Heritage Hampi

Our friendly agent will greet you upon your arrival at the Bengaluru airport or the railway station. He will then escort you to your cozy hotel in Hampi, which is a fascinating UNESCO World Heritage site that is known for its ancient temples and monuments.

En route Hampi, you will be visiting the iconic Chitradurga Fort, which is also known as the Kallina Kote (Fort of Stones). This magnificent structure was built between the 10th and 18th centuries by rulers from the Chalukya, Rashtrakuta, and later the Nayakas of Chitradurga. This sprawling fort is perched on a rocky hill, has seven concentric walls, water reservoirs, ancient temples, and offers a glimpse into the past with its rich history and architectural brilliance. Apart from that, you can also enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscapes from the watchtowers, which once served as strategic lookout points in ancient times.

After exploring the Chitradurga Fort, you will continue your journey to Hampi.

However, you also have the option to visit Ballari before going to Hampi, to explore the Bellary Fort, which is the second largest monolithic hill in the world. It is also known as Ballari Gudda, and was constructed by the Vijayanagara king Hanumappa Nayaka.

After this, you will travel to Hampi, where you will check in to your cozy hotel upon your arrival. Here, you can grab a little rest, or else you can walk out to explore the surroundings and enjoy the calm atmosphere of this historic town.

Later, return to your hotel to savour a delectable dinner and to grab a restful night’s sleep.

Today, wake up to a fresh new day in hampi, relish an appetizing breakfast, and then you will set off to explore the wonders of Hampi.

You will begin your sightseeing tour of the day by visiting the Sri Virupaksha Temple, which is a prominent Hindu shrine and one of the oldest active temples in India. This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a key spiritual center in Hampi. The temple’s towering gopura and intricate carvings stand as a testament to the glory of the Vijayanagara Empire.

After seeking the blessings of the divine at the temple, you are free to explore the bustling Hampi bazaar to experience the local life and to shop for souvenirs.

In some time, you must meet your friendly agent, and then you will continue your journey to the famous Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, which is renowned for housing a colossal monolithic statue of Lord Narasimha, a fierce avatar of Lord Vishnu. Despite this, the monument remains an awe-inspiring sight, symbolizing power and divine protection. Though this statue is partially damaged, with the figure of Lakshmi (Vishnu’s consort) missing from the lap of the deity. Despite this, it still conveys a sense of immense power and protection.

This will be followed by a visit to the Shri Krishna Temple, which dates back to the Vijayanagara Empire and was built in 1513 AD by King Krishnadevaraya. Here, you will not only get a glimpse of the divine, but will also witness ornate carvings and depictions of scenes from the Hindu mythology.

Next, you will visit the Royal Enclosure, which once served as the royal palace and military command center of the Vijayanagara kings. The enclosure houses many notable structures, like the Mahanavami Dibba, which is an elevated platform from where the king would watch royal processions from. This platform is also known as the Dasara Dibba and it is adorned with intricate carvings of soldiers, horses, elephants, and dancers. The enclosure also houses the Stepped Tank, which is a perfectly symmetrical water reservoir that exemplifies the advanced engineering skills of the era. Apart from that, it is also home to the Hazara Rama Temple, which is an ancient temple that features stunning bas-reliefs illustrating the Ramayana. Here, you can take a short walk to explore the Dasara Dibba, which is an elevated grand stone platform from where kings watched processions and celebrations.

After this, you will head towards the Lotus Mahal, which is an architectural marvel that is shaped like a half-open lotus, built by blending the Hindu as well as the Islamic architectural styles. This palace was built during the Vijayanagara Empire and it derives its name from the lotus flower, as its dome and archways resemble the petals of a blooming lotus. Historically, it served as a royal pavilion, possibly as a leisure palace for the queens of the empire. The structure’s intricate carvings and symmetrical design make it a standout amidst Hampi’s ancient ruins.

This will be followed by a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Hampi in Kamalapur, to discover a vast collection of artifacts, sculptures, and relics from the Vijayanagara Empire. The museum showcases sculptures, stone inscriptions, coins, and pottery that provide valuable insights into the region’s rich history. The museum is divided into four galleries, where each displays various items excavated from the ruins of Hampi and the nearby areas. These include weapons, religious sculptures, and ancient tools. A notable exhibit is the model of Hampi’s original layout, which helps visitors visualize the grandeur of this ancient capital.

