Explore The Architecture Marvel Of Karnataka From Pune To Bangalore

Itinerary

Day 1: Pune - Kolhapur (235kms/ 5hrs approx)

Pass By: Pune, Pune, Pune District, Maharashtra
Pick up from your hotel in Pune or Pune airport and drive to Kolhapur check in at hotel.

Stop At: Shree Mahalaxmi Temple, Kolhapur, Mahadwar Rd, B Ward, C Ward, Kolhapur, Maharashtra 416012, India
Later city tour of Kolhapur. Visit ancient Mahalakshmi Temple, a Hindu pilgrimage site. Built in the 7th century by Chalukya rulers it is one of the six abodes of Shakti (Goddess of Power).
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Bhavani Mandap, Near Mahalaxmi Temple, Kolhapur India
The Bhavani Mandap an imposing old palace used to be the court and palace of Chhatrapati Maharaja in the yesteryears now been converted into small museum. The palace houses sculpture of Shahu Maharaj, stuffed animals, wooden throne etc and is an famous sightseeing attraction in the city. New Palace built between 1877 to 1884, an excellent specimen of Indian architecture built in black polished stone. It has extensive premises with a garden, fountain and wrestling ground. The whole building is eight-angled and has a tower in the middle. The clock on it was fixed in 1877. At separate distances there are small towers. On every glass are painted the events in Chhatrapati Shivaji's life. There is a zoo and a ground lake. Even today, it is the residence of Chhatrapati Shahu, the direct descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of Maratha Empire.
Duration: 2 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight at hotel.

Day 2: Kolhapur - Belgaum - Badami (260kms/ 5hrs approx)

Pass By: Belgaum, Belgaum, Belgaum District, Karnataka
Breakfast at hotel drive to Badami via visiting Belgaum.

Stop At: Belgaum Fort, Belgaum 590001 India
Visit Belgaum Fort- believed to have been built by the rulers of Ratt Dynasty in 1204 AD. With shrines of Goddess Durga and Ganapati at the entrance, the architecture fort features a fusion of Chalukyan, Deccan and Indo-Saracenic art forms and the incredible lotus design at the Mukhamantaapa leaves everyone awestruck. There are numerous Hindu and Jain temples and mosques, located inside the fort area. Fort served as an impenetrable barricade against the violent attacks of the enemies. It has undergone many renovations and additions throughout its existence because it played host to a legion of dynasties. The Belgaum Fort shot to fame when Mahatma Gandhi was captured here during the Freedom Movement of India. The fort was constructed after demolishing 108 Jain temples and 101 Shiva temples. Some of the stones and pillars can be seen as a part of the religious shrines over here, like the Jamia Masjid.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Kapileshwar Temple, Kaplieshwar Rd, Shastri Nagar, Shahapur, Belgaum, Karnataka 590001, India
Kapileshwar Temple - a holy shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva considered as the southern Kashi. The temple is located beside the Shahpur Flyover which connects the central city of Belgaum to Shahpur. It is believed that the visit and darshan of the 12 Jyotirlinga scattered all over India will remain incomplete unless started from Kapileshwar Temple. There is a rare cluster of Banyan, Peepal and Ficus trees in the Compound of the Temple. The temple is open for devotees from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM every day. St. Mary’s Church one of the peaceful places to visit in Belgaum The church was built during the time of Britishers thus gives a reminiscence of the past of this city.
Duration: 1 hour

Pass By: Badami, Badami, Bagalkot District, Karnataka
Continue drive to Badami check in at hotel. Rest time free and easy to relax.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at hotel.

Day 3: Badami

Pass By: Badami, Badami, Bagalkot District, Karnataka
Breakfast at hotel excursion to visit Pattadakal & Aihole the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Stop At: Group of Monuments in Pattadakal, Pattadakal India
Pattadakal Temple Complex a complex of 7th and 8th century CE Hindu and Jain temples. Located on the west bank of the Malaprabha River a UNESCO World Heritage site build by Chalukya. The Hindu temples are generally dedicated to Shiva, but elements of Vaishnavism and Shaktism theology and legends are also featured. The friezes in the Hindu temples display various Vedic and Puranic concepts, depict stories from the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, the Bhagavata Purana, as well as elements of other Hindu texts, such as the Panchatantra and the Kiratarjuniya. The Jain temple is only dedicated to a single Jina. The most sophisticated temples, with complex friezes and a fusion of Northern and Southern styles, are found in the Papanatha and Virupaksha temples. The Virupaksha temple is an active house of Hindu worship.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Durga Temple, Aihole, Karnataka 587124, India
Durga Temple Aihole an example of southern (Dravidian) architectural type, with a later northern type superstructure imposed upon it-an incongruity apparent from the fact that the superstructure is a square structure clumsily fitted over an apsidal cella. Huchamalli Temple Aihole home to shrines of Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. It was built in the 7th century AD and is considered one of the earliest groups of temples in Aihole. The sanctum is inclusive of a pradakshinapatha and a Northern style rekhanagara tower; and contains lattices on the external walls.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Archaeological Museum, Aihole, Karnataka 587124 Bagalkot Pattadakkal Village, Near Durga Temple complex, Bagalkot 587124 India
Meguti Jain Temple the distinction of being the only temple in Aihole which can clearly be traced back to 634 AD. Perched above a small hill, this temple, though incomplete, represents the early development of the Dravidian style of architecture. Built without mortar, the Meguti Jain Temple placed is on a raised platform with a flight of steps leading to the large, pillared mukhamandapa. Ravanapadhi Cave temple Aihole the 6th century cave temple is dedicated to Shiva. A broken column lines up with the cave entrance, which opens to the southwest. The cave is dramatically recessed on a deep ledge, with free-standing shrines on either side.
Duration: 2 hours

Pass By: Badami, Badami, Bagalkot District, Karnataka
Rest time free and easy to relax.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at hotel.

