Tour overview

Beyond Bangalore's tech hub image, Karnataka offers an extraordinary heritage experience with some of India's most spectacular archaeological sites and palatial grandeur. This circuit connects the astonishing ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire at Hampi, the opulent Indo-Saracenic architecture of Mysore Palace, and the engineering marvels of Srirangapatna and Belur-Halebid. The journey traverses diverse landscapes from boulder-strewn ancient capitals to sandalwood-scented royal cities, coffee plantations, and Western Ghats forests, providing a comprehensive yet underexplored cultural narrative spanning over 600 years of South Indian history.

Day 1: Arrival in Bangalore

Arrive in Bangalore and transfer to hotel. Afternoon visit to Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace, an excellent example of Indo-Islamic architecture, and the imposing Bangalore Fort. Evening exploration of Cubbon Park and the Government Museum with its archaeological treasures. Optional dinner at a microbrewery in India's craft beer capital.

Day 2: Bangalore to Mysore

Drive to Mysore (3-4 hours). En route, visit Srirangapatna, the island fortress-city and former capital of Tipu Sultan with its impressive ramparts, temples, and murals at Daria Daulat Bagh palace. Arrive in Mysore and visit Devaraja Market for its vibrant displays of flowers, incense, and sandalwood products. Evening view of illuminated Mysore Palace on Sunday or holiday (or exterior view on other days).

Day 3: Mysore Exploration

Morning comprehensive tour of magnificent Mysore Palace with its stained glass, mirrored halls, and precious artifacts. Visit Chamundi Hills with its panoramic city views and Nandi (bull) monolith. Afternoon at Mysore Zoo, one of India's oldest and best-maintained zoos. Evening cultural performance of classical Mysore style Bharatanatyam or painting demonstration by traditional Mysore painters.

Day 4: Mysore to Coorg

Drive through changing landscapes to Coorg (3 hours), known for coffee plantations and unique local culture. Check into plantation stay. Afternoon visit to Dubare Elephant Camp for elephant interaction experience. Evening walk through coffee and spice plantations learning about cultivation processes with plantation owner.

Day 5: Coorg to Hassan

Morning visit to Bylakuppe, the second largest Tibetan settlement outside Tibet, with its colorful monasteries and cultural institutions. Drive to Hassan (3 hours). Afternoon visit to Belur and Halebid temples, masterpieces of Hoysala architecture covered in intricate carvings depicting scenes from Hindu epics. Every inch of these 12th-century temples showcases remarkable stone artistry featuring dancers, animals, and geometric patterns.

Day 6: Hassan to Hampi

Long but rewarding drive to Hampi (6-7 hours), the breathtaking former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. Evening exploration of Hampi Bazaar area and Virupaksha Temple with sunset views from Hemakuta Hill.

Day 7: Hampi Exploration and Departure

Full day exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi. Visit the Vittala Temple with its famous stone chariot and musical pillars, Royal Enclosure, Hazara Rama Temple, and impressive Lotus Mahal. Afternoon exploration of the massive Elephant Stables and Queen's Bath before returning to Hospet for departure.

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