Karnataka Spiritual, Wildlife & Nature Tour

01 Day: Arrival Bangalore

Welcome to the International Airport at Bangalore, our representative will assist and escort you by a car and transfer you to the pre-booked hotel. During your check in, all the required documents related to the tour, will be given to you and all your queries in concern to the tour and services will be explained. If you are arriving by early flight, after relaxation you can take a walk to have a glance of the city, visiting local markets and restaurants. Overnight at the hotel.

Bangalore: Capital of Karnataka State, Bangalore is famous as the city of gardens. It is one of the most attractive cities in India with its beautiful parks avenues and impressive buildings. Bangalore is renowned as much for its industrial plants as for its silk saris, and for the sprawling Cubbon Park, which lies at the heart of the city, as also its prestigious race course. It is now part of the great Silicone Valley, is a beautiful city filled with the tranquillity of its greenery. The Lalbagh garden is particularly beauliful and well laid out.

02 Day: Bangalore – Puttaparthi (155 kms: 4 hrs)

Today morning, after breakfast check out the hotel, and drive to Puttaparthi, on arrival transfer to the hotel, after refreshment visit, Sri Sathya Sai Space Theatre, The museum houses collections of various artifacts that depict Sai Baba’s life since the time he was a child. Anjaneya Hanuman Swamy Temple, This temple is situated at the Gopuram road. A marvelous Shiva Lingam adorns the entrance of the temple. Sai Baba had brought this Shiva Lingam from Kasim. Evening visit Chitravathi River is considered as new Ganges by the devotees of Sai Baba. The river gains the status of being sacred as Sai Baba used to bathe in the river. The banks of the river were where Sai Baba played many miracles. Afterwards return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Puttaparthi, The place is popularly known by the world at large as the birthplace of Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Venerated as a reincarnation of the Shirdi Sai Baba, a mystic saint who lived in the beginning of the 20th century, this Sai Baba has a large following worldwide and is a pilgrimage centre for devotees. His ability to produce ash or 'vibhuti' out of thin air added much to the god-like stature he enjoys amongst his devotees.

03 Day: Puttaparthi – Bangalore (155 kms: 4 hrs)

Today morning, after breakfast check out the hotel, and drive to Bangalore, on arrival transfer to the hotel, after refreshment take a sightseeing tour of the city visiting ISKCON Temple, Hare Krishna Hill is the Hill on which this temple is situated. Lal Baugh– One of the main gardens in the city; Cubbon Park– a garden laid down by Lord Cubbon in 1864. The Bull Temple – The 4.57 m high and 6.10 meters long image is carved out of single granite rock. Later followed by visit to Sri Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple– The temple is natural monolith carved cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Also visit, Vishweshwaraiah Technological Museum, Vidhana Soudha. In the evening you can visit Ulsoor Lake. Overnight stay at the hotel.

04 Day: Bangalore – Srirangapatnam – Mysore (140 kms: 4 hrs)

After an early breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Mysore. Enroute visit the Srirangapatnam (20 kms from Mysore) to visit Fort and Sri Ranganathaswami Temple. After sightseeing continues drive to Mysore, on arrival transfer to the hotel, Mysore is the Sandalwood and Incense Capital of the World & some of India’s finest Crafts, such as Printed Silk, Inlaid, Furniture and Ivory Carvings are also found here. Also known as the City of Palaces, Mysore retains a quaint charm that never fails to enchant. After relaxation take a sightseeing tour of the city visiting Brindavan gardens & spectacular musical fountains, followed by flower and sandal wood market, handicraft museum. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Srirangapatna (Srirangapatnam) is an island town on the Bangalore-Mysore Highway The town obtained its name from a 1000 year old temple of Lord Sriranganatha. This history-rich town was the capital of Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan - The Tiger of Mysore. Tipu Sultan, the eldest son of Haider Ali, was born on December 10, 1750 at Devanhalli. On his father's death in 1782, Tipu Sultan assumed power in Mysore. He continued fighting the British and defeated them in 1783.

05 Day: Mysore

After breakfast visit the Palace of the Maharaja (Emperor) built in 1911 – 1912. The palace is a harmonious synthesis of the Hindu and saracenic styles of architecture with magnificent archways, domes, turrets, colonnades and sculptures. Also visit the St. Philomenas cathedral followed by a drive up to Chamundi hill to see Chamundeshwari Temple and a panoramic view of Mysore. On the way back, see the Nandi Bull. Evening is free for leisure, or you may opt to visit to the local market to enjoy the local food, offered by various restaurants. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Mysore, the capital city of the Wodeyars has always enchanted its admirers with its quaint charm, rich heritage, magnificent palaces, beautifully laid-out gardens, imposing buildings, broad shady avenues and sacred temples. Mysore races its history back to the mythical past, when Goddess Chamundeshwari of Chamundi Hills killed the wicked buffalo-headed demon, Mahishasura. Mysore Dasara is the celebration of this victory of good over evil.

