Discover Karnataka

Discover Karnataka Duration : 14 Nights / 15 Days Destinations : Hyderabad – Gulbarga – Bijapur – Badami – Hampi – Chitradurga – Chikmagalur – Malpe – Coorg – Nagarhole – Mysore – Bangalore

Karnataka, a region that has it all except the snow. This two-week tour explores a few of the most fascinating destinations in Karnataka. We start at Hyderabad and drive down to Bidar, Gulbarga and Bijapur, all having been ruled under the Muslim reign. The monuments at these places speak of volumes of this splendid symmetrical architecture and fine inlay work. We then move to the next stage of Hindu architecture. Both Pattadakal and Hampi declared World Heritage Sites, portray the rich heritage of the place. From here we travel to the greener pastures of Chikmagalur, Coorg and Nagarhole National Park. We end this journey through Mysore, the second biggest city of the state and completing at Bangalore, the IT hub of the new India.

Day 01 : Arrive Hyderabad
Traditional welcome on arrival at Hyderabad international airport by Travel Pals executive to transfer to hotel for immediate check-in.

Day 02 : Hyderabad
Enjoy the lavish breakfast. Morning visit the Falukuma Palace, Mecca Masjid, the Salar Jung Museum and the splendid Charminar. In the afternoon drive to the fortress of Golconda and the tombs of the Qutab Shahi kings. Enjoy the Nawabi dinner with scrumptious meals and cuisines. Overnight at hotel.

Day 03 : Hyderabad – Bidar – Gulbarga (136 kms / 2.5 hrs and 110 kms / 2 hrs)
After beakfast drive to Gulbarga, enroute stopover at Bidar to visit the 15th century Bidar Fort and the Bahmani tombs. Arrive Gulbarga, in the afternoon to check in hotel for wash-n-change. Later visit the remarkable 15th century Jama Masjid. Overnight at hotel.

Day 04 :Gulbarga – Bijapur (160 kms / 3 hrs)
After an early breakfast, drive to Bijapur. Check into the hotel followed by a full day guided tour of Bijapur. Mohammad Adil Shah built Bijapur during the 17th century. Visit the Gol Gumbaz or the round dome. This structure has the largest dome unsupported by pillars to be found in India and the second largest in the world. Later visit Ibrahim Roza, a beautiful tomb built by Adil Shah II for his queen. Overnight at hotel.

Day 05 : Bijapur – Badami (130 kms / 2.5 hrs)
Breakfast at hotel. Leaving behind the world of Islam we drive to the early 6th century temples of Badami and Pattadakal. On arrival check in hotel. Later, a guided visit of Badamai to the rock cut caves, the Mahakuteshwara Temple and the Northern Fort. In early evening, drive to Pattadakal, a World Heritage Site. Pattadakal reached its pinnacle under the Chalukya kings. Visit the cluster of 10 major temples, each displaying interesting architectural features. Return to Badami. Overnight at Badami.

Day 06 : Badami – Hampi (140 kms / 3 hrs)
After breakfast drive to Hampi, enroute stopover at Aihole, a tranquil village on the banks of the Malaprabha River. There are hundreds of temples in the villages and fields nearby. We visit the Durga Temple, the Lad Khan Temple, Ravalphadi Cave Temple and the Buddhist Temple. On arrival at Hampi, check in hotel. Evening free to explore this 14th century sleepy town set amidst an awesome boulder strewn landscape along the banks of the Tungabhadra river. Overnight at hotel.