Fly from UK to Bangalore.

Arrive Bangalore. Meeting and assistance on arrival by our Novaturient representative then transferred to Mysore. Check-in at Efkay’s Homestay for 3 nights stay. 

Morning visit the fascinating island town of Srirangapatna- a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  The Vijayanagar and Hoysala architecture here is superb. Other major places to see include the Ranganathaswamy Temple,  Tipu's Mosque and Summer palace, the Wellesley bridge and the dungeons where British prisoners were kept.  In the afternoon visit the Chamundi hill and see the impressive Nandi Bull statue. Drive to the Mysore Palace with its glorious mix Hindu and Saracenic architectural styles. Elements of Neo-Classical, Indo-Islamic and Gothic styles all make statements! Inside there’re two huge durbar halls.  Wander the well-laid out gardens and sprawling courtyards.

Morning visit the buzzing Devraja market. The air is filled with the heady scent of flowers, spices and incense. Meet a local family and eat lunch with them - perhaps tucking into the famous bisibelebath….rice, lentils, tamarind, dried coconut, chilli and spices. Spices are a key ingredient in Mysore dishes. Then return to the hotel to relax.

After breakfast drive to Chikmagalur, enroute visit the 57 feet high statue of Bahubali at Sravanabelagola. (A gentle climb of 600 steps to reach to the statue). On arrival check in at hotel The Serai for 2 nights stay. Afternoon walking tour of a coffee plantation including a tasting session and tour of the curing and roasting areas.

After breakfast drive to Halebid and Belur. Halebid was the capital of the Hoysala empire from 10^th to 14^th C. The most important places to view are the twin Temples of Hoysaleshwara and Kedareshwara in Halebid and the Chennakesava Temple in Belur. The Temples are built from soft chloritic stone which enabled the masons to execute the most exquisite minute and intricate carvings. The Hoysala’s were known as patrons of the Temple construction. 

A long but interesting drive through the countryside with ever changing vistas to Hampi. Enroute stop for lunch at Chitradurga Fort. On arrival check in at the Evolve Back Kamalapura Palace for 3 nights. 

After breakfast a full day exploring the ruins of Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage site.  Hampi was once the capital city of a golden empire, the Vijayanagara. Early travellers from Portugal said it was a prosperous and wealthy city. See the regal 9-storey tall gopura of the Virupaksha Temple, the Vijaya Vittala Temple with its 56 musical pillars, the Lotus Mahal, the imposing Lakshmi Narasimha and the majestic Stone Chariot. 

A day of leisure relaxing in the resort with its infinity pool, spa and reading lounge.  In the evening take a fascinating walk through giant boulders, the ruins of the Achyutaraya Temple and the famed ‘Courtesan Bazaar’. The sunset behind the boulder hills is superb. Finally walk along the banks of the scenic Tungabhadra River and have a coracle ride, whilst watching the sun gently fade over the boulders.

Morning drive to Badami enroute visiting Aihole and Pattadakal. Aihole was an important centre of medieval Indian art and rich in Buddhist, Hindu and Jain architecture.  The UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Pattadakal group of monuments nestle along the banks of the River Malaprabha. The Temple complex is the legacy of the early Chalukyas (543-753 CE), who built a series of nine Hindu Temples for coronation and royal commemoration purposes. Stay at the Badami Court for 2 nights

After breakfast full day to explore the Badami Hindu and Jain Caves, cut into the red sandstone cliffs. Many overlook the lovely Holy Agastya Lake. On the lake shore there’s a scattering of Temples. Badami still glows in the light of its glorious past leaving a rich legacy of carvings and Cave Temples. 

Morning drive to Goa. On arrival check in at Alila Diwa for 3 nights stay.

At leisure to relax on the golden sand and swim in azure waters.

At leisure to relax on the golden sand and swim in azure waters.

Transfer to the airport to board your return flight back home.