South India: A Journey Through Dravidian Architectural and Religious Treasures

DAY 01 : EUROPE / BANGALORE

 

DAY 02 : BANGALORE / HOSPET 330km / 6h30

Visit of the city: Sultan’s palace and Lal bagh: botanical garden with its crystal house. Full day drive in Karnataka through the Deccan plateaus (6h30). Arrival at Hospet near the site of Hampi, former capital of the last Vijayanagar kingdom.

 

DAY 03 : HOSPET/ HAMPI/ HOSPET 26km/ 1h

Full day tour of Hampi. Visit the temples of Virupaksha and Vitthala; discover the Lotus Palace, the Queen’s Baths and other wonders.

 

DAY 04 : HOSPET / BADAMI / HOSPET 300 km / 5h

On the way to Badami (3h30), visit the sites of Aihole and Pattadakal, the religious capital with its temples (6th-8th century). In Badami, visit the rock caves overlooking the Agastyatirtha basin.

 

DAY 05 : HOSPET/ HAMPI / HOSPET 26km/ 1h

Visit Hampi all day.

 

DAY 06 : HOSPET / HALIBEDU / BELUR / HASSAN 340km / 7h30

Long day : 6h30 drive. On the way to Hassan (7h), visit the temples of Halebid and Belur (12th century). In Belur, the Temple of Chennakeshava, a treasure of Indian art with a starry plan. In Halebid, the Temple of Hoysaleshwara.

 

DAY 07 : HASSAN / SRAVANABELAGULA / SRIRANGAPATTANA / MYSORE

On the way to HASSAN, stop at Sravanabelagola, the highest monolith in the world (983 AD), a major Jain pilgrimage site dedicated to Gomteshwara. The sacred shrine with 614 steps is steeped in Jain culture. Afternoon: visit Sri Rangapattana, Dariya Daulata Bag (Tipu Sultan’s summer palace) and Gumbaz (his mausoleum).

 

DAY 08 : MYSORE – SOMNATHPUR – MYSORE 70 km / 2h

Visit of Mysore: in the morning, excursion to the village of Somnathpur with the magnificent hoysala temple of Sri Channakeshara (13th c.) Lunch at the Lalitha Mahal. Visit the extravagant Maharaja’s palace, one of the most beautiful in India. Late afternoon stroll through the DEVERAJA market, a very picturesque, colourful and lively market of fruits and vegetables and local handicrafts. Free time at KR Circle.

 

DAY 09 : MYSORE /KUSHALNAGAR /KANNUR 185km / 5h on the road

The great monastic institution of Sera, the small monastery of Tashilhunpo, the one of Namdroling and the famous Golden Temple.

 

DAY 9 : KANNUR 185 Km / 5h Near the beach, Chera Rocks Resort

Fish market, Thalassery fort, KALARIPPAYATTU martial arts show, then THEYYAM ritual art.

 

DAY 10 : KANNUR / ALLEPEY BY TRAIN

Continuation towards the “backwaters”, fascinating canals intertwined between sea and land. Boat trip and stop during the navigation for the visit of villages, temples and walk in the rice fields.

 

DAY 11 : ALLEPEY / COCHIN 70 km / 1h45 City tour

Cochin, a former Portuguese trading post with its large Chinese nets, the church of St. Francis, the synagogue of 1568 and the Dutch palace with its frescoes. Stroll through the typical shopping streets of the old town with its stalls.

 

Not included: international airfare, visa to enter India, insurance, drinks and tips for driver and guide.

CITY	HOTELS	Number of nights
Bangalore	Regenta Airport	01
Hospet	Royal Orchid Kreeti	04
Hassan	Southern Star S	01
Mysore	Fortune JP Palace	02
Kannur	Chera Rocks	02
Alleppey	Houseboat (bateau)	01
Cochin	Casino Hotel	02

 

The Package Included: Full board, superior hotels, tour guide, air-conditioned bus transport and site visits.

Not included: international airfare, visa to enter India, insurance, drinks and tips for driver and guide.