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Day 01: Bangalore
On arrival in Bangalore meet and greet and transfer to hotel. Later in the day visit Vidhana Soudha, a Parliament House of the Province, where all Governmental activities takes Place built by Late Honorable Chief Minister of Karnataka Mr. Kengal Hanumanthaivyain !956. It is built entirely of Bangalore granite in the Neo-Dravidian style. After visiting this magnificent building that houses the State Legislature and Secretariat you will be taken to the Bangalore Palace, which is inspired by the Windsor Castle. The Wodeyar King built it in 1887, which exists in Tudor style. Later we shall visit the Lal Bagh started by Hyder Ali in 1760 and later completed by Tipu Sultan. This 240-acre landscape park is a home to some very rare species of plants. The Glass House, inspired by the Crystal Palace in London, is a venue for Bi-Annual flower shows. Evening back to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 02 Bangalore-Srirangapatna-Mysore
Today we will check out from the Hotel and drive to Mysore via Srirangapatna, Enroute around 50 Kms from Bangalore. On the way. we shall visit Janapada Loka, a folklore world of Karnataka Janapada Parishat. It is dedicated to preservation and promotion of folk culture. Just before 18 Kms to Mysore, on the way to Srirangapatna, our guide would give you a brief introduction of Tipu Sultan the Tiger of Mysore. We will then visit Srirangapatna, which was built by the Vijayanagar Kings in 1454. It was a capital of Wodeyar Kings of Mysore and later ruled by the Tipu Sultan. Srirangapatna is a small island town surrounded by River Cauvery flowing. Later we take you to some of the prominent places where in you will visit Tippu's Summer Palace, which is locally called Daria Daulat Bagh. Built in 1874, it is one of Tipu's favourite retreat. The palace is made of teak. This Indo-Saracenic structure has ornate and beautiful frescoes. It is now a museum, which explains eloquently of Tipu's Valour and battle against the British where. His own men betrayed him. We even visit the place, where Tipu Sultan was dead and dungeon. Later we proceed to Ranganatittu Bird Sanctuary, one among the natural bird sanctuary available in the country just few kilometres away from Srirangapatna. This bird sanctuary attracts the exotic birds across the globe. The birds from Siberia and even North America make their home here. Crocodiles basking in the sun are also a familiar sight. Its now the time sun wanted a rest and since we are also tired, we shall drive to Mysore, just 18 Kms away from the Bird Sanctuary. Check in to hotel for overnight stay. (B)
Day 03: Mysore
Mysore, The Capital of Wodeyars also known as city of the Palaces, was once the seat of Governance of the State before Bangalore could become the
Capital. Mysore has always been identified as a city culture. Maharajas of Mysore are well known in the history for their keen interest in promoting and preserving it that still exists. Even today you can watch cultural programmes like Bhrathnatyam and stage plays that takes place in different auditorium that are scattered in the city. That's one of the reasons why Mysore has been called as the Cultural Capital of Karnataka. After the fall of the Vijayanagar Empire. Mysore Kings took the
responsibility of continuing the Dasara celebrations, which is now also been carried as per the myths and still attracts the people across theglobe.
