ITINERARY OVERVIEW
Day 01: Arrival Bangalore – Hassan (183 Kms – 3H 11Min)
Arrive at Bangalore Airport and meet our representative and transfer to Hassan. This pleasant, busy little town is a convenient base to visit Sravanabelagola (48 km), Belur (38 km) and Halebid (33 km).They are best done over two days,with an overnight halt. The town has a small museum showcasing sculptures, paintings, weapons, inscriptions etc. On arrival check in to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Hassan.
Day 02: Hassan
After breakfast proceed for full day sight seeing of Sravanbelagola, Belur & Halebid. Sravanabelagola, 52 km from Hassan, is one of the oldest and most important Jain shrines in India with a history going back to the 3rd century BC. The shrine has a 18 m high statue of Lord Gomateshwara (Bahubali), said to be the world’s highest monolithic statue. Nearly 700 steps carved in the steep granite slope lead to the statue, which dates to the 10th century and attracts pilgrims from all over India. The highlight here is the Mahamastakabhishekha festival held once in 12 years, when priests pour pots of water, ghee, milk, coconut water, turmeric paste, honey, gold dust, curds, vermilion powder etc over the statue anointing it. 38 km from Hassan is Belur, the first capital of the Hoysala dynasty. It is known for its exquisite temples, of which the Chennakeshava Temple is a fine example. It took 103 years to complete and the facade of the temple is covered with intricate sculptures and frescoes which are awe-inspiring in their workmanship. In the temple are filigreed pillars, each different from the other. Veeranarayana Temple and the smaller shrines are worth a visit. 27 km northwest of Hassan is Halebid. Hoysaleswara Temple has a wealth of sculptural detail, the walls covered with gods, goddesses, animals and dancing girls. No two facets of the temple are alike. Guarded by a Nandi Bull, it was never completed, despite 86 years of work. It is the most outstanding example of Hoysala art. Halebid also has a smaller temple called Kedareshwara and a little-visited enclosure containing three Jain bastis (temples) with fine carvings.
Overnight: Hassan.
Day 03: Hassan – Mysore (119 Kms – 2H 43Min)
After breakfast check out from hotel & proceed to Mysore. Mysore, once the capital of the Wodeyar kingdom is today the second largest city in Karnataka and one of the finest in southern India. Small, easygoing, famous for its silks and sandalwood, it is a city of fine gardens, tree-lined boulevards, art galleries and an intriguing palace. Mysore’s ten-day Dasara festival in September-October is still celebrated with medieval pageantry. On arrival check in to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Mysore.
Day 04: Mysore
After breakfast, take a half-day city tour of Mysore visiting the Maharaja’s palace built in 1911-12. The palace harmoniously synthesizes the Hindu and the Saracenic styles of architecture with archways, domes, turrets, colonnades and sculptures which are truly magnificent. Visit the art gallery and drive up to the 1062 m high Chamundi hill to see the Chamundeshwari temple with a panoramic view of Mysore. On your way back see the 5 m high Nandi Bull carved out of solid rock in 1659.
Overnight: Mysore.
Day 05: Mysore – Bangalore (144 Kms – 3H 30Min)
After breakfast check out from the hotel & proceed to Bangalore. Bangalore, India’s sixth largest city is known as the Garden City because of its countless parks and tree-lined avenues. It was founded in 1537 by a local chieftain called Kempe Gowda and later extended by Tippu Sultan, the Wodeyars of Mysore and the British. Set at an altitude of over 1000 m, the climate adds to the attractions of this city now famous as the Silicon Valley of India.
Overnight: Bangalore.
Day 06: Bangalore
After breakfast take a tour of the city of Bangalore visiting the Lal Bagh which has a variety of old trees, fountains, lotus pools, terraces and an assortment of tropical and sub-tropical herbs. Also, see the Peninsular Gneissic Complex that is home to a 2500-2600-year-old rock. You will also visit the brilliantly painted and carved summer palace of Tippu Sultan, the Bull Temple with its monolithic bull statue and drive past the government buildings.
Overnight: Bangalore.
Day 07: Bangalore
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive towards Bangalore airport to board a flight to return back to home.