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KARNATAKA’S ANCIENT GLORIES
Day 1 London to Bangalore
Fly non-stop with British Airways to Bangalore.
Day 2 Bangalore to Mysore – 140kms
Arrive into Bangalore in the morning and continue onto Mysore a charming
and relaxed city which is surrounded almost entirely by fertile farmland
and tree clad hills. Until independence Mysore was the seat of the Maharajas
of Mysore, a princely state covering about a third of present day Karnataka
and this afternoon visit the City Palace, one of the largest in India, built
by Henry Irwin in 1897. Stay for three nights at the Regaalis Hotel. (B)
Day 3 Mysore
to
Day 4
Over the next two days tour Mysore and the surrounding area. Visit the City Palace,
one of the largest in India, built by Henry Irwin in 1897 and Chamundi Hill to
view the Chamundeswari Temple and the famous Nandi Bull. Also drive out of the
city to Somnathpur to see the exquisite Keshava Vishnu temple constructed by
the Hoysalas in 1268 and the ruins of Tipu Sultan’s capital at Srirangapatnam. (B)
Day 5 Mysore to Chikmagalur – 190kms
This morning visit the Jain pilgrimage temple at Sravanabelagola, noted for
its 17 metre high image of Lord Gommateshwara which is cut into the rock at
the top of Indragiri hill. Afterwards continue onto Chikmagalur where you
will stay for two nights at the Taj Gateway Hotel. (B)
Day 6 Chikmagalur
Today visit the Hoysala temples at Belur and Halebid which are renowned for
their fine sculptures and design. (B)
Day 7 Chikmagalur to Hospet – 270kms
This morning travel north to Hospet a small market town and base from which to
explore Hampi. Stay for three nights at the Royal Orchid Hotel.
Day 8 Hampi
&
Day 9 Hampi
Over the next two days explore the exceptional ruins of the Vijayanagar Empire
at Hampi – one of the largest Hindu empires ever to have existed in
Indian history. Evidence of the city’s greatness is still very much
in evidence – the Vittala Temple, the stone chariot, Lotus Mahal and
Queen’s Bath remain intact along with a plethora of other buildings,
ruins and paved causeways. (B/L/D)
Day 10 Hospet to Badami – 170kms
Today leave Hospet and drive across the Deccan Plateau to Badami where you
will stay overnight at the Badami Court Hotel. In the afternoon visit Pattadakal,
on the banks of the Malaprabha River, noted for its cluster of sandstone temples.
Continue onto Aihole, the first Chalukyan capital which is regarded as the
birthplace of Indian temple architecture. (B)
Day 11 Badami to Goa – 220kms
This morning it is a scenic drive to Goa to stay for four nights at
The Leela. (B)
Day 12 Goa
to
Day 14 Goa
At leisure to relax (B)
Day 15 Goa to Mumbai – by air
In the afternoon transfer to Goa Airport in good time to catch your flight
back to Mumbai. On your arrival you will stay overnight at the Leela Kempinski
Hotel, near the airport. (B)
Day 16 Mumbai to London
In the early hours of the morning depart for London.
STAYING ON
Antiquity and culture are close at hand with a direct flight from Mumbai to Aurangabad. The base for visiting the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, both of these amazing sites have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status.
Planning your journey: We can design a unique journey to suit you as our tours are totally tailor made. By combining your own ideas with our knowledge and experience we can help you to create your own journey tailored exactly to your requirements Once you have formulated your ideas, or if you require some general or specific advice, please call us on 01892 515966 or simply send your ideas to pettitts@btconnect.com. On receipt of your enquiry we will provide you with a full written quotation together with our suggestions and recommendations.
A Guide to Price – KARNATAKA’S ANCIENT GLORIES
Prices vary according to selected airlines, hotels and season, however, an indication to the current cost of this itinerary is from £2,960. All prices are per person and are based on a minimum of TWO persons travelling together and sharing a twin bedded room with meals as indicated. If you wish to travel alone we will be pleased to assist you with your arrangements and can provide a proposal on request.
Note: Meal Basis (N) = No Meal; (B) = Breakfast; (L) = Lunch; (D) = Dinner
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