Culture of Karnataka With Wildlife (16 Days / 15 Nights)
Karnataka… the land of fragrance; famous for its Vrindavan Gardens, the Shravana Belagola temple, the monuments of Hampi and Halebid, The hills full of greenery and gushing waterfalls, the sea beaches with splashing water, the sanctuaries where elephants and tigers roam freely, the scent of spices and coffee at Coorg, the magnificent palaces and gardens built by the kings and the ancient monuments, Karnataka has all to lure the tourists in its territory.
Day 1: Bengaluru
Tuesday, April 23, 2024 - Wednesday, April 24, 2024
Upon arrival at the Bangalore international airport our office representative will meet you and transfer you the hotel assigned.
Day 2: Bengaluru - Mysore
Wednesday, April 24, 2024 - Thursday, April 25, 2024
Post breakfast at the hotel in the morning, transfer by road to Mysore. On the way, visit Srirangapatnam approx 145 Kms 04 Hours drive .The town is famous for a very ancient temple dedicated to Sri Ranganathaswamy, a form of Lord Vishnu.
Other attractions include the Jumma Masjid (a Mosque) and the Daria Daulat Gardens. Near Srirangapattana is the Rangantittu Bird Sanctuary, which is the breeding site for several bird species, including the Painted Stork, Open-billed Stork, Black-headed Ibis, River Tern, Great Stone Plover and Indian Shag. The Karighatta (Black Hill) and its temple of Lord Srinivasa is situated a few kilometres from the town. The deity is that of Kari-giri-vasa (one who resides on the black hill). The renowned Nimishambha temple is located in the near by district of Ganjam.The summer palace of Tipu Sultan is also a very interesting place.
Located 27 km upstream from the town is the spectacular Shivanasamudra Falls, the second biggest waterfall in India and the sixteenth largest in the world.
On arrival check in at Hotel. Overnight stay.
Day 3: Mysore
Thursday, April 25, 2024 - Friday, April 26, 2024
After breakfast in hotel sightseeing of Mysore visiting Tipu Sultan Palace and Somnathpur.According to Hindu mythology, the area around Mysore was known as Mahishuru or Mahishapuram. It was ruled by a demon, Mahishasura. The demon was killed by the Goddess Chamundeshwari, whose temple is situated atop the
Chamundi Hills. Mahishuru later became Mahisuru and finally came to be called Maisuru, its present name in the Kannada language. The anglicised form of the name is Mysore.Mysore is called the City of Palaces because of the number of palaces situated in the city, including Amba Vilas popularly known as Mysore Palace, Jaganmohana Palace which has now been converted into an art gallery, Rajendra Vilas also known as the summer palace, situated in the
Chamundi Hills, Lalitha Mahal which has now been converted into a hotel and Jayalakshmi Vilas, which is now on the University of Mysore premises.
Relax. Overnight stay
Day 4: Mysore - Nagarhole
Friday, April 26, 2024 - Saturday, April 27, 2024
After breakfast drive to Nagarhole approx 100 Kms 03 Hours Drive.
Nagarhole National Park (Kannada: ???????? ??????? ????????), also known as "Rajiv Gandhi National Park", is located 94 kilometers (58 mi) from Mysore in Karnataka in South India. It is spread between Kodagu district and Mysore district. Located to the northwest of Bandipur National Park, Kabini reservoir separates the two. The exclusive hunting reserve of the former rulers of Mysore, the park has rich forest cover, small streams, valleys, and waterfalls Afternoon Jungle safari.Nagarhole has a large elephant population; and tigers, leopards, wild dogs, and sloth bears are found in viable numbers. The large predators prey on a variety of ungulates, like gaur, sambar deer, chital (spotted deer), common muntjac, four-horned antelope, mouse deer and wild boar. Gray langurs, lion-tailed macaques and bonnet macaques represent the primates in the park. On the surrounding hills outside the park occurre Nilgiri tahrs and Nilgiri langurs.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 5: Nagarhole
Saturday, April 27, 2024 - Sunday, April 28, 2024
Morning and afternoon Jungle safari, nature walks.The enchanting 247 square-mile park was originally designated as a game sanctuary. Nagarhole, in the Coffee land of Coorg was declared a National park in 1974. It has recently been renamed 'Rajiv Gandhi National Park.' Gentle slopes and shallow valleys surround it on all sides. Huge herds of Asian Elephants flock here together and it is blessed with wildlife abundance. You find a variety of trees and shrubs often making it a sanctuary for illegal timber traders. Among reptiles, the marsh crocodile, monitor lizard, rock python and several other species can be found. Aquatic and terrestrial tortoises, frogs, toads and tree frogs and a myriad insects, including some very colourful butterflies, adorn this lovely southern jungle of India.
