Overview
Its sparkling white sand coastline, the striking ruins of Hampi, and the opulence of the Mysore Palace are among the many attractions of this southwestern Indian state. Karnataka is in all its architectural splendor with its magnificently carved palaces and temples. You’ll also cross the arid Deccan Plateau to spend two days at Hampi, which contains the remains of a city once larger than Rome.
The origin of the word “travel” is most likely lost to history. The term “travel” may originate from the Old French word travail, which means ‘work’. According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, the first known use of the word travel was in the 14th century.
Highlights
- Trek to the world-famous Everest Base Camp
- Enjoy the amazing view of the Himalayas from Kala Patthar
- Travel through the Sherpa villages of Namche, Khumjung, Khunde, and Dingboche
- Visit Tengboche the biggest and oldest monastery n the region.
Bangalore – Mysore – Sravanabegola – Hassan – Halebid – Belur – Hassan – Hospet – Hampi – Badami – Goa
A tour rich in temples and meticulously sculpted remains, including the sites of Hampi ,Hospet and Badami . This array of historical and religious monuments located in forests, on the banks of lakes and rivers or on hills, allows you to see India from all times. The departure is in the modern city of Bangalore . We make a stop at the unmissable Mysore to enjoy its magnificent palace, its silk and its gardens. A visit to the bidi factories, sandalwood statues and incense sticks is also on the program. Tailor-made trip to India
Arrive in Bangalore in the morning. Upon arrival, you will be greeted in a beautiful Indian tradition with a flower lei to welcome you. Your trip to South India begins in Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka. One of our team members will meet you at the airport and assist you with the transfer to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, explore Bangalore. The city was founded in the 16th century and became an important fortified city in the 18th century. Today, it is the technological and scientific center of the country. Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, drive to Mysore , known for its magnificent palaces and majestic buildings, vast gardens, sandalwood, shimmering silks, the ” Royal City” remains a must-see on tourist itineraries.
Breakfast at the hotel. Mysore is the capital of the great Sultan Tipu called the Tiger of Mysore, who was killed fighting against the British in 1799. His remains rest in a magnificent mausoleum, the Gumbaz. Nearby is Tipu’s summer palace, the Daulat Dariya. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning visit to the Chamundi Hills (770 m above sea level) and the 2000-year-old Chamundeshwari temple perched on a hill as well as the Nandi Bull. Visit a village where beedi (Indian cigarette), sandalwood statues and incense sticks are made.
The legend takes its name from a famous demon called Mahishasur, a great warrior who ruled as a tyrant until he was killed by the goddess Chamundeshwari. Mysore is famous for the imposing Royal Palace, the magnificent Durbar Hall, is particularly splendid during the Dussehra Festival when the Maharaja’s jewels, the studded gold throne (weighing 200 kg) are displayed. Afternoon visit to Somnathpur Temple, built in 1268 AD, the temple is known for its Hoysala architecture. The temple wall depicts scenes from Ramayana, Mahabharta and Bhagvata, the three sacred religious books of Hindus. Overnight at hotel
After breakfast, drive to Hassan. On the way, stop at Sravanabelagola , a Jain pilgrimage city dominated by one of India’s most spectacular monuments: the statue of Gomeateshwara, which is over 18 meters high. Overnight at the hotel.
Departure for the visit of Halebid . You will discover the Hoysaleshwara temple, with its double sanctuary dedicated to Shiva and his wife Parvati. Continue to the site of Belur , a lively market town which was the capital of the Hoysalas before Halebid. Discovery of its main sanctuary, the Chennakeshava temple. Then return to Hassan.
Night at the hotel
Breakfast then drive towards Hospet. Discovery of the Chitradurga Fort which was built by Tipu Sultan and is surrounded by seven walls. Continue with the visit of Lotus Mahal and the Vitthala Temple remarkable for its refinement. The latter is the most spectacular of the entire Hampi site with among other things its processional chariot and its mandapam, a dance hall with superbly sculpted pillars. Return to the road and installation at the hotel. Night at the hotel
Breakfast at the hotel, Drive to the ruins of Vijayanagar , which represent an architectural jewel set in a magnificent natural setting: 400 temples scattered over 30km of tropical nature, enigmatic statues carved in granite. You will find there in particular the Virupaksha temple, remained intact in the middle of the surrounding ruins and dedicated to the god Shiva, it is the only temple still in use today. Pilgrims flock to this enormous sanctuary built in the 16th century behind a colossal gopuram (pyramidal tower), Night at the hotel
Departure for Badami . On the way, visit the site of Aihole with its very refined decor among the most beautiful examples of medieval Hindu architecture. Continue to Pattadakal which houses around ten temples, one of which offers a fine example of Dravidian Chalukya architecture. Then, visit Badami and the four rock sanctuaries dug in the 6th century. The first 3 belong to Hinduism and are decorated with exceptional sculptures. The fourth is Jain and dominates the town nestled around the lake. Night at the hotel
Morning stroll in Badami. The excavated sanctuaries of Badami include three Hindu caves and one Jain cave, which were built towards the end of the 6th century. A Mangalesha inscription dated 578 is found in Cave III. Opinions differ on the exact chronology of the construction of the three Hindu caves. Overnight in Badami.
Breakfast at the hotel, Departure towards Goa which is located in a region favored by an ideal climate, fabulous beaches, a charming population, delicious food, fortresses perched on hills, small whitewashed churches and imposing cathedrals dating from the Portuguese era. These heavenly landscapes planted with coconut trees, green rice fields, flowering gardens are bordered by long sandy beaches. Arrival and installation at the hotel. Night at the hotel
Free day to enjoy the beach and surrounding areas. No car service.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 13: Goa
Breakfast then transfer to the airport. Flight back home.
