Ruins of Central Karnataka

Karnataka Tours : Ruins of Central Karnataka

For history and architecture buffs, nothing can beat this one-week itinerary that starts at the 1st century Jain, monolithic statue of Shravanabelagola, meanders through the 5th to 8th century exquisitely-carved, Chalukyan temples of central to north Karnataka and finally ends at the 17th century Islamic ruins of the Adil Shahi dynasty.

Duration : 8 Days
Route : Bangalore → Shravanabelagola → Halebid → Belur → Hampi → Aihole → Pattadakal → Badami → Hyderabad

Itinerary

Day 1 Bangalore

Meeting and assistance at arrival in Bangalore and transfer to hotel. Post lunch – Visit Bangalore Palace & Lalbaugh.

Day 2 Bangalore – Shravanabelagola – Halebid

After an early breakfast, drive to Shravanabelagola (160kms) and hike up to the Jain temples. Post lunch – Drive to Halebid and check-in at hotel. Evening – Visit UNESCO World Heritage site of Halebid temple ruins. Overnight at Halebid.

Day 3 Halebid – Belur – Hampi

Morning – Check-out and visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Belur temple ruins. Post Lunch – Drive north (240kms) to the village of Hampi. Evening – Relax and enjoy the backpacker vibe of Hampi village market. Overnight at Hampi.

Day 4 Hampi

Morning – After an early breakfast, start the day with a visit to the village’s main shrine – 16th century Virupaksha temple. Later visit the Achyutraya Temple complex. Post lunch – Visit the ‘Sacred Center’ of temples and ruins atop the Hemakuta hills. Overnight at Hampi.

Day 5 Hampi – Badami

Morning – Visit the ‘Royal Enclave’ of temples and ruins. Afternoon – Check-out and drive to Badami (150kms). Overnight at Badami.

Day 6 Badami – Pattadakal – Aihole – Badami

Spend the day visiting the well-preserved ruins of Chalukyan era ranging from the 5th century to the 8th century at Badami, Pattadakal and Aihole. Overnight at Badami.

Day 7 Badami – Bijapur

Morning – After an early breakfast, drive to Bijapur (105kms). Post lunch – Visit Gol Gumbaz, Ibrahim Rauza, Jama Masjid and Bara Kaman. Overnight at Bijapur.

Day 8 Bijapur – Hyderabad

Drive out to Hyderabad (385kms) for connections to home or your next destination.