Splendid Karnataka with Goa Beaches 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

Today morning after breafkast 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.

03 Day: Bangalore – Srirangapatna – Mysore (150 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.

04 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.

05 Day: Mysore – Nagarhole (90 kms: 2 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 ("Snake River") National Park, Bandipur's northern neighbor, extends 640 sq km north from the Kabini River, dammed in 1974 to form a picturesque artificial lake. Nagarhole National Park contains the habitat of several rare and endangered species, notably the tiger. Much of it has been protected from the ill effects of development because Indian royalty used the area as a hunting park. Nagarhole is part of the protected area complex that includes Bandipur National Park, Wynad Sanctuary and Mudumalai Sanctuary.

06 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.

07 Day: Nagarhole – Coorg (75 kms: 2 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 – Halebid – Belur – Hassan (150 kms: 4 - 5 hrs)

After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Hassan en route through picturesque hilly landscape and en route stopover in Halebid, which is the ancient capital of Hoysala Empire. In Halebid we visit the Hoysalesvara Temple of 12th century where we see half-life size statues of Hindu deities, with minute details of each, all around the temple. After the visit in Halebid we proceed to Belur. At Belur we visit the group of Chennakesava Temples, which are famous for its architecture and sculptures. After visit drive to Hassan for overnight stay.

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. Yet no two facets of the temple are the same.

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. The facade of the temple is filled with intricate sculptures and frescos, with no portion left blank. Elephants, episodes from the epics, sensuous dancers.

Hassan is a convenient base to visit Shravanabelagola, Belur and Halebid. The District Museum here has a collection of sculpture, paintings, weapons, coins and inscriptions. 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 12th century is astounding because of 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.

11 Day: Hassan – Shravanabelagola – Hospet (325 kms: 7 hrs)

After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Hospet, en route you can enjoy the splendour of Shravanabelagola- one of most important Jain Pilgrim centre. Here is the 17m high monolith of Lord Bahubali - the world’s tallest monolithic statue. After visit drive to Hospet for overnight stay.

Sravanbelagola: 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.

12 Day: Hospet – Hampi – Hospet (Excursion: 13 kms ½ hrs)

Early morning trek up to sunrise point on Matanga Hill, which is to the east of Hampi ... It’s beautiful and not to be missed if you ever visit Hampi. Return to the hotel for breakfast later take an excursion to Hampi, Hampi the once beautiful capital city of Vijaynagar Empire was greater than Rome and had palaces; visit at some of the interesting ruins remaining Hazara Rama Temples, huge Ganesha & Narasimha images, the elephant stables, the queen's bath, and carvings on the Ramachandra Temple & Lotus Mahal. There are a number of temples in Anegondi, which is a fortified area on the northern side of Hampi Bazaar. A terrain such as this was excellent for a capital city that needed to be vigilant and spend a further day in the heart of the lost empire. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Hampi was once the glorious capital of mighty Vijayanagar Empire (1336-1565), from the Deccan Plateau to the tip of the Peninsula. Founded in the middle of the 14th century by two local princes, Hukka & Bukka, the Vijayanagara Empire came to be celebrated for its might and wealth and as a showpiece of imperial magnificence. The emperors of this dynasty were great patrons of art and architecture, which can still be seen in the vast ruins of Hampi.

13 Day: Hospet – Aihole / Pattadakal – Badami (170 kms: 4 hrs)

After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Badami enroute visit Aihole and Pattadakal. Aihole is the cradle of stone temple architecture of the southern Dravidian School. The oldest temple, Lad Khan goes back to the 5th century A.D. There are 70 temples in this group. The Durga temple is noted for its sculptures. The Meguti temple is built of 630 small stone blocks. The Ravanaphadi Cave has some beautiful carvings. Pattadakal, referred to as Petrigal, reached its pinnacle of glory under the Chalukya kings from 7th to 9th centuries. The oldest in this group is the Sanghameswara Temple. The Mallikarjuna Temple has pillars depicting life of Krishna. Virupaksha temple has sculptures and panel scenes from the epics, the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The Papanatha Temple has impressive carvings on pillars and ceiling. After sightseeing, proceed to Badami. On arrival transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.

Aihole, A tranquil village on the banks of the Malaprabha river, Aihole is acclaimed as the cradle of Hindu temple architecture. There are hundreds of temples in the villages and fields nearby. The most impressive one is the Durga Temple with its semicircular apse, elevated plinth, and the gallery encircling the sanctum. The Lad Khan Temple, which is one of the earliest temples, was originally a royal assembly hall and marriage mantapa chosen as the abode of a Muslim prince, Lad Khan.

Pattadakal, with its beautifully chiselled temples, this World Heritage Site on the banks of the Malaprabha River bears testimony to the richness of Chalukyan architecture. Pattadakal reached its pinnacle of glory under the Chalukya kings and was once used as a ceremonial centre where kings were crowned and commemorated. It has a cluster of 10 major temples, each displaying interesting architectural features. At the entrance of the site, you can see the 8th century temples of Jambulinga, Kadasiddeshvara, and Galaganatha with their curvilinear shikaras or spires.

