Culture & Heritage of Exotic South
Duration: 08 Nights / 09 Days
Places Covered: Bangalore - Mysore - Hassan - Nagerhole - Bangalore
Day
1: Arrive Bangalore
Assistance and transfer to hotel
Day 2: Bangalore
FMorning at leisure Afternoon city sightseeing tour Bangalore, the capital city
of Karnataka is one of the most important metropolis of India. It is a vital
centre of science, aeronautics and electronics. Situated 1000 m above sea level,
this garden city has pleasant weather round the year. The Lalbagh, one of the
finest botanical Gardens of India, Cubbon Park laid in 1864 sprawling across
300 acres, Vidhana Soudha built in 1956 housing The State Legislature and Secretariat
are the main attractions.
Day 3: Bangalore - Mysore drive
En-route visit Srirangapatnam Srirangapatnam – 16 km from Mysore on the
north, the capital of great warrior Tipu Sultan, the Tiger of Mysore who was
killed while fighting with British in 1799. His remains lie in a magnificent
mausoleum, the Gumbaz. Nearby is the Tipu’s summer Palace, the Dariya Daulat.
On arrival, check-in at the hotel.
Day 4: Mysore
Morning city sightseeing tour Mysore, 770 m above sea level, this imperial city
was the erstwhile capital of the Wodeyars. The legend takes its name from a
famous demon called Mahishasur, a great warrior who ruled as a tyrant until
he was killed by the goddess Chamundeshwari. Mysore as we see today is most
famous for the imposing Royal Palace with a magnificent Durbar Hall, particularly
splendid during the Dussehra Festival when the Maharaja’s jewelery, studded
gold throne (weighing 200 kgs) is on display.
Chamundeshwari
temple perched on a hilltop is 2000 years old, Nandi Bull half way to the hill
is a 4.8 metre monolith.Afternoon visit Somnathpur Temple Somnathpur, Built
in 1268 AD, the temple is known for its Hoysala architecture and is seated on
a star shaped base, set on a chiselled plinth and guarded at internals by miniature
elephants. The temple wall depicts scenes from Ramayana, Mahabharta and Bhagvata,
the three holy religious books of Hindus
Day 5: Mysore - Hassan drive, 150 km
En-route visit Sravanbelgola, 51 km southeast of Hassan, this is one of the
most important Jain pilgrim centre. Here is the 17 m high monolith of Lord Bahubali
– the world’s tallest monolithic statue. Thousands of devotees congregate
hee to perform the Mahamastakabisheka – a spectacular ceremony held once
in 12 years when the 1000 year old statue is anointed with milk, curds, ghee,
saffron and gold coins. The next Mahamastakabhisheka will be held in 2005 AD
Arrive Hassan and check-in at the hotel.
Day 6: Hassan
Visit Belur and Halebid temples. Belur, 38 km from Hassan is located on the
banks of the river Yagachi. Once the Capital of the Hoysala empire, it is known
for The Chennakeshava Temple, one of the finest exmples of Hoysala architecture.
It took 103 years to complete and the reason is evident. The façade of
the temple is filled with intricate sculptures and friezes with no portion left
blank.
Elephants,
episodes from the epics, sensuous, dancers they are all there – awe inspiring
in their intricate workmanship. Halebid, 27 km from Hassan and 17 km from Belur,
bear mute testimony to the rich, cultural heritage of Karnatka. The temple dating
back to the 12th century is astounding for its wealth of sculptural details.
The walls of the temple are covered with an endless variety of gods and goddesses,
animals, birds and dancing girls. Yet no two faces of the temple are the same.
The magnificent temple – guarded by a Nandi Bull was never completed despite
86 years of labour.
Day 7: Hassan - Nagerhole, 185 km
Drive to Nagerhole, the virgin jungle on the banks of the pristine river Kabini.
Tucked into the southern fringes of Karnatka’s Nagerhole National Park,
it was once the hunting lodge of the erstwhile Maharaja of Mysore. Spread over
an expanse of 55 acres; with the ambience of lush green environs, serene river
banks and undisturbed locales inhabited by the rich flora (Teak, Bamboo, Rosewood
etc) and fauna (Tigers, Elephants, Gaur, wild dogs etc). The accommodation is
in 14 comfortable private rooms with modern amenities; 6 twin bedded cottages
and five tented cottages, all with attached bath. The cottages overlook the
river.
Day 8: Nagerhole
Jungle activities start early morning and include wildlife safari, Coracle ride,
boating, Elephant safari, Sailing, nature walk, film show on wildlife and day
ends in the evening with camp fire dinner or a silent meal in the restaurant.
Day 9: Nagerhole - Bangalore - Dep.
Drive to Bangalore, 220 km and transfer to the airport in time for flight to
onward destination.
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