- India
- South India
- Architecture of South India
Architecture of South India
Package price 959 per person sharing twin
Product Code : AGORA30
This historic tour begins in I Tech city Bangalore and proceed to the former princely state Mysore rich in Imperial heritage. Visit intrinsically Hindu collection of temples at Belure, Halebidu, Hampi, Badami, Aihole, Pattadakal, and the ancient Vijayanagar Empire to see some of India's most intricate historical stone carvings. At the end of your explorations through history, unwind yourself in Goa, renowned for its endless beaches, places of worship and world heritage architecture.
Day 1: Arrive Bangalore
On arrival at Bangalore airport assistance and transfer to hotel. Rest time to relax. Overnight at hotel.
Day 2: Bangalore - Mysore (145kms/ 3hrs approx)
Breakfast at hotel. City tour include visit to Lal Bagh Garden: Hyder Ali laid out this famous botanical garden and his son added horticultural wealth to them by importing trees and plants from several countries. The garden today houses over 1000 species of flora which include rare and enchanting collection of tropical plants, trees and herbs.
The Bangalore Fort: built by Kempe Gowda and expanded by Tippu Sultan. Within its walls is the well preserved 16th century Ganapathi Temple. The Bangalore Palace was built by a Wodeyar king in 1887 on the 400 acre space. Inspired by the Windsor castle, this palace was built in the Tudor style, complete with Gothic windows, foiled windows, battlements and turrets. Tippu’s Summer Palace: The palace was first a mud-brick defense built by Kempegowda in 1537. Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan later rebuilt it 1791. An inscription on the wooden screen describes the palace as the 'abode of happiness' Though the palace still has elegant teak pillars, most of the painted decorations have been destroyed.
Also see the Government buildings Vidhana Soudha: This splendid neo-Dravidian granite building that dominates the northern boundary of the Cubbon Park is the home of the State Legislature and the Secretariat..
After sightseeing drive to Mysore check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 3: Mysore - Srirangapatna - Shravanabelagola - Hassan (140kms/ 3hrs approx)
Breakfast at hotel visit Mysore Palace & Srirangapatnam Fort & Ranganthaswamy temple.
City tour of Mysore. Visit Chamundi Hills, site of the Chamundeswari Temple and Nandi Bull. Then visit Mysore Palace the seat of the former ruling Wodeyar dynasty, the palace blends Hindu, Islamic, Gothic and Rajput styles. The palace contains astonishing wall paintings, authentic stained glass work and ornamented doors.
The Ranganatha Swamy Temple in Srirangapatna enshrines Lord Vishnu as Ranganatha. It is said that the Ganaga chieftain, Tirumalaiya built this temple in 894 AD. The Ranganatha Swamy Temple was later expanded by the Hoysalas, Vijayanagar monarchs, Mysore Wodeyars and Hyder Ali. The architecture is a mixture of the Hoysala and Vijayanagar styles. The temple has fort like walls and an intricately carved Gopura in Vijayanagar style of architecture. The idol of Lord Ranganatha is in reclining posture on the bed laid out by the serpent Aadi Sesha is about 4.5 meters in length. The main entrance has Chaturvimsati (four) pillars has the cravings of the 24 forms of Vishnu. There are many other shrines like Ranganayaki, Narasimha, Sudarshana, Gopalakrishna, Srinivasa, Rama and Panchamukha Anjaneya in the complex.
Srirangapatnam Fort the stronghold of Tippu Sultan. Tippu made a last minute ditch Against the British in 1799 before surrendering his kingdom. Among the many fort buildings still intact, are Tippu’s Airy summer palace and his tomb at the Darya Daulat Bagh (garden). Daria Daulat Bagh: Built in 1784, this Summer Palace was one of Tipu's favourite retreats. It stands on a raised platform at a height of 1.5 metres. The Bagh is situated on the banks of Cauvery river has treasured the paintings, engraving, arms that depict the Valant victories and Struggles of Tipu Sultan. The structure made of teak, this Indo-Saracenic structure has ornate and beautiful frescoes. The corridors showcase murals which describe Tipu’s ordeals in the battlefield against the British
Later drive to Hassan en route visit Shravanabelagola Jain temple.one of the most important Jain pilgrim enters. It is also one of the oldest where a 17m high naked Lord Bahubali (gomteshwara) - the world's tallest monolithic statue, is placed. It is situated on the picturesque Vindhyagiri Hill overlooking the town.
