Karnataka Temple Tour

Badami, located in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka, is a historic town known for its stunning rock-cut cave temples and ancient architecture. Once the capital of the Chalukya dynasty in the 6th to 8th centuries, Badami is famous for its four cave temples carved into red sandstone cliffs, dedicated to Hindu deities like Shiva and Vishnu, as well as Jain and Buddhist influences. The site also features the Agastya Lake, Bhuthanatha temples, and remnants of a fort with watchtowers. Surrounded by rugged sandstone hills, Badami is a significant archaeological and cultural destination, showcasing early Indian rock-cut architecture and sculpture.

After Breakfast transfer to airport to catch the flight for Hubali. On arrival meet with our representative and transfer Badami. On Arrival check-in to the Hotel. Overnight in Badami.

Full day dedicated to the visit of Badami cave temples. The Badami Cave Temple Complex is a group of four magnificent rock-cut temples carved into the red sandstone cliffs of Badami. Dating back to the 6th to 8th centuries, these temples were built during the reign of the Chalukya dynasty and represent a fine blend of Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist architectural styles. • Cave 1 is dedicated to Lord Shiva, featuring a striking image of Nataraja with 18 arms in different dance poses. • Caves 2 and 3 are dedicated to Lord Vishnu, showcasing avatars like Trivikrama and Nara-simha, with beautifully detailed carvings. • Cave 4, smaller and simpler, is a Jain temple with carvings of Mahavira and other Jain Tirthankaras. The temples are known for their intricate sculptures, ornate pillars, and impressive reliefs, making them a masterpiece of early Indian rock-cut architecture. Overlooking the serene Agastya Lake, the Badami Cave Temples are a major historical and spiritual attraction in South India. After the visit return to the Hotel. Overnight stay in Badami.

After Breakfast Drive towards Hospet visiting Temples of Pattadakal and Aihole. Take the first stop at Pattadakal Temples, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for their exceptional blend of North Indian (Nagara) and South Indian (Dravidian) architectural styles. Built during the 7th and 8th centuries under the Chalukya dynasty, this temple complex was used for royal coronations and religious ceremonies. It features ten major temples, including the Virupaksha Temple, the largest and most elaborate, built by Queen Lokamahadevi to commemorate her hus-band's victory over the Pallavas. Other notable temples include Mallikarjuna, Papanatha, and Kashi Vishwanatha, each adorned with intricate carvings depicting scenes from Hindu epics. Pattadakal reflects the artistic and cultural achievements of early Chalukyan architecture. Afterwards proceed towards the Aihole Group of Temples, located in Karnataka, is often referred to as the "Cradle of Indian Temple Architecture." This historic site was a major cultural and architectural center of the Chalukya dynasty between the 6th and 8th centuries. Aihole has over 120 temples, showcasing a wide variety of architectural styles, both Dravidian (Southern) and Nagara (Northern). One of the most famous temples here is the Durga Temple, known for its semi-circular apse, pillared corridor, and intricate carvings. Other notable structures include the Lad Khan Temple, Hucchimalli Temple, and the Ravanaphadi Cave Temple, which contains beautiful rock-cut sculptures of Hindu deities. The temples of Aihole reflect the experimentation and evolution of early Hindu temple architecture, making it a vital site for historians, archaeologists, and architecture enthusiasts.

After the visit transfer to Hospet. On arrival in hospet check-in to the hotel. Overnight in Hospet.

Hampi, located in the southern Indian state of Karnataka, is a captivating historical site and a UNESCO World Heritage monument. Once the glorious capital of the Vijayanagara Empire from the 14th to 16th centuries, Hampi was among the world’s richest and most powerful cities. It served as a major cultural, commercial, and religious hub, attracting traders, artists, and scholars from across the globe. Today, the city lies in ruins, yet retains a mystical charm with its dramatic landscape of granite boulders, lush banana plantations, and the flowing Tungabhadra River, all adding to its surreal beauty.

