Karnataka with Goa Beach Tour

Day 01: Arrive Bangalore
Arrive Bangalore in the evening.

Bangalore (Bengaluru) is the capital of Karnataka, the southern Indian state, which is one of the major metropolitan cities and 3rd largest city in India. Bangalore has become the hub of India's IT industry and popularly known as the Silicon Valleyof India. Bangalore was remained the seat of great warrior Tipu Sultan and then it was ruled by British. The city therefore has a historical importance.

You will be well received on your arrival at Bangalore airport and transfer to hotel.
After check- in formality, you will check in to the room.
Overnight in Bangalore.

Day 02: Bangalore/ Mysore (140Kms & 4hrs drive)
After breakfast at hotel, proceed for city tour of Bangalore; visiting Tipu Sultan Palace- The construction of the Tipu Sultan Palace was started by Haider Ali and completed by Tipu Sultan, which is a museum now. ISKCON Temple- is a beautiful Lord Krishna Temple is a mixture of the Dravidian and modern architecture. Lal Bagh Garden, which is spread over an area of 240 acres is a beautiful sculpted garden with lots of flowers, rare collection of tropical and sub-tropical plants. Haider Ali started building this garden in 1760. Vidhana Soudha- is a landmark of the city and houses the state Legislature and the Secretariat. Bull Temple- which is a Dravidian style temple has a huge monolithic bull is the vahana (vehicle) of Lord Shiva.

Later, drive towards Mysore, which is the second largest city of Karnataka state and one of the most popular tourist destination in Karnataka. Situated at the base of Chamundi Hills, Mysore was the capital of the princely state of Mysore. Mysore is famous for its beautiful silk sarees, sandalwood oil and rose wood carved articles. The city is and is famous for the 10 days Dussehra festival, which was started by King Raja Wodeyar I in 1610AD, and the procession includes ornamented elephants, camels and horses. Mysore is an important centre for producing textiles, chemicals and foodstuffs.

Arrive Mysore and check in to your hotel. 
Overnight in Mysore.

Day 03: Mysore
After breakfast at hotel, proceed for full day city tour of Mysore, visiting the Srirangapatnam- the historic capital of Tipu Sultan, who is known for his struggle against British rule in India. Summer Palace of Tipu Sultan- which is situated amidst scenic surroundings on an island formed by two branches of the River Cauvery. Maharaja Palace- which is the grandeur of a bygone era and an invaluable national treasure today. This Palace was designed by British architect Henry Irwin and was completed in 1912 and is an excellent combination of Dravidian, Indo-Saracenic, Oriental and Roman styles of architecture. Chamundeshwari Temple- which is situated on top of the Chamundi hills is the most famous temple in Mysore. As per the Hindu mythology, the Goddess killed the demon King Mahishasura and the city if named after him. At the entrance of the temple, there is magnificent 5mtr tall Nandi Bull (vehicle of Lord Shiva), which is carved out from single piece of granite in 1659 and which is one of largest in India.

In the evening, visit the popular Brindavan Garden adjoining Krishna Raja Sagar Dam, which is built across the river Kaveri. The dam is 8600 ft long and 130ft high and was built below the confluence of the three rivers- Cauvery, Hemavathi and Lakshmanateertha in 1924. Brindavan Garden is popular for its Musical Fountain, which really looks beautiful in the evening.
Overnight in Mysore.

Day 04: Mysore/ Hassan (125Kms & 3hrs drive)
After breakfast at hotel, drive towards Hassan. On the way, visit Shravanabelagola- which is a Jain pilgrim destination in the Hassan district of Karnataka state. 58ft high statue of the Lord Gommateshwara is built on a monolithic stone and located on the top of the Vindhyagiri hill. The statue is considered to be the world's largest monolithic stone statue and carved beautifully from a single block of rock with accurate proportion and expression. Shravanabelagola is also famous for the grand festival of Mahamastakabhisheka followed once in every 12 years and being proposed as UNESCO world heritage site. 

Continue drive to Hassan.