06 Day: Mysore – Shravanabelagola – Hassan (200 kms: 5 ½ hrs)

After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Hassan. En route you can enjoy the splendour of Shravanbelgola - one of most important Jain Pilgrim centre. Drive through the picturesque hilly landscape and stopover in Halebid, which is the ancient capital of Hoysala Empire. In Halebid you will visit the Hoysalesvara Temple of 12th century where you see half-life size statues of Hindu deities, with minute details of each, all around the temple. At Belur we visit the group of Chennakesava Temples, which are famous for its architecture and sculptures. After visit continue drive to Hassan, and check in to the hotel for overnight stay.

Shravanabelagola: 51 kms southeast of Hassan, it is one of the most important Jain pilgrim centres & houses the world's tallest monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali standing tall at 27 meters. 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. Channarayapatna, Ramanathpur, Gorur and Manjarabad are the other places of interest around Hassan.

Halebid is 27 kms northwest of Hassan and 17 kms east of Belur. The temples of Halebid – like those of Belur – bear mute testimony to the rich, cultural heritage of Karnataka. The Hoysaleshwara Temple, dating back to the 21st century, is astounding for its wealth of sculpture details. The walls of the temple are covered with an endless variety of Gods and Goddesses, animals, birds and dancing girls.

Belur, this quaint hamlet – 38 kms from Hassan – is located on the banks of the river Yagachi. It was once capital of the Hoysala Empire, today made unforgettable for its exquisite temples. The Shennakeshava temple is one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture. It took 103 years to complete this architectural marvel. Elephants, episodes from mythology & sensual dancers - you will find it all in the awe–inspiring & intricate workmanship with Hand–lathe–turned filigreed pillars supporting the temple.

07 Day: Hassan – Coorg (105 kms: 3 hrs)

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Coorg, enroute visit Kushalnagar Town, Kushalnagara is one of Coorg’s major tourist attractions. Kushalnagar is the first big town one can find while entering Coorg. The main attractions are the Kaveri Nisargadhama island, Dubare elephant camp. After visit proceed to Coorg, on arrival check in to hotel for overnight stay.

Kodagu or Coorg is called as the Scotland of India is a marvellous hill station located in the southern part of Karnataka. It is a small district of the state with distinct culture, unique customs and traditions. The region is surrounded by coffee plantations, orange groves, cardamom, pepper plants and dense forests. Cauvery one of the major rivers of South India takes birth at Talakaveri in Coorg. The people of Kodagu are known for their hospitality and bravery. The people of Coorg are known as Kodavas or Coorgies.

08 Day: Coorg

After breakfast, visit The Bagamandala Temple at the confluence of the Cauvery-Sujyothi Rivers is built in the multi-roofed Kerala style architecture. Gaddige, Rajas’ tombs or the tombs of Dodda Virarjendra & Lingarajendra II is a significant historical monument in Coorg. Bylakuppe near Kushalanagar is one of the largest Tibetan settlements in south India. It has several monasteries and the prominent among these are the Great Gompa of Sera Je and Sera Mey and the Namdroling monastery. Harangi Reservoir Harangi Reservoir is located in Hudgur village near Kushalnagar. Harangi Dam is around 6 kms from Kushalnagar town. Tibetan Golden Temple in Coorg. The Tibetan Monastery, This Tibetan settlement at Bailkoppa or Baylkuppe is the the second largest Tibetan settlement outside Tibet. Overnight stay at the hotel.

09 Day: Coorg

After breakfast drive to Madikeri, known as Scotland of India. Madikeri Fort, The Palace of the erstwhile kings located inside the Fort, now houses the offices of the Deputy Commissioner. Abby Falls or the Abbi Water Falls is situated just 7-8 kilometers from Madikeri town 'Abbi' in coorgie means a waterfall. Talacauvery is located 44 km from Madikeri, on the slopes of Brahmagiri Hill. Besides being a pilgrimage center, Talacauvery is known for its natural beauty. Nisargadhama is a breath taking and beautiful island off the state highway, Just 2 km from Kushalnagar town and around 30 kms from Madikeri. Later return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Madikeri: Madikeri, a picturesque charming town situated at an elevation of over 5,000 ft (1,525 m) above sea level.Madikeri (previously known as Mercara), is the district headquarters of Kodagu (formerly Coorg). Dubbed as the Scotland of India, Kodagu is the home of colorful, robust, martial race - the Kodavas, Said to be the descendants of the Greeks (Alexander's soldiers), the kodavas are fiercely independent. They were never conquered by either Tipu Sultan neither the British.

10 Day: Coorg – Nagarhole (90 kms: 3 hrs)

After an early breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Nagarhole, on arrival transfer to the resort, Nagarhole / Kabini have been attracting Wildlife Photographers since early 1990s and continue to be one of the best managed parks in India." After relaxation, The Coracle Ride on the Kabini River is worth a try. Dinner and overnight stay at the resort.

