Karnataka Wildlife with Heritage Tour
Duration
Tour Type
Destination Covered:- Bangalore- Bandipur-Mysore- Nagarhole National Park-Hampi-Badami and Pattadakal-Belur and Halebid
Combining a wildlife tour with a heritage tour in Karnataka offers a comprehensive exploration of the state’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Here’s an overview of what you can expect from such a tour:
Combining a wildlife tour with a heritage tour in Karnataka offers a diverse and enriching experience, showcasing the state’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Here’s a suggested itinerary that blends both aspects:
Wildlife in Karnataka:
- Bandipur National Park: Known for its tiger and elephant population, Bandipur National Park offers thrilling wildlife safaris amidst lush forests and grasslands. Visitors can also spot species like leopards, deer, and various bird species.
- Nagarhole National Park: Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Nagarhole National Park is famous for its dense forests, scenic water bodies, and diverse wildlife. Visitors can embark on boat safaris along the Kabini River to spot tigers, leopards, elephants, and crocodiles.
- Bannerghatta National Park: Located near Bangalore, Bannerghatta National Park is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts. It offers a safari park, zoo, butterfly park, and rescue center, providing opportunities to observe a wide range of wildlife, including lions, tigers, bears, and various bird species.
- Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary: Situated near Mysore, this bird sanctuary is a haven for birdwatchers. Visitors can take boat rides on the river to observe migratory birds such as painted storks, spoonbills, and pelicans.
Heritage Sites in Karnataka:
- Mysore Palace: One of the most magnificent palaces in India, Mysore Palace is a stunning example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. Visitors can explore its opulent interiors, including the Durbar Hall, Kalyana Mantapa, and Royal Armoury.
- Hampi: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hampi is renowned for its ancient ruins and temples dating back to the Vijayanagara Empire. Visitors can explore the impressive Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple complex, Lotus Mahal, and other historic landmarks.
- Badami and Pattadakal: Badami is known for its rock-cut cave temples carved out of sandstone cliffs, showcasing intricate sculptures and artwork. Nearby Pattadakal is famous for its group of 8th-century temples built in the Chalukyan architectural style, also designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Belur and Halebid: These towns are renowned for their Hoysala temples, known for their exquisite architecture and intricate sculptures. Visitors can marvel at the Chennakesava Temple in Belur and the Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebid, among other temples in the region.
Combining wildlife experiences with visits to Karnataka’s heritage sites offers a diverse and enriching journey, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in the state’s natural wonders and cultural treasures.
Detailed Day Wise Itinerary
- Arrive at Bangalore, the capital city of Karnataka.
- Transfer to your hotel and check-in.
- Depending on your arrival time, you can explore some of Bangalore's attractions such as Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace, Lalbagh Botanical Garden, or Cubbon Park.
- Overnight stay in Bangalore.
After breakfast, depart for Bandipur National Park (approx. 220 km, 4-5 hours drive).
Check-in at your wildlife resort upon arrival. In the afternoon, take a jungle safari in Bandipur National Park, where you can spot a variety of wildlife including tigers, elephants, deer, and numerous bird species.
Return to the resort for dinner and overnight stay.
After an early morning safari (optional), have breakfast at the resort. Check out and proceed to Mysore (approx. 80 km, 2 hours drive). Upon arrival in Mysore, check-in at your hotel. In the afternoon, visit Mysore Palace, one of the most magnificent palaces in India, known for its Indo-Saracenic architecture and lavish interiors. Spend the evening exploring the vibrant markets of Mysore. Overnight stay in Mysore.
After breakfast, visit Chamundi Hill to see the Chamundeshwari Temple and enjoy panoramic views of Mysore city. Visit the sprawling Brindavan Gardens, famous for its illuminated musical fountain show in the evening. Optional: Visit the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, a haven for birdwatchers. Return to the hotel for overnight stay in Mysore.
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed to Nagarhole National Park (approx. 80 km, 2 hours drive). Check-in at your wildlife resort upon arrival. Enjoy lunch at the resort and relax for a while.
In the afternoon, embark on a thrilling wildlife safari or a boat safari on the Kabini River. Return to the resort for dinner and overnight stay.
After breakfast, check out from the resort and depart for Hampi (approx. 350 km, 6-7 hours drive).
En route, have lunch at a local restaurant. Upon arrival in Hampi, check-in at your hotel. Spend the evening at leisure exploring the local markets or relaxing at the hotel. Overnight stay in Hampi.
After breakfast, embark on a full-day sightseeing tour of Hampi. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi, including the Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple complex, Lotus Mahal, and other historic ruins.
Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the ancient ruins. Return to the hotel in the evening for overnight stay in Hampi.
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and depart for Badami (approx. 150 km, 3-4 hours drive).
Check-in at your hotel upon arrival. In the afternoon, visit the rock-cut cave temples of Badami, carved out of sandstone cliffs. Explore the Badami Fort and the Bhutanatha Temple complex. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Badami.
After breakfast, visit Pattadakal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its Chalukyan architecture and temple complex. Continue to Aihole, known as the "cradle of Hindu rock architecture," and explore its ancient temples. Have lunch at a local restaurant. Proceed to Hospet (approx. 150 km, 3-4 hours drive) and check-in at your hotel. Overnight stay in Hospet.
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and depart for Belur (approx. 150 km, 3-4 hours drive).
Visit the Chennakesava Temple in Belur, known for its intricate carvings and Hoysala architecture.
Continue to Halebid (approx. 25 km from Belur) and visit the Hoysaleswara Temple, another masterpiece of Hoysala architecture. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Proceed to Chikmagalur (approx. 180 km, 4-5 hours drive) and check-in at your hotel. Overnight stay in Chikmagalur.
After breakfast, explore the coffee plantations and scenic landscapes of Chikmagalur. Visit the famous Mullayanagiri Peak, the highest peak in Karnataka, for breathtaking views of the Western Ghats.
Visit the picturesque hill station of Kemmangundi and the Hebbe Falls. Return to the hotel in the evening for overnight stay in Chikmagalur.
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and depart for Bangalore (approx. 250 km, 5-6 hours drive).
En route, visit the historic town of Shravanabelagola and the majestic Bahubali statue. Continue to Bangalore and check-in at your hotel upon arrival. Spend the evening at leisure exploring the local markets or relaxing at the hotel. Overnight stay in Bangalore.
After breakfast, check out from the hotel. Depending on your departure schedule, you may have time for some last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Bangalore. Transfer to Bangalore Airport for your onward journey. This itinerary provides a balanced mix of wildlife experiences and heritage exploration, allowing you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Karnataka. Adjustments can be made based on your preferences and interests.
