Hampi… Badami… Bijapur…

Departure for Hampi on arrival check into the hotel After freshening up the rest of the day  Overnight stay at Hampi

Hampi… is an ancient village from the Vijayanagara Empire in the south Indian state of Karnataka. It’s dotted with numerous ruined temple complexes. The 7th-century Hindu Virupaksha Temple is on the south bank of the River Tungabhadra near the Hampi Bazaar. In front of the massive Vittala Temple site, a carved stone chariot stands Southeast of Hampi. There is Daroji Bear Sanctuary, home to the Indian sloth bear.

Highlights: In the evening, spend time at Hampi Market.

After breakfast, rest of the day to visit places of tourist interest. Overnight stay at Hampi.

Virupaksha Temple is part of the Set of Monuments, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is devoted to Lord Virupaksha, a form of Shiva.

Queen’s bath Ruins of an ornate, historic bathing chamber used by the king & his wives, with an outdoor pool. Elephant Stables Indo-Islamic style structure used as the stables for the royal elephants of the Vijayanagara Empire. Ramchandra temple 15th-century Hindu temple with intricate carvings depicting animals, deities & people

Pushkarni Sri Krishna Temple’s 16th-century sacred water reservoir for religious rituals & functions. Ganesha statue is one of the most giant statues of Lord Ganesha that exists in the southern part of India. Narasimha statue is one of the most impressive sculptures found in the ruined town of Hampi. The specialty of the sculpture is. 

Highlights: Virupaksha Temple, huge monolithic Ganesha and Narasimha images, the elephant stables, the Queen’s bath, Ramchandra temple, & Pushkarni.   

After breakfast, rest of the day to visit places of tourist interest. Overnight stay at Hampi.

Vijay Vittala Temple is dedicated to God Vittala, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. The temple is the prime attraction of Hampi due to the most extravagant architecture and exceptional craftsmanship. There are no words to explain the temple’s grace, magnificence, and brilliance. The extensive campus of the temple resembles a town featuring many halls, gateway towers, pillared pavilions, and compound walls. Hazara Rama temples The first thing that comes to mind on seeing this temple, or more precisely its walls, is the locally famous strip of Hindu mythology, Ramayana. Lotus Mahal is one of the most famous architectural landmarks in Hampi. Its lotus-like structure immediately endears it to visitors and is a must-visit place. This building lies within the Zenana Enclosure, a segregated area used by royal women of the Vijayanagara dynasty. Also known as Kamal Mahal or Chitragani Mahal, the magnificent structure of the building boasts a central dome carved like a lotus bud. The passages and the balcony are also covered with a crown.

Highlights: Vijay Vittala and Hazara Rama temples, Lotus Mahal.   

After breakfast, check out and leave for Badami (173 km) en-route visit to the places of tourist interest. On arrival, check into the hotel. overnight stay in Badami

Pattadakal… also spelled Paṭṭadakallu, is a UNESCO inscribed World Heritage site featuring 7th and 8th-century Hindu and Jain temples. & next halt Aihole.

Aihole is a significant temple complex in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka, India, located 510 km from Bangalore. Later proceed for Hampi/ Hospet. Badami, earlier known as Vatapi, is a town and headquarters of a taluka by the same name in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka, India. It was the capital of then royal Badami Chalukyas from 540 to 757 AD. Badami Caves The Badami cave temples are a complex of Hindu and Jain cave temples located in Badami, a town in the Bagalkot district in the northern part of Karnataka, India. The caves are actual examples of Indian rock-cut architecture, especially Badami Chalukya architecture, and the earliest date from the 6th century. Bhutanatha Temples The Bhutanatha group of temples are 7th to 12th-century Hindu temples to the east of Agasthya lake in Badami, Karnataka state, India.

Things to do… Aihole, Pattadakal, Badami Caves, Bhutanatha Temples.  

After breakfast, check out & leave for Bijapur (120 km) en-route visit to the places of tourist interest. On arrival, check into the hotel. overnight stay in Bijapur

Bijapur… – it was the capital of the Adil Shah Kings who left a wealth of monuments. The Gol Gumbaz in Bijapur, whose dome is the second-largest in the world. An acoustic wonder has resulted in a whisper into the dome on one side being magnified 12 times on the other side of the dome. Other buildings to see are Ibrahim Rauza, Gagan Mahal, Bara Kaman etc,

Gol Gumbaz is the tomb of king Mohammed Adil Shah from the Adil Shahi Dynasty. The tomb’s construction was started in 1626 and was accomplished in 1656. The name is based on “Gol Gumbadh,” resulting from “Gola Gummata,” meaning “circular dome. Ibrahim Rauza, On the western outskirts of the Bijapur city, lies this exquisite group of structures containing the identical towers of the grave of Ibrahim Adil Shah and a mosque. Decorated by slim minarets at each corner, of the utmost stylishness and delicacy, delicate stone latticework, and decorative work. The Ibrahim Rouza is the most beautifully proportioned Islamic monument in India and motivation for the Taj Mahal. The mosque is also a lovely edifice with five grand arches, decorated by carved medallions and hanging stone handcuffs. The monuments are built on the high stone platform and are bordered by a lofty tower, ornamented with four elegant minarets, approached by a path through gardens. Gagan Mahal, bordered by fortified walls and a wide channel, the citadel once contained the Palaces, Durbar Hall, and pleasure gardens of then Adil Shahi Rulers. Unfortunately, many structures are in ruins though some beautiful small parts remain. The best part of Gagan Mahal is it was built in about 1561 A.D. The building served the two-fold purpose of a royal residence and Durbar Hall. The central arch of this building has a span of 60 feet 9 inches, and this is the main architectural feature of this palace. It was here that Aurangzeb, after the capture of the city, commanded the unlucky king, Sikandar Adil Shah, to come before him in silver chains. The building though roofless is a popular spot as it is placed in the large, well-landscaped public garden. Bara Kaman is the incomplete mausoleum of Ali Adil Shah II in Bijapur. Ali Adil Shah of the Adil Shahi dynasty wanted to build a mausoleum of unmatched architectural quality. It was planned that twelve arches would be placed vertically and horizontally surrounding the tomb of Ali Adil Shah.

Things to do… Gol Gumbaz, Ibrahim Rauza, Gagan Mahal, Bara Kaman etc.

After breakfast, check out & leave for Bangalore for your onward destination or hometown. Tour concludes.