Karnataka

About the tour

The moment one thinks of the South India Tour, it’s the heritage and ancient temples that come to mind, which is true to some extent. However, Karnataka has much more to offer when it comes to visiting the state for the first time. Travellers from across the globe visit Karnataka to explore the glorious sights, amazing history, astonishing craftsmanship in the form of carvings in ancient temples and monuments, wildlife, adventure, and a lot more. Tours in Karnataka have always been the most sought after by all the segments of travellers.

Day-wise Itinerary

Day 1 – Bandipur

Embark your journey from Bangalore to the Heritage city, Mysore and enrich yourself with the rich heritage, history and culture. Get that adrenaline rush while crossing one of the dense forests in Karnataka for its wildlife. The Jungle stay and safari will mesmerise you with the silence of the forest and the melodious chirping of birds. Get those cameras ready to capture the moment of deer and other animals running, dancing peacocks, group of tuskers or endangered Asiatic wild elephants, reaching the water sources and the main attraction, the Tigers. Other endangered species such as sloth bears, muggers, Indian rock pythons, gaurs, jackals, and four-horned antelopes can be spotted in Bandipur.Bandipur is also home to other animals like chital, sambar, mouse deer, and the flying lizard. Other fascinations include the diversity of flora and over 200 species of resident and migratory birds. Choose Jungle Lodges and resorts for that memorable stay.
The distance between Bangalore to Bandipur is 214 km and takes about 4.30 hours. Day 2 – Mysuru After soaking up in the serenity of the forest, head out to Mysore or Mysuru, the heritage city and a must-to-do in Karnataka. A day filled with heritage, culture, places of pilgrims, dam, and if you can squeeze in some time, visit the famous and one of the largest zoos in the country, Mysore Zoo. Visit Amba Vilas Palace or popularly called Mysore Palace built-in 1912 will leave you in awe. The marvellous architecture with all modern amenities showcases the rich heritage of the state. Plan your itinerary to include Chamundeshwari Hills, St Philomena Church and Krishnarajsagara Dam built across River Cauvery and the Brindavan Garden. Do not forget to soothe your taste buds with lip-smacking Mysore Masala Dosa and Mysore Pak.
The distance between Bandipur to Mysore is 72 km and takes about 1.25 hours.

Day 3 – Hassan

The ancient Hoysala city, Hassan is located 934 m above sea level and is a city of ancient temples. The Chennakeshava Temples of Beluru and Halebidu are examples of marvellous architecture. The intricate carvings depicting various stories of the kingdom, Ramayana and Mahabharata will leave you spell-bound. The floating or the submerged Settihalli Churchwill amaze you with its ruins. Take about 600 steps to reach the famous Jain temple at Sravanabelagola, the highest statue of Jain God Bahubali in the world.
The distance between Mysore to Hassan is 112 km and takes about 2.30 hours.

Day 4- Hospet – Hampi

Hospet or Hospete is another heritage town in Karnataka with its rich culture and ancient structures. Hampi, on the banks of the Tungabhadra river, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is the main attraction of the town. The Chariot at Virupakshe Templeis the highlight to which tourists, researchers, and students flock. The monuments and the remains of once the rich princely state Vijayanagara Empire are the attractions of Hampi.
The distance between Hassan to Hospet is 310 km and takes about 6 hours.

Day 5- Aihole – Pattadakal

The twin hub of temples from the era depicts the Dravidian and Chalukyan architecture. Pattadakal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located on the banks of the Malaprabha River is a testimony to the richness of Chalukyan architecture during the 7th and 8th centuries and is renowned for its intricately carved temple. A mix of Dravidian and Aryan architecture makes the Pattadakal temple one of its kind in India.

Aihole, a Dravidian temple architecture is serene on the banks of the Malaprabha River. Nestled here are hundreds of temples but the most noteworthy among them is the Durga Temple composed of a semi-circular apse, an elevated plinth and a gallery encircling the sanctum. Durga temple is the primary attraction in Aihole and the most spectacular representation of Aiholë temples. The other attractions are Lad Khan Temple the chosen abode of the Muslim leader Lad Khan, Huchimalli Temple with a sculpture of Lord Vishnu sitting atop a cobra, the Ravalphadi Cave Temple, the Umamaheswari Temple, the two-storied Buddhist temple, the Konti Temple Complex, and the Jain Meguti Temple,

The distance between Hospet to Aihole is 125 km and takes about 2.30 hours.
The distance between Pattadakal to Aihole is 13 km and takes about 20 minutes.

Day 6- Badami

Just 23 km away from Pattadakal, Badami cannot be missed for its exquisite sculptures and sandstone cliffs of Badami bring forth many a tale from the yesteryears. Famous for its four rock-cut caves adorned with ancient carved pillars and bracket figures cut out of red sandstone, Badami dates back to the 7th Century with the outer mantapa added in the 11th century during the late Kalyani Chalukyan age. Dedicated to Shiva’s form as the god of souls, spirits and ghosts, the Bhutanatha Temple, the caves overlook the Agastya Theertha Lake. The golden hour or the sunset is the best time to visit Badami Caves as it captures the rust-red tint of the sandstone.

The distance between Pattadakal to Badami is 21 km and takes about 30 minutes.
The distance between Badami to Bangalore is 450 km and takes about 8.30 hours. You can travel back to Bangalore by night train or State Roadways buses.
Although seven days are too less to visit and absorb the rich heritage and culture of Karnataka, however a compact above itinerary can enrich you with the must-to-do places in Karnataka highlights. There is a lot more like adventure, beaches, wildlife, temples and misty hills that can be covered in your next trip.