Overnight stay.
Day 6: Nagarhole - Hassan
Sunday, April 28, 2024 - Monday, April 29, 2024
After breakfast drive to Hassan.
194 kms from Bangalore is the District Headquarters of Hassan. This quiet and peaceful town is a convenient base to visit Sharavanabelagola, Belur and Halebid. Hassan offers a wide variety of accommodation. It is well connected by road and rail to Bangalore, Mysore and Mangalore.
Hassanamba Temple is 800 years old and houses the main deity of Hassan. The temple is dedicated to Amba also known as Goddess Shakti. The goddess here is a anthill or (hutta in kannada) which denotes Hassanamba is actually goddess Parvathi. The Inner sanctum opens only once a year for two weeks during Deepavali and closes three days after Balipadyami. When the temple is closed they keep before the goddess a lit lamp two bags of uncooked rice, water and flowers.
On arrival check in to Hotel. Afternoon visit Belur and Halebid Temples. Overnight stay.
Day 7: Hassan - Hospet
Monday, April 29, 2024 - Tuesday, April 30, 2024
After breakfast drive to Hospet approx 395 Kms 08 Hours drive.Hospet was built by Krishna Deva Raya, one of the rulers of Vijayanagara in memory of his mother Nagalambika. The city was named Nagalapura, however people referred to the city as Hosa Pete meaning New City. An area between Hampi and Hospet is still called as Nagalapura. It was the entrance gate to the city of Vijayanagara for all travellers coming from Goa and West Coast. On arrival, check-in at the hotel.
Day 8: Hospet - Hampi - Hospet
Tuesday, April 30, 2024 - Wednesday, May 1, 2024
After breakfast in hotel, A base to take a tour of Hampi or Vijayanagara (1 hrs drive) one of the largest empires in the history of India- in ruins.Hampi is identified with the historical Kishkindha, the Vanara (monkey) kingdom mentioned in the Ramayana. The first historical settlements in Hampi date back to 1 CE.
Hampi formed one of the cores of the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire from 1336 to 1565, when it was finally laid siege to by the Deccan Muslim confederacy.[1] Hampi was chosen because of its strategic location, bounded by the torrential Tungabhadra river on one side and surrounded by defensible hills on the other three sides.
The site is significant historically and architecturally. The topography abounds with large stones which have been utilized to make larger than life statues of Hindu deities.Hampi has various notable Hindu temples, some of which are still active places of worship. Most notable ones are:
Virupaksha Temple complex: Also known as the Pampapathi temple, it is a Shiva temple situated in the Hampi Bazaar. It predates the founding of the Vijayanagar empire. The temple has a 160-foot (49 m) high tower at its entrance. Apart from Shiva, the temple complex also contains shrines of the Hindu goddesses Bhuvaneshwari and Pampa
Explore the ruined kingdom and return back to Hospet for overnight stay.
