An enchanting treasure trove of Temples, Scenic Hills & Historic Wonders!
Explore a land known for its silks, spices and sandalwood with Kesari Tours. The Karnataka Special Tour takes you through the rich cultural and architectural heritage of Karnataka. Explore the ancient town of Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its ancient temples and great ruins. You also visit the neighbouring town of Badami, with an incredible complex of Hindu and Buddhist cave temples. Stand in awe at Jog Falls, which is the third highest waterfall in India and visit the famous Statue of Lord Shiva in Murudeshwar, a large statue built next to the sea. Explore the coastal towns of Gokarna, St. mary's Island, and Mangalore where you witness some of the best works of Dravidian temples built by an age-old dynasty. This tour showcases the true spirit of Karnataka, where spirituality and nature as well as history are intertwined with Kesari's world-class services and expert tour leaders.
Arrive at designated reporting place, report to coach, proceed to hotel.
Morning proceed to Badami – formerly known as Vatapi, it was the regal capital of Badami Chalukyas. Today we visit three small towns of Karnataka: Badami, Aihole, and Patadakallu, which are also UNESCO sites famous for many temple complexes of Hindu and Dravidian architectural styles. Morning we explore Badami caves – a Hindu and Jain temple complex. these temples are carved out of soft sandstone and supported by stone columns and brackets. Get astonished by the various intricate stone carvings at these temples. Later proceed to Aihole to explore various temple remains. It is a tranquil village situated on the Malaprabha river's banks and referred to as the 'cradle of Hindu / Dravidian temple architecture'. Travel to Patadakallu to witness the impressive series of temples including the masterpiece 'The Temple of Virupaksha' built by Queen Lokamahadevi to commemorate her husband's victory.
Extra Topping: Tea / Cofee / Soft Drink en-route to Hosapete.
Explore Hampi - a medieval Hindu Kingdom of Vijaynagar and also a UNESCO site. Hampi originally known as Pampa-kshetra was the Capital of Vijaynagar. Millions of tourists visit Hampi to see the temples, its monolithic sculptures, and monuments for their excellent workmanship. Visit monuments like Shri Virupaksha Temple, Statue of Lakshmi Narasimha, Sri Krishna Temple, Shri Vijayavitthala Temple, Lotus Mahal, Royal Palace remains, pushkarni, Elephant Stables, etc. Return to Hosapete in the evening.
Extra Topping: Tea / Coffee at Elephant Stables.
Proceed to Hubli. En route visit Anegundi village previously called KishKindha situated on the banks of the Tungabhadra River and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy a thrilling coracle ride (subject to operation) on the Tungabhadra River. Arrive at Hubali in the evening.
Extra Topping: Tea/Coffe/ Soft drink en-route to Hubli.
Morning proceed to Gokarna. En-route visit to Sahastra Lingam – It is in the river Shalmala and is famous for being the location where around a thousand lingas are carved on rocks in the river and on its banks. Then we proceed to Jog falls – a waterfall on the Sharavati river and third highest plunge waterfall in India. Later in the evening arrive at Gokarna, visit Mahabaleshwar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva famous for 6 feet tall Shiva Linga here at the temple is known as the Atmalinga. It is the only temple in the world with a Linga in the form of Rudraksha.
Extra Topping: Tea/Coffe/ Soft drink en-route to Jog falls. Tea/Coffe/ Soft drink en-route to Gokarna.
Today we proceed to Murudeshwara, visit the Shiva Temple - which houses the world's second-largest Shiva statue. We also visit Cave Sculptures of Murudeshwar which depicts beautiful narration of the story of Aatmalinga. Later you can also visit the top floor of Raja Gopura at your own cost to get a bird's eye view of the Lord Shiva statue and the surrounding area. Evening - enjoy free time at Murudeshwar beach.
Morning proceed to visit Sri Vidyashankara Temple, Sringeri – a unique monument built entirely of stone combining both Hoysala (Chalukya) and Dravidian architectural styles. Twelve pillars of this temple are marked by the twelve signs of the zodiac in their regular order. Later proceed to Udupi. Visit Krishna Mandir at Udupi.
Extra Topping: Gadbad Ice cream at Udupi.
Notes: For Sri Vidyashaknkara Temple - Men are not allowed to wear shirts or t-shirts, and they must wear a dhoti or mundu with an angavastram. Women are required to wear sarees or salwar kameez with a dupatta.
Morning proceed to Mangalore Airport. En-route we visit proceed to St. Marry's Island by ferry, This is a small and very scenic island. Vasco da Gama visited this island before he went to Kozhikode. Enjoy free time at this island and take photos at the very clean and beautiful beach. Board the flight to your hometown. Tour Concludes!.