Day 4: Badami - Hampi (140kms/ 3hrs approx)

Pass By: Gadag, Gadag, Gadag District, Karnataka
Breakfast at hotel drive to Hampi. En-route visit ruined temples at Gadag & Lakkundi.

Stop At: Trikuteshwara Temple, Gadag Village, Gadag India
Trikuteshwara temple a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva had three lingas mounted on the same stone in the town of Gadag. There is a shrine dedicated to Saraswathi in this temple and it has carved columns.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Nanneshwara Temple, Lakkundi India
Lakkundi is full of ruined temples like Mallikarjuna, Virabhadra, Manikeshwara, Nanneshwara, Lakshminarayana, Someshwara, Nilakanteshwara and many more.
Duration: 2 hours

Pass By: Hampi, Hampi, Bellary District, Karnataka
Continue drive to Hampi check in at hotel. Rest time free and easy to relax.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at hotel.

Day 5: Hampi

Stop At: Royal Enclosures, Hampi 4 Km from Hampi, Bellary India
Breakfast at hotel city tour of Hampi. Visit Royal enclosures an open air museum. Apart from giving the visitor a glimpse into what life was like under the Vijayanagara rulers, it also showcases the architectural excellence of the era and the level of destruction the city witnessed after the decline of the Vijayanagara kings.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Hazara Rama Temple, Near Zenana Enclosure And Lotus Mahal, Hampi India
Hazara Rama Temple one of the prime attractions this site was used only for ceremonial processions and is renowned among devotees for its bas-relief sculptures that represent important events that occurred in Ramayana. It is one of the popular temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The walls of this temple are adorned with 15th century art work, such as carvings of elephants, horses, soldiers and dancing girls.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: King’s Balance, Hampi, Karnataka 583239, India
King's Balance, remember all those fanciful tales of Kings weighing themselves with gems, rubies and gold? Well, it's at Hampi where they seem to take on life with King's Balance being one such pleasant affirmation. 5 meters tall and carved out of stone, King's Balance appears like a lonesome archway left standing, but peer closely and you can spot the three loops on the beam where the balance must have hung.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Dasara Dibba, Royal Enclosure, Hampi 583239 India
Mahanavami Dibba another popular attraction in Hampi, which was constructed by the King Krishnadevaraya after his win over Udayagiri (in present-day Orissa). This ancient site is the tallest structure in the Royal Enclosure of Hampi and can be easily observed from nearby places due to its height. Statue of Ugra Narasimha Temple a statue of Laxmi Narasimha carved out of a single block of stone.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Virupaksha Temple, Rambo, Hampi India
Virupaksha Temple this temple still in worship, known as ‘Shri Lokeswara-Maha-Sila-prasada’ was built by Lokamahadevi, the Queen of Vikaramaditya to commemorate her husband’s victory over the Pallavas of Kanchipuram. It closely resembles the Kailasanatha temple at Kanchipuram on plan and elevation and represents a fully developed and perfected stage of the Dravidian architecture.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Lotus Mahal, Nera Hazara Ram Temple, Hampi India
Vithala & Lotus Mahal a nice place with sufficient time greens and romantic ambience in zenana enclosure. The features of building is marvelous and splendid. Vithala Temple Complex a 16th century structure that is dedicated to the Lord Vishnu. It is a 'must see' site for all because of its beautiful, complex carvings and magnificent architecture, which is not matched by any other structure located here. This temple, situated on the southern bank of the Tungabhadra River, represents the original South Indian Dravidian temple architectural style.
Duration: 1 hour

Pass By: Hampi, Hampi, Bellary District, Karnataka
Rest time free and easy to relax in your hotel.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at hotel.

Day 6: Hampi - Belur = Halebedu - Hassan (330kms/ 7hrs approx)

Pass By: Halebeedu, Karnataka 573121, India
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Hassan. En route visit Belur & Halebedu.

Stop At: Chennakesava Temple, Belur 573115 India
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.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Hoysaleshwara Temple, Halebeedu, Karnataka 573121, India
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.
Duration: 2 hours

Pass By: Hassan, Hassan, Hassan District, Karnataka
Continue drive to Hassan check in at hotel.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at hotel.

Day 7: Hassan - Shravanabelagola - Bangalore (200kms/ 4hrs approx)

Stop At: Bhagawan Bahubali Statue (Gommateshwara), Shravanabelagola, Hassan India
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Mysore via visiting Shravanabelagola one of the most important Jain pilgrim enters. It is also one of the oldest temple 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.
Duration: 2 hours

Pass By: Bengaluru, Bengaluru, Bangalore District, Karnataka
Continue drive to Bangalore and check in at hotel. Rest time free and easy to relax.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at hotel.

Day 8: Bangalore

Stop At: Lal Bagh Main Road, Lal Bagh Main Rd, Doddamavalli, Sudhama Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Breakfast at hotel, city tour of Bangalore. 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.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Bangalore Fort, Krishna Rajendra Rd, Bengaluru 560002 India
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.
Duration: 1 hour

Pass By: Vidhana Soudha and Attara Kacheri, Cubbon Park, Bengaluru India
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.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at hotel.

Day 9: Bangalore - departure

Pass By: Bengaluru, Bengaluru, Bangalore District, Karnataka
Breakfast at hotel. As per flight schedule transfer to airport to board flight for onward destination.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.