Day 9: Hospet - Badami
Wednesday, May 1, 2024 - Thursday, May 2, 2024
After breakfast drive to Badami.The rock-cut Badami Cave Temples were sculpted mostly between the 6th and 8th centuries. The four cave temples represent the secular nature of the rulers then, with tolerance and a religious following that inclines towards Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. cave 1 is devoted to Shiva, and Caves 2 and 3 are dedicated to Vishnu, whereas cave 4 displays reliefs of Jain Tirthankaras. Deep caverns with carved images of the various incarnations of Hindu gods are strewn across the area, under boulders and in the red sandstone. From an architectural and archaeological perspective, they provide critical evidence of the early styles and stages of the southern Indian architecture.
The Pallavas under the king Narasimhavarman I (also called Mamalla Pallava) seized it in 642 A.D. Vikramaditya I of Chalukyas drove back Pallavas in 654 A.D. and led a successful attack on Kanchipuram, the capital of Pallavas [This statement needs reference]. The Rashtrakutas absorbed karnataka including Badami around 757 AD and the town lost its importance. The later Chalukyas of Kalyani defeated them and were able to keep region from 973 A.D. to 1189 A.D., when it was occupied by the Hoysalas.
Then it passed on to Vijayanagara empire, The Adil Shahis, The Savanur Nawabs, The Marathas, Hyder Ali.
On arrival check in to Hotel. Overnight stay.
Day 10: Badami
Thursday, May 2, 2024 - Friday, May 3, 2024
After breakfast excursion trip of Patadakal & Aihole Temples.Aihole was the first capital of the early Chalukyas.[2] Here they built over 125 temples in various styles and is said to be a laboratory of experiments in rock cut architecture. Pulakesi I, one of the greatest rulers of this dynasty, moved the capital to Badami nearby. Badami was then known as Vatapi. It is from these temples that the Chalukyas gained their experience and went on to build the great temples of Pattadakal. The first phase of temple building in Aihole dates back to the 6th century CE, the second phase up to the 12th century CE. Some temples were even built as early as the 5th century CE. Overnight stay.
Day 11: Badami - Dandeli
Friday, May 3, 2024 - Saturday, May 4, 2024
After breakfast drive to Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary. On arrival check in to Jungle Lodge. Afternoon jungle safari.Wildlife enthusiasts will find Dandeli quite appealing and ultimately fall in love with its abundant wildlife diversity. The Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary offers you the rare glimpse of the Black Panther. Other inhabitants of this sanctuary include the sambhar, bison and the Malabar giant squirrel. Don't be surprised if you see giant iguana, king cobra and tiger in the dense forests surrounding Dandeli.
They can be seen in large numbers in this region. Traveling in safety with our experienced guides, you will see all these wonderful sights and more as every day brings on an exciting new experience. Just take jeep safaris into the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary to find how nature opens up before you.
Another star attraction of the Dandeli wildlife is the Hornbill. The Great Indian Hornbill and the Malabar Pied Hornbill are an integral part of this resourceful wildlife. Listen to exotic birdsongs and feast on glorious sunsets dusk after dusk.Those who enjoy adventure sports and the rush of adrenalin, Dandeli is the place to be. Water sports have always been the key attraction of this place. Kali River rafting, white water rafting in Kali river, kayaking and canoeing – such an elaborate arrangement will definitely fuel the passion of adventure sports in you. For the sheer excitement of rafting in the river Kali you will surely come to Dandeli again and again.
If that's not enough for you, overnight rafting or canoeing trips are available. Treks, cycling and mountain biking are some other adventure sports you just can't miss.
Dandeli ( Resorts in Dandeli ) is a welcome break from the monotony of regular vacation trips. If you want to unravel the mystery of natural world, the picturesque city will pleasantly surprise you with its versatility. Dandeli has so many attractions up its sleeve that you will find it simply irresistible.
Exciting Wildlife Travel and Exotic Safari Adventures Start Here!
Wildlife enthusiasts will find Dandeli quite appealing and ultimately fall in love with its abundant wildlife diversity. The Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary offers you the rare glimpse of the Black Panther. Other inhabitants of this sanctuary include the sambhar, bison and the Malabar giant squirrel. Don't be surprised if you see giant iguana, king cobra and tiger in the dense forests surrounding Dandeli.
