Historical and Architectural Roadtrip to Karnataka, India

Day 01: Pune Arrival We'll meet at Pune airport and transfer to the hotel. On this day we will take it easy since you will be coming from a long flight, however, we will definitely have dinner at the local restaurant where I will introduce you to the local cuisine. If time permits we'll visit the local market in Pune and rest. Overnight stay at Pune.

Day 02: Pune - Bijapur (355 Kms / 7 - 8 Hrs) Have breakfast at the hotel and proceed ahead to Bijapur. On arrival at Bijapur check in at the hotel. Overnight stay at Bijapur. Day 03: Bijapur - Badami (125 Kms / 3 Hrs) Bijapur - This city served as the capital of the Adil Shahi dynasty, one of the prominent Muslim Sultanates in South India, from the 15th to the 17th centuries. The city is renowned for its impressive architecture, particularly its mosques, mausoleums, palaces, and fortifications. After breakfast at the hotel, check out and we proceed ahead for local sightseeing in Bijapur. 1) Gol Gumbaz: is the most famous monument in Bijapur and is a remarkable mausoleum built for Muhammad Adil Shah, the seventh ruler of the Adil Shahi dynasty. The structure is one of the largest domes in the world. 2) Ibrahim Rauza: Ibrahim Rauza is an elegant mausoleum complex built for Ibrahim Adil Shah II, the fifth ruler of the Adil Shahi dynasty, and his queen. It is known for its exquisite architecture, featuring intricate carvings, delicate screens, and beautiful calligraphy. The mausoleum and the mosque within the complex are considered architectural masterpieces of the Deccan Sultanate style. 3) Malik-e-Maidan: Intricately carved 16th-century cannon is considered one of the largest medieval guns ever made. Measuring 14 feet long and weighing 55 tons, the cannon wreaked havoc at the Battle of Talikota in 1565 and is now located in Bijapur. After sightseeing proceed to Badami. Badami, formerly known as Vatapi, was the capital of the Badami Chalukyas in the 6th century. The site is renowned for its rock-cut cave temples carved into the sandstone cliffs. These temples feature intricate carvings and depict various Hindu deities such as Shiva, Vishnu, and Jain Tirthankaras. On arrival at Badami, check in at the hotel and stay. In the evening enjoy a get-together and rest

Day 04: Badami - Aihole - Patadakkal - Badami Hospet (161 Kms / 4 Hrs) Badami: formerly known as Vatapi, was the capital of the Badami Chalukyas from CE 540 to 757. The site is renowned for its rock-cut cave temples carved into the sandstone cliffs. These temples feature intricate carvings and depict various Hindu deities such as Shiva, Vishnu, and Jain Tirthankaras. Have breakfast at the hotel and proceed to Aihole and Pattadakkal and visit Durga Temple, Kunti Group of Temples, Sangamehswara Temple, and Galagnatha Temples. Post Lunch we visit Badami Caves and enjoy sunset at Badami Fort. After sightseeing return back to the hotel. Overnight stay at Badami Day 05: Badami - Hospet (135 Kms / 3 Hrs) Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and depart towards Hospet. En-route visit Sanapur Lake and enjoy the Coracle ride. Later proceed to Hospet and check in at the hotel. Overnight stay at Hospet.

Day 06: Hospet - Hampi - Hospet (11 Kms 1 way / 45 Mins) Hampi: Located in the Bellary district, Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire from the 14th to the 16th centuries. The ruins of this once-thriving city are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hampi is famous for its impressive Dravidian-style temples, intricate carvings, royal enclosures, and the iconic stone chariot. After breakfast at the hotel, we proceed to Hampi for sightseeing - Virupaksha Temple, Vitthala Temple, and the Stone Chariot followed by a visit to the underground Shiva Temple, Royal Enclosure, Queen’s Bath, Lotus Mahal, and the Elephant Stables. Later enjoy the Coracle ride at Sanapur Lake and return back to Hospet. Overnight stay at Hospet. Day 07: Hospet - Gokak Falls - Kolhapur (335 Kms / 8-9 Hrs) After breakfast, we proceed to visit Gokak Falls famous as 'Mini Niagara Falls'. Later proceed to Kolhapur and check in at the hotel. Overnight stay at Kolhapur

Day 8: Kolhapur - Pune (250 Kms / 4 Hrs) Have breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast check out from the hotel and proceed to Pune. Reach Pune in the evening. On arrival in Pune drop at Pune Airport and Adios.!! PS: While planning your return journey from Pune, It is advised to consider the flights post-1900 Hrs as you'll be dropped at the Airport by 1600 Hrs