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Karnataka blessed with different terrains and a rich history brings to life multiple traveler circuits. See for yourself which one fits into your current mood and make plans for a vacation.
On the way from the party capital of the country to the cosmopolitan silicon valley of India, is a Heritage stretch is dotted with relics from the past. An 8 hour train ride from Goa is Hampi, a coveted World Heritage Site. The remnants of the mighty Vijayanagar empire is strewn across Hampi and requires a minimum of two days. To witness the tranquil sunrise and sunsets atop the boulders is in itself an experience. Once in Hampi try and visit at least the Vijaya Vittala Temple, Lotus Mahal, Queen’s Bath, Elephant Stables, Virupaksha Temple, King’s Palace, Mahanavami Dibba, Pushkarni, Hazara Rama Temple, and Lakshminarasimha Statue.
Post Hampi, if you are still yearning for a peek into the past, stopover at Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal. Marvel at the craftsmanship of the rock-cut caves in Badami and the 18 armed Nataraja statue it houses, visit one of the oldest Hindu temples located amidst a group of monuments in Aihole, and saunter by Pattadakal, a Jain and Hindu temple complex which is yet another World Heritage Site.
If you have an entire week to spare, then we would recommend you add Bijapur to the circuit completing the entire heritage route in Karnataka.
Bijapur boasts of the magnificent Gol Gumbaz, which is located bang in the center of this heritage hamlet. But contrary to popular perception that’s not all the place has to offer. Ibrahim Roza, Malik-e-Maidan, Mehtar Mahal, Gagan Mahal, Jala Manzil, Bara Kaman and Taj Bawdi are other major attractions in the town.
Mangalore, around 11 hours by train from Bangalore is a seaside sojourn and pilgrimage town all rolled into one. Devotees visit the Mangaladevi Temple, St Aloysius Church, Someshwara Temple, Jumma Masjid or Kadri Manjunatha Temple while the laid back traveler post dropping by few of the above mentioned pilgrim centers will headout to catch the spectacular sunset at Ullal, Surathkal, or Someshwar beach in Mangalore. While in Mangalore make sure you try out the local cuisine. Kaup and Malpe beaches near Udupi are also popular spots to hit while in Mangalore. Give yourself at least two days to slip into the rhythm of Mangalore.
An overnight train ride from Bangalore is Shimoga, Karnataka’s nature haven. The place breaks into vibrant hues of greens during the monsoon which is the ideal time to pay a visit.
Four rivers namely Kumudvathi, Tungabhadra, Varada, and Sharavathi flow through this city giving rise to brooks and cascades along the way.
Jog Falls is one of the main attractions of Shimoga. It is the highest untiered waterfall in India located in Sagara, created by River Sharavathi. The falls is made up of four cascades-‘Raja’, ‘Roarer’, ‘Rocket’, and ‘Rani’. While you can gaze at the magnificent falls from KSTDC’s Mayura Jog Falls, there is an option to even walk down to the bottom of the falls which takes around 30 minutes. If you are an avid bird watcher, make it a point to visit the Gudavi Bird Sanctuary. This untouched strait near the banks of the river is home to around 217 species of birds.
The magic of Malgudi Days, the TV series was set in the town of Agumbe near Shimoga. This village which receives the highest rainfall in Karnataka is where you’ll find the Rainforest Research Centre. While at Agumbe, find time for a forest trek.
(Contact: Shimoga Wildlife Division, Tel: +91-8182-272 210, 222 983)
Jainism as a religion enjoyed the patronage of the various kingdoms of Karnataka. In various parts of the state the religion continues to be practiced with utmost devotion.
Two of the major attractions along the circuit are the monolithic statues of Lord Gomateswara and Lord Bahubali at Shravanabelagola and Dharmasthala respectively. The the Jain Math, Kalyani and Sanskrit Pathshala in Shravanabelagola, basadis at Venur, the ruins of the Mahadeva Temple, Chandranatha Basadi at Moodabidri, monolith of Gomateshwara and Chaturmukha Basadi at Karkala are other major spots to hit along the route.
A minimum of 5 days need to be set aside to cover this circuit.
The Golden Chariot is South India’s first and only luxury tourist train. Travel like royalty to all the wonders that Karnataka and South India offers, on what Vanity Fair has called ‘one of the seven best luxury rail journeys in the world’. Experience Karnataka and South India in two itineraries namely Pride of the South and Southern Splendour. You also have the option to take the above itineraries in parts.
The train ride begins from Bangalore and heads to the regal city of Mysore (140km).
The Mysore Palace is a must visit. Choose to spend the rest of the day sightseeing at the Brindavan Gardens, Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery, Rail Museum, St Philomena’s Cathedral, Mysore Zoo or the Folklore Museum.
Start the next day with a visit to the holy Chamundi Hill (13km) which informs the mythology behind the famed Mysuru Dasara .Then, depart to Madikeri (120km), and en route drop by Bylekuppe, one of the largest Tibetan settlements in India and Nisargadhama, an island on the Cauvery river.
The third day is dedicated to exploring the city of Coorg. Choose your pick from the bundle of attractions the town offers- Madikeri Fort, Abbey Falls, Raja’s Seat, Raja’s Tomb and Omkareshwara Temple.
Head off to visit the Jain Tirthankaras at Shravanabelagola on the fourth day. While in Shravanabelagola, do not miss the Monolithic statue of Lord Gomateswara, the Jain Math, Kalyani and Sanskrit Pathshala. A visit to the Hoysaleswara Temple at Halebeedu, Jain Basadis at Bastihalli and Belavadi might be a great way to round off the day trip.
The forgotten empire awaits your arrival on the fifth day. There is so much to see and take in at this World Heritage Site so here is a few must do’s- Vijaya Vittala Temple, Lotus Mahal, Queen’s Bath, Elephant Stables, Virupaksha Temple, King’s Palace, Mahanavami Dibba, Pushkarni, Hazara Rama Temple, and Lakshminarasimha Statue.
The legendary caves of Badami and coveted Pattadakal fill your itinerary for day six.
It’s sunny side up for the seventh day. Stretch yourself out by the bay, take a dip in the sea, treat yourself to some great seafood and heritage walks in Goa. Post a fun filled evening at the party capital, head back to Bangalore.
Onboard The Golden Chariot In the afternoon, enjoy a stopover at the hep and cosmopolitan city of Bangalore, followed by the departure to Mysore in the evening.
Day two is all about nature, visit the tranquil Kabini river and Proceed to Kabini/Bandipur National Park.
Stay put at the regal city of Mysore for day three. While in the city drop by some of the popular spots- Mysore Palace, Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery, Rail Museum, St Philomena’s Cathedral, Mysore Zoo, Brindavan Gardens and Folklore Museum. Close out the day with a cultural show at Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel.
Step out at Shravanabelagola on the fourth day. While in Shravanabelagola, do not miss the Monolithic statue of Lord Gomateswara, the Jain Math, Kalyani and Sanskrit Pathshala. Follow it up with a trip to the heritage hamlet of Halebeedu. A visit to the Hoysaleswara Temple at Halebeedu, Jain Basadis at Bastihalli and Belavadi might be a great way to round off the day trip.