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Best of Karnataka 12 Nights / 13 Days
Destinations covered: Bangalore - Hassan - Mysore - Nagarahole (Kabini) - Bandipur - Ooty - Cochin
Day 01: Arrive Bangalore
Traditional welcome on arrival at Bangalore International airport. Transfer to hotel. Remainder of the day is at leisure to explore commercial town. Overnight at hotel in Bangalore.
Bangalore - Reputed as garden city of India Bangalore is a delightful place with an amalgamation of various rich cultures, crafts, and heritage centres. This capital of Karnataka houses finest temple and garden. Bangalore is even gaining the status of the "Floriculture Capital of India" due to the present blossoming of flower exports from the city. The beautiful parks like the Lalbagh and Cubbon Park are indeed a treat to the eyes. A trip around the city can be very interesting and provides a varied sightseeing experience with Palaces, museums, temples, churches and gardens.
Day 02: Bangalore
Afternoon visit to Lal bagh, Cave temple- Built by Kempe gowda and known for its four monolithic pillars and rare idol of Agni, the God of fire. On Jan. 13/14th every year, the rays of the setting sun enter through the window; pass between the horns of the Nandi and shine on the Shiva lingam, in a unique phenomenon, Hesaraghatta. Remainder of the day is free to explore commercial section of city. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03: Bangalore - Hassan (194 Kms -04 hr drive by road)
After breakfast proceed for Hassan. Enroute visit Shravanabelagola. On arrival transfer to hotel. Hassan- As base to visit remnant of one of prominent Royale Dynasty of Hoysala Empire. Era of Hoysala Dynasty was an important period in the development of art, architecture, and religion in South India. A excursion to visit Belur and Halebid awards an firsthand experience of understanding development of art, architecture, and religion in South India.
Shravanabelagola - 51 Kms southeast of Hassan, this is one of the most important Jain pilgrim centres. Here is the 17 m high monolith of Lord Bahubali - the world's tallest monolithic statue. Thousands of devotees congregate here to perform the Mahamastakabhisheka -a spectacular ceremony held once in 12 years, when the 1000 -year- old statue is anointed with milk, curds, ghee, saffron and gold coins.
On arrival at Hasan transfer to hotel.
Hassan - As base to visit remnant of one of prominent Royale Dynasty of Hoysala Empire. Era of Hoysala Dynasty was an important period in the development of art, architecture, and religion in South India. A excursion to visit Belur and Halebid awards an firsthand experience of understanding development of art, architecture, and religion in South India.
Day 04: Hassan
After breakfast proceed for excursion to Belur and Halebid.
Belur - This quaint hamlet - 38 Kms from Hassan - is located on the banks of the river Yagachi. It was once the capital of the Hoysala Empire today made unforgettable for its exquisite temples. The Chennakeshava Temple is one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture. It took 103 years to complete and you can see why. The facade of the temple is filled with intricate sculptures and friezes with no portion left blank.
Halebid - It is 27 Kms north-west of Hassan and 17 Kms east of Belur. The temples of Halebid - like those of Belur - bear mute testimony to the rich, cultural heritage of Karnataka. The Hoysaleswara Temple, dating back to the 12th century, is astounding for its wealth of sculptural details. The walls of the temple are covered with an endless variety of gods and goddesses, animals, birds and dancing girls. Yet no two facets of the temple are the same. This magnificent temple - guarded by a Nandi Bull - was never completed, despite 86 years of labour. The Jain basadis, Channarayapatna, Ramanathpur, Gorur and Manjarabad are the other places of interest around Hassan. Overnight in Hassan.
Day 05: Hassan - Mysore (127 Kms, 3 hours drive by road)
After breakfast proceed for Mysore. On arrival check in hotel. Mysore is defined by magnificent palaces, scenic gardens, fragrant sandalwood, luxurious silks, flamboyant festivals-- Mysore is a veritable tourist extravaganza with its glorious history and rich tradition. Located 140 Kms from Bangalore, this City of Palaces bursts at the seams with a mindboggling array of attractive destinations.
Afternoon visit to Maharaja Palace-built in 1911-12 by Wodeyar Rulers, the palace is a splendid structure in the Indo-Saracenic Style, it's attraction is a magnificent gold throne. Visit Chamundi Hill, Brindavan Garden - the famous gardens at the Krishna Raja Sagar Dam.