They can be seen in large numbers in this region. Traveling in safety with our experienced guides, you will see all these wonderful sights and more as every day brings on an exciting new experience. Just take jeep safaris into the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary to find how nature opens up before you.
Another star attraction of the Dandeli wildlife is the Hornbill. The Great Indian Hornbill and the Malabar Pied Hornbill are an integral part of this resourceful wildlife. Listen to exotic birdsongs and feast on glorious sunsets dusk after dusk.
Get over the boredom of ordinary beach vacation. Do something different at Dandeli . A holiday with unlimited frills and thrills at a reasonable cost awaits you at Dandeli.
Overnight stay.
Day 12: Dandeli - Goa
Saturday, May 4, 2024 - Sunday, May 5, 2024
Goa-s beaches are its crowning glory. In reality the coasting is one long, palm - fringed delight, the powdery sands - usually silver, occasionally dusted golden - only interrupted from time to time by inlets, estuaries or headlands. Whether secluded and peaceful or broad and lively, they exist for all to enjoy and for none are private. Overnight stay.
Day 13: Goa
Sunday, May 5, 2024 - Monday, May 6, 2024
Full day free to relax on the Beach in Goa.Goa's beaches are speckled with quaint little beach shacks that serve ice cold beer and spicy Goan cuisine. Candolim is the birth place of Abbe Faria, a Goan Freedom Fighter and the Father of Hypnotism. When we stay at Candolim, we usually book one of the rent-back apartments a stone's throw away from the beach.
There is little or no shelter close to the beach, but you can hire out a beach umbrella, sample the good food available at the beach shacks that dot the beach, and sun yourself in solitude. This Goa beach is very popular with package tourists, but is still not too crowded.
Bambolim beach is a small, clean, largely undiscovered beach, in a shaded spot before the mouth of the river Zuari. The entrance to the beach is easily missed and lies along the hill between Goa Medical College and the Goa University.
The road goes all the way down to the Bambolim beach resort from where you can make your way to the beach. The beach is carpeted with broken mother-of-pearl and other shells, which makes it a haven for shell-collectors. Thick coconut groves line the beach and provide shade and privacy. Its a beautiful beach for a quiet, cosy picnic.
You can enjoy lunch at the Bambolim Beach Resort restaurant, serenaded by one of the local singers or bands. When you decide to head back home, take the road that goes to the beautiful Goa University all the way up to Dona Paula
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 14: Goa
Monday, May 6, 2024 - Tuesday, May 7, 2024
Full day free to relax on the Beach in Goa.Agonda is a virgin stretch of beach twelve kilometres from Palolem and, until recently, was undiscovered by tourists. It is sometimes frequented by day picnickers. The waters are crystal clear and its easy to see the bottom of the shore while swimming. Watch out for the sharp barnacles if you decide to climb any of the rocks there.
Until recently there was just a solitary shack on the beach, however that may not be the case any longer. If you find it difficult to get accomodation here, you can stay at Palolem, and drive down to Agonda for the day. The more adventurous can rent a bicycle in the village and cycle cross country to the beach
Cavelossim Beach, is a small stretch of beach eleven kilometres south of Colva beach. South of Cavelossim beach is the Mobor beach that currently boast of five star resorts like the Leela Beach Resort.
Both beaches are relatively isolated and there are few beach shacks here. Mobor has a fishing village with a small lagoon near the mouth of a river, and its fun to watch the seagulls that come to feast on the fish drying on the sand.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 15: Goa - Mumbai
Tuesday, May 7, 2024 - Wednesday, May 8, 2024
After breakfast on time assistance transfer to airport to connect flight to Mumbai.Arrive Mumbai and transfer to the hotel and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 16: Mumbai
Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - Thursday, May 9, 2024
After breakfast transfer to the airport to catch the flight for onward destination.
