7 Days Off beat Karnataka Itinerary

After enjoying the tranquility of the forest, head to Mysore, a must-visit heritage city in Karnataka. Spend the day exploring its rich culture, historical sites, and places of worship. Don't miss the renowned Mysore Zoo, one of the largest in the country. Marvel at the grandeur of Mysore Palace, built in 1912, with its impressive architecture and modern amenities. Include visits to Chamundeshwari Hills, St. Philomena's Church, and the Krishnarajasagara Dam with its Brindavan Gardens. Savor the delicious Mysore Masala Dosa and Mysore Pak. The distance from Bandipur to Mysore is 72 km, taking about 1.25 hours.

Hassan, the ancient Hoysala city located 934 m above sea level, is renowned for its historic temples. Visit the Chennakeshava Temples of Belur and Halebidu to witness their stunning architecture and intricate carvings that depict stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The submerged Shettihalli Church offers a unique sight with its ruins. Climb approximately 600 steps to reach the famous Jain temple at Shravanabelagola, home to the world's tallest statue of the Jain God Bahubali. The distance from Mysore to Hassan is 112 km, taking about 2.5 hours.  

Hospet or Hospete is another heritage town in Karnataka with its rich culture and ancient structures. Hampi, on the banks of the Tungabhadra river, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is the main attraction of the town. The Chariot at Virupakshe Temple in Hampi is the highlight to which tourists, researchers, and students flock. The monuments and the remains of once the rich princely state Vijayanagara Empire are the attractions of Hampi. The distance between Hassan to Hospet is 310 km and takes about 6 hours.

The twin hub of temples in Aihole and Pattadakal showcases the grandeur of Dravidian and Chalukyan architecture. Pattadakal

• UNESCO World Heritage Site: Located on the banks of the Malaprabha River, Pattadakal is a testament to Chalukyan architecture from the 7th and 8th centuries.
• Architecture: Known for its intricately carved temples, Pattadakal features a blend of Dravidian and Aryan architectural styles, making it unique in India.

Aihole

• Temple Hub: Situated serenely on the Malaprabha River, Aihole boasts hundreds of temples.
• Durga Temple: The primary attraction, featuring a semi-circular apse, an elevated plinth, and a gallery encircling the sanctum, representing the pinnacle of Aihole's temples.
• Other Attractions:
  • Lad Khan Temple: Named after the Muslim leader Lad Khan.
  • Huchimalli Temple: Features a sculpture of Lord Vishnu atop a cobra.
  • Ravalphadi Cave Temple, Umamaheswari Temple, two-storied Buddhist temple, Konti Temple Complex, and Jain Meguti Temple.

Distances

• Hospet to Aihole: 125 km (approx. 2.5 hours).
• Pattadakal to Aihole: 13 km (approx. 20 minutes).

 

Just 23 km from Pattadakal, Badami is renowned for its exquisite sculptures and sandstone cliffs, each telling tales from ancient times.

• Rock-Cut Caves: Famous for its four rock-cut caves adorned with ancient carved pillars and bracket figures made from red sandstone. These date back to the 7th century, with the outer mantapa added in the 11th century during the late Kalyani Chalukyan age.
• Bhutanatha Temple: Dedicated to Shiva in his form as the god of souls, spirits, and ghosts, the temple overlooks the Agastya Theertha Lake.
• Best Time to Visit: The golden hour or sunset is ideal for visiting the Badami Caves, as the sandstone captures a stunning rust-red tint.

Distances

• Pattadakal to Badami: 21 km (approx. 30 minutes).
• Badami to Bangalore: 450 km (approx. 8.5 hours). Return to Bangalore by night train or State Roadways buses.