Day 06: Mysore
After breakfast proceeds for Srirangapatna. The great Emperor Tipu Sultan is notable for his bravery in India.Visit Island fortress of Tippu Sultan, the legendary Tiger of Mysore who put up a valiant fight against British domination. Visit Tippu’s Summer Palace, Mosque, and Sriranganatha Temple. Evening return back to Hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 07: Mysore / Nagarahole National Park (80 Kms / 2hrs drive by road)
After breakfast proceed to Nagarahole National park. On arrival check in to resort and relax. Nagarahole National Park This Park is also known as "Rajiv Gandhi National Park", is located 94 km from Mysore. Sprawling between Mysore and Kodagu districts of Karnataka it covers an area of 640 sq km. The exclusive hunting ground of the former rulers of Mysore, the park has rich forest cover, small streams, valleys, and waterfalls.
This forest is home to large elephant population, tigers, leopards, wild dogs, and sloth bears. The large predators prey on a variety of ungulates, like gaur, deer, 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. Mostly jungle comprises Rosewood, Teak, Sandalwood and Silver oak trees. On Border Mountain area Nilgiri tahrs and Nilgiri langurs are found. Evening jungle safari. After safari return to resort watch wildlife picture and Overnight at resort.
Day 08: Nagarahole National Park / Bandipur (100 km /3hrs)
At 0615hrs after coffee/tea proceed for coracle ride, (local boat) followed by elephant ride (subject to availability of elephant). After breakfast check out and proceed to Bandipur National park . On Arrival check in to a resort. Lunch and relax.
Bandipur National Park - This national park has been declared Tiger Reserve by Indian Government. Situated at 90 Kms from Mysore it adjoin Mudumalai National Park in the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu, the Wynad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala, and the Nagarhole National Park to the northwest. It is home to around seventy tigers and over three thousand Asian elephants (as per the 1997 census), along with leopards, dholes, Gaur and sloth bears. Bandipur is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Enjoy wildlife safari at 16.00hrs. At 1900hrs watch wildlife film, dinner and overnight at resort.
Day 09: Bandipur / Ooty ( 80kms /3hrs)
Morning proceed for trekking at 0630hrs. Return to resort at 0900hrs, breakfast and checkout, proceed to Ooty. As serpentine road approaches Ooty gurgle of streams, beautiful mist make a impression of welcome to Ooty. On arrival check in hotel. Remainder of the day is at leisure to explore green valley and green meadows with gust of cool air.
Situated at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level it is one most popular hill station of india.Nearest airport to Ooty is Coimbtore at a distance of commanding a panoramic view of Distric. Dodabeta, perched on altitude of 2637, the merging point of eastern and Western Ghats, is the highest peak of Nilgiri. Other tourist attraction includes botanical garden, Ooty lake, Coonoor etc.
Day 10: Ooty
Morning breakfast and proceed for full day sight seeing visit to Botanical Garden - is spread over 22 hectares ascending the slopes on the hill, Rose Garden - the rose varieties planted in this park were assembled from different sources with 17,256 rose plants from 1919 varieties, Aquarium: It is close to bus station and is run by Dept. of Fisheries. In this aquarium, department rears exotic fish varieties. Deer Park - It is one of the high altitude animal park in India, Doddabetta , Enjoy boat ride in Ooty Lake. Return to hotel and overnight hotel.
Day 11: Ooty - Cochin (281kms /7hrs drive by road)
Morning breakfast, checkout and proceed to Cochin. On arrival Transfer to hotel. Relax for the rest of the day or take a walk along the historic colonial streets of Fort Cochin. Watch a Kathakali Show (Traditional art performance of Kerala). Overnight at hotel in Cochin
Kochi (colonial name Cochin) is a vibrant city situated on the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula in the breathtakingly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala, hailed as 'God's Own Country'. Its strategic importance over the centuries is underlined by the sobriquet Queen of the Arabian Sea. Informally, Cochin is also referred to as the Gateway to Kerala. Day 12: Cochin
After breakfast proceed for a guided tour of Fort Cochin and the Jew Street in Mattancherry. Visit the synagogue, century’s old churches and palaces, colonial buildings, Chinese fishing net etc. Spend your evening on the nearby Fort Cochin beach or ferry across to Cherai Beach which is half an hour away. Come back to the hotel or visit Ernakulam city for souvenir and other shopping on Mahatma Gandhi Road. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 13: Cochin
After breakfast depart with sweet memories of Western Ghat
Traditional welcome on arrival at Bangalore International airport. Transfer to hotel. Remainder of the day is at leisure to explore commercial town. Overnight at hotel in Bangalore.
