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Grand South India Tours

Day 1: Arrive Bangalore
Assistance and transfer to hotel

Day 2: Bangalore
FMorning at leisure Afternoon city sightseeing tour Bangalore, the capital city of Karnataka is one of the most important metropolis of India. It is a vital centre of science, aeronautics and electronics. Situated 1000 m above sea level, this garden city has pleasant weather round the year. The Lalbagh, one of the finest botanical Gardens of India, Cubbon Park laid in 1864 sprawling across 300 acres, Vidhana Soudha built in 1956 housing The State Legislature and Secretariat are the main attractions.

Day 3: Bangalore - Mysore drive
En-route visit Srirangapatnam Srirangapatnam – 16 km from Mysore on the north, the capital of great warrior Tipu Sultan, the Tiger of Mysore who was killed while fighting with British in 1799. His remains lie in a magnificent mausoleum, the Gumbaz. Nearby is the Tipu’s summer Palace, the Dariya Daulat. On arrival, check-in at the hotel.

Day 4: Mysore
Morning city sightseeing tour Mysore, 770 m above sea level, this imperial city was the erstwhile capital of the Wodeyars. The legend takes its name from a famous demon called Mahishasur, a great warrior who ruled as a tyrant until he was killed by the goddess Chamundeshwari. Mysore as we see today is most famous for the imposing Royal Palace with a magnificent Durbar Hall, particularly splendid during the Dussehra Festival when the Maharaja’s jewelery, studded gold throne (weighing 200 kgs) is on display.Chamundeshwari temple perched on a hilltop is 2000 years old, Nandi Bull half way to the hill is a 4.8 metre monolith.Afternoon visit Somnathpur Temple Somnathpur, Built in 1268 AD, the temple is known for its Hoysala architecture and is seated on a star shaped base, set on a chiselled plinth and guarded at internals by miniature elephants. The temple wall depicts scenes from Ramayana, Mahabharta and Bhagvata, the three holy religious books of Hindus

Day 5: Mysore - Hassan drive, 150 km
En-route visit Sravanbelgola, 51 km southeast of Hassan, this is one of the most important Jain pilgrim centre. Here is the 17 m high monolith of Lord Bahubali – the world’s tallest monolithic statue. Thousands of devotees congregate hee to perform the Mahamastakabisheka – a spectacular ceremony held once in 12 years when the 1000 year old statue is anointed with milk, curds, ghee, saffron and gold coins. The next Mahamastakabhisheka will be held in 2005 AD Arrive Hassan and check-in at the hotel.

Day 6: Hassan
Visit Belur and Halebid temples. Belur, 38 km from Hassan is located on the banks of the river Yagachi. Once the Capital of the Hoysala empire, it is known for The Chennakeshava Temple, one of the finest exmples of Hoysala architecture. It took 103 years to complete and the reason is evident. The façade of the temple is filled with intricate sculptures and friezes with no portion left blank.Elephants, episodes from the epics, sensuous, dancers they are all there – awe inspiring in their intricate workmanship. Halebid, 27 km from Hassan and 17 km from Belur, bear mute testimony to the rich, cultural heritage of Karnatka. The temple dating back to the 12th century is astounding for its wealth of sculptural details. The walls of the temple are covered with an endless variety of gods and goddesses, animals, birds and dancing girls. Yet no two faces of the temple are the same. The magnificent temple – guarded by a Nandi Bull was never completed despite 86 years of labour.

Day 7: Hassan - Nagerhole, 185 km
Drive to Nagerhole, the virgin jungle on the banks of the pristine river Kabini. Tucked into the southern fringes of Karnatka’s Nagerhole National Park, it was once the hunting lodge of the erstwhile Maharaja of Mysore. Spread over an expanse of 55 acres; with the ambience of lush green environs, serene river banks and undisturbed locales inhabited by the rich flora (Teak, Bamboo, Rosewood etc) and fauna (Tigers, Elephants, Gaur, wild dogs etc). The accommodation is in 14 comfortable private rooms with modern amenities; 6 twin bedded cottages and five tented cottages, all with attached bath. The cottages overlook the river.

Day 8: Nagerhole
Jungle activities start early morning and include wildlife safari, Coracle ride, boating, Elephant safari, Sailing, nature walk, film show on wildlife and day ends in the evening with camp fire dinner or a silent meal in the restaurant.

Day 9: Nagerhole - Bangalore - Dep.
Drive to Bangalore, 220 km and transfer to the airport in time for flight to onward destination.