Arrive Hassan check in & overnight at hotel.
Day 4: Hassan - Hospet/ Hampi (330kms/ 7hrs approx)
Breakfast at hotel. Drive toward Hampi en route visit Belur & Halebedu
Belur (38kms from Hassan). It was once the capital of the Hoysala Empire, today made unforgettable for its exquisite temples. The serenity of Belur is attributed to the celebrated temple of Chennakeshava built by the Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana in 1117 A.D. It is one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture. The main structure of the temple, which is star-shaped, a homogenous architectural unit on a raised platform. Everything is carved in black stone, looking like metal. Facing the temple, at the entrance, stands the winged figure of Garauda, Lord Vishnu’s carrier. The 650 charging elephants on the frieze around the walls outside are all different from each other. The exotic bracket figures on the walls of this temple are serene, playful and amorous, enhancing the overall effect of this pinnacle of architectural excellence.
After visiting this temple move to Halebedu (17kms from Belur). The temples of Halebid bear mute testimony to the rich, cultural heritage of Karnataka. Visit the Hoysaleswara Temple, dating back to the 12th century, standing on platform like a casket, is a sculptural extravaganza, richly endowed with most finely detailed scroll work in stone. The walls of the temple are covered with an endless variety of gods and goddesses and also visit the Jain bastics.
After sightseeing drive to Hampi check in at hotel. Rest time free and easy to relax. Overnight at hotel.
Day 5: Hospet/ Hampi
Breakfast at hotel, full day to visit Hampi. Nestled within the ruins of medieval city of Vijayanagar, on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, Set in a surreal and beautiful boulder-strewn landscape, Vijayanagara (the City of Victory) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although the city was destroyed by marauding Moghul invader’s in the 16th century, much of it remains today. The vast site of monuments and ruins, a mute witness to an ear of glories, triumphs and tragedies. The ruins of Hampi are so majestic and imposing that they leave the visitor totally dumbfounded, awestruck and humbled.
Visit Hazara Rama Temple, King's Balance, Mahanavami Dibba, Royal enclosures, Statue of Ugra Narasimha Temple, Virupaksha Temple, Lotus Mahal & Vithala Temple Complex. Rest time free and easy to relax. Overnight at hotel.
Day 6: Hospet/ Hampi - Badami (195kms/ 4hrs approx)
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Badami, en route visit Lakkundi & Gadag temples (guide subject to availability).
Lakkundi Full of ruined temples like Mallikarjuna, Virabhadra, Manikeshwara, Nanneshwara, Lakshminarayana, Someshwara, Nilakanteshwara and many more.
Gadag Trikuteshwara temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva. The carved temple is in the town of Gadag It is dedicated to Shiva and has three lingas mounted on the same stone. There is a shrine dedicated to Saraswathi in this temple and it has carved columns.
Continue drive to Badami, check in at hotel. Rest time free and easy to relax. Overnight at hotel.
Day 7: Badami - Aihole - Pattadakal (70kms/ round)
Breakfast at hotel. Full day to visit Pattadakkal, Aihole & Badami.
Pattadakal is a historic site of ancient and medieval era, Buddhist, Hindu and Jain monuments from the sixth century through the twelfth century CE, though the most of the surviving monuments date from the 7th to 10th centuries. Pattadakal reached at the peak of glory under the era of Chalukya kings from 7th to 9th centuries. The Sanghameswara Temple is the oldest in this group. The Mallikarjuna Temple has pillars representing the life of Krishna. Virupaksha temple has panel scenes and sculptures from the epics, the Mahabharata and Ramayana. The Papanatha Temple has stunning carvings on ceiling and pillars.
