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KARNATAKA’S ANCIENT GLORIES
Day 1 London to Bangalore
Fly non-stop with British Airways to Bangalore.
Day 2 Arrive Bangalore
Arrive into Bangalore Airport in the morning and drive south 42kms to the
city to the Taj West End Hotel where you will stay overnight. Later today
visit Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace and the nearby Bull Temple. Afterwards
continue onto the Lalbagh Botanical Gardens, which contain one of the largest
collections of rare tropical plants in India. (B)
Day 3 Bangalore to Mysore – 140kms
This morning drive to the beautiful rural city of Mysore. Just before entering
Mysore a stop will be made at Srirangapatnam, a fortified island in the Kaveri
River. Stay for two nights at the Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel. (B)
Day 4 Mysore
After breakfast, explore Mysore and the surrounding area. Visit the colourful
vegetable and flower markets in Mysore, the City Palace and Chamundi Hill
to view the Chamundeswari Temple and the famous Nandi Bull. Also drive outside
of the city to see the Sri Chamundeswari Temple at Somnathpur. (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 Garden Retreat. (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 with your driver to Hospet a small market town and
base from which to explore Hampi. Stay for three nights at the Malligi Tourist
Home. (B)
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 where you will stay for four nights
at either the Taj Exotica or 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 £3,200. 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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