South Karnataka Trail

Day 01 - Arrive Mumbai
Location : In Western India on the coastal edge of Arabian Sea 
Popular As : Commercial capital of India and Home to Bollywood  
Established By : First Portuguese and then by Britishers 
Major Attractions : Marine Drive, Elephanta Caves, Chowpatty Beach

Detailed Itinerary : Upon arrival at Mumbai airport or station you will be met by our representative who transferred to your chosen hotel. Mumbai is a spicy masala of entrepreneurs, concrete towers, clubs and discos, cricket, Bollywood, history, great cuisine, beaches and much more! Mumbai is located on a site of ancient settlement and took its name from the local Goddess "Mumba" - a form of Parvati, the consort of Shiva, one of the principal Gods of Hinduism - whose temple once stood in what is now the southeastern section of the Mumbai city.  Afternoon free to catch up on jetlag or explore your surrounds, includes The Gateway of India - a grand ceremonial arch built to commemorate the visit of King George IV; Mani Bhavan - where the father of our Nation resided for 15 years; the Marine drive; the Prince of Wales museum - considered one of the best museums in the country; the Hanging gardens & Victoria Railway Station.
Overnight in Mumbai, we will be happy to recommend restaurants for dinner overnight in Mumbai.

Day 02 - Mumbai -  Bangalore (By Flight)
Location : South eastern Karnataka 
Famous For : Gardens, Shopping 
Distance : 331 kms from Chennai

Detailed Itinerary : Early morning take hearty breakfast at the hotel. Afterward you will drive to Bangalore, the capital city of Karnataka, is well placed to explore much of southern India and the Karnataka state, where many appealing attractions reside. Upon arrival, our representative assists to transfer you to the luxury hotel. Freshen up and relax at the hotel. Visit famous attractions like Lal Bagh Garden, Cubbon Park, Vidhan Soudha, High Court and MG Road. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the hotel. Other attractions close to Bangalore include the Nrityagram Dance Village, the town of Ramanagaram, the village of Ramohalli, and Shivaganga, where you can expect to find lots of wild monkeys wandering around, so be sure to hold onto your belongings.
Overnight stay will be at the hotel. 
 
Day 03 - Bangalore - Mysore (135 km - 03 hr)
Location: Southernmost Karnataka 
Famous For: Mysore Palace, Sandalwood Articles, crafts-guide  
Distance: 130 kms from Bangalore

Detailed Itinerary : In the morning after hearty breakfast at the hotel you we will continue to Mysore. Upon arrival our representative will welcome you to the hotel. Check in at hotel. Freshen up and relax at the hotel. Afternoon depart for half-day city tour. This city is situated in the state of Karnataka, South India.
Overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Day 04 - Mysore
Detailed Itinerary : Today morning after breakfast you will visit Somnathpur Temple In afternoon you will visit Srirangapatnam. Somnathpur is a small village on the banks of the river Cauvery that was founded by the commander of the Hoyasala army, The temple is famous for its elaborate and intricate sculpturing. Somnath. Visit the Maharaja's Palace, the lush Brindavan Gardens with its dancing fountains built on the terraces of Krishnarajasagar Dam, St.Philomena's Church built in an imposing Gothic style, the Jaganmohan Palace which was converted into an art gallery in 1875 and the Chamundi Hills. In the evening, visit the famous Brinda Vana Garden – famous for colorful lights and water fountains.
Rest of the time at leisure, Overnight will be your hotel.

Day 05 - Mysore – Hassan (150 km - 03 hr)
Location: In the south Indian state of Karnataka 
Significance: Heritage Site  
Famous For: Ancient monolithic statues and relics 
Speciality: Hassan in Karnataka is the oldest town of Hoysala Empire of 11th to 13th century AD in India.  
Tourist Attractions: Antique temples like - Shravanabelagola, Belur and Halebid

Detailed Itinerary : Take your leisurely breakfast at the hotel, later you will be driven to Hassan and on arrival at Hassan, and Transferred to your pre-booked Deluxe / Luxury hotel. In afternoon you will appointment with Belur and Halebid Temples. Belur temple took over 103 years to build and is a classic example of the Hoysala style of architecture. It rises like a wedding cake in stone, from a star shaped plinth, one of the hallmarks of Hoysala building design. Halebid - 16 km east of Belur and 27 km from Hassan, the Hoysaleswara Temple dating back to 12th century, is astounding for its wealth of sculptural detail.

Day 06 - Hassan - Hospet (150km – 03 hr)
Location : Northern Karnataka 
Famous For : Tungabhadra Dam, Chitradurga Fort 
Distance : 340 kms from Bangalore 
Best Time to Visit : September to February

Detailed Itinerary : After breakfast at the hotel you will take to Hospet - the World Heritage Center, is the most beautiful and evocative of all the ruins of Karnataka. once a beautiful capital city of Vijaynagar empire, in ancient days was known as Nagalapura. The city was razed to the ground by Sultan of South India in the year 1565.
On arrival check into a hotel. Overnight.

