Karnataka and Goa
Duration: 15 days
Highlights: Bengaluru, Mysore, Coorg, Hassan, Hampi, Badami, Hubli, Goa
Discover millennia old history in Karnataka; experience R&R in Goa.
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Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Bengaluru
Upon arrival, you will be met by our representative and escorted to your hotel by private vehicle, where you will be assisted with check-in.
Meals: D
Overnight: Bengaluru
Day 2 - Bengaluru - Srirangapatnam – Mysore
After breakfast, begin the city tour with a walk through the lush Lalbagh Botanical Garden that is known for its large collection of exotic plants, majestic old trees and lakes. Spread over 240 acres, the garden features over 1000 plant species, many of which were imported. The garden is home to living history with some of its trees being over 100 years old. India’s first lawn clock, embedded in a floral bed, also occupies a place of pride in the garden. Another popular site in the park is the beautiful Glass House. Located in the center of the park, it is modeled on the Victorian Crystal Palace in London and is the venue for special flower shows and special exhibits.
From here move on to the Bull Temple, one of Bangalore’s oldest temples. The main structure is a large bull or nandi carved from a single grey granite boulder darkened by polishing with a mixture of oil and charcoal. Legend goes that the temple was built by the villagers to appease the bulls that would vandalize their crops.
Drive-by the majestic Vidhana Soudha, which houses the state legislature of Karnataka. Built in 1956, its boasts elements of exquisite Dravidian and Indo-Saracenic architectural styles. Constructed purely out of granite and porphyry, Vidhana Soudha is adorned with four domes at its four corners. This five storey structure is the largest legislative building in India.
Later proceed by road to Mysore visiting Srirangapatnam (Srirangapattana or Seringapatam) en route. Located in the Mandya district of Karnataka, it is considered a place of great religious, cultural and historic significance. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it is considered one of the most important Vaishnavite pilgrimage centres in South India. The temple was built during the rule of the Ganga dynasty in the 9th century. It saw constant improvements and additions during subsequent rules, making it a mix of the Hoysala and Vijayanagar styles of temple architecture.
On arrival in Mysore check-in at the hotel.
Meals: B
Overnight: Mysore
Day 3 – Mysore
After breakfast, proceed to the 300-year old Chamundi Temple, which is situated on a hill high above the city. Later, stop is at a distance of around 30 kilometres from Mysore - the quiet town of Somanathapura, also known as Somnathpur. It is famous for the Chennakesava Temple commonly known as the Keshava temple. Built in 13th century, it is considered an outstanding example of Hoysala architecture, which flourished under the Hoysala dynasty. The beautiful mosaic created by figurines of dancing girls, musicians and animals promise to leave you spellbound.
Then, begin your Mysore city tour with a visit to the iconic Maharaja's Palace, also known as the Mysore Palace. Designed by the English architect, Henry Irwin, the palace is a three-storeyed structure built in the Indo-Saracenic style between 1897 and 1912. The Durbar Hall, Marriage Pavilion, carved doors, the golden howdah or elephant seat, and the jewel encrusted golden throne which is displayed during festival times, are amongst the palace's other treasures.
Meals: B
Overnight: Mysore
Day 4 – Mysore – Coorg
After breakfast, visit Sir Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery, housed in the Jag Mohan Palace. This gallery has a collection of exquisite paintings dating back to 1875. Next on your list should be St. Phenomena's Church, built in the Gothic style and one of the largest churches of the country. End your Mysore tour with a visit to Brindavan Gardens.
After lunch, enjoy a drive to Coorg.
En route visit the famous Nisarghadhama, an island near Kushalnagar.
Coorg (locally called Kodagu) is a region of scattered postcard pretty villages and towns. It is also famous for its coffee plantations and the brave Kodava who are a warrior community. Often referred to as the ‘Scotland of India’ because of its hills, stunning panorama and mist-covered slopes, Coorg is a must-visit destination during a trip to India.
Upon arrival in Coorg, check in at your hotel.
Meals: B
Overnight: Coorg
Day 5 – Coorg – Madikeri – Coorg
After breakfast, proceed for a full day visit of coffee plantations and local markets. You may also choose to opt for a guided trek of a coffee plantation.
In the evening visit Onkareshwara Temple, Madikeri Fort, Abbey Falls, and Raja’s Seat, in Madikeri.
Meals: B
Overnight: Coorg
Day 6 – Coorg – Belur – Hassan
After breakfast, drive to Hassan.
