Splendor Of South India | Visit to South India | Holiday in South India | Travel to South India

Arrive in Bangalore, one of the most beautiful and well-planned cities of India. Check into your hotel. Afternoon enjoy a city tour of the "Garden City" including a visit to Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens, Mysore arts and crafts center, Bull temple, Vidhana Soudha and the colourful and bustling markets. Overnight stay.

After breakfast drive to Hassan visiting Halebidu & Belur.

Halebidu – It is 27 kms north-west of Hassan and 17 kms east of Belur. The temples of Halebidu - like those of Belur - bear mute testimony to the rich, culture heritage of Karnataka, which dates back to 13th century during Hoysala Dynasty, and Hoysaleswara temple at Halebidu. There is a museum on the lawns of the temple with 12-13th century sculptures and the gold coins in use at that time.

Belur - This quaint hamlets is 30 kms from Hassan-is located on the bank of the river Yagachi. Flourishing capital of the Hoysala Empire 800 years ago, Today unforgettable for its exquisite temples.

The main structure, which is star shaped, is a homogeneous architectural unit raised on a platform. Its three doorways facing east, north and south are masterpieces of craftsmanship. The stone image of Chennakeshava in the sanctum of this temple and the Kappe Cheniga Raya idol an adjoining shrine within the same compound, are two of the finest examples of plastic art in medieval India. Overnight stay.

After breakfast drive to Chikmagalur, nestled in the Baba Budan Hills, Chikmagalur is a clam, serene town full of scenic surprises- hills, valleys, streams. Chikmagalur district takes its name from the headquarters town of Chikmagalur, which literally means younger daughter's town. It is said to have been given as a dowry to the younger daughter of Rukmangada, the legendary chief of Sakrepatna. Another part of the town bestowed on the elder daughter is known as Hiremagalur. Chikmagalur is a trekker's delight, with its rugged mountain trails. Overnight stay.

After breakfast drive to Mysore en route visit a high place of Jainism, the hill of Sravanabelagola - 57ft (17.5 meters) tall sculpted in a single block of stone, represents the hermit, completely naked, as the Jain tradition wants. It can be seen from the plain, 30 km away this is magnificent Monolithic and the statue of Gomteshwara, of   an icon of the Jain religion greatly revered by the followers of Mahavira. Our drive continues to Mysore. Overnight stay.

Early morning visit the charming Devaraja market, the fruit and vegetable market.

Mysore visits includes City palace, it is one of the largest and majestic palaces of this type in India. Built in 1912, this Indo-Saracen palace has, among other things, a sculpted silver door, a solid gold throne and a gallery of delicate paintings. Chamundi Hill, and the colourful and aromatic spice markets. At Chamundi Hill, you will find Nandi, a monolithic image of Shiva's Bull, which is always garlanded with flowers and held in high esteem by Hindus.

Visit the Jayachamarajendra art gallery, a former palace transformed into a gallery of paintings from the 1870s. Overnight stay at the hotel.

In the morning visit the temple of Somnathpur, 40 km east of Mysore. It is a small village by the road, famous for its 13th century temple. In 1268, an officer of the Hoysala kings built there the temple of Kesava, dedicated to Vishnu. The particular interest of Somnathpur is that one sees in it an integrally preserved temple, with its roof. The temple is built in the shape of a star with 16 branches, around three sanctuaries, each surmounted by a vimana. Splendid friezes run throughout the building, depicting episodes of the Mahabharata and the Ramayana.

Afternoon visit Srirangapatna, island surrounded by the Kaveri, which precipitates its tumultuous stream in the midst of the rocks, Haider Ali built important fortifications, which made it all round. Several times besieged, the fortress was finally taken by the English troops in 1799. Tippu Sultan was killed there during the assault. The place where his body was discovered is marked by a stele. Outside the compound is the pretty summer palace of Tippu Sultan, surrounded by a garden, the Daria Daulat Bagh. It is built in the Indo-Saracen style of the 17th century. Overnight stay.

After breakfast say good bye to this fascinating and memorable land. Transfer to Bangalore airport for your onward destination.

The above itinerary can be further customized as per your travel requirements.