Today we shall proceed to visit the Mysore Palace, which was built 1912 in Indo-Saracenic style with domes, turrets, arches and colonnades. The palace is a treasure house of exquisite carvings and works of art from all over the world popularly known as 'Amba Vilas Palace'. The majestic Durbar Hall, with its ornate ceiling and sculpted pillars and the Marriage Pavilion with its chandeliers, cast-iron pillars and Belgian stained glass arranged in peacock designs in the domed ceilings are the main attractions. We can also see the magnificent jewel-studded Golden Throne, the pride of the Wodeyars and the symbol of their sovereignty. We shall later proceed to visit Sir Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery housed in Jaganmohan Palace, which has an exquisite painting dating back to 1875. The collection includes paintings by Raja Ravi Verma, the Russian Svetoslav Roerich and the traditional gold leaf style of painting. Later we shall visit Mysore Zoo, where we can see some rare animals bred in captivity and exotic species of plants. We can also visit Chamundi Hills towering over the city. Half way up, we can see Nandi Bull that is 4.8 m monolith and right on the top is the 2000-year-old Chamundeswari Temple. After this beautiful experience of Mysore, we'll retire back to the Hotel for overnight stay.(B)
Day 04: Mysore
Today we shall explore more of Mysore.We will visit Nanjangud, which is just 23 Kms away from Mysore. This is famous for Srikanteswara Temple, which was built in the Dravidian Style. Later we shall visit St.Philomena's Church. This Gothic style church is one of the largest in the country and has beautiful stained-glass windows. After returning, day free for shopping where we can find Sandalwood and Mysore Silk products which are world famous. Back to hotel for relaxation. Late afternoon, we will proceed to KRS Dam and the ornamental.
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Brindavan Gardens. The musical fountains and colourful lights transform this place into a fairly land in the evenings. After this beautiful experience back to Hotel for overnight stay.(B)
Day 05: Madikeri
(fig) Early morning check out from the Hotel and proceed to Madikeri which is 172 Kms / 2 'A hrs drive from Mysore. Enroute to visit Byalakuppe about 85 Kms from Mysore the biggest Tibetan settlement formed in excile. Lusung Samdupling Byalakuppe and Dicky Larsoe settlement are two settlements here, who are engaged in cnrpet weaving, incense production and other traditional handicrafts. Apart from this, they are proud owners today of Solar Voltaic fencing, Model Integrated Agro-Forestry Project which makes it a tourist attraction. Later we proceed our journey to Madikeri, the district headquarters of Kodagu lies 1525 m above sea level. Dubbed as the Scotland of India, this town has lots to offer. Misty hills, lush forests, acres and acres of tea and coffee plantations, and breathtaking views make Madikeri an unforgettable holiday destination. 
On arrival check in at the Hotel for fresh up and breakfast. In the day we shall visit the Madikeri Fort. This I 9" century Fort houses a Temple, a Chapel, a Prison and a small H K museum. This fort also offers a beautiful view of Madikeri. Small the way we shall enjoy the spectacular view of Abbey Falls, which is agreat picnic spot. These falls cascade down in steps to flow as a small river. We shall also visit Bhagamandala. which is the confluence of 3 rivers (the Cauvery, the Kanika and the Sujyothi). The Temple here has smaller shrines dedicated to various Gods. Later we proceed to visit Talakavery, a sacred pilgrim centre among the Kodavas.This is the place where River Cauvery takes its birth. Lastly we shall visit Harangi Dam which is a great picnic spot. After this exciting experience we shall retire back to the Hotel for overnight stay.(B)
Day 06: Mangalore
After breakfast check out and proceed to Mangalore which is 56 Kms / 1Hr drive from Madikeri. Mangalore is the district headquarters of Dakshina Kannada. With an important port, this Coastal town is a major commercial centre. Mangalore is an entry point to Beach Country, with its virgin and unexplored beaches. The Yakshagana performance and the Kambalaevent (Buffalo Race) are not to be missed here.
On arrival check in to the Hotel for fresh up and breakfast. Later we shall proceed to visit the 10th century Manjunatha Temple, St. Aloysius Chapel, Mangala Devi Temple, Tipu's Battery and the Jumma Masjid. We shall also visit the Ullal Beach with casuarina groves. If time permits we can also visit Moodabidri, a famous 1000-pillared Jain Shrine. Also we will visit Karkala, the 452-ft tall monolithic statue of Bahubali and St.Lawrence Church. Later we shall visit the beaches to have a nice time in the waters. Back to the Hotel for overnight stay.(B)
Day 07: Udupi- Maravanthe
After breakfast check out and proceed to visit Udupi whichis53 Kms/1 Hr drive from Mangaiore.The coastal district of Udupi, with its palm fringed coastline, dotted with bays and estuaries, sheltered by the soaring Western Ghats, is studded with spots of great scenic beauty. It has aptly been described by Nandanavana', 'Garden of Pleasure'. It is also renowned for its pilgrimage centers, as well as its literary traditions and rich cultural heritage. It was ruled, since the early period of the Christian era, till the end of the 14th century, by the Alupa Kings. From the 14th to the 16th centuries the area came under the governance of the Vijayanagar Dynasty. But the strongest influence was that of the Portuguese, who arrived on the coast in the 15th Century. Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan held sway until 1799 when the British forces defeated Tipu Sultan. The district is well known for its fabulous costumed, musical dance drama form, Yakshagana and Kambala Buffalo Race, a sport popular among the community of cultivation of wetlands.
