Heritage Tours of Karnataka
Duration
Tour Type
About Heritage Tours of Karnataka
A Karnataka Heritage Tour offers a rich and immersive experience of the state’s vibrant history, magnificent architecture, and cultural legacy. Here’s an outline of what such a tour might include:
- Bengaluru – The Gateway
- Attractions: Bangalore Palace, Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, Vidhana Soudha, Lalbagh Botanical Garden.
- Experience: Start with the capital city’s blend of modernity and colonial charm.
- Mysuru – The Cultural Capital
- Attractions: Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hills, St. Philomena’s Church, Brindavan Gardens.
- Experience: Witness the grandeur of royal Mysuru and shop for Mysore silk and sandalwood artifacts.
- Srirangapatna – Historical Significance
- Attractions: Ranganathaswamy Temple, Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, Gumbaz.
- Experience: Explore the capital of Tipu Sultan and its historical landmarks.
N4. Hampi – A UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Attractions: Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple (Stone Chariot), Elephant Stables, Hampi Bazaar.
- Experience: Marvel at the ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire, surrounded by surreal landscapes.
- Badami, Aihole, and Pattadakal – Cradle of Temple Architecture
- Attractions:
- Badami: Rock-cut cave temples, Agastya Lake.
- Aihole: Durga Temple, Lad Khan Temple.
- Pattadakal: Group of Monuments (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
- Experience: Discover the evolution of Indian temple architecture.
- Belur and Halebidu – Marvels of the Hoysala Dynasty
- Attractions: Chennakesava Temple (Belur), Hoysaleswara Temple (Halebidu).
- Experience: Admire the intricate carvings and architectural brilliance of the Hoysalas.
- Shravanabelagola – Jain Pilgrimage Site
- Attractions: Gommateshwara Statue (one of the tallest monolithic statues in the world).
- Experience: A spiritual and historical journey.
- Coorg and Chikmagalur – Cultural Bliss in Nature
- Attractions: Coffee plantations, Madikeri Fort, Abbey Falls, coffee museum tours.
- Experience: Blend heritage with serene hill-station vibes.
- Bijapur (Vijayapura) – Legacy of the Adil Shahi Dynasty
- Attractions: Gol Gumbaz, Ibrahim Rauza, Bara Kaman.
- Experience: Explore the magnificent Islamic architecture.
- Udupi and Mangaluru – Coastal Heritage
- Attractions: Udupi Krishna Temple, St. Aloysius Chapel, Mangaladevi Temple.
- Experience: Combine religious significance with the charm of Karnataka’s coastline.
Best Time to Visit
- October to March: Ideal weather for sightseeing.
- Special Events: Mysuru Dasara (September/October).
Duration
- A typical heritage tour can range from 7–14 days, depending on the destinations covered.
Travel Tips
- Wear comfortable shoes as many heritage sites involve walking.
- Hire knowledgeable guides for historical insights.
- Stay in heritage hotels for an authentic experience.
Packing Tips
- Lightweight cotton clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
- Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for daytime explorations.
- A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
Detailed Day Wise Itinerary
- Arrival: Arrive in Bangalore and check into your hotel.
- Morning:
- Visit Bangalore Palace: Explore this Tudor-style architectural marvel.
- Tour Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace: Learn about Tipu Sultan’s legacy.
- Afternoon:
- Visit Lalbagh Botanical Garden: Home to exotic plants and a glasshouse inspired by London’s Crystal Palace.
- Explore Vidhana Soudha (exterior): An iconic landmark of Bangalore’s government architecture.
- Evening: Relax at UB City Mall or enjoy a culinary experience at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Stay in Bangalore
- Morning:
- Depart from Bangalore to Mysuru.
- En route, stop at Srirangapatna to visit:
- Ranganathaswamy Temple: A revered Vaishnavite temple.
- Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace and Gumbaz: Historical monuments linked to Tipu Sultan.
- Afternoon:
- Explore Mysore Palace: A stunning example of Indo-Saracenic architecture.
- Visit St. Philomena’s Church: One of the largest neo-gothic churches in India.
- Evening:
- Enjoy the Brindavan Gardens: Famous for its musical fountain and illuminated landscaping.
- Overnight: Stay in Mysuru.
- Morning: Depart for Coorg (Kodagu), known as the “Scotland of India.”
- Afternoon:
- Visit Dubare Elephant Camp: Interact with elephants and learn about their training.
- Explore Abbey Falls: A picturesque waterfall amidst coffee plantations.
- Evening:
- Relax at Raja’s Seat: A serene spot offering panoramic views of the Coorg valley.
- Stroll through local coffee plantations.
Overnight: Stay in Coorg.
- Morning: Drive to Hassan, the gateway to the Hoysala temples.
- Afternoon:
- Visit Belur’s Chennakesava Temple: Renowned for its intricate carvings and sculptures.
- Explore Halebidu’s Hoysaleswara Temple: A masterpiece of Hoysala architecture.
- Evening: Relax at your hotel.
- Overnight: Stay in Hassan.
- Morning: Start your journey to Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Afternoon & Evening:
- Arrive in Hampi and relax after the journey.
- Optional: Explore the local market or enjoy a sunset view at Matanga Hill.
- Overnight: Stay in Hampi.
- Morning:
- Visit Virupaksha Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva and one of the oldest temples in Hampi.
- Explore Hampi Bazaar: Once a thriving market of the Vijayanagara Empire.
- Afternoon:
- Visit Vittala Temple Complex: Famous for its Stone Chariot and musical pillars.
- Discover Lotus Mahal and Elephant Stables.
- Evening: Relax by the Tungabhadra River.
Overnight: Stay in Hampi.
- Morning: Depart for Badami, en route visit:
- Pattadakal: A UNESCO site showcasing Chalukya architecture.
- Aihole: Known as the “Cradle of Indian Temple Architecture.”
- Afternoon: Arrive in Badami and relax.
- Overnight: Stay in Badami.
- Morning:
- Visit the Badami Cave Temples: Four rock-cut temples showcasing Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist influences.
- Stroll by Agastya Lake and admire the Bhoothanatha Temples.
- Afternoon: Explore the Badami Fort for panoramic views.
- Evening: Enjoy a relaxed evening in the town.
- Overnight: Stay in Badami.
- Morning: Drive to Bijapur, a city of historical significance.
- Afternoon:
- Visit Gol Gumbaz: The second-largest dome in the world with a whispering gallery.
- Explore Ibrahim Rauza: A stunning mausoleum often called the “Taj Mahal of the Deccan.”
- Visit Bara Kaman: An incomplete mausoleum with impressive arches.
- Overnight: Stay in Bijapur.
- Morning: Relax or visit any remaining sights in Bijapur.
- Afternoon: Travel back to Bangalore via flight or overnight train.
- Overnight: Stay in Bangalore (if traveling by day flight).
- Morning: Optional shopping at Commercial Street or relaxation at Cubbon Park.
- Departure: Transfer to the airport or railway station for your onward journey.
Included/Exclude
Inclusions
- Guided tours at major heritage sites.
- Comfortable private vehicle for road journeys.
- Heritage-style accommodations where available.
- Local cuisine experiences.
