Day by Day itineraryDay 1: Bangalore ArrivalArrive at Bangalore’s international airport from where we transfer you to the hotel. Take some rest and begin the city’s sightseeing tour. Options include Bangalore Palace (open 10:00 a.m.-05:30 p.m., fees INR 210 for Indians and INR 450 for foreigners), Tipu Sultan’s Palace (open 08:30 a.m.-05:30 p.m., fees INR 5 for Indians and INR 100 for foreigners), Bull Temple (07:00 a.m.-08:30 p.m.) and Kemp fort Shiva Temple (featuring a 65 ft. tall Shiva Statue). You may like to admire the breathtaking architecture of the government buildings Vidhana Soudha and Vikasa Soudha. Overnight stay at Bangalore.
Day 2: Bangalore – Shravanbelagola – Hassan (about 183 km.)Start an early morning drive to Hassan, the cradle for the growth of the magnificent Hoysala Temple Architecture. The place has some extremely enchanting religious wonders to its credit. The earlier inconvenient and accident-prone road journey (NH 48 from Bangalore-Hassan) has been recently turned absolutely safe and fast with 4-lane makeover. On the way, stop at Shravanbelagola, the Jain pilgrimage village which is home the world’s largest monolithic statue. The 58 ft. high Lord Gommateshwara statue on Vindhyagiri Hill is a visual treat to the eyes.
Continue the journey and reach the hotel at Hassan. You may visit the fabulous 12th century Chennakesava Temple flaunting the superlative Hoysala Architecture. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple boasts of stunningly decorative panels and turrets and ornate pillars, along with unique carvings and sculptures. Remember to remove shoes and not to shoot the restricted sections. You may also visit the Hoysaleswara Temple (a small fee required for the temple museum) at Halebid, also known for its fascinating architecture and sculptures. Overnight stay at Hassan.
Today, you will visit the royal capital of Wodeyar Dynasty, Mysore, one of India’s cleanest cities and known for spellbinding palaces, temples and gardens. On arrival, pay visit to Chamundi Hills (no plastic zone), the seat to Goddess Chamundeshwari inside a beautiful temple dedicated to her. The 15 ft. high Nandi Bull Statue is a glorious attraction here. Check in at the hotel later.
Begin the sightseeing tour in the afternoon and visit Mysore Palace (open 10:00 a.m.-05:30 p.m., fee INR 40 for Indians and INR 200 for foreigners, illuminated beautifully on Sundays). Featuring the blend of different architectural styles and surrounded by an elegantly manicured garden, the palace is sure to make you skip a heartbeat or two. You may also visit Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery (open 08:30 a.m.-05:30 p.m., fee INR 20) with fabulous paintings and artifacts on display. In the evening, explore the interesting Devaraja Market with rows of vendors selling fruits, vegetables, flowers and spices. Overnight stay at Mysore.
Have breakfast before we take you for a small excursion to the river island city of Srirangapatna. It is home to the brilliantly built Ranganathaswamy Temple (dedicated to Lord Vishnu), known for the striking temple towers (gopuras) and other elements with unmatched glory. Few temple areas restrict the entry for foreigners. Later, you may visit Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary 9open 08:30 a.m.-06:00 p.m., fee INR 50 for Indians and INR 200 for foreigners with additional boating charges), where scores of birds like storks, spoonbills, ibis, kingfishers and darters allure the visitors.
Get back to Mysore and spend a great time at the imposing Brindavan Gardens (open 10:00 a.m.-09:30 p.m., fee INR 15 for adults and INR 5 for children), known for its musical fountains, amazing greenery, and other highlights. You may also visit other attractions like St. Philomena’s Church and Rail Museum if the time permits. Overnight stay at Mysore.
Travel to Bangalore and transfer to airport or railway station to begin the journey back to home.