After exploring the archaeological museum, you will return to your cozy hotel to feast on a delicious dinner and to have a relaxing overnight stay.

Today, wake up to another refreshing day in the historic city of Hampi, have a hearty breakfast, and then you will embark on a scenic journey to Badami, which is another ancient city, that once served as the capital of the Chalukya dynasty.

Enroute Badami, you will be stopping by to visit the ancient towns of Aihole and Pattadakal, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites that are known for their rich heritage and temple architecture.

The first site you will be visiting today in this heritage tour is Aihole, which is a peaceful village situated on the banks of the Malaprabha river. Aihole is renowned as the “Cradle of Indian Temple as it boasts over 100 intricately carved temples dating back to the 6th century. Here, you will be exploring the Durga Temple, which is known for its apsidal plan and exquisite carvings, and the Lad Khan Temple, which is one of the oldest temples in Aihole, that features stunning stone pillars and an open roof. These temples provide a deep insight into the early experiments in architecture that influenced the temple designs all across India.

Next, you will be stopping at Pattadakal, which is another UNESCO World Heritage site. Pattidakal, showcases the early Chalukyan art and architecture, blending the Dravidian and Nagara styles in its majestic temples. This historic site is also located on the banks of the Malaprabha river, and it served as the royal coronation place for the Chalukya kings. The site comprises of ten major temples, each reflecting a remarkable convergence of South and North Indian architectural influences. Here, you will be exploring the Virupaksha temple, which is one of the most prominent temples in Pattadakal. This 8^th century temple was built to commemorate a Chalukyan victory over the Pallavas. Nearby, you will also visit the Mallikarjuna Temple, which mirrors the Virupaksha Temple in design but showcases distinct artistic elements and detailing. Another highlight in Pattadakal is the Papanatha Temple, which features ornate carvings of deities, battle scenes, and the daily life of the begone era.

Then, you will continue your journey to Badami, which was the erstwhile capital of the Chalukya dynasty that is nestled between towering red sandstone cliffs.

As you reach Badami, you will visit the Mahakuteshwara Temple in Mahakoota, which is an ancient temple complex that is built amidst lush green surroundings and natural springs. This temple is also known as Dakshina Kashi and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The main attraction of the temple is the Shivalinga and the sacred pond, which is known as the Papavinasha Tirtha. It is believed that bathing in this holy pond washes away the sins, thereby drawing devotees who seek spiritual purification. The complex also houses several smaller shrines that are dedicated to various deities, with exquisite carvings depicting scenes from the Hindu mythology, showcasing the artistic skills of the Chalukyan craftsmen.

Soon you will arrive in Badami, where you will check-in to your hotel to spend the rest of the evening relaxing, which will be followed by a delicious dinner and a good night’s sleep.

Wake up, relish a sumptuous breakfast, and then you will set out to explore the Badami Cave Temples before heading towards Goa and your way back home.

The Badami Cave Temples are a series of four magnificent rock-cut temples that are carved into the cliffs. These temples date back to the 6th century, and showcase a unique blend of Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist influences, with intricate carvings of deities, mythological scenes, and stunning pillars. The first cave is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the second and third to Lord Vishnu, and the fourth to the Jain Tirthankaras. The temples are adorned with intricate sculptures, such as the famous 18-armed Nataraja, which vividly depicts the various dance poses of Lord Shiva. Apart from that, these cave temples not only reflect the architectural brilliance of the Chalukya dynasty but also offer panoramic views of Agastya Lake and the surrounding landscape.

After immersing yourself in the beauty of the Badami Cave Temples, you will begin your journey to Goa. As you drive through scenic landscapes, reflect on the rich history and cultural heritage you’ve experienced on this journey.

Upon your arrival in Goa, we will drop you at the airport or the railway station to assist you with your onward journey back home. Apart from that, we can also drop you at your preferred destination in Goa (which can be at an additional cost)

This marks the end of your amazing heritage trip to Hampi and Badami, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Karnataka’s ancient wonders, that will not only make you a history buff, but also a vivid storyteller.