Hassan is a small town with a lot of historic significance in the state of Karnataka. Hassan was founded by a Chola officer called Bukkanna Nayaka during 11th Century and the place is called Hassan after the Goddess Hasanamba (the smiling Goddess)- the residing deity of the town. Hassan was the seat of power for the Hoysala Empire, who rules South India FROM 11th to the 13th century. The Hoysala rulers had built a huge number of temples and about fifty of them still survives today and looked after Archeology Survey of India. Today, Hassan is a rich producer of spices, cardamoms, coconuts and coffee. 

Arrive Hassan and check in to your hotel. 

In the afternoon, proceed to visit Hassanamba Temple- which is 800 years old and dedicated to Goddess Amba, also called as Goddess Shakti or Goddess Parvati. The Inner sanctum opens only once in a year for two weeks during Deepawali and closes three days after Balipadyami. During the closing of temple, the Goddess is offered a lit lamp, two bags of uncooked rice, water and flowers. And when the temple is reopened next year, the rice is still good and the lamp is still burning in the service of Goddess. Belur & Halibid, the two heritage towns 16kms apart, are the beautiful example of Hoysala’s temple architecture. These temples are famous for intricate carving and fine architecture. The temples of Belur and Halebid are best known for their South Indian architecture. The temples at both these places are built by renowned architect Jakkanna Acharya. Both these temples have carving of The Puranas, the Upanishads and other mythological characters from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. These exquisite designs are really beautiful. Chennakeshawa Temple at Belur was started in 1117 AD to celebrate Hoysala military victories and it took over a hundred years to complete. These temples of Belur and Halebid are being proposed as UNESCO world heritage site. 
Overnight in Hassan.

Day 05: Hassan/ Hospet (350Kms & 7- 8hrs drive)
After breakfast at hotel, drive towards Hospet, the nearest rail head to Hampi.

Arrive Hospet and check in to your hotel. 
Overnight in Hospet.

Day 06: Hospet- visit Hampi
After breakfast at hotel, proceed to visit the ruins of Hampi.

A World Heritage site by UNESCO, Hampi is both a historic & religious place in India. Hampi was the capital of Vijayanagar empire, who ruled the South India during 14th to 16th century.

Spread over an area of about 25 Sq. Kms, Hampi is a ruined capital of a great Vijayanagar empire, which showcases many monuments including forts & palaces, the Royal Chariot, remains of aquatic structures,giant temples, ancient market streets, royal pavilions, royal platforms, bastions, treasury building, Queens bath, the Old Gold Bazaar, ponds, The Elephant Stables, gardens and other royal monuments. Located by the banks of river Tungabhadra, Hampi is a kind of experience of Royal Kingdom. Hampi was built as a capital of Vijayanagar empire in 1336AD by Telugu princes Harihara and Bukka, which flourished over the next couple of centuries until 1565AD as one of the largest Hindu empires in Indian history. However, the glory was short lived and in 1565, the city was attacked and captured by Mughals- the rulers of the Deccan Muslim confederacy, who completely destroyed the capital city and the Hampi ruins were left to narrate the glory of this largest Hindu empire.

Visit some of the interesting sites of Hampi including King’s Palace, treasury or private audience hall, Mahanavami Dibba, Queen’s Bath, lotus-shaped fountains.
Overnight in Hospet.

Day 07: Hospet- visit Hampi
After breakfast at hotel, proceed proceed to visit the other sites of Hampi. Visit Lotus Mahal, Elephant Stables, Pushkarni the stepped water tank, Vithala Temple, Stone Chariot, 56 pillared hall, where pillars produce sounds when they are tapped gently. Other temple attractions in Hampi are Virupaksha temple and Hazara Rama Temple. The Statue 'Ugra Narasimha' is among the most beautiful monuments in Hampi.
Overnight in Hospet.

Day 08: Hospet/ Badami (130Kms & 4hrs drive)
After breakfast at hotel, drive towards Badami, founded by Pulakesi I, ruler of the Chalukyas. Badami is located at the foot of a red sandstone rock outcrop that surrounds Agastya tirtha water reservoir on three sides and is known for its rock-cut cave temples, sculpted between 6th -8th century AD.

