DAY 1
BANGALORE - HASSAN
(187 Kms or approximately 4 hrs) After lunch at Hassan, afternoon sight seeing of the exquisite temples at Belur and Halebid. At Belur, the Chennakeshava Temple, which took a 103 years to complete, is one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture. At Halebid, 7Km east of Belur, the Hoysaleshwara Temple dating back to the 12th century, is astounding for its wealth of sculptural detail. After visit of the temples, proceed to Chikmagalur. Overnight at Taj Garden Retreat, or similar.

DAY 2
CHIKMAGALUR - HOSPET
(Approximately 340 Kms or 7 hrs) This a long drive which takes you through Bhadravathi and Harihar. Overnight at Mallige Tourist Home or similar.

DAY 3
HAMPI

Hampi, which is situated about 12 Kms from Hospet, is a world heritage site and it is the most beautiful and evocative historical site in South India. The superb ruins are set in a strange and beautiful boulder - strewn landscape which has an almost magical quality. Hampi is best visited over 2 days in order to soak up the atmosphere and explore the area. The erstwhile capital of the Vijayanagar kingdom, Hampi is full of delightful surprises such as the King's Balance, the Queen's Bath, Lotus Mahal, the huge Elephant Stables, the Splendid Vittala Temple etc. Return to Hospet for overnight at Mallige Tourist Home or similar.

DAY 4

Continuation of the visit of Hampi. Late evening transfer to Hospet railway station and departure for Bangalore by the Hampi Express which leaves at 20h10. Overnight on the train.

DAY 5

Arrival Bangalore at 06:25.

DAY 1
BANGALORE - MYSORE (140 Kms or approximately 3 hrs)

Enroute visit of Srirangapatna - Daria Daulat Bagh, (Tippu sultan's Summer Palace). The Fort and Tippu's Tomb.

At Mysore check-in at Hotel Quality Inn Southern Star or similar. Afternoon visit of Mysore : Mysore Palace, Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery, Chamundi Hills and Brindavan Gardens. Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 2
MYSORE - HASSAN
(150 Kms or approximately 3 1/2 hrs)

Enroute : visit of Shravanabelagola, which is one of the most important Jain Pilgrim Centres with its 17 meter high monolith statue of Lord Bahubali.

Lunch halt at Hassan. Afternoon sight -seeing of the exquisite temples at Belur and Halebid. After visit of the temples proceed to Chickmagalur. Overnight at Taj Garden Retreat, Chickmagalur or similar

DAY 3
CHIKMAGALUR - MYSORE (175 Kms )

Early morning (6:30A.M) departure from Chikmangalore to Mysore (175 Kms) and continuation to Kabini (80 Kms) .

Check-in at Kabini River Lodge by about 12 noon. Kabini River Lodge, a unique WildLife Resort at Karapur, nestles on the Southern fringes of Karnataka's Nagarhole National Park.

Evening WildLife Tour into the park in the resort's jeep accompaned by experienced drivers and naturalists. Overnight at Kabini River Lodge.

DAY 4

Morning cruise through the serene backwaters of the Kabini River in a motor launch viewing sleepy crocodiles and especially the elephants coming to the river for a bath or drink. Evening jeep safari to sight wildlife and elephant ride in the Jungle. Overnight at Kabini River Lodge.

DAY 5

Morning Coracle Ride on the Kabini River to view aquatic bird-life. After breakfast leave Kabini for return to Bangalore.

DAY 1
BANGALORE - MADRAS

Bangalore - Madras by 9W 801 Dep:09h50 and Arr:10h35. Meet at airport and drive down to Mahabalipuram (60 Kms or approximately 1 1/2 hrs).

Check-in at Hotel Ashok Temple Bay or similar.

Afternoon visit of Mahabalipuram. Mahabalipuram was the second capital and sea port of the Pallava Kings. Apart from the attractions of the beach, you must see Arjuna's Penance (Bas relief carved on the face of a huge rock), the shore Temple, the Mandapams and the five Rathas.

DAY 2
KANCHEEPURAM

Day trip to Kancheepuram (70 Kms or approx 1 3/4 hrs each way). Kancheepuram, the famouse temple city, is also known for its hand-woven silk fabrics. Amongst the more important temples to be visited are Kailasantha Temple, Vaikunta Perumal Temple, Sri Ekambaranathar Temple, Kamakshi Amman Temple etc.

Return to Mahabalipuram. Overnight at Hotel Ashok Temple Bay or similar.

DAY 3

Day free at the beach. Overnight at Hotel Temple Bay Ashok or similar.

DAY 4

MAHABALIPURAM - PONDICHERY
(95 Kms or approximately 2 1/4 hrs)

Check-in at Hotel Pondichery Ashok or similar.

Pondichery, the former French Colony, is a charming and enduring pocket of French Culture. Amongst the places to be visited are Sri Aurbindo Ashram, Pondicherry Museum, Sacred Heart Church, the French Institute and the Botanical Gardens.

DAY 5

Morning visit of Auroville. Designed by the French architect Roger Anger, it was conceived as an experiment in international living. After lunch, departure for Madras (162 Kms or approximately 4 hrs). The car will drop you directly at Madras airport for departure to Bangalore by 9W 3507 Dep: 19h25 and Arr :20h25.

BANGALORE - MYSORE (140 Kms or approximately 3hrs)

Bangalore to Mysore by road. Enroute visit of Srirangaoatna - Daria Daulat (Tippu Sultan's Summer Palace) the Fort and Tippu's Tomb.

At Mysore, Check-in at Hotel Southern Star or similar. Afternoon visit of Mysore: Mysore Palace, Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery and Chamundi Hills. Overnight at Hotel Southern Star or similar.

DAY 2

Morning free for relaxation or for shopping. Sandalwood and silk are Mysore's specialities. Afternoon continuation of the visit of Mysore: St.Philomena's Church, Mysore Zoo and the Brindavan Gardens. Overnight at Hotel Southern Star or similar.

DAY 3

Morning departure by road for Madikeri (Coorg) (115 Kms or approximately 2 1/2 hrs). Madikeri, which is situated 1525 meters above sea level, has been dubbed as the "Scotland Of India". The town has a lot to offer - misty hills, lush forests, breathtaking views and acres and acres of tea and coffee plantations. Places of Interest are : Madikeri Fort, Raja's Seat, Abbey Falls etc. Overnight at Hotel Coorg International or similar.

DAY 4

Morning departure for Sidapur (35 Kms or approximately 1 hour). Check-in at Orange Country Resort. Day free for relaxation. Optional activities - visit of a coffee plantation, forest trek, fishing at Cauvery River or boating on the Lake. Overnight at Orange Country Resort or similar.

DAY 5

After a leisurely morning at the resort return to Bangalore by road (240 Kms or approximately 5 hrs).