After Breakfast Head our for an excursion tour of the Hampi. It is particularly renowned for its magnificent chariot temples, which are a testament to the architectural brilliance and spiritual devotion of the Vijayanagara rulers. Arrival at Hampi and visit the Archeological Site of Hampi. TheVirupaksha Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is the oldest functioning temple in India, with origins dating back to the 7th century. The Vittala Temple stands out for its intricately carved stone chariot and musical pillars that emit musical notes when tapped. The Hazara Rama Temple is celebrated for its detailed carvings depicting scenes from the Ramayana. Other notable temples include the Krishna Temple, Achyutaraya Temple, Sasivekalu Ganesha, and Hemakuta Hill temples, each showcasing a unique blend of religious art and stone craftsmanship. Hampi’s temple complexes not only reflect the religious diversity and architectural sophistication of the time but also tell stories of a once-thriving empire that left behind a legacy carved in stone. It is a must-visit for history lovers, pilgrims, and travelers alike. After the visit return to the Hotel, Overnight in Hospet.

After an Early Breakfast, Drive Towards Hassan visiting the magnificent temples of Halebeedu and Belur on the way. On arrival visit the Halebeedu Temples – meaning "old city," it was once the flourishing capital of the Hoysala Empire in the 12th century. The most prominent temples here are the Hoysaleswara Temple and the Kedareshwara Temple, both known for their intricate carvings, de-tailed friezes, and impressive sculptural artistry. The Hoysaleswara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, was built during the reign of King Vishnuvardhana. It is particularly admired for its detailed outer walls, which are covered with countless sculptures depicting scenes from Hindu epics like the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and the Bhagavata Purana, as well as images of gods, goddesses, animals, and celestial beings. The temple stands on a star-shaped platform and showcases the signature Hoysala style of soapstone construction with elaborate decoration and no two sculptures alike. The twin sanctums of Hoysaleswara and Shantaleswara (named after the king and his queen) add to the uniqueness of the temple, while the finely lathed pillars and ceiling work demonstrate the artisans’ mastery. Despite being incomplete and having suffered damage over centuries, the Halebeedu temples remain a treasured heritage site and a testament to the sophistication and devotion of Hoysala-era craftsmanship. Later proceed to visit Belur Temples. Also known as the Chennakesava Temple, is a masterpiece of Hoysala architecture located in the town of Belur in Karnataka. Built in the 12th century by King Vishnuvardhana to commemorate his victory over the Cholas, the temple is dedicated to Lord Chennakesava, a form of Vishnu. It took over a century to complete and is celebrated for its exquisite craftsmanship, intricate carvings, and detailed sculptures. The temple stands on a star-shaped platform and features a richly decorated entrance, ornate ceilings, and finely carved pillars. Its exterior walls are adorned with rows of sculptures depicting gods, goddesses, dancers, musicians, animals, and scenes from Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The famous Madanikas, graceful bracket figures carved in various dance poses, showcase the artistic brilliance of Hoysala sculptors. Belur Temple not only served as a center of worship but also as a symbol of the Hoysala Empire’s power and devotion. It continues to attract visitors and devotees from across the world for its historical, cultural, and architectural significance. After the visit transfer to Hassan. On Arrival check-in. Overnight in Hassan.

Mysore, often called the Cultural Capital of Karnataka, is a city where royal heritage, art, and tradition beautifully blend together. Once the seat of the mighty Wodeyar dynasty, Mysore flourished as a center of architecture, music, painting, and craftsmanship. The iconic Mysore Palace, with its Indo-Saracenic grandeur and glowing illumination on Sundays, stands as the city’s proud emblem. Mysore is also known for the world-famous Dasara Festival, a 10-day celebration showcasing royal processions, cultural performances, and deep-rooted traditions. Beyond its palaces, Mysore captivates visitors with its serene gardens, vibrant markets, and the fragrance of Mysore sandalwood and silk sarees. Chamundi Hill, with its ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Chamundeshwari, overlooks the city like a guardian. With its clean, laid-back charm and regal past, Mysore offers an unforgettable cultural experience.