Bangalore - Reputed as garden city of India Bangalore is a delightful place with an amalgamation of various rich cultures, crafts, and heritage centres. This capital of Karnataka houses finest temple and garden. Bangalore is even gaining the status of the "Floriculture Capital of India" due to the present blossoming of flower exports from the city. The beautiful parks like the Lalbagh and Cubbon Park are indeed a treat to the eyes. A trip around the city can be very interesting and provides a varied sightseeing experience with Palaces, museums, temples, churches and gardens.
Day 02: Bangalore
Afternoon visit to Lal bagh, Cave temple- Built by Kempe gowda and known for its four monolithic pillars and rare idol of Agni, the God of fire. On Jan. 13/14th every year, the rays of the setting sun enter through the window; pass between the horns of the Nandi and shine on the Shiva lingam, in a unique phenomenon, Hesaraghatta. Remainder of the day is free to explore commercial section of city. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03: Bangalore - Hassan (194 Kms -04 hr drive by road)
After breakfast proceed for Hassan. Enroute visit Shravanabelagola. On arrival transfer to hotel. Hassan- As base to visit remnant of one of prominent Royale Dynasty of Hoysala Empire. Era of Hoysala Dynasty was an important period in the development of art, architecture, and religion in South India. A excursion to visit Belur and Halebid awards an firsthand experience of understanding development of art, architecture, and religion in South India.
Shravanabelagola - 51 Kms southeast of Hassan, this is one of the most important Jain pilgrim centres. Here is the 17 m high monolith of Lord Bahubali - the world's tallest monolithic statue. Thousands of devotees congregate here to perform the Mahamastakabhisheka -a spectacular ceremony held once in 12 years, when the 1000 -year- old statue is anointed with milk, curds, ghee, saffron and gold coins.
On arrival at Hasan transfer to hotel.
Hassan - As base to visit remnant of one of prominent Royale Dynasty of Hoysala Empire. Era of Hoysala Dynasty was an important period in the development of art, architecture, and religion in South India. A excursion to visit Belur and Halebid awards an firsthand experience of understanding development of art, architecture, and religion in South India.
Day 04: Hassan
After breakfast proceed for excursion to Belur and Halebid.
Belur - This quaint hamlet - 38 Kms from Hassan - is located on the banks of the river Yagachi. It was once the capital of the Hoysala Empire today made unforgettable for its exquisite temples. The Chennakeshava Temple is one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture. It took 103 years to complete and you can see why. The facade of the temple is filled with intricate sculptures and friezes with no portion left blank.
Halebid - It is 27 Kms north-west of Hassan and 17 Kms east of Belur. The temples of Halebid - like those of Belur - bear mute testimony to the rich, cultural heritage of Karnataka. The Hoysaleswara Temple, dating back to the 12th century, is astounding for its wealth of sculptural details. The walls of the temple are covered with an endless variety of gods and goddesses, animals, birds and dancing girls. Yet no two facets of the temple are the same. This magnificent temple - guarded by a Nandi Bull - was never completed, despite 86 years of labour. The Jain basadis, Channarayapatna, Ramanathpur, Gorur and Manjarabad are the other places of interest around Hassan. Overnight in Hassan.
Day 05: Hassan - Mysore (127 Kms, 3 hours drive by road)
After breakfast proceed for Mysore. On arrival check in hotel. Mysore is defined by magnificent palaces, scenic gardens, fragrant sandalwood, luxurious silks, flamboyant festivals-- Mysore is a veritable tourist extravaganza with its glorious history and rich tradition. Located 140 Kms from Bangalore, this City of Palaces bursts at the seams with a mindboggling array of attractive destinations.
Afternoon visit to Maharaja Palace-built in 1911-12 by Wodeyar Rulers, the palace is a splendid structure in the Indo-Saracenic Style, it's attraction is a magnificent gold throne. Visit Chamundi Hill, Brindavan Garden - the famous gardens at the Krishna Raja Sagar Dam.