Udupi is one of the most sacred spots in India, visited by pilgrims from all over the country. The importance of the place dates from the time of Madhwacharya, the 13th century religious leader, who is said to have founded the temple and the image of Krishna in it. Myth has it that the idol was obtained from a ship that was about to be wrecked on the coast, but rescued by the great saint. Madhwacharya lived and preached here and established eight mutts (monasteries) in the area. According to legend, the idol of Krishna is believed to have turned around to give Darshan (divine vision) through a hole in the temple wall, 'Kanakana Kindi', to the poet devotee Kanakadasa, who was not allowed to enter the temple. The Krishna Temple has an elaborate system of poojas that begin early in the morning and end late at night. The eight mutts take turn in administering the temple and the famous 'Parayaya Festival' held once in two years in January, marks the handing over ritual. It is a colourful spectacle drawing thousands of pilgrims from far and wide.
We shall visit the Krishna Temple and proceed our journey to Maravanthe, which is 50 Kms/ 1Hr from Udupi. Maravanthe is one of the most beautiful spots of the district. A drive along the West Coast highway at sunset, bordered by the Arabian Sea on the west and the Sauparnika River to the East, with the Kodachadri Hills in the background, is an unforgettable experience. After this historical experience, we shall check in to the Hotel for overnight stay.
Day 08: Murudeshwar
After breakfast check out and proceed to Murud (Fig)eshwar which is 40 Kms / 11/2 Hr drive from Maravanthe. This holy place of Murudeshwar is situated between Honnavar and Bhatkal. ! Km off the National Highway.The place is believed to have been sanctified by a piece of the Pranalinga of Mahabaleshwara thrown by Ravana and has some beautiful carvings and statues. Bounded by the shimmering sea and rolling hills, the place is a favourite picnic spot. On arrival check in to the Hotel and we shall proceed to visit the gorgeous Murudeshwar Temple, which is 16 Kms from Bhatkal, perched on a hillock by the shore. Two life-size elephants in concrete stand guard at the steps leading to the Temple. This temple has a history that dates back to a few centuries.