Nagarhole (Or Rajiv Gandhi National Park) is one of the best-managed parks in the Country offering a very good park experience. Guests at Nagarhole enjoy game drivers (Jeep Safaris), birding, coracle ride, boat ride and elephant ride at the Elephant training camp. Because of its location, the park is characterised by dense tropical forest with a humid climate. A wide variety of birds migrate to the park during the peak of the summer season making it an ideal time to sight the wild in jungle.

11 Day: Nagarhole

After breakfast, proceed for wildlife safari and watch hoards of elephants, bison etc., in their natural pristine surroundings. Rameshwara temple, this temple located on the banks of the Lakshman Tirtha River, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Iruppu Falls, Originating from the Lakshmana Tirtha River, a tributary of Cauvery, these waterfalls have mythological significance. Monsoons are ideal to visit Iruppu Falls as it provides a great view of the gushing waters. The Rameshwara Temple is located near these falls. Dinner and overnight stay at the resort.

12 Day: Nagarhole – Bandipur (90 kms: 3 hrs)

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive Bandipur National Park for wildlife safari, the national park was brought under Project Tiger in 1973 and is most famous for its tigers and elephants. The main attraction at Bandipur is the forest where one can enter the jungle for a safari or a trek to the Nilgiri mountains. Dinner and overnight stay at the resort.

Bandipur, established in 1931, is a wonderful wildlife centre. Tourists visit this place to admire the breathtaking beauty of nature and also to enjoy a quiet vacation far from the hustle and bustle of the city. This is located in the district of Chamarajanagar. Situated in the Nilgiris, Bandipur is flanked by the Kabini, Moyar and Nugu Rivers which drain the area. Besides the rivers, there are many seasonal streams flowing through the region. This place is under Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and is also the first Biosphere Reserve of the country.

13 Day: Bandipur – Ooty (40 kms: 1 ½ hr )

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Ooty. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. After refreshment take a sightseeing tour of this picturesque hill station visiting Botanical Gardens, a wealth of variety of plants that include different types of roses, imported shrubs, rare flowering plants, eucalyptus trees, several old trees and even a fossilized tree trunk that is 20 million years old, followed by boat rides and fishing, Ooty Lake : is surrounded by green hills and huge trees. The sight of lake from the shores is mesmerizing. The Fern hill Palace: was the erstwhile summer residence of the Maharaja of Mysore. The first Fern hills bungalow was built in 1844 as a private The palace resembles a Swiss Chalet, Ooty Golf Links: The golf course is set at an altitude of 7200 feet. The course extends over 193.56 acres and comprises 18 holes. Dodabetta Peak: highest point in South India, Pine Forest: a scenic canvas to the valleys and the vast landscapes of the Nilgiris. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Ooty: Known as the queen of hills and the most popular hill station in the South India. It is located in the Nilgiri hills at 2286 meter above sea level. With its rolling lawns and salubrious climate it became the important hill station in South India and the summer capital of the former Madras presidency. Ooty still has the touch of the Raj about it, with its cottages and pretty gardens and stone churches that stands among the groves of pine. Old summer palaces of maharajas are now hotels and set in their beautiful parks.

14 Day: Ooty – Coonoor – Ooty (20 kms: 1 ½ hr)

Today morning after breakfast, take the toy train from Ooty to Coonoor- this train runs between Metupalaiyam-Udagamandalam (Ooty), via Coonoor, in the Nilgiri Hills. The track is 46 kilometers (28.5 miles) long, and passes over 26 viaducts, and through 16 tunnels and tall girder bridges. This railway is particularly picturesque because of the surrounding rocky terrain, tea plantations, and forested hills. Coonoor, with its worldly famous tea, is a tourist destination in itself. On arrival explore the surrounding places: Ketti Valley –the second largest valley in the world is best viewed if you walk in the railway tracks from Ketti to Aravangadu, Coonoor Golf Links, Wellington Army Barracks (Need Prior Permission for a full tour), SIMS Park, a 12-hectare park exhibiting over 1000 species of plants, Visit Lambs nose followed by Dolphins Nose (10 km. away from Coonoor) offering an excellent view. It encompasses the Catherine Falls (250 feet). Afterwards return back to Ooty by car. Evening is free to enjoy the natural surroundings of the hill stations. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Coonoor, surrounded by the tea plantations, and at an altitude of 1850 m, Coonoor is the first of the three Nilgiri hill station-Udhagamandalam (Ooty), Kotagiri and Coonoor – that you come to when leaving behind the southern plains. Like Ooty, it’s on the toy train line from Mettupalayam. While Kotagiri had the Kotas, and Ooty the Todas, so Coonoor was home to the Coon hill tribe. (The suffix, ‘oor’, means village) This now bustling town appears rather squashed between the hills and it’s only after climbing up out of the busy market area with the bus and train terminals that you’ll get a sense of what hill stations were originally all about.

15 Day: Ooty – Bangalore (280 kms: 6 hrs) – Hometown (By Air)

After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Bangalore airport to board the scheduled flight for hometown. Tour concludes here with happy memories.