Day 06: Mysore
After breakfast proceeds for Srirangapatna. The great Emperor Tipu Sultan is notable for his bravery in India.Visit Island fortress of Tippu Sultan, the legendary Tiger of Mysore who put up a valiant fight against British domination. Visit Tippu’s Summer Palace, Mosque, and Sriranganatha Temple. Evening return back to Hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 07: Mysore / Nagarahole National Park (80 Kms / 2hrs drive by road)
After breakfast proceed to Nagarahole National park. On arrival check in to resort and relax. Nagarahole National Park This Park is also known as "Rajiv Gandhi National Park", is located 94 km from Mysore. Sprawling between Mysore and Kodagu districts of Karnataka it covers an area of 640 sq km. The exclusive hunting ground of the former rulers of Mysore, the park has rich forest cover, small streams, valleys, and waterfalls.
This forest is home to large elephant population, tigers, leopards, wild dogs, and sloth bears. The large predators prey on a variety of ungulates, like gaur, deer, 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. Mostly jungle comprises Rosewood, Teak, Sandalwood and Silver oak trees. On Border Mountain area Nilgiri tahrs and Nilgiri langurs are found. Evening jungle safari. After safari return to resort watch wildlife picture and Overnight at resort.
Day 08: Nagarahole National Park / Bandipur (100 km /3hrs)
At 0615hrs after coffee/tea proceed for coracle ride, (local boat) followed by elephant ride (subject to availability of elephant). After breakfast check out and proceed to Bandipur National park . On Arrival check in to a resort. Lunch and relax.
Bandipur National Park - This national park has been declared Tiger Reserve by Indian Government. Situated at 90 Kms from Mysore it adjoin Mudumalai National Park in the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu, the Wynad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala, and the Nagarhole National Park to the northwest. It is home to around seventy tigers and over three thousand Asian elephants (as per the 1997 census), along with leopards, dholes, Gaur and sloth bears. Bandipur is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Enjoy wildlife safari at 16.00hrs. At 1900hrs watch wildlife film, dinner and overnight at resort.
Day 09: Bandipur / Ooty ( 80kms /3hrs)
Morning proceed for trekking at 0630hrs. Return to resort at 0900hrs, breakfast and checkout, proceed to Ooty. As serpentine road approaches Ooty gurgle of streams, beautiful mist make a impression of welcome to Ooty. On arrival check in hotel. Remainder of the day is at leisure to explore green valley and green meadows with gust of cool air.
Situated at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level it is one most popular hill station of india.Nearest airport to Ooty is Coimbtore at a distance of commanding a panoramic view of Distric. Dodabeta, perched on altitude of 2637, the merging point of eastern and Western Ghats, is the highest peak of Nilgiri. Other tourist attraction includes botanical garden, Ooty lake, Coonoor etc.
Day 10: Ooty
Morning breakfast and proceed for full day sight seeing visit to Botanical Garden - is spread over 22 hectares ascending the slopes on the hill, Rose Garden - the rose varieties planted in this park were assembled from different sources with 17,256 rose plants from 1919 varieties, Aquarium: It is close to bus station and is run by Dept. of Fisheries. In this aquarium, department rears exotic fish varieties. Deer Park - It is one of the high altitude animal park in India, Doddabetta , Enjoy boat ride in Ooty Lake. Return to hotel and overnight hotel.
Day 11: Ooty - Cochin (281kms /7hrs drive by road)
Morning breakfast, checkout and proceed to Cochin. On arrival Transfer to hotel. Relax for the rest of the day or take a walk along the historic colonial streets of Fort Cochin. Watch a Kathakali Show (Traditional art performance of Kerala). Overnight at hotel in Cochin
Kochi (colonial name Cochin) is a vibrant city situated on the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula in the breathtakingly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala, hailed as 'God's Own Country'. Its strategic importance over the centuries is underlined by the sobriquet Queen of the Arabian Sea. Informally, Cochin is also referred to as the Gateway to Kerala. Day 12: Cochin
After breakfast proceed for a guided tour of Fort Cochin and the Jew Street in Mattancherry. Visit the synagogue, century’s old churches and palaces, colonial buildings, Chinese fishing net etc. Spend your evening on the nearby Fort Cochin beach or ferry across to Cherai Beach which is half an hour away. Come back to the hotel or visit Ernakulam city for souvenir and other shopping on Mahatma Gandhi Road. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 13: Cochin
After breakfast depart with sweet memories of Western Ghat