Aihole is a temple complex, the beautiful architecture of the place makes it a very popular tourist destination. There are 70 temples in this complex. The Lad Khan Temple is one of the major and oldest temples in the region of Aihole. Further, the Durga temple is famous for its incredible sculptures. The Meguti temple is a built of 630 small stone blocks, which makes it a worth exploring temple. The Ravanaphadi Cave has some beautiful carvings that attract tourists from around the world.
Badami Fort the well-known archaeological site soaked in the history of the Chalukyas and the Pallavas known for its beauty and rich history. Nestled atop a cliff, the Badami Fort lies opposite to the famous Badami Caves. The fort’s location commands a magnificent view of the Badami town and its splendid structures. The Badami Fort is one such monument that stands as a mute witness to a culturally rich bygone era.
Back to your hotel in Badami for overnight stay.
Day 8: Badami - Goa (235kms/ 5hrs approx)
Breakfast at hotel drive to Goa check in at hotel. Rest time free and easy to relax on the beach. Overnight at hotel.
Day 9: Goa
Breakfast at hotel, city tour of North Goa. Visit the charming beaches of Goa such as Calangute, Dona Paula, Miramar, and Baga Beach. Goa is famous for its magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendours of its temples, churches and old houses. Visit the basilica of Bom Jesus, the 16th century church dedicated to infant Jesus and housing the tomb of St. Francis Xavier a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The other Churches in the same area are St. Cathedral, with its vaulted interior, Church of Our Lady of Miracles, Church of our Lady of Rosary and Nunnery of St. Monica. The Aguada Fort built by the Portuguese commands the mouth of the Mondovi River and on the fort stands a 4-storey Portuguese lighthouse and the oldest of its kind in Asia. In South Goa visit Mangueshi and Shanta Durga Temples. Later, proceed for a visit to Margao, the headquarters of South Goa. Overnight at resort.
Day 10: Goa
Breakfast at hotel. Day free and easy to relax on the beach. Overnight at hotel.
Day 11: Goa – Departure
Breakfast at hotel. Breakfast at hotel as per your flight schedule transfer to airport to board flight for your onward destination.
Garland welcome and assistance on arrival at airport
10 Nights accommodation in selected price category hotels.
Daily breakfast at hotels.
Deluxe Air-conditioned private vehicle with English speaking chauffeur as per tour program.
Monuments entrances of sightseeing places and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary (almost all places of tourist interest are included in our itinerary)
English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city).
Government taxes.
Hotels used or similar
Bangalore x 1 nights
3* - Ramada/ The Rialto
4* - Fortune Select JP Cosmos/ Lemon Tree Premier Ulsoor Lake
5* - ITC Gardenia, a Luxury Collection/ ITC Windsor a Luxury Collection
Mysore x 1 night
Southern Star/Sandesh The Prince
Royal Orchid Brindavan Garden/ Fortune Park JP Palace
Royal Orchid Brindavan Garden/ Fortune Park JP Palace
Hassan x 1 night
3* - Candy Southern Star/ Pavanputra Resort & Spa
4* & 5* - Hosyala Village Resort/ The Ashok
Hampi x 2 nights
3* - Krishna Palace/ Kishkinda Heritage Resort
4* - Heritage Resort / Royal Orchid Central Keerti
5* - Hyatt Place/ Hampi Boulders
Badami x 2 nights
3* - Rajsangam Hotel/ The Heritage Resort
3* / 5* - Badami Court/ Krishna Heritage
Goa x 3 nights
3* - Varca Le Palm/ Lambana Resort
4* - Lemon Tree Hotel Candolim/ The Chances Resort & Casino
5* - Zuri Varca Goa White Sand Resort & Casino/ Alila Diwa Goa
Any air fare
Main Meals, Lunch or dinner unless mentioned
Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc.
Or anything not mentioned in inclusions.
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