Day 01
Bangalore to Shravanabelagola, Belur, Halebidu, and Doddagaddavalli
07:00 AM - Pick-up and departure from Bangalore
- Your designated driver will meet you at your hotel, airport, or railway station in Bangalore.
- A professional English-speaking guide will join the tour and share insights throughout the journey.
- Start early in a comfortable coach or car to make the most of the day.
08:30 AM - Breakfast at Kunigal (30 mins)
- Stop at a highway restaurant near Kunigal for a wholesome South Indian breakfast.
- Popular dishes include idli, dosa, vada, and filter coffee.
10:00 AM - Shravanabelagola (2 hrs sightseeing)
- Visit one of India's most important Jain pilgrimage sites.
- Climb approximately 600 steps, or hire a dolly service, to reach the summit of Vindhyagiri Hill.
- See the colossal 57-foot monolithic Bahubali (Gomateshwara) Statue, carved in 981 AD, the world's largest free-standing stone statue.
- Admire its serene expression symbolising peace, sacrifice, and detachment, and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views.
01:00 PM - Depart for Hassan (approx. 1 hr drive)
02:00 PM - Lunch at a multi-cuisine restaurant (30 mins)
- Enjoy a traditional Karnataka-style vegetarian and non-vegetarian lunch.
02:30 PM - Belur (1 hr sightseeing)
- Explore the Chennakesava Temple, built in the 12th century by the Hoysalas.
- Admire the star-shaped platform, exquisite soapstone carvings, and walls depicting the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and intricate figures of dancers, gods, and animals.
- Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage candidate, this temple showcases the peak of Hoysala craftsmanship.
03:30 PM - Drive to Halebidu (20 mins)
03:50 PM - Halebidu (1 hr sightseeing)
- Visit the Hoysaleswara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Observe elaborate soapstone sculptures, including friezes of elephants, lions, horses, and mythological scenes.
- Explore the nearby Kedareshwara Temple and the Archaeological Museum.
04:50 PM - Drive to Doddagaddavalli (24 mins)
05:15 PM - Lakshmi Devi Temple (30 mins sightseeing)
- Discover the 12th-century Lakshmi Devi Temple, a hidden gem of Hoysala architecture.
- The temple houses shrines dedicated to Lakshmi, Kali, and other deities within a compact layout.
- Appreciate its simpler yet unique architectural style compared to Belur and Halebidu.
05:45 PM - Return journey to Bangalore (approx. 3 hrs)
- Relax during the evening drive back.
- Optional stops for tea or coffee en route.
09:00 PM - Drop in Bangalore
- Your driver will safely drop you at your hotel, airport, or railway station.