The local belief is that the Temple, which embodies a Linga, is believed to have erupted when Ravana flung the cloth covering the Atmatlinga at Gokarana while lifting it. As one ascends the hillock, there is a shrine of Jattiga seated on a horse. Also we shall visit the Pigeon Island, which is off the Murudeshwar coast. After this visit we shall proceed to see Bhatkal, a historical township. This ancient port town has temples of Vijayanagar times and many interestingjain monuments. Later back to the Hotel forovernight stay. (B)
Day 09: Dandeli
After breakfast, check out and proceed to Dandeli 170 Kms / 3 Hrs drive, a popular holiday resort. On arrival check in at the Hotel and shall proceed to visit the Wildlife sanctuary which is bound with a variety of rare animals like elephants, tigers, sambar, chita! and wolves. This Dandeli Sanctuary is 125 Kms from Dandeli, which has an area of 834 Sq.Km. It has 6 Rest houses. Later we shall proceed to visit the cave with Shivalinga the laterite formation. After this wild experience, we shall retire to the Hotel for overnight stay. (B, L&D)
Day 10: Dandeli Bijapur
After breakfast check out and proceed to Bijapur 250 Kms / 41/2 Hrs drive. Arrive at noon and check in at a hotel for fresh up. After lunch proceed to visit Gol Gumbaz, the tomb of Mohammed Adil Shah which boasts of the second-largest tomb in the world. 44 m in diameter, the interior of the dome is mysteriously unsupported and has a whispering gallery under it, whose acoustics are superb. We shall also visit Jumma Masjid. Still used for worship, this has been called one of the first mosques in India. It holds an exquisite copy of Koran, written in gold lettering. Later we shall visit Ibrahim Roza, the mausoleum of Ibrahim Adil Shah II who is said to have inspired the Taj Mahal in Agra. Overnight
Day 11: Bidar
After breakfast check out and proceed to Bidar from Bijapur 265 Kms / 5 Hrs drive. The capita! of the Bahamani Kingdom and later die Band Shahi dynasty, Bidar has many tt places of architectural and historical interest. Arrive Bidar at noon and check in at the Hotel. After noon proceed to visit the Bidar Fort. It has five darwazas (gates) leads into a town nestled within the ramparts. Also we shall visit Rangeen Mahal. Once the royal residence, it has elaborately carved wooden pillars, Persian couplets engraved in encaustic tiles and exquisite mother-of-pearl inlay work. Also we shall visit the Madarasaof Muhammad Gawan and the tombs of the Bahamani and Badrid Kings. Later we shall shop for the Bidriware, a distinct and exquisite craft of this district. Back to hotel for overnight stay.(B)
Day 12: Gulbarga
After breakfast, check out and proceed to Gulbarga 98 Kms / 2 Hrs drive. A unique synthesis of two rich cultures, Gulbarga stiil retains its historic charm. On arrival check in to the Hotel for fresh up and we shall visit the Gulbarga Fort. The Fort is a magnificent structure with 15 towers and 26 guns. To the Southern entrance of the fort is a group of royal tombs. Inside the fort is the Jumma Masjid, built on the lines of the great Mosque of Cardova of Spain. Sharana Basaveshwara Temple, a 19th century Shiva linga temple here is built in Maratha style. Khwaja Bande Nawaz Durgah, the tomb of the great Sufi saint, Khwaja Syed Mohammed Gesu, is built in the Indo Saracenic style. The Durgah Library houses almost 10, 000 books on Urdu, Persian and Arabic. Late evening back to the Hotel for overnight stay.(B)
Day 13: Aihole Pattadakal - Badami
After breakfast, check out and proceed to Aihole 110 Kms / 2 Hrs drive. Famous as the 'Cradle of Indian Temple Architecture', Aihole has over 125 temples all intricately carved and rich in detail. The oldest temple here, is perhaps the 5' century Lad Khan Temple. On Arrival at Aihole, we shall visit The Durga (Fort)
