Karnataka's Hidden Treasures

Day 1 Depart the UK

Depart the UK and fly British Airways to Bangalore. (N)

Day 2 Arrive Bangalore / Bangalore to Mysore – 150kms

This morning arrive into Bangalore. Here you will be met and driven south to Mysore where you will stay for three nights. Later in the afternoon enjoy a two hour guided heritage walk of the old city from the town hall to Jagan Mohan Palace. Your guide will share a number of stories from Mysore's past, you will have a chance to taste ‘Mysore Pak’, the city's famous sweet, and a visit will also be made to Devaraja Market. (N)
Accommodation in Mysore: Gitanjali Homestay
Upgrade option: Royal Orchid Metropole Hotel

Days 3 & 4 Mysore

Spend the next two days with your guide exploring Mysore and the surrounding region. Visit Chamundi Hill, the location of Chamundeswari Temple and the city’s famous Nandi Bull, and the grand City Palace complex. One of Mysore’s highlights, the City Palace was re-built by architect Henry Irwin in 1897 and is known for its wall paintings, stained glass work and inlaid doors. Outside of Mysore visit the beautiful temple complex at Somnathpur and Srirangapatnam where Tipu Sultan’s army was defeated in battle against the East India Company. (B)
Accommodation in Mysore: Gitanjali Homestay
Upgrade option: Royal Orchid Metropole Hotel

Day 5 Mysore to Hassan – 145kms via Sravanabelagola

This morning leave Mysore and visit the Jain pilgrimage site of Sravanabelagola. Defined by its towering statue of Gommateshwara which stands proudly atop its hill, the summit is reached by a steep seven-hundred step climb past several small shrines. (B)
Accommodation in Hassan: Hoysala Village Resort

Day 6 Hassan – visit Belur and Halebid

Today visit the nearby temples of Belur and Halebid. Located on the banks of the Yagachi River, the temples at Belur where built during the 12th and 13th centuries under the tutelage of the Hoysala kings whilst nearby Halebid was once the ancient capital of the Hoysala kings. The temples at both sites are quite exquisite and are characterised by their fine sculptures and intricate designs. (B)
Accommodation in Hassan: Hoysala Village Resort

Day 7 Hassan to Hospet – 320kms

After breakfast leave Hassan and continue by road to Hospet, a small market town and base from which to visit nearby Hampi. Once the epicentre of the Vijayanagara Empire, Hampi was one of the largest and most successful Hindu empires in southern India. In the evening enjoy the sunset from Hemakuta Hill. (B)
Accommodation in Hospet: Heritage Resort Hampi
Upgrade option: Hampi's Boulders Resort
Alternative upgrade option: Evolve Back, Kamalapura Palace Hampi

Days 8 & 9 Hospet – visit Hampi

Over the next two days explore the exceptional ruins of Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and centre one of the largest Hindu empires ever to have existed in Indian history. Founded in 1336 AD, evidence of the city's greatness is impossible to miss and an amazing array of palaces and temples still exist in excellent condition. Highlights include the Vitthala Temple, Stone Chariot, Lotus Mahal and Queen's Bath but there are also a plethora of other buildings and ruins. (B)
Accommodation in Hospet: Heritage Resort Hampi
Upgrade option: Hampi's Boulders Resort
Alternative upgrade option: Evolve Back, Kamalapura Palace Hampi

Day 10 Hospet to Badami – 140kms

Leaving Hospet, drive north through Karnataka to the village of Badami. The former Chalukyan capital is best known for its Hindu and Jain cave temples that occupy a spectacular setting cut into the cliff-face of a sandstone hill that looks over this ancient village. Later visit the caves, the nearby village of Pattadakal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Aihole which is regarded as the birthplace of Indian temple architectural design. (B/D)
Accommodation in Badami: Badami Court Hotel

Day 11 Badami to Goa – 270kms

Today it is a scenic drive to Goa for a three night stay at the delightful Ahilya by the Sea. Set above a sea wall with views over the Arabian Sea, this delightful boutique property is both intimate and sophisticated. All seven rooms and the main suite are spacious and decorated with art and antiques, there are lovely gardens and two lap pools. (B)
Accommodation in Goa: Ahilya by the Sea
Alternative accommodation: The Leela

Days 12 & 13 Goa

Two days at leisure to relax and enjoy Goa and the hotel. This former Portuguese colony offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, however, Goa also has a rich and visible heritage with a distinct Mediterranean atmosphere. From brilliant lush green fields, villages and hamlets to the white painted churches and the vibrant bougainvillea of historic Panjim, there is plenty to see and do. (B)
Accommodation in Goa: Ahilya by the Sea
Alternative upgrade option: The Leela

Day 14 Goa to Mumbai – by air

Later today transfer to Goa Airport in good time to catch your flight to Mumbai. One of the world's great cities, Mumbai developed from a small trading outpost to become India's main economic centre and gateway to the world. Always growing and developing, Mumbai combines the old and the new, the chaotic and the peaceful, and has a heritage and atmosphere that is intoxicating. (B)
Accommodation in Mumbai: Abode Mumbai
Upgrade option: Vivanta by Taj - President
Alternative upgrade option: Taj Mahal Palace and Tower Hotel

Day 15 Mumbai

Explore Mumbai today with your guide starting at the iconic Gateway of India which was built to commemorate the visit of King George V in 1911. From here visit the excellent Prince of Wales Museum then walk through historic Colaba to admire the impressive Gothic and Victorian architecture. In the afternoon drive to Malabar Hill where there are excellent views of the city and end the day at the colourful Dhobi ghats where traditional laundryman collect, wash and return the city's linen. (B)
Accommodation in Mumbai: Abode Mumbai
Upgrade option: Vivanta by Taj - President
Alternative upgrade option: Taj Mahal Palace and Tower Hotel

Day 16 Mumbai to the UK

Today transfer back to Mumbai Airport to catch the British Airways flight non-stop to the UK. (B)

Karnataka's Hidden Treasures

16 days from £3595 per person

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Itinerary: Karnataka's Hidden Treasures

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