Highlights of Karnataka

Drive to Chikamagalu, En-route stop at to visit Shravanabelagola.  Atop the Vindhyagiri hill stands Asia's tallest monolithic statue, and yet, you need to toil up 600-odd steps for a glimpse of it. Shravanabelagola as a Jain bastion is home to many basadis and is a vital stop to the pilgrim. The 52-foot statue of Bahubali from its high perch has a gaze that takes in the lay of a rather scenic land - a treat you can partake, provided you make the arduous climb up. Continue your drive to Chikamagalur.  Overnight at the hotel.

Today morning drive to famous Hoysala Temples, Haleebeedu & Belur.  Halebeedu, before it became Halebeedu or the destroyed city, was the second capital of the Hoysalas and went by the name Dwarasamudra. Today, the Hoysaleshwara Temple, though the sole survivor of all the grandeur that once was, hitherto the plunder of successive invaders, still tells a mean tale. Once the capital city of the Hoysala dynasty, Belur is home to the Chennakesava Temple known as the 'jewel in stone' - a title it's held unsurpassed since 1116 AD. With nearly ten thousand intricately carved sculptures that bring to life, stories from the Hindu myths and routine from the day and age of the Hoysalas, this temple dedicated to the "beautiful" avatar of Vishnu, is indeed the epitome of beauty.  Make a brief stopover in Hassan for lunch break.  Afterward drive to Mysore. Overnight at the hotel

The island fortress of the legendary warrior king Tipu Sultan, Srirangapatna is just 16km from Mysore city. Inside the fortress is Tipu's mosque with its twin minarets, the celebrated Ranganatha Swamy Temple, Tipu's Summer Palace, the Wellesley Bridge, and the dungeons where British officers were once imprisoned. Equally impressive is the ornate white-domed Gumbaz, an imposing structure with doors of ebony inlaid with ivory and lacquered with Tipu's tiger-striped emblem. Also visit Tipu's Summer Palace (known as the Daria Daulat Bagh) set amidst a lovely garden. Afternoon visit St. Philomena Church, it’s- a Catholic church built in honour of St. Philomena in the Diocese of Mysore. It was constructed in 1936 using a Neo Gothic style and its architecture was inspired by the Cologne Cathedral in Germany. All roads in Mysore lead to the Mysore Palace, and rightfully so. An ode to magnificence, the Mysore Palace is a marvel of ornate ceilings, jewelled corridors, open mandaps, stained glass windows, vivid paintings and Wadiyar memorabilia - including the jewelled throne. As the main host of the famous Mysore Dasara, the Palace still has the airs of the headquarters of a sovereign. Mysore's other palaces include the Jaganmohana Palace, Rajendra Vilas, Lalitha Mahal (which is now the Lalith Mahal Palace Hotel) and the Jayalakshmi Vilas. Visit colourful Devaraja Market, the market architecture is characterized by a pleasing variance of facade styling and ornamentation with open space designed for easy purchase of fruits, vegetables, flowers and the like. Situated of Sayyaji Rao Road, which was laid over the filled nala (canal), which at one time ran across it, the Devaraja market has shops with meticulously styled frontages and gables. Devaraja Market formed in 1900 now has 722 shops.  Last visit Chamundi Hills, The 12th century Chamundeshwari Temple built in the style of the Hoysalas is no less impressive - it also boasts one of the biggest monolithic Nandi statues. In the evening visit The Brindavan Gardens.  The gardens are located just a level below the dam. Often described as the best example of illuminated terrace gardens in the country, the idea was brainchild of Sir M.Visveshwaraiah and Sir Mirza M ismail, former Devans of Mysuru.  The overall design here displays an orientation of Mughal patterns-with garden paths and a shimmering necklace of fountains. On the South bank there is a pavilion, where visitors can get a breathtaking view of the gardens.  Enjoy musical fountain show in the garden between 1830hrs till 1930hrs. Overnight at the hotel. 

Drive to Somanathpur.  Situated in the unobtrusive village of Somnathpur the exquisitely carved, star-shaped Kesava temple with triple towers is a perfect example of Hoysala architecture. The friezes on its outer walls with their intricately carved rows of caparisoned elephants, charging horsemen, and mythological birds and beasts will leave you spellbound. Beautifully sculpted images of gods, goddesses, and scenes from the epics, as well as the remarkably ornate ceilings in the pillared hall will take your breath away. After the visit drive to Bangalore, upon arrival you will be dropped off at the airport to board the flight for your onward journey.