En route we visit Pattadakkal and Aihole. Pattadakkal is a World Heritage site t hat has 10 major temples representing the early Chaulakya architecture. The biggest temple dedicated to Virupaksheshvara, which has a huge gateway and several inscriptions. Aihole is known as the "Cradle of Indian Architecture", as it has over a hundred temples all around the village. The oldest temple the 5th century Lad Khan Temple and among other temples are the Jain Meguthi Temple and the two storeyed Buddhist Temple.
Arrive Badami and check in to your hotel. 
Overnight in Badami.

Day 09: Badami
After breakfast at hotel, proceed for city tour of Badami, visiting rock-cut cave temples. These are 4 temples have been carved out on the red sandstone rock that surrounds the town. There cave temples are dated back to the Chalukyas period. First set of temples is a group of four on a hill adjacent to the Bhutanatha tank, dating back to the 5th century CE. In the adjacent wall there is a carving of the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva (Natarajan) depicted with eighteen arms. 2nd temple bears images of Lord Vishnu in his Varaha and Trivikrama incarnations. 3rd rock cut temple with inscriptions dating back to 578 CE during the period of Kiritivarma Chalukyas. There are carved images of the Narasimha & Trivikrama avataras of Lord Vishnu. 4th cave is a Jain temple dedicated to the Tirthankara Adinath with inscriptions dating back to the 12thcentury. 
Overnight in Badami.

Day 10: Badami/ Hubli (130Kms & 3hrs drive)
After breakfast at hotel, drive towards Hubli.

Hubli is one of the major industrial towns in the state of Karnataka. This historic town was known as Raya Hubli and Elaya Puravada Halli during the ancient times. This city was an important commercial centre for trade in cotton and iron during the reign of the Vijaynagar Empire.

Arrive Hubli and check in to your hotel.

In the afternoon, proceed for city tour of Hubli, visiting Bhavanishankar Temple- which was built by the Chalukyan king, Someshwara in 11th century. The temple is dedicated to Lord Narayana and the deity issurrounded by the Dashavathara or the ten incarnations of God.  Asar- this beautiful building was built by Mohammed Ali Shah in 1646 as the Hall of Justice. The building also has hairs of the prophet as a significant relic. Women are not allowed inside the Asar.
Overnight in Hubli.

Day 11: Hubli/ Goa (180Kms & 4hrs drive)
After breakfast at hotel, drive towards Goa.

Located on the west coast of India, Goa is India's smallest state in terms of area and the fourth smallest in terms of population. Panaji is the capital of Goa, which is a charming city on the banks of river Mandovi. Goa is renowned for its exotic beaches and therefore it attracts million of tourists every year. Goa is a party state and therefore it becomes over populated particularly during the Christmas and New Year. Goa was ruled by Portuguese for more than five hundred years and therefore it has a mix of Indian and Portuguese culture. Goa has become a round the year tourist destination because of its centre of medical treatments and seminars and conferences. The Goan population is a mixture of Hindus and Roman Catholics with majority of Hindus. Goa has been regarded as one of the most peaceful states in India.

Arrive Goa and check into your hotel.
Rest of the afternoon at leisure by the beach. 
Overnight in Goa.

Day 12: Goa
Breakfast at hotel and rest of the day at leisure to enjoy the beach etc.

OR You can do the following tours on extra cost:

1. Old Goa Tour (Churches of Goa) and Panjim with Lunch at local restaurant. 
Old Goa or Velha Goa is an ancient part of Goa and is known for its rich heritage and culture. Goa was a well known Portuguese settlement in the ancient times and while visiting Old Goa, you can feel of the rich tradition and culture. Panaji is the capital of Goa and a charming city on the banks of river Mandovi. You can visit The Basilica of Bom Jesus- which has been declared a World Heritage Site. Francis Xavier was a missionary whose body is claimed to be miraculously preserved here even till now, without the use of any chemical. The Se Cathedral- dedicated to St Catherine, is the largest church in Goa. Its construction started in 1562 and  it was finally completed by 1652. It is built in the Portuguese Gothic Style. The Church of the St Francis of Assisi was built by eight Franciscan Friars in 1517. It has carved woodwork, murals with scenes from the life of St Francis and the floor is made mostly of gravestones that date from the 16th century. The Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception is a landmark in Panjim. The Latin quarters, Fontainhas has its own quaint little chapels tucked away behind the colorful colonial houses. Other attractions in Panaji are the library, Mahalaxmi Temple, Jama Masjid, Braganza Institute, St Thome quarter and Sebastian Chapel. 