Day 07 - Hospet 
Detailed Itinerary : After leisurely breakfast you may expend your entire day touring Hampi and Vijaynagar.First you may take trip to Hampi. The once gorgeous capital city of Vijayanagar Empire - greater than Rome, had palaces, temples & sculptures, spread all over.You may also visit the ruins of the Virupaksha Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva & Pampadevi. This is the only temple that is still used for worship. visit to King’s Palace, Mahanavami Dibba, Queen’s Bath - This structure has a very plain exterior but the interior is stunningly ornate, with graceful arched corridors, projecting balconies and lotus-shaped fountains that used to spout perfumed water for the ladies of the court. You may also visit to Lotus Mahal - An elegant example of the fusion of the Hindu and Muslim styles of architecture, Elephant Stables - An imposing edifice with arched entrances and many domes that once housed the magnificent state elephants. Pushkarni, Hazara Rama Temple and many more.
Return back to hotel and Relax overnight in Hospet.  

Day 08 - Hospet - Badami via Pattadakkal & Ajhole (180km – 04 hr)
Detailed Itinerary : In the Morning after a hearty breakfast and check out and proceed to Badami. En route we will visit Pattadakkal & Ajhole. Pattadakkal, World Heritage centre & has 10 major temples representing the early haulakya architecture the biggest temple dedicated to Virupaksheshvara, has a huge gateway & several inscriptions.On arrival check in to the Hotel and relax. Badami is founded by Pulakesi I, ruler of the Chalukyas, the town is located at the foot of a rugged, red sandstone outcrop that surrounds Agastya tirtha water reservoir on three sides & is known for its rock-cut cave temples, sculpted between 6th-8th centuries AD.
You stay at the hotel overnight.

Day 09 - Badami – City Tour
Location : Bagalkot district of Karnataka 
Famous For : 4 Rock Cut Cave Temples 
Distance : 160 kms from Belgaum  
Best Time to Visit : October to March

Detailed Itinerary : Early morning take a hearty breakfast and get ready to explore Badami, There are many temples dating from the Chalukyas period in Badami. Visit to Badami Caves – Picturesquely situated at the mouth of a ravine between two rocky hills, the exquisite sculptures and the rust red sandstone cliffs of Badami tell many a tale of yore. There are carved images of the Narasimha & Trivikrama avataras of Vishnu. Further up, is a Jain rock cut temple dedicated to the Tirthankara Adinath with inscriptions dating back to the 12th century. The Mallikarjuna temple dating 11th century on a star shaped plan. North Fort - This is the largest enclosure, including two major platform structures, an underground chamber which must have served as a treasury or private audience hall, several other platforms, Banashankari - is a quaint hamlet taking its name from the goddess Banashankari. Built in the Dravidian style, the temple is dedicated to Banashankari, a form of Parvati.
Return back to hotel and overnight.

Day 10 - Badami - Hubli
Location : Bagalkot district of Karnataka 
Famous For : 4 Rock Cut Cave Temples 
Distance : 160 kms from Belgaum  
Best Time to Visit : October to March

Detailed Itinerary : Today morning after breakfast you will be transferred to Hubli after having breakfast. Hubli is a historic town was known as Raya Hubli & also as Elaya Puravada Halli during the ancient times. This city metamorphosed into an important commercial centre for trade in cotton & iron during the reign of the Vijaynagar Empire. You will be accommodated in a hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 11 - Hubli- Goa (210km – 04 hr)
Location : South-western part of India 
Capital City : Panaji 
Major Attractions : Casinos, Carnival, Cuisines 
Mostly Visited For : Beaches, New Year Fiesta

Detailed Itinerary : On 11th day of your Enchanting Karnataka with Goa tour will begin with a voyage to Goa in the morning. It is known for its world heritage architecture including the Bom Jesus Basilica. The city famous for its pristine beaches, exquisite churches and lush green environs offers several options for a sightseeing tour.
At Goa guests will check into a hotel for an overnight stay and the rest of the day will be free for relaxation or enjoying a casual walk at the beauteous beaches of Goa.

Day 12 - Goa
Detailed Itinerary : Your Goa tour first will include a visit to the Santa Cruz Cathedral this Roman Catholic Church is a stunning edifice built in 16th century.  The mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, kept in a silver casket, are enshrined here. Sri Mangueas Temple, surrounded by rolling green hills & dedicated to Lord Shiva, is the most important of all temples in Goa & is located at Priol in Ponda Taluka. The visit to the church will be followed by drive back to hotel and the rest of the day will be free for independent activities or enjoying a peaceful walk on the beach..  The tour will also include the visit to the ensemble of monasteries, chapels and St. Francis Xavier.  The afternoon will be marked for a visit to the Anjuna Flea Market later return to the hotel for an overnight stay. 

Day 13 - Goa – Mumbai (By Flight), Departure (Flight)
Detailed Itinerary : The morning of the final day of your you will be transferred to airport from where they will board the flight to Mumbai.  At Mumbai our representative will make all the arrangements while guests will board the next flight from the Airport for their onward journey back home.