Karnataka and Goa
The Karnataka is a state in the south-west of India, with Bangalore as its capital. The state has its own rich and diverse culture, and many ancient forms of art are practiced, such as Yakshagana, the drum dance (Dollu Kunitha), etc.
Geographically, it presents various land features, meaning that in the coastal region, you will find numerous coconut palms and beautiful pristine beaches, and inland, cloud-covered hills, dense and deep forests. There are also many breathtaking historical and heritage sites. For example, Mysore has much more than its famous palace. Fascinating rock-cut temples carved into the stone at Badami.
Detailed Programme
Day 1: Arrival in Bangalore
A driver will welcome you at Bangalore airport. He will take you to your hotel. Check-in at the hotel for 1 night.
Day 2: Bangalore - Mysore
Departure for Mysore, en route make a stop at Srirangapatna and Somnathpur to visit the ruins of Tipu Sultan's capital and also visit the Keshava temple (avatar of Vishnu). Continue to Mysore and check-in for 2 nights.
Day 3: Visit to Mysore
The morning visit to the Mysore Palace, which was built in the early 14th century by the royal family of Wodeyars. The palace is constructed in Indo-Saracenic style, the magnificent Mysuru Palace was the official residence of the Wadiyar dynasty and the seat of the Kingdom of Mysore. Then take an excursion to Chamundi Hills, which is home to the goddess Chamundeshwari. Built in Dravidian architectural style, the 17th-century Chamundeshwari temple features rich adornments. Here, one can find a large statue of the bull Nandi, a representation of Shiva.
Return to Mysore and visit the Brindavan Garden inspired by the Shalimar gardens in Kashmir. Today, Brindavan Garden is world-renowned for its ethereal beauty, grandeur, and musical fountain. In the evening, you will attend a sound and light show at the Mysore Palace (7 PM).
Day 4: Mysore - Hassan
Departure for Hassan, on the way you will visit the Jain temple of Shravanabelagola. Then continue to Hassan and check into the hotel for 2 nights. In the evening, take a stroll around the city.
Day 5: Excursion to Belur and Helebidu
After breakfast, you will take an excursion to Belur and Halebidu! approximately 85 km round trip. Belur is located on the banks of the Yagachi River and was one of the capitals of the Hoysala Empire. Renowned for its magnificent Hoysala temple complex,
Ensuite visitez Halebeedu l'ancienne capitale des
Hoysalas, La dynastie Hoysala a régné sur une grande partie du sud de
l'Inde pendant près de 200 ans et pendant cette période, elle a construit des
temples spectaculaires. à la fois hindou et jaïn. Au 14ème siècle, les
armées d'Alauddin Khilji et de Muhammad Tughlak ont vaincu les Hoysalas et
attaqué leur empire. Il est rapporté que d'énormes richesses et richesses ont
été pillées . Aprés retour à Hassan et nuit à l'hotel.
Day 6: Hassan - Hampi
Today, a long journey to Hampi. On the way, visit the famous Chitradurga Fort, which is one of the strongest hill forts in the country. The fort has many temples such as Sampige Siddheshwara, Hidimbeshwara, Ekanathamma, Anjaneya, Subbaraya, and Basava. The high rock-cut ramparts complement the rugged landscape and have been designed so that each line of fortification overlooks the others below. Continue to Hampi and settle in for 2 nights.
Day 7: Hampi
You have a full day to discover the city of Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Set in an impressive landscape dotted with boulders along the banks of the Tungabhadra River, Hampi was the capital of the powerful Vijayanagara Empire. Visit the historic 'Hampi', the "largest open-air museum in the world." Most of the important structures and ruins are located in two areas. One is the Royal Centre to the southwest, which contains structures that appear to have been palaces, baths, pavilions, royal stables, and temples for ceremonial use. The second is the Sacred Centre, which extends around the Virupaksha Temple (a 7th-century Shiva temple) and the Hampi bazaar area, situated along the banks of the sacred Tungabhadra River. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 8: Hampi - Vijayapura
Today you will take the road to Vijayapura (also known as Bijapur), a city founded in the 10th-11th centuries by the Kalyani Chalukyas and governed by various dynasties, including the Adil Shahi. The city is primarily associated with Islamic architecture, particularly that of the Vijayapura fort. The city is dotted with mosques, mausoleums, palaces, and strong fortifications and gateways. Arrive in Vijayapura and check into the hotel for 2 nights. Then you will explore part of the city: Malik-e-Maidan, Upli Buruj, Taj Bawadi, etc.
Day 9: Visit to Vijayapura
Full day to visit Vijayapura and the surrounding area. In the morning, we will visit the Gol-Gumbaz "One of the most beautiful structures". Ibrahim Rouza, one of the most beautiful Islamic monuments and a source of inspiration for the Taj Mahal in Agra. Then visit Jumma Masjid built by Adil Shah-I (1558-1580), the mosque is a finely proportioned rectangular building with graceful arches. In the afternoon, there are many other interesting sites to visit such as Bara Kaman, Gagan Mahal, the Siddeshwar temple and Shivagiri, and finally Mehtar Malal. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 10: Vijayapura – Badami
Departure for Badami, this city holds an important place in the history of Karnataka's heritage. The exquisite sculptures and sandstone cliffs of the city evoke many tales from times gone by.
Arrival in Badami and check into the hotel for one night. Continue to explore the city of Badami, which is often associated with a visit to Pattadakal (20 km) and Aihole (35 km). In the evening, return to Badami and visit its famous rock-cut temples, carved from red rock, from where you will have a view of the Agastya-teertha tank.
Day 11: Badami – Goa
In the morning, departure for Goa.
Former Portuguese state, the history of Goa is both long and diverse. It shares many similarities with Indian history, particularly regarding colonial influences and a multicultural aesthetic.
Goa is a beautiful and popular destination in India for travellers from around the world, the list of attractions in Goa is endless, covering everything from lively beaches, beautiful churches, palm trees, centuries-old monuments and Hindu temples, mouth-watering cuisine and more.
Day 12-14: In Goa.
You have 3 full days to relax in Goa.
Goa, as it is known for its beaches, you will also be able to discover numerous water activities such as parasailing, scuba diving, kayaking, jet skiing, etc. (At your own expense):
In options, you can well organise your days in Goa by taking excursions to Old Goa, visiting the Aguada Fort, Miramar Beach, the Mandovi River, and bathing with elephants. Additionally, you can visit spice plantations, such as the Sahakari Spice Farm, Savoi Spice Plantation, and Tropical Spice Plantation.
Day 15: Departure
In the morning, your driver will drop you off at Goa airport 3 hours before the departure of your flight.
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