After breakfast drive towards mysore, on the way visit of Sravanbelgola – one of the most revered jain pilgrim centre. Arrive and visit of the Sravanbelgola Temple, It is a prominent Jain pilgrimage site located in the Hassan district of Karnataka, known for its spiritual significance, ancient monuments, and the world’s tallest monolithic statue. The town is nestled between two hills—Vindhyagiri and Chandragiri—and holds great importance in Jain history and heritage. The most iconic feature of Shravanabelagola is the **57-foot-tall statue of Lord Bahubali (Gommateshwara), carved from a single block of granite and located atop Vindhyagiri Hill. Erected in 981 AD by the Ganga general Chamundaraya, the statue symbolizes peace, non-violence, and renunciation. To reach the statue, visitors must climb over 600 steps carved into the hill, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The serene expression and detailed artistry of the statue make it a marvel of ancient Indian sculpture. Chandragiri Hill nearby houses smaller shrines and memorials dedicated to Jain monks and saints, some dating back to the 3rd century BCE. Every 12 years, Shravanabelagola hosts the Mahamastakabhisheka, a grand Jain ritual where the statue of Bahubali is bathed in milk, saffron, ghee, and sandalwood paste, drawing thousands of pilgrims and tourists from around the world. The site is not only a spiritual center but also an architectural and cultural treasure, reflecting the deep roots of Jainism in Karnataka’s his-tory. After the Visit transfer to MYSORE. On Arrival check-in to the Hotel. overnight in Mysore.

After Breakfast transfer to somanthpur to visit the chennakeshava temple at Somanathapura, also known as the Keshava Temple, is a remarkable example of Hoysala architecture located in the Mysuru district of Karnataka. Commissioned in 1258 CE by Somanatha Dandanayaka, a general under Hoysala King Narasimha III, the temple was part of a broader initiative to establish an Agrahara, A scholarly and religious settlement. This temple stands as a testament to the artistic and cultural zenith of the Hoysala Empire. Architecturally, the temple is renowned for its star-shaped platform and the trikutachala layout, featuring three sanctums dedicated to different forms of Lord Vishnu: Keshava, Janardhana, and Venugopala. The temple's design exemplifies the Vesara style, a harmonious blend of Dravidian and Nagara architectural elements. Intricate carvings adorn the temple walls, depicting scenes from Hindu epics such as the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Bhagavata Purana, as well as various deities, dancers, and musicians. The use of soapstone allowed artisans to achieve a high level of detail in their sculptures, showcasing the craftsmanship of the Hoysala period Later return to the city to visit the Mysore Palace a magnificent residence of the Maharajas built in the first half of the twentieth century in indo-saracenic style. The Mysore Palace, also known as the Amba Vilas Palace, is one of the most magnificent and iconic royal residences in India. Located in the heart of Mysuru, Karnataka, it was the seat of the Wadiyar dynasty, who ruled the Kingdom of Mysore for over five centuries. The present structure was commissioned in 1897 after the old wooden palace was destroyed by fire and was completed in 1912. Designed by British architect Henry Irwin, the pal-ace is a stunning example of the Indo-Saracenic architectural style, blending Hindu, Mughal, Rajput, and Gothic elements. Afterwards to return to the Hotel. Overnight in Mysore.

After breakfast transfer to Banglore. On the Way Visit the Banglore Palace. It is located in the city of Bengaluru, Karnataka, is a striking example of Tudor-style architecture, inspired by England’s Windsor Castle. Built in 1878 by Chamaraja Wadiyar, the palace served as a royal residence for the Wadiyar dynasty. It features fortified towers, battlements, turrets, and elegant woodwork, particularly in its interiors, which are adorned with stained glass windows, Victorian-style furniture, and ornate carvings. Set amidst a sprawling estate of around 400 acres, the palace once hosted lavish royal gatherings and cultural events. Today, it is open to the public and serves as a venue for exhibitions, concerts, and private events. The interiors offer a glimpse into royal life, with its opulent halls, family portraits, and a mix of European and Indian design elements. Bangalore Palace stands as a prominent cultural and historical landmark in the city, reflecting the grandeur and influence of the Wadiyars during colonial times. After the visit transfer to Banglore Airport to catch the flight for your onward destinations.