Karnataka Heritage Tour

Arrive at Bengaluru by 12 pm where a KVT representative will meet you at the airport or railway station. We drive to Mysore (3 to 4 hrs drive). Check into hotel at Mysore, one of South India’s most enchanting cities famed for its glittering royal heritage and magnificent monuments. Spend the rest of the day relaxing or explore the bazaar district replete with spice stores and incense stalls. (Meals: Nil)

After breakfast, we check the bikes for some last moment adjustments, followed by a briefing session by the tour leader. We cycle to Srirangapatnam, riding through the back roads and into the countryside crossing villages and fields. The fort town of Srirangapatnam is built on a river island enclosed by the river Kaveri. The seat of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, this town was the de facto capital of much of southern India during the 18th century. We visit the summer palace of Tipu Sultan, Dariya Daulat Bagh, built of teakwood in Indo-Muslim architectural style within well-manicured garden. We also visit the intricately carved Ranganathaswamy Temple which is dedicated to Shri Ranganathaswamy, presiding deity of Srirangapatnam. We then return to Mysore. In the afternoon we drive into the city for a sightseeing tour and visit the majestic Mysore City Palace, a historical palace and royal residence of the Wadiyar dynasty. We then proceed to the Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation factory, where we see how the Mysore silk saree is made from the scratch, right from how the silk is unspooled, spun into fibers, and loaded on bobbins and spindles to the weaving and dyeing process. Later, we visit Chamundi hills – a Hindu pilgrimage site crowned with the Sri Chamundeswari Temple and a 5 meter-high statue of Nandi (Shiva’s bull) carved out of solid rock, dating back to 1659. After enjoying the beautiful sunset from the hill, we return to the hotel. (Cycling distance: Around 30 kms / Meals: Breakfast)

We drive to the outskirts of the town after breakfast and mount our cycles to ride to Shravanabelagola. Here we visit Asia’s tallest monolithic stone statue of Gomateshwara, which is a prominent Jain pilgrimage center. After that we drive to Hassan (1 to 1.5hrs drive) and stay the night at the hotel. (Cycling distance: Around 40 kms / Meals: Breakfast)

After breakfast, we cycle through the country roads to Halebeedu, the ancient capital of the Hoysala Dynasty. Upon arrival we visit the Hoysaleswara Temple, an architectural marvel poised on a star-shaped base on the lawn. This twin-shrine temple is perhaps the largest Shiva temple built by the Hoysalas with intricate carvings of Hindu deities, sages, animals, birds and friezes depicting the life of the kings. After the temple, we drive to Belur (30mins drive) and upon arrival we will visit the Chennakeshava Temple – a magnificent Hoysala temple complex which was built by Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana to commemorate his victory over the Cholas in 1116 AD. This start shaped temple is an example of supreme stone carving skills. Later we will drive for another 30mins towards Chikmagalur, widely known as ‘the coffee land of Karnataka’. After checking into the hotel at Chikmagalur we head out in the afternoon again on our cycles, pedaling through the forested road with gradual ascent till we reach a coffee plantation where we learn about the process of producing coffee. Spend the night at the hotel. (Cycling distance: Around 50 kms / Meals: Breakfast)

Today is the last day of the cycling leg of the tour as we ride on the Western Ghats. After breakfast we start to cycle through the winding roads to reach the plains. We ride through forested road and coffee plantations covering around 35 kms. Then we board the accompanying vehicle and drive to the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary (1.5 to 2hrs drive). Located in lush tropical forests of the Western Ghats and fed by the waters of the river Bhadra, the sanctuary is a protected area and a tiger reserve. It boasts of over 120 species of trees, a considerable number of tiger and leopards as well as other species like elephants, gaur, deer, bison, bear and different species of birds and reptiles. We check into the jungle lodge. (Cycling distance: Around 35 kms / Meals: Breakfast & Dinner)

Early morning we embark on a jeep safari through the sanctuary and explore the forest life. The jeep will take us through the rugged forest tracks as we try to spot the elusive tiger and leopard. During the safari we will also see a variety of animals and birds that inhabit the forests. After the safari, we return to the jungle lodge for breakfast and then leave for our next destination. We drive to Dandeli (4.5 to 5.5 hrs drive) and check in to our wilderness camp. Dandeli with its untamed picturesque terrain – gorges, valleys, forests and swirling and frothing white water– is a nature lover’s delight! (Meals: Breakfast & Dinner)

After breakfast get ready for an adventurous day ahead. We start with white water rafting for a 12 km stretch (3 to 4 hrs) on river Kali. Surrounded by lush dense forests, the river has several grade 2 and grade 3 rapids that make the rafting experience exhilarating and memorable. After a morning full of excitement, we return to the camp for some rest. In the afternoon we head out for a Coracle, a traditional boat, ride on the river, spotting crocodiles, various species of birds and if we are lucky even animals getting a drink of water. Head back to the camp and call it a day. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Today we drive to Murudeshwar (3.5 to 4.5hrs drive), the holy beach town of Karnataka, and check into the hotel. In the afternoon we visit the Murudeshwar Temple dedicated to lord Shiva and a fine example of the Vijayanagar architecture. The temple is surrounded by sea from three sides and has a 20 storied gopura called the Raja Gopura. Here we also visit the second tallest statue of lord Shiva overlooking the Arabian Sea. Spend the night at the hotel. (Meals: Breakfast)

After breakfast we will be transferred to Mangalore airport for flight to Mumbai. Upon arrival connect onward international flight back to home country. (Meals: Breakfast)