Pune To Bangalore - Explore The Architecture Marvel Of Karna

Pick up from your hotel in Pune or Pune airport and drive to Kolhapur check in at hotel.  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). 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. Overnight at hotel.  

Breakfast at hotel drive to Badami via visiting Belgaum. 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. 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.  Continue drive to Badami check in at hotel. Rest time free and easy to relax. Overnight at hotel.  

Breakfast at hotel excursion to visit Pattadakal & Aihole the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.  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. 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. Another small temple that dates back to the 11th century AD is situated to the north of this temple. At this temple, the entrance hall in front of the sanctum was introduced for the first time. 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.  Rest time free and easy to relax. Overnight at hotel.