En route visit Belur, a star-shaped temple on the banks of the Yagchi River with hand-lathe-turned filigreed pillars and sculptures that will take your breath away. It is the only Hoysalas temple still in active worship. Just 17km away from Belur is Halebid, the ancient capital of the Hoysalas. The temple here, perched on a star shaped base amidst lawns, is a sculptural extravaganza. Also visit Shravanabelagola which is a prominent Jain pilgrim centre in the Hassan district.
On arrival, check-in at your hotel in Hassan.
Evening at leisure.
Meals: B
Overnight: Hassan
Day 7 – Hassan - Hospet
This morning after breakfast drive to Hospet. The magnificent ruined city of Hampi, in Karnataka, was once the capital of the Vijayanagar Empire and comes alive during the lively festival of dance and music, held in the first week of November.
On arrival, check in at the hotel.
Meals: B
Overnight: Hospet
Day 8 – Hospet - Hampi – Hospet
After breakfast, enjoy a drive to Hampi and explore the site of the Medieval Vijaynagar Empire. It is the most evocative of all the ruins in Karnataka. This evening, attend the cultural festival with the backdrop of Hampi temples.
Meals: B
Overnight: Hospet
Day 9 – Hospet
After breakfast, enjoy your Day at leisure. Later join in the festival celebrations once again.
Meals: B
Overnight: Hospet
Day 10 - Hospet – Badami – Hubli
This morning, enjoy a 4-hours’ drive to Badami.
Visit Aihole and Pattadakal, important centres of the Chalukya dynasty. Here, the temples were architectural marvels and were built between the 6th and 8th centuries. In Badami, also explore the Badami cave temple complex with three Hindu temples and one Jain temple.
Later, enjoy a 2-hours’ drive to Hubli and check-in to your hotel.
Meals: B
Overnight: Hubli
Day 11 - Hubli – Goa
Enjoy an early morning, 4-hours’ drive to Panaji, Goa.
On arrival, you will be driven to your hotel and aided with the check-in.
After lunch, enjoy a tour of the region.
Visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus. This church gained fame throughout the Roman Catholic world for the tomb and remains of St. Francis Xavier, Goa's patron saint. Ten years of traveling in Southeast Asia as a tireless missionary made his voyages legendary. See the richly gilded altars and the glass casket that holds the remains of St. Francis. The tomb is an ironic final resting place for a man who ardently refused such splendor throughout his life.
Then visit Se Cathedral (Sé Catedral de Santa Catarina), one of the largest church in Asia. The architecture of this 16th century structure is an interesting mix of Portuguese Gothic, Tuscan and Corinthian styles. The main altar is dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria; paintings depict scenes from her life and martyrdom. From there, it's not far to the Church of St. Cajetan, modeled on St. Peter's in Rome. Its neoclassical façade, with twin towers flanking the great dome, disguises an interior that is pure, unrestrained baroque. Hidden beneath the church is a crypt where the embalmed bodies of Portuguese governors were kept in lead coffins before they were shipped back to Lisbon. On the way back to the hotel, time permitting, you will stop briefly at Panjim to see the vegetable and fruit market.
Meals: B
Overnight: Goa
Day 12 – Goa
After breakfast, proceed to Fort Aguada Beach Resort.
The white sand and clear blue green waters make the Calangute Beach one of the most desirable swimming haunts. Overlooking this picture-perfect setting is the Fort Aguada Beach Resort, where you will enjoy an elaborate buffet lunch. On the way back to the hotel, time permitting, you will stop briefly at Panjim to see the vegetable and fruit market.
Rest of the evening is at your leisure.
Meals: B, L
Overnight: Goa
Day 13 – Goa
After breakfast, proceed by motorcoach to South Goa to visit Menezes Braganza's House. A warm reception from the family and their hospitality will be a highlight of your Day. Walk through this heritage home and chat with the owner and other members of her family.
After tea and snacks, proceed to Savoi Plantation - a working organic farm. The property’s varied terrain, which includes both flat wetlands and hillsides, allows for the cultivation of a wide variety of plants and trees. The palms include 150-year-old arecas and coconuts with pepper vines twisting up their trunks. There are jackfruits that weigh up to 45 pounds and banana trees that can produce 250 bananas from a single flower. On the hillside, pineapples, bamboo, basil, cocoa, sood-apple, mangoes and cashew nuts are grown. The spices that are grown here include pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, chili, mace, cloves, coriander, vanilla and nutmeg.
Take a guided walk through the trees to see what you can identify using your senses of smell and taste, and learn about the spices for which India is renowned. Enjoy your meal at the plantation before returning to your hotel.
Meals: B, L
Overnight: Goa
Day 14 – Goa
Enjoy the Day at your leisure.
Meals: B
Overnight: Goa
Day 15 – Goa
After breakfast, transfer to the Airport for your flight to onward destination.
Meals: B