Temple which has a semicircular apse and a complete portico. If time permits, then we shall proceed to visit The Hutchmalli Temple, the Ravalphadi Cave Temple, the Konti Temple Complex, the Uma Maheshwari Temple, the Jain Meguthi Temple and the two-storeyed Buddhist Temple are the other attractions at Aihole. After lunch, we shall proceed to Pattadakal 24 Kms / 40 Min drive. A World Heritage centre, Pattadakal has 10 major temples representing early Chalukyan architecture. On arrival at Pattadakal, we shall visit the biggest temple dedicated to Virupaksha, which has a huge gateway and several inscriptions. In front of the temple is a majestic 2.6 m high Nandi. We shall visit the Mallikarjuna and Papanatha Temples, and the Jain Temple from the Rashtrakuta period if time permits. In the evening we shall proceed to Badami 14 Kms / 25 Min drive. The Capital of the early Chalukyas, Badami is picturesquely situated at the mouth of a ravine between two rocky hills. On arrival we shall visit it, which has four rockcut Cave Temples, the largest being the third cave dedicated to Vishnu. Overlooking the Temples is a reservoir, its banks dotted with temples dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva. The Bhutanatha Temple and the Museum set up by the Archaeological Survey of India, are the other attractions. After this historical experience we shall retire ourselves in a Hotel for overnight stay.(B)
Day 14: Hampi
After breakfast, check out and proceed to Hampi 100 Kms / 2 Hrs drive from Badami. Hampi, situated on the banks of River Tungabhadra in the region of Bellary is a World Heritage Centre with the most beautiful and evocative of all the ruins in Karnataka. The erstwhile capital of the Vijayanagar Kingdom, Hampi is full of delightful surprises. Founded by Hakka {also called Harihara} and Bukka in 1336, the famous capital of the Kings of Vijayanagara has now become the focal point as it attracts attention and great admiration of architects, historians and archaeologists, and of course the innumerable tourists who visit these monuments from all over. Some recent excavations have unearthed beautifully preserved temples, one of them underground, and the ruins of what must have been the once splendid palaces and the gateways. Travelogues and historians have admired the glorious period of the Vijayanagara Empire in the Indian history, the pomp and the legendary wealth of the Kings and the court, the exquisite architecture of the monuments and the temples. On arrival at Hampi, we shall proceed to visit The Virupaksha Temple. This Temple, an aspect of Shiva and the guardian deity of the Vijayanagara Kings, rises majestically at the Western end of a 700-m long street, once the site of the famous Hampi bazaar. Later we shall visit the Ugra Narasimha. Seated under a canopy of a seven-hooded snake hewn from a single boulder, this monument stands 6.7 m high overlooking the vast fields out of which it seems to rise. Also we shall visit The Achyutharaya Temple. This complex was built under the order of a prominent commander in the reign of Achyutharaya. This sacred complex is mostly known today by the name of the ruler. Later we shall proceed to visit Kondanda Rama Temple, which commemorates the spot where Rama crowned Sugriva after killing Vali. We will also visit Yantrodharaka Anjaneyaswamy Temple. Here a powerful yantra of Hanuman was installed by Vyasa Maharshi. Later we shall visit the Matanga Hill, which is named after the sage who is supposed to have protected the mythical Sugriva and Hanuman from Vali, according to Ramayana. There is a living Veerabhadra temple on this Hill. After this historical experience we shall retire at a Hotel for overnight stay.(B)
Day 15: Hampi
After to the Chakrathirtha which is situated on the Southern bank of River Tungabhadra. Here we can Cool our heels in the running water amidst the beautiful surroundings. Later we will visit Hazaara Rama Temple. The wall of this temple are delicately carved with friezes of elephants. Horses. dancers and the troupes of infantry and epices of the Ramayana. On the walls of the sanctum sanctorum there are two rare depictions of Vishnu as the (Fig) Buddha. This temple was once reserved for the royalty. Also we shall visit The Lotus Mahal, which is the most important monument in the Zenana enclosure. A beautiful, two storeyed palaces with recessed archways set in geometric regularity and opening to the sun and the wind Like the petals of a lotus flower, this building vas dedicated to the beauty of women. It is one of the few buildings, which stand intact as fine example of Indo Saracenic architecture.
