Hampi and wonders of the north
€850
per person
This 7-day trip, which begins in Goa, takes us to several architectural and archaeological wonders of northern Karnataka.
We will first visit Badami, famous for its beautiful hand-carved caves, the first known examples of Hindu temples. We will continue on towards Pattadakal, a beautiful complex of Hindu and Jain temples dating from the 7th and 8th century AD, and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, then on to Aihole whose main stone temple, Gaudar Gudi, imitates to perfection a wooden temple design.
We will then head further north to visit Vijayapura (formerly Bijapur), where the Adil Shahi Muslim rulers left behind mausoleums and palaces of staggering beauty. Heading towards the center of Karnataka we visit Hampi, the city of the Vijayanagarakings. It is one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the whole of India!. We will remain here for a few days, ending up our trip in Bangalore, capital of Karnataka.
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HERITAGE
This journey, which begins in Goa, takes us to various architectural wonders of northern Karnataka (Badami, Pattadakal, Aihole and Vijayapura) and the grandiose site of Hampi, the city of Vijayanagara kings
7 days
HERITAGE / NATURE
Journey along the beautiful Karnataka coastal road from Mysore to Goa with a first stop in the lush hills of Kodagu (Western Ghats) then the visit of Mangaluru, Udupi and Gokarna.
6 days
HERITAGE
6-day journey to discover the unparalleled heritage of Karnataka. From Bangalore, capital of Karnataka, to Mysore, the city of the Maharajas, from the splendid temples of the Hoysala kings to the giant of Shravanabola.
6 days
Day 1
Goa - Badami
We will start this cultural journey from Goa and head to Badami, the first stop in northern Karnataya. Badami was the capital of the Chalukya dynasty, from 540 to 757 AD. Overnight in Badami.
Day 2
Badami - Vijayapura via Pattadakal and Aihole
In the morning, we will visit the Badami caves and its beautiful Bhutanatha temples built around the end of the 7th century. We will then climb the steps of the Chalukya rulers' fort where there are several ancient temples. At 15 km from Badami, we will not miss the opportunity to visit the fascinating temples of Mahakuta, dating from the 6th-7th century and built by the first kings of the Chalukya dynasty of Badami. We will drive a few kilometres more to admire the monuments of Pattadakal and Aihole, other wonders of the Chalukya kings. We will then take the direction of Vijayapura. Overnight in Vijayapura.
Day 3
Vijayapura (Bijapur), city of the Adil Shahi kings
In the morning, we will visit the main sites of Vijayapura including the Gol Gumbaz, which has the second largest dome in the world after St. Peter's Basilica in Rome and the mausoleum of Ibrahim Rauza whose minarets of 24 meters high would have inspired those of the Taj Mahal. In the afternoon, we will drive to the center of Karnataka to unpacked our bags on the splendid site of Hampi. Overnight in Hampi.
Day 4
Hampi, capital of the Vijayanagara empire
We will devote two days to visit this grandiose site that stretches over 4,000 hectares. Hampi is mainly composed of the vestiges of the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire (14th-16th century), the last grand Hindu kingdom founded by the Telegu princes in 1336. At its peak, this city had more than one million inhabitants which is, at that time, a very important population. We will see amongst others the 'Lotus Mahal', the elephant stable of Indo-Islamic architecture, the Hemakuta hill, the Virupaksha temple (still in activity) and the Vitthala temple and its beautiful carved chariot. Overnight in Hampi.
Day 5
Hampi & Anegundi
We will carry on the visit of Hampi then, in the afternoon, we will go Anegundi, a city built at an earlier date than to Hampi, located on the north bank of the Tungabhadra river. This classified site includes, among others, the Huchappayana Matha temple flanked by black stone pillars, the Ranganatha temple and the temple dedicated to the monkey god Hanuman; it is said that he was born there. Overnight in Hampi.
Day 6
Hampi - Bangaluru (Bangalore)
In the morning, departure for Bangalore, the modern capital of Karnataka. Arrival in Bangalore in the afternoon. Overnight in Bangalore.
Day 7
Bengaluru, the modern capital of Karnataka
We will begin the visit of Bengaluru with the Basavanagudi Nandi temple or 'Bull temple', one of the oldest temples of Bengalore, which houses a huge monolithic of the bull Nandi, the vehicle of the Lord Shiva. It is one of the largest Nandi sculptures in India. Just next to the Bull temple stands the imposing statue of the elephant-headed god Ganesha. This temple was built by Kempegowda I, the founder of Bengaluru. We will then visit Tipu sultan's palace decorated in red, black and gold, a fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture. Also on the theme of architecture, we will go and see from outside the 'Vidhana Soudha', the Parliament of the state of Karnataka and the 'Attara Kacheri' which houses the court of justice. End of the trip. Looking forward to meeting you again.