2. Anjuna Flea Market with Lunch at local restaurant
The Anjuna Flea Market in Goa is named after the famous Anjuna beach. The Anjuna market is organized on every Wednesdays on Anjuna beach. People from all over Goa come here to enjoy the shopping, which is very popular. The setting up of the Anjuna Flea Market was mainly the idea of foreigners who decided to earn some money by selling small self made items and their own belongings. Over a period of time, the idea gained momentum and more and more people joined in. Today, it has become one of the most popular local markets in Goa.

3. Saturday Night Market with Dinner at local restaurant
A good place to see local live acts is at the Saturday night market in Arpora village, which features everything from rock fusion bands to jazz and Goan folk music. Saturday Night Market is a wonderful little world in itself, providing unparalleled services and entertainment to sellers and visitors as well as being Goa’s prime shopping destination. The shopping experience at Saturday Night market is unparallel, where one can find so many creative people from all over the world offering products such as hand-made leather sandals, magic crystal wands, beautiful jewelry and the latest unique fashions.

4. Day excursion to Elephant village with picnic Lunch
A compressed day trip, which includes elephant wash & ride, walk to ancient temple, wash, swim & picnic lunch. Elephants simply love splashing in the water - very much like the humans. Spend great time watching this delightful scene of washing the elephant like a little kid. A delightful trip, which will linger in mind for a long time.

5. Day excursion to Spice Plantation with Lunch Goa has huge spice plantations that produce many of Goa's fantastic aromatic spices. Once at the plantation, you will be welcomed with an herbal tea and a leaflet briefing you about the plantation. You can see the men climb on the Betel Nut trees, over a hundred feet above the ground, swaying from tree to tree and collecting ingredients fore mixes and spices. After you tour round the plantation, you will be served lunch in an open air restaurant. The meal served on a banana leaf, accompanied by a sweet dish and a tipple of cashew feni (Goan specialty). The food that is prepared here is made purely from the ingredients available at the farm itself. While relaxing with your lunch, you might get glimpses of a few of the nearly 80 species of birds that have been sighted within the plantation.

6. Cooking lesson at a local house with Lunch
Cooking lesson can be organized at a local house in Goa. You will be first taken to the market place to buy the ingredients for the cooking. Then you will be transferred to a local house, where you will be given a demo on how to make goan dishes. You will be then given a time to prepare the assigned dish and after practices you can finally make it. Enjoy eating one of the recepies you have cooked during lunch. 

7. Dolphin Tour
Dolphin watching trips are extremely popular in Goa. As soon as the dolphins are sighted, you will get a chance to watch the playful dolphins frolicking about in the Arabian waters. Be ready with your cameras, Dolphins will often swim within a few feet of your dolphin tour boat to have a look at you. Dolphins are playful mammals and will delight you with their antics.

8. Goa River Cruise along Mandovi River
You can also go for river cruises along Mandovi River. These river cruises have on board folk dance performances as well as traditional Goan songs and dance presentations. Popular dances like Corridinho, Dekhni are performed live on board. In the evening, drive to Baga Beach for dinner at a local restaurant; followed by going out to night clubs around Baga and dance away the night.
Overnight in Goa.

Day 13: Goa
Breakfast at hotel and rest of the day at leisure to enjoy the beach etc.

OR You can do the above mentioned tour if you wish to.
Overnight in Goa.

Day 14: Goa/ Fly Back Home
Breakfast at hotel and rest of the day at leisure to enjoy the beach etc.

In the afternoon, you will be transferred to Goa airport to board your flight back home with sweet memories of your Trip with Dependable Travel Solutions (India) !!

***END OF THE TOUR***