Itinerary

Day 1:  Arrive Bangalore
Upon arrival, Your host welcomes you and transfers you to your hotel. This afternoon, delve into Bangalore, India’s fastest growing city. Its nickname “India’s Silicon Valley” indicates what you’re likely to see:  Western-style bookstore cafes, trendy boutiques and pubs.  Historical sites include Vidhan Soudha, State Secretariat, built in 1954, blends traditional Dravidian and modern styles; and Government Museum of Banglore is one of India’s oldest museums; Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens, 220-acres, holds a number of flower shows. Tipu Sultan's Fort and Palace date from 1789.  Taj West End

Day 2:   Banglore / Belur and Halebid / Hassan 
After breakfast, drive with your guide to the towns of Belur and Halebid. The temples here are the finest remaining examples of the most artistically exuberant period of Hindu culture. Every inch of the outside wall and much of the interiors reveal the endless variety of Hindu deities, sages, and scenes from wars, hunting, agriculture, music and dance. Sensual sculptures explicitly portray amorous lifestyles of dancing girls. Outside, pilgrims with bare feet and saffron or black costumes bring offerings. Pavement flower stalls, shops selling religious artifacts, fruit and tea stalls hum with activity. Drive to Hassan, and check in to your hotel. Hotel Hassan Ashok (B)

Day 3:   Hassan / Shravan Belagola / Mysore
After breakfast, continue on your journey to Shravan Belagola, one of the oldest and most important pilgrimage centers for followers of the Jain religion. Later, drive to Mysore and check into your hotel. Tonight, visit Devaraja fruit and vegetable market and adjoining bazaar. Hotel Lalitha Mahal Palace (B)

Day 4:  Mysore / Bangalore / Depart
Mysore has been an important center for South Indian culture and learning for centuries. It is a major area for manufacturing incense in scores of family-owned factories. The city is also a center for crafts. The Maharaja’s Palace (1907), in Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, boasts a plethora of stained glass, mirrors, carved doors, and mosaic floors. Marvel at the carved mahogany ceilings, solid silver doors, white marble floors and superbly columned Hall of Public Audience.  Shri Chamundeshwari temple, set on top of Chamundi Hills.  Up the hill is famous Nandy (Lord Shiva’s Bull) carved from a single piece of granite and five meters high. Return to Bangalore for your onward connections. (B)

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