Karnataka's Architectural Marvels

Morning visit the Bangalore Palace, an opulent residence modeled after England's Windsor Castle, offering a glimpse into the city's royal past with its grand interiors and beautiful grounds. Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, an intricately decorated historical site built by the 18th-century ruler. Then you will drive 3.5 hours to Mysore, the former capital of the state of the same name and one of the most historic and culturally diverse cities in southern India. In the afternoon, visit Chamundi Hill temple, which offers panoramic views of the city. Explore the magnificent Mysore Palace, a stunning example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, and stroll through the vibrant Mysore Flower Market.

Overnight stay in Mysore.

In the morning, take an excursion to the Hoysala temple at Somnathpur, known for its intricate carvings and stunning architecture, representing the temple architecture of Karnataka from the 13th century CE. It is a delightfully quiet and serene destination, set among lush gardens and lawns. Later in the day, return to Mysore with free time to explore the city in the afternoon.

Overnight stay in Mysore.

Depart Mysore head for Hassan (3 hours) with several en route stops. First, visit the important Jain pilgrimage centre at Sravanabelgola, home to a massive monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali. At over 17 meters tall, it is probably the largest monolithic statue in the world. Continue towards Hassan and stop at two more stunning Hoysala temples: Belur and Halebid, both built in the early part of the 12th century CE.

Overnight stay in Hassan.

Karnataka is a large state and some long drives are inevitable. Today’s journey to Hampi will take around 6 hours, but there are many interesting small towns and rural scenes along the way.

Overnight stay in Hampi

The vast archaeological site at Hampi is best experienced over at least two days. Hampi is now a sleepy town with a single central bazaar and a slowly increasing number of tourists, but during the heyday of the Vijayanagar Empire in the 15th century, it was the capital of much of South India. An almost incomprehensibly large site, Hampi encompasses temples, wells, palaces, rock-cut temples, bazaars, and even a set of elephant stables. This vast area cannot really be done justice with words. Set amidst a boulder-strewn landscape with pockets of lush agricultural land among the sea of rocks, Hampi can be explored by auto-rickshaw, bicycle, or on foot, although autos are recommended to get to the more far-flung parts of the site. The dry climate in this part of India has allowed the stone structures of Hampi to remain in a remarkable state of preservation. Another highlight is to make a very early start and climb to the top of one of the main hills in Hampi to watch the sunrise over the area, an unforgettable sight. Spend two nights in Hospet or in Hampi itself.

Drive 6 hours north towards Badami, making stops to admire ancient Chalukyan capitals and early Hindu temple architecture along the way. Badami flourished between the 4th and 8th centuries CE and is renowned for its cave temples and other early temples in Aihole and Pattadakal.

Overnight stay in Badami.

Spend the entire day exploring the historical treasures of Badami, Aihole, and Pattadakal. Each village offers exceptional opportunities for on-foot exploration, allowing you to fully appreciate the rich scale and diversity of the area.

Return for an overnight stay in Badami.

Head to Goa, known for its beautiful beaches and Portuguese heritage. The 6 hours drive from Badami will take most of the day. Upon arrival, unwind and relax by the pool or on the beach at your resort.

Overnight stay in Goa.

During your stay in Goa, you have flexibility in your schedule. You can choose to spend time on the beach or explore other attractions. Consider touring the churches and historic buildings of Old Goa with a local guide, visiting a spice plantation, or exploring the Mangueshi temples and Panaji City.

Enjoy two more nights in Goa.

Enjoy a free morning before heading to Goa airport for your flight to Aurangabad. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Overnight stay in Aurangabad.

Full-day excursion to the Ellora Caves, a stunning collection of rock-cut shrines representing Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain faiths, dating from the 5th to the 13th centuries CE.

Return to Aurangabad for an overnight stay.

Explore the Ajanta Caves, rediscovered in 1819, known for their large horseshoe-shaped arrangement and excellent preservation of Buddhist art. After your visit, drive back to Aurangabad airport for your evening flight to Mumbai. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Overnight stay in Mumbai.

In the morning, take a boat ride to Elephanta Island to explore the Elephanta Caves. These rock-cut shrines are famous for their detailed Hindu carvings, including the impressive Trimurti sculpture of Shiva. After returning to Mumbai, enjoy a guided tour of the city’s highlights. Visit the Gateway of India, a landmark monument and city gateway, and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning Victorian Gothic architecture. Explore some of Mumbai’s finest temples, colonial buildings, and lush gardens. Take a stroll through along Marine Drive and colourful market.

Overnight stay in Mumbai.