Next we shall leave to visit the Vittala Temple. This magnificent architecture of the Vittala temple complex represents the highest achievement of the Vijayanagara art. In the premises we can find a magnificent Kalyana mantapa. In the courtyard of this temple we can see the famous stone chariot with its superb sculptures. The technical conception is so ingenious that the wheels really turn! There is a hall in this temple with 56 exquisitely carved pillars, which when tapped emit musical notes!! Later we shall proceed to visit The Mahanavami Dibba, which has a beautifully sculpted platform from where the King witnessed the Dasara and the Mahanavami processions. In the recent excavations, a Pushkarani near this Mahanavami Dibba with a hundred steps was discovered. The beauty of the monument lies in its very elegant steps that resemble the pyramids. Also we shall proceed to visit The Queen's Bath. With its arched corridors, gallery verandah, projecting balconies encircle a 15-m square bath. The lotus shaped fountains that once sprouted perfumed water in a minor waterfall are on one side. An underground grain was provided for the water to flow out. The bath, though carefully shielded on all sides was open to the sky. Later back to the Hotel for overnight stay.(B)
Day 16: Chitradurga
After breakfast. check out and proceed to Chitradurga 200 kms 3 1/2 hrs drive from hampi. The District headquarters town, Chitradurga is
recognised as the land of valour and chivalry. This is a massive fortress on top of granite hills that risesdramatically from the ground. Archaeological remains
found in the area, trace its history to the 3 millennium B.C. A rock cut edict of Emperor Ashoka, near Bhramagiri reveals that Chitradurga was part of the
Hoysalas. But it really achieved eminence, as a feudatory state of the Vijayanagar Empire, under the dynastic ruie of the Nayakas known for their heroic
jexploits. In I 779, the fort was captured by Hyder Ali,mm who along with his son Tipu Sultan, was responsible for its expansion and strengthening. After Tipu Sultan'sdefeat by the British, the fort came under the rule ofthe Royal Mysore family. On arrival at Chitradurga, we shall proceed to visit The Chitradurga Fort. Known as Yelu Suthina Kote, the Fort is fortified by seven circular walls.three of which are on the ground and four on the hill. Chitradurga fort is said to have had 19majestic doors, 38 smaller doors, 35 special entry points and four secret entrances. The fort isentered through four gateways of the outermost wall. The foothills of the fort constitute themain residential area of the town. The main entrance to the fort is known as Kamanbhavi. TheBanashankari Temple, located in a little cave still has worship going on. The EkanatheshwaraTemple was built by Matti Thimmana Nayaka in the I5th century. Nearby is the Hidimbeshwara Temple which was previously a Buddhist monastery. No account of Chitradurga Fort would be complete without mention of the Vanake bawaKindi, a secret entrance associated with the heroic tale of a Beda woman, Obawa. Single handed, she vanquished hundreds of Hyder Ali's soldiers, who were stealthily trying to enter the fort.
After this experience of the beautiful fort we shall retire back to the Hotel for overnight stay.
Day 17: Hassan
After breakfast, check out and proceed to Hassan 200 Kms / 3 '/j Hrs drive. Hassan, the district headquarters is a quite and peaceful town. On arrival at Hassan, we shall proceed to Belur 8Kms/ I '/: Hrs drive. This quaint hamlet is located on the banks of the river Yagachi. It was once the capital of the Hoysala Empire, today made unforgettable for its exquisite temples. The Chennakeshava Temple is one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture. It took 103 years to complete and the facade of the temple is filled with intricate sculptures and friezes with no portion left blank. Later we shall proceed to Halebedu 17 Kms 1/2hr.drive from Belur. The temples of Halebedu like those of Belur bear mute testimony to the rich, cultural heritage of Karnataka. The Hoysaleswara Temple, dating back to the 12 century, is astounding for its wealth of sculptural details. The walls of the temple are covered with an endless variety of Gods and Goddess, animals, birds and dancing girls. Yet no two facets of the temple are the same. This magnificent temple guarded by a Nandi Bull was never completed, despite 86 years of labour. Later we shall proceed to visit Shravanabelagola 51 Kms / I Vi Hrs drive. This is one of the most important Jain pilgrim centres. Here is the 17-m high monolith of Lord Bahubali the world's tallest monolithic statue. Thousands of devotees congregate here to perform the Mahamastakabhisheka a spectacular ceremony held once in 12 years when the 1000 year old statue is anointed with milk, curds, ghee, saffron and gold coins. The next Mahamastakabhisheka will be held in 2005 A. D. Later back to the Hotel for overnight stay in Hassan. (B)
Day 18: Hassan Bangalore
After breakfast, check out and proceed to Bangalore 180 Kms / 3 1/2 Hrs drive from Hassan. (B)
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