Bangalore And Hoysala Temples Tour

• Day 1: BANGALORE

  On arrival at Bangalore, meet your tour representative and get assisted with transfer to your hotel. Bangalore – Bangalore, the ‘Silicon Valley of India’ is the most popular of cities of Karnataka. The megacity is modern and equally ancient. Nicknamed the ‘Garden City’ owing to the abundance of greenery, the climate of Bangalore is soothing and amazing all throughout the year. Home to flourishing Software Industry, it is one of Asia’s fastest growing cities, especially more than 250 high-tech companies. For the history lovers and the culture enthusiasts, the city does not disappoint as there are many remnants of the bygone eras. Though, majorly travellers in the city are in awe of the nightclubs, pubs, and the entertainment options, the city is a gateway to the treasures of the South. Overnight in Bangalore.

• Day 2: DRIVE BANGALORE - MYSORE (140 KMS/3 HRS)

  After a relaxing breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and taken for a half-day sightseeing tour of Bangalore city accompanied by an English speaking guide. Tour includes visits to the following places of interest: The Bangalore Fort: Witness to the city’s history, Bangalore Fort is one of the popular landmarks to visit. Starting as a mud fort and later transformed into a stone fortress, it is also known as Tipu Sultan’s fort. The Islamic-style architecture and designs, roofs on the gate walls, and the well-protected Ganesha temple are places to visit. The Bull Temple: The magnificent temple located in the South of Bangalore worships the mythical deity Nandi, the vehicle of Lord Shiva. The huge 15-foot Basava or bull entrances visitors and has been carved from a single stone. Cubbon Park: The 300-acre park in the middle of the bustling city is a must-visit beauty. Constructed in 1864, the park has a public library and a museum. Lal Bagh: One of the most beautiful places in the city, Lal Bagh is a garden spread over 24-acres. This green area contains the largest collection of rare tropical and sub-tropical plants along with century-old trees. A highlight of the Lal Bagh is the magnificent glasshouse constructed in 1840, on the lines of London’s Crystal Palace. Adding to the beauty of the garden are fountains, sunshades, lotus pools, rose gardens and a deer park. Vidhana Soudha: Vidhana Soudha is Bangalore’s most attractive landmark. Constructed in 1956, spread over 5, 00, 000 sq. ft., the architectural style is charming Neo- Dravidian, incorporated with elements of Indo-Saracenic style. The Vidhana Soudha is a hub of government offices apart from the Secretariat and the State legislature. Later, start your drive to Mysore, the next destination on your Hoysala Temples tour. On the way stop for a visit at Somnathpura. Somanathpura: Almost a 135 km drive from Bangalore, the historic town is home to the famous Chennakesava Temple built in the 13th century under the Hoysala Empire, the major power in South India. This is the first of the Hoysala Temple you will be visiting on this tour. Marvel at the temple, a fine sample of Hoysala architecture under the care of the Archaeological Survey of India and a protected heritage. Later, proceed to Mysore, approximately 40 km away. Mysore: The royal city of Karnataka is home to more than 600 marvelous years of tradition and the royal family of Mysore. Settled in the hilly region of southwestern India, Mysore enjoys weather cooler than coastal cities. Chosen by the Maharajas as their residence, the charming city is one of the most colourful places in India. There are as many 17 palaces in the city, each a spectacular construction of impressive roofs, towers and beautiful doorways. Of note is the city is home to heirloom of the famous soldier Tipu Sultan, known for his victories over the Royal British Armies. Known as the “Sandalwood City”, Mysore is a major hub of sandalwood in India as well as major center for nurturing Silkworms. More than palaces, temples and parks, Mysore is famous for its mouth-watering sweet meat, the whisper of soft silk and the traditional carvings on the sandalwood. Mysore is also known as the Shopper’s paradise. On your arrival in Mysore, check-in at the hotel. Overnight in Mysore.

• Day 3: MYSORE

  After a relaxing breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and will be taken for a guided sightseeing tour of Mysore. Tour includes visits to the following places of interest: The Mysore Palace: Built-in Indo Saracenic style in the early 20th century, The Mysore Palace was earlier the residence of the Wodeyars. The construction of the Mysore Palace is one of the largest of its kind in India. The iconic landmark is a must-visit in the city, especially during the festivities of Dusshera when the palace is adorned extravagantly. The Jaganmohan Palace: The earlier residence of the royal family of Wodeyars, the rulers of Mysore, the Jaganmohan Palace is a converted art gallery that has paintings that dates back to the late 19th century. Chamundi Hill: A famous landmark of Mysore, the Chamundi Hill, on the outskirts of the city is home to the popular 12th-century temple of Chamundershwari. This huge 4.8 meters high Stone of Nandi, the sacred vehicle of Lord Shiva is a wonder to watch. The huge statue of the demon Mahishasura is also set here next to the temple. St. Philomena's Church: In 1956 St. Philomena Church was constructed and it is one of the major churches in the country. This church was designed in the Gothic style with beautiful stain glass windows and airy towers. Vrindavan Gardens: Sprawling over 60 acres, Vrindavan Gardens are well-manicured gardens dotted with beautiful flowers, illuminate pathways, captivating fountain shows teeming with vibrant biodiversity. Ranganathaswamy Temple: Visit the famous Srirangapatna, the second capital of Tipu Sultan. Offer your prayers at the Ranganathaswamy temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Overnight in Mysore.

• Day 4: MYSORE – HALEBID – BELUR – HASSAN

  Today after morning breakfast, we will check out from the hotel in Mysore and leave for Hassan. On the way, stop at Halebid and Belur. Both of these towns are home to treasures of Hoysala architecture. Here pay a visit to the ancient temples that date back to the days of the ruling Hoysala Empire. Halebid is the local language translates to the meaning of the ruined city. Tough ravaged by the Bahmani Sultanate, the city was the regal capital of the Hoysala Empire in the 12th century. Here lie the finest examples of Hoysala's workmanship. The beautiful Kedareswara and Hoysaleswara temples are adorned in beautiful carvings that are tales of Indian mythology as well as regular incidents. Walkthrough history as you walk past these exquisitely-carved temples. Belur is a small town in Karnataka and a former charming city of the Hoysala Empire. Though small in proportion, the city has a tall reputation worldwide for its Chennakeshava temple. The temple is one of the finest examples of Hoysala style architecture along with plendid craftsmanship adorning the exteriors. Thereafter, continue with the drive to Hassan. On arrival, check-in at the booked hotel. Overnight in Hassan.

• Day 5: HASSAN – SHRAVANABELAGOLA - KAIDALA – BANGALORE (77 km/ 3 hours approx.) & DEPARTURE

  Start with breakfast in the morning, later complete check-out formalities to return back to Bangalore. En-route, stop at Shravanabelagola and Kaidala to visit its ancient temples. Shravanabelagola: Shravanabelagola is a historic destination of Karnataka famous for its collection of Jain temples. The highlight of the town is the statue of Gommateshvara Bahubali as well as many attractive Jain temples, each exquisitely carved and adorned. Kaidala: Famous for the two beautiful Hoysala temples, the town of Kaidala is the last stop of the tour. The highlights of the town include the Chennakeshava Temple and Gangadareshwara Shrine. Master sculptor Jakanachari who sculptured the famous Hoysala temples of Somnathpura, Belur and Halebedu is said to have was born and brought up at Kaidala. The Hoysala Temples tour ends with your arrival back in Bangalore. Get assisted drop to the Bangalore airport to board flight for onward journey.

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