Architecture of South India

On arrival at Bangalore airport assistance and transfer to hotel. Rest time to relax. Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at hotel. City tour include visit to Lal Bagh Garden: Hyder Ali laid out this famous botanical garden and his son added horticultural wealth to them by importing trees and plants from several countries. The garden today houses over 1000 species of flora which include rare and enchanting collection of tropical plants, trees and herbs.

The Bangalore Fort: built by Kempe Gowda and expanded by Tippu Sultan. Within its walls is the well preserved 16th century Ganapathi Temple. The Bangalore Palace was built by a Wodeyar king in 1887 on the 400 acre space. Inspired by the Windsor castle, this palace was built in the Tudor style, complete with Gothic windows, foiled windows, battlements and turrets. Tippu’s Summer Palace: The palace was first a mud-brick defense built by Kempegowda in 1537. Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan later rebuilt it 1791. An inscription on the wooden screen describes the palace as the 'abode of happiness' Though the palace still has elegant teak pillars, most of the painted decorations have been destroyed.

Also see the Government buildings Vidhana Soudha: This splendid neo-Dravidian granite building that dominates the northern boundary of the Cubbon Park is the home of the State Legislature and the Secretariat..

After sightseeing drive to Mysore check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at hotel visit Mysore Palace & Srirangapatnam Fort & Ranganthaswamy temple.

City tour of Mysore. Visit Chamundi Hills, site of the Chamundeswari Temple and Nandi Bull. Then visit Mysore Palace the seat of the former ruling Wodeyar dynasty, the palace blends Hindu, Islamic, Gothic and Rajput styles. The palace contains astonishing wall paintings, authentic stained glass work and ornamented doors.

The Ranganatha Swamy Temple in Srirangapatna enshrines Lord Vishnu as Ranganatha. It is said that the Ganaga chieftain, Tirumalaiya built this temple in 894 AD. The Ranganatha Swamy Temple was later expanded by the Hoysalas, Vijayanagar monarchs, Mysore Wodeyars and Hyder Ali. The architecture is a mixture of the Hoysala and Vijayanagar styles. The temple has fort like walls and an intricately carved Gopura in Vijayanagar style of architecture. The idol of Lord Ranganatha is in reclining posture on the bed laid out by the serpent Aadi Sesha is about 4.5 meters in length. The main entrance has Chaturvimsati (four) pillars has the cravings of the 24 forms of Vishnu. There are many other shrines like Ranganayaki, Narasimha, Sudarshana, Gopalakrishna, Srinivasa, Rama and Panchamukha Anjaneya in the complex.

Srirangapatnam Fort the stronghold of Tippu Sultan. Tippu made a last minute ditch Against the British in 1799 before surrendering his kingdom. Among the many fort buildings still intact, are Tippu’s Airy summer palace and his tomb at the Darya Daulat Bagh (garden). Daria Daulat Bagh: Built in 1784, this Summer Palace was one of Tipu's favourite retreats. It stands on a raised platform at a height of 1.5 metres. The Bagh is situated on the banks of Cauvery river has treasured the paintings, engraving, arms that depict the Valant victories and Struggles of Tipu Sultan. The structure made of teak, this Indo-Saracenic structure has ornate and beautiful frescoes. The corridors showcase murals which describe Tipu’s ordeals in the battlefield against the British

Later drive to Hassan en route visit Shravanabelagola Jain temple.one of the most important Jain pilgrim enters. It is also one of the oldest where a 17m high naked Lord Bahubali (gomteshwara) - the world's tallest monolithic statue, is placed. It is situated on the picturesque Vindhyagiri Hill overlooking the town.

Arrive Hassan check in & overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at hotel. Drive toward Hampi en route visit Belur & Halebedu

Belur (38kms from Hassan). It was once the capital of the Hoysala Empire, today made unforgettable for its exquisite temples. The serenity of Belur is attributed to the celebrated temple of Chennakeshava built by the Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana in 1117 A.D. It is one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture. The main structure of the temple, which is star-shaped, a homogenous architectural unit on a raised platform. Everything is carved in black stone, looking like metal. Facing the temple, at the entrance, stands the winged figure of Garauda, Lord Vishnu’s carrier. The 650 charging elephants on the frieze around the walls outside are all different from each other. The exotic bracket figures on the walls of this temple are serene, playful and amorous, enhancing the overall effect of this pinnacle of architectural excellence.

After visiting this temple move to Halebedu (17kms from Belur). The temples of Halebid bear mute testimony to the rich, cultural heritage of Karnataka. Visit the Hoysaleswara Temple, dating back to the 12th century, standing on platform like a casket, is a sculptural extravaganza, richly endowed with most finely detailed scroll work in stone. The walls of the temple are covered with an endless variety of gods and goddesses and also visit the Jain bastics.

After sightseeing drive to Hampi check in at hotel. Rest time free and easy to relax. Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at hotel. Visit UNESCO world Heritage sites dotted with numerous ruined temple complexes from the Vijayanagara Empire on the bank of the River Tungabhadra. Visit -

Hazara Rama Temple - situated in the midst of the Royal Enclosure, one of the prime attractions of Hampi. This site was used only for ceremonial processions and is renowned among devotees for its bas-relief sculptures that represent important events that occurred in Ramayana. It is one of the popular temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu in Hampi region. The walls of this temple are adorned with 15th century art work, such as carvings of elephants, horses, soldiers and dancing girls.