14 Day: Badami

After breakfast take a sightseeing trip of Badami. Climb a flight of steps to reach the ancient caves - all hewn out o sand stone on the precipice of a hill. There are four caves here. The first three belong to the Vedic faith and the fourth cave is the only Jain Temple in Badami. The first cave temple - past Shiva's door Keepers - and there he is the eighteen-armed Nataraj 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 and half lion avatar of Vishnu, Hari Hara, the composite god who is half Shiva a half – Vishnu. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Badami: The capital of the early Chalukyas, Badami is picturesquely situated at the mouth of a ravine between two rocky hills. It has four rock-cut 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 Temples and the Museum set up by the Archeological Survey of India, are the other attractions

15 Day: Badami – Gokarna (250 kms: 6 hrs)

After breakfast check out hotel and drive to Gokarna on arrival transfer to the hotel. Rest of the evening is free for leisure, optionally visit walk through somnolent one-street town consisting almost entirely of wooden houses. Overnight at the hotel.

Gokarna situated in coastal Karnataka is 453 kms from Bangalore and about 55 kms from Karwar, the District headquarters. It is described as a Shaiva Centre, as important as Kashi and Rameshwar. History has it that the Atmalinga brought by Ravana got struck here and his efforts to extricate it resulted in his throwing the coverings of the Linga to Dhareshwar, Gunavanteshwara, Murdeshwar and Shejjeshwar temples (the last places is very near Karwar). The Mahabaleshwara is one of the major temples here.

16 Day: Gokarna

Today morning after breakfast visit The Mahabaleshwara is one of the major temples here, Murdeshwar and Shejjeshwar temples (near to Karwar), later visit to Kudle beach – a 1 km long stretch of white sand fringed by palm trees – is the nearest – just about 20 minutes' walk from Gokarna. Half an hour further from Kudle is the Om beach, so named because it's shaped like the auspicious ‘Om’ symbol. Gokarna's other beaches- Paradise and Half-Moon- are smaller and lesser known, but equally great for sunbathing and swimming. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

17 Day: Gokarna – Goa (145 kms: 4 hrs)

Morning after breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Goa. On Arrival transfer to the beach resort. After relaxation enjoy the beach activities at Goa: Swaying palms, white sands and sparkling waters: the three essential elements that attract 2 million visitors annually to Goa’s balmy shores are plentiful in this tiny, glorious slice of India hugging the country’s western coastline and bounded by the Arabian Sea. Overnight stay at the hotel at Goa.

Goa: A Portuguese explorer, Afonso de Albuquerque sailed up the river Mandovi, defeated the Bijapuri army and rode into the capital triumphantly bearing a Portuguese Standard in one hand, and a Gold Crucifix in the other. A curious blending of cultures took place, affecting every sphere of Goa life, from religion to architecture, cuisine to art. The chapter of Goa's history ended 451 years later when Goa ceased to be a Portuguese colony, and became a part of the Indian Union. Parasailing, yachting, windsurfing, and deep sea diving are some of the more popular water sports, facilities for which are available.

18 Day: Goa

After breakfast, the day is free to enjoy the beaches and amenities available at the resort. You can take a sightseeing tour of Old Goa - 10 km from Panjim, the basilica of Bom Jesus, and the 16th century church dedicated to infant Jesus and enshrining the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, is one of the most important sight of Goa. The other Churches in the same area are St. Cathedral & Fort Aguada, with its vaulted interior, Church of our Lady of Rosary and Nunnery of St. Monica. Evening is free for leisure. Overnight stay at the resort.

19 Day: Goa

Today after breakfast day is free for individual activities and enjoy the beaches and sport activities in Goa: (on your own). Overnight stay at the resort.

20 Day: Goa – Mumbai (By Air)

After breakfast, check out the hotel and drive to Goa airport to board the schedule flight for Mumbai. On arrival transfer to the hotel. In the evening, visit Iskcon Temple: dedicated to Lord Krishna, The architectural splendour of the ISKCON Temple is adorned with murals and sculptures. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Mumbai is a cluster of Seven Islands and derives its name from Mumba Devi, the patron goddess of the koli fisher folk, its oldest inhabitants. Mumbai pulsates with activity. It is a city that is disciplined by nos time frame neither day nor night. It is also the country's financial powerhouse, the nation's industrial heartland, and its economic nerve center. Dazzling shopping arcades, exciting sport activity, nightclubs & discotheques, theatre & music, gourmet restaurants and interesting sightseeing. It offers visitors a heady mix of all this and more.

21 Day: Mumbai

Today morning after breakfast take a sightseeing tour of Mumbai city, firstly visit to Gateway of India and cruise by motorboats to Elephanta Caves - ancient rock cut caves dedicated to Lord Shiva. Later cruise back Gate Way of India. And sightseeing continue visiting Prince of Wales Museum- A heritage museum exhibits ancient artifacts. Parliament house- (From outside), Nariman Point- Commercial Hub, Marine Drive- a most beautiful laid boulevards of the city. Dhobhi Ghat- a famous open air laundry, Mani Bhawan- Known also Gandhi Bhawan. Later return to the hotel. If time permits visit to Bandra and Juhu area where bollywood celebrity houses are located like Shahrukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan etc, (can be seen from outside). After visit return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Note: Elephanta Caves and Prince of Wales museum are closed on every Monday.

22 Day: Mumbai – Hometown (By Air)

After breakfast checkout from the hotel and transfer to the international airport to board the scheduled flight for hometown. On departure tour concludes with happy memories.