Kasivisvesvara temple, Lakkundi, Doddabasappa Temple at , Amriteshwara temple at . Page 14 of 20

Lonch Optional Lunch at hotel after check in or at your choice restaurant during sightseeing. Our guide can suggest the restaurant of your choice meal and within your budget.

On arrival check in at hotel.

Dinner options Dinner at your choice of restaurant or at your hotel on direct payment basis. Overnight at hotel.

BADAMI -AIHOLE - PATTADAKAL (70KMS/ ROUND)

Breakfast at hotel. Full day sightseeing and excursion tour. of Badami, Aihole & Pattadakal. Page 15 of 20

Badami Sightseeing Explore to Badami: Badami also known as Vatapi, is rich with Hindu and Jain temples carved out of sandstone hills. Badami, the capital of early Chalukyas is picturesquely situated at the mouth of a ravine between two rocky hills. Afternoon we make a short drive to visit the Cave temples – dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva. Climb a flight of steps to reach the ancient caves – all hewn out of sand stone on the precipice of a hill. Enter the first cave temple –past Shiva’s doorkeepers and there he is! The eighteen –armed striking 81 dance poses. The largest and most ornamental is the third cave temple dedicated to Vishnu. Here are some splendid carvings of the Hindu pantheon. Narasimha – the half man half lion avatar of Vishnu, Hari Hara, the composite god who is half Siva and half Vishnu… There are also some paintings on the ceiling and wonderful bracket figures on the piers. Overlooking the cave temples is a reservoir and also visit the Bhootha Natha temples that lend their name to the lake just beneath the cave temples. Take a dip in this green tranquil lake. It is said to have healing properties.

Aihole Sightseeing Aihole UNESCO World heritage site; famous as the ‘Cradle of Indian Temple Architecture’, Aihole has over 100 temples scattered around the village. Wherever one looks, it’s temples that meet the eyes. Intricately carved, rich in detail, quiet and peaceful. Mute witnesses of a bygone era. Visit the oldest temple here is, perhaps, the Lad Khan temple dating back to the 5thcentury. On the roof of the temple is Page 16 of 20 another shrine-like vimana. The (Fort)Temple is notable for its semi-circular apse, elevated plinth and the gallery that encircles the sanctum. The interior is filled with fascinating carvings. Dating back to the 6thcentury the Ravalphadi Cave – Temple celebrates the many forms of Siva. Not-to-be-missed is the Konthi Temple Complex (Kwanthi Gudi), the Uma Maheshwari Temple, the Jain Meguti Temple and the two-storied Buddhist Temple. Climb up the stairs and you’ll come across a tranquil, smiling Buddha carved on the ceiling.

Lunch during sightseeing Lunch during the tour at your choice of restaurant on direct payment basis. Our guide can suggest the restaurant of your choice meal and within your budget.

Pattadakal Sightseeing Pattadakal, a world Heritage centre, it has 10 major temples representing early Chalukyan architecture. Visit the biggest Templehere is dedicated to Virupaksha. Enclosed in a large quadrangle surrounded by small cells, it has a massive gateway and several inscriptions. Besides scenes from the and Mahabaratha, there is a wonderful carving designed to look like an elephant from one side and a buffalo from the other. In front of the temple is a majestic 2.6 metres high Nandi made of deep green stone and is covered in a red floral cape. Stop now at the Malliarjuna and Papanatha temples- dedicatedly chiselled and rich in detail. The inner hall of the Papanatha temple is guarded by Nandi and . Page 17 of 20

There are 16 pillars in the main hall with beautiful carvings. Besides these temples is a group of temples remarkable primarily, for representing two chief styles of Indian architecture, side by side. The detailed descriptions in the sculptors of the temples give an insight into the social life to those days.

Dinner options Dinner at your choice of restaurant or at your hotel on direct payment basis. Overnight at hotel.

BADAMI - GOA (235KMS/ 5HRS APPROX)

Breakfast at hotel drive to Goa check in at hotel

Lonch during intercity drive Lunch at hotel after check in or at your choice restaurant during in city or during the intercity drive. Our driver can suggest the restaurant of your choice meal and within your budget. Page 18 of 20

Dinner options Dinner at your choice of restaurant or at your hotel on direct payment basis. Overnight at hotel.

GOA

Breakfast at hotel.

Goa sightseeing Visit North Goa Churches; Basilica of Bom Jesus A World Heritage Site, Preserved body of St. Francis Xavier constructed around 1695. The Basilica of Bom Jesus is famous for the preserved mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. Se Cathedral Largest church in Asia, giant bells and exquisite architecture. Se Cathedral of Goa is dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria. Church of St. Francis of Assisi A stunning and charming building, architecture has a combination of Hindu and Christian elements. The Church of St. Francis of Assisi of Goa was built during 1517-1521 AD. Church of St Augustine Ruins 46 meter high tower, the church was built in 1602 with the combined efforts of 12 Augustinians. They also built a convent besides the church. Church of Marry Immaculate Conception one of the most famous landmarks of Goa. This church is supposed to be one of the earliest churches to be constructed in Goa.

Visit South Goa Shree Manguesh temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located on a hillock surrounded by lush green hills. Though small, it has an air of distinctive elegance. Its lofty white tower at the entrance is a countryside landmark. Shree Mahalsa A short distance away from the Shri Mangueshi temple, the deity worshiped here is an attribute to Vishnu. Page 19 of 20

Lunch during sightseeing Lunch during the tour at your choice of restaurant on direct payment basis. Our guide can suggest the restaurant of your choice meal and within your budget.

Dinner options Dinner at your choice of restaurant or at your hotel on direct payment basis. Overnight at hotel.

GOA

Breakfast at hotel day free and easy to relax on the beach.

Visit the place of your interest with your accompanied driver

Lunch during sightseeing Page 20 of 20

Lunch during the tour at your choice of restaurant on direct payment basis. Our guide can suggest the restaurant of your choice meal and within your budget.

Dinner options Dinner at your choice of restaurant or at your hotel on direct payment basis. Overnight at hotel.

GOA - DEPARTURE

Breakfast at hotel

As per your flight schedule transfer to airport to board flight for onward destination