King's Balance - Remember all those fanciful tales of Kings weighing themselves with gems, rubies and gold? Well, it's at Hampi where they seem to take on life with King's Balance being one such pleasant affirmation. 5 meters tall and carved out of stone, King's Balance appears like a lonesome archway left standing, but peer closely and you can spot the three loops on the beam where the balance must have hung.

Mahanavami Dibba - The Mahanavami Dibba, a square structure, is another popular attraction in Hampi, which was constructed by the King Krishnadevaraya after his win over Udayagiri. This ancient site is the tallest structure in the Royal Enclosure of Hampi and can be easily observed from nearby places due to its height. It is on the must visit list of all tourists because of its ornate carvings and historic importance.

Royal enclosures - The Royal Enclosure of Hampi has often been compared to an open air museum. Apart from giving the visitor a glimpse into what life was like under the Vijayanagara rulers, it also showcases the architectural excellence of the era and the level of destruction the city witnessed after the decline of the Vijayanagara kings.

Statue of Ugra Narasimha Temple - Ugra Narasimha Statue, Hampi is a statue of Laxmi Narasimha. The statue is carved out of a single block of stone. This single stone structure of Lord Narasimha is a major Tourist Attraction in Karnataka and is considered to be an important Monument in Karnataka. The Ugra Narasimha Statue is located to the south of Hampi.

Virupaksha Temple - This temple, in worship, known as ‘Shri Lokeswara-Maha-Sila-prasada’ from the epigraphs, was built by Lokamahadevi, the Queen of Vikaramaditya in about to commemorate her husband’s victory over the Pallavas of Kanchipuram. It closely resembles the Kailasanatha temple at Kanchipuram on plan and elevation and represents a fully developed and perfected stage of the Dravidian architecture.

Vithala And Lotus Mahal - a nice place in the Hampi with sufficient time greens and romantic ambience. One of the great place in zenana enclosure. The features of building is marvellous and splendid.

Vithala Temple Complex - Vittala Temple is a 16th century structure that is dedicated to the Lord Vittala or Lord Vishnu. It is a 'must see' site for all tourists going to Hampi because of its beautiful, complex carvings and magnificent architecture, which is not matched by any other structure located here. This temple, situated on the southern bank of the Tungabhadra River, represents the original South Indian Dravidian temple architectural style.

Rest time free and easy to relax. Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at hotel, drive to Badami, en route visit Lakkundi & Gadag temples (guide subject to availability).

Lakkundi Full of ruined temples like Mallikarjuna, Virabhadra, Manikeshwara, Nanneshwara, Lakshminarayana, Someshwara, Nilakanteshwara and many more.

Gadag Trikuteshwara temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva. The carved temple is in the town of Gadag It is dedicated to Shiva and has three lingas mounted on the same stone. There is a shrine dedicated to Saraswathi in this temple and it has carved columns.

Continue drive to Badami, check in at hotel. Rest time free and easy to relax. Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at hotel. Full day to visit Pattadakkal, Aihole & Badami.

Pattadakal is a historic site of ancient and medieval era, Buddhist, Hindu and Jain monuments from the sixth century through the twelfth century CE, though the most of the surviving monuments date from the 7th to 10th centuries. Pattadakal reached at the peak of glory under the era of Chalukya kings from 7th to 9th centuries. The Sanghameswara Temple is the oldest in this group. The Mallikarjuna Temple has pillars representing the life of Krishna. Virupaksha temple has panel scenes and sculptures from the epics, the Mahabharata and Ramayana. The Papanatha Temple has stunning carvings on ceiling and pillars.

Aihole is a temple complex, the beautiful architecture of the place makes it a very popular tourist destination. There are 70 temples in this complex. The Lad Khan Temple is one of the major and oldest temples in the region of Aihole. Further, the Durga temple is famous for its incredible sculptures. The Meguti temple is a built of 630 small stone blocks, which makes it a worth exploring temple. The Ravanaphadi Cave has some beautiful carvings that attract tourists from around the world.

Badami Fort the well-known archaeological site soaked in the history of the Chalukyas and the Pallavas known for its beauty and rich history. Nestled atop a cliff, the Badami Fort lies opposite to the famous Badami Caves. The fort’s location commands a magnificent view of the Badami town and its splendid structures. The Badami Fort is one such monument that stands as a mute witness to a culturally rich bygone era.

Back to your hotel in Badami for overnight stay.

Breakfast at hotel drive to Goa check in at hotel. Rest time free and easy to relax on the beach. Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at hotel. Full day city tour of Goa visiting North Goa Churches & South Goa Temples. Basilica Of Bom Jesus - A World Heritage Site which preserved the body of St. Francis Xavier was constructed around 1695.

Se Cathedral Largest church in Asia, giant bells and exquisite architecture. Se Cathedral of Goa is dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria.

Church of St. Francis built between 1517-1521 AD a stunning and charming building, architecture has a combination of Hindu and Christian elements.

Church of St Augustine Ruins 46 meter high tower, the church was built in 1602 with the combined efforts of 12 Augustinians. They also built a convent besides the church.

Church of Marry Immaculate Conception one of the most famous landmarks of Goa. This church is supposed to be one of the earliest churches to be constructed in Goa.

Visit South Goa Shree Manguesh Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located on a hillock surrounded by lush green hills. Though small, it has an air of distinctive elegance. Its lofty white tower at the entrance is a countryside landmark.

Shree Mahalsa a short distance away from the Shri Mangueshi temple, the deity worshiped here is an attribute to Vishnu. Rest time free and easy to relax. Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at hotel. Day free and easy to relax on the beach. Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at hotel. Breakfast at hotel as per your flight schedule transfer to airport to board flight for your onward destination.