Then drive to Hampi, one of the important tourist destinations located on the banks of river Tungabhadra in Bellary district of Karnataka. Hampi is an extremely significant place in terms of history and architecture. The entire area is covered with monuments and structures showcasing rich architecture. Spectacular temples, palace basements, ancient market places, royal platforms and pavilions, aquatic structures, and several other monuments and structures make Hampi one of the most interesting places to explore. Hampi is recognized by UNESCO as one of the World Heritage sites in India. On arrival at Hospet, check in to the hotel or resort and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 02 : Hospet - Hampi - Hospet
After Breakfast, drive to Hampi for Sightseeing (Virupaksha Temple, Kadale Kalu Ganesha, Sasive Kalu Ganesha, Krishna Temple, Lakshmi Narasimha, Badavi Linga, Sister Stones, Underground Temple, Mint House, Lotus Mahal, Elephant Stables, Hazara Rama Temple, Palace Area, Mahanavami Dibba, Queen's Bath). After Lunch visit Vijaya Vittala Temple (Stone Chariot), King's Balance, Purandara Mantapa, Old Pillar Bridge. if time permits, proceed to visit Tungabhadra Dam, constructed across the Tungabhadra River. Evening, return to the hotel and overnight stay in the hotel.
Day 03 : Hospet - Kuknoor - Itagi - Lakkundi - Gadag
After breakfast, check out the hotel and drive to Kuknoor (59 Km), an important place in the early and mediaeval days and the place rich in antiquarian remains of the later Chalukya style of architecture and these buildings range from the 8th to the 13th century AD and illustrate the building tendencies of the age. The group of temples that represents the early Chalukya school is called Navalinga (Navalinga Temple).
After visiting the temple at Kuknoor, proceed to Itagi, 7 Km from Kuknoor. Itagi is well-known place for Mahadeva Temple. The Mahadeva Temple built in 1112 AD by Mahadeva, a commander in the army of the Western Chalukya King Vikramaditya VI. The well-executed sculptures, finely crafted carvings on walls, pillars and the tower make it a good example of complete Western Chalukyan art. An inscription dated 1112 CE in the temple calls it Emperor among Temples (Devalaya Chakravarti). The temple is protected as a national monument by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Then drive to Lakkundi (36 Km), a place of antiquarian interest with as many temples, 101 stepped wells (also called as Kalyani) and 29 inscriptions, spread over the period of the later Chalukyas, Kalachuris, Seuna and the Hoysalas. On arrival at Lakkundi, visit Brahma Jinalaya (Jain Temple) a chalukyan style temple built in 1007 AD. Then visit Kasivisveshwara Temple (the most ornate and elaborately furnished), Surya Temple, Manikeswara Temple, Stepped Wells, Nannesvara Temple and Naganatha Temple.
After visiting these temples drive to Gadag (13 Km), on arrival at Gadag, check in to the hotel and proceed to visit Trikuteshwara temple complex has triple shrines, once housing Shiva, Brahma and Surya. The Saraswathi temple has the finest shining decorative pillars, and the Saraswathi image, and is one of the largest examples of Chalukya art. Then visit Veeranarayana Temple dates from the Chalukya era. Return to the hotel and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 04 : Gadag - Dambal - Bangalore
After breakfast, check out the hotel and drive to Dambal (24 Km), an ancient center of Buddhism and remained so as late as the 12th century. On arrival at Dambal, visit The Doddabasappa Temple, the Western Chalukya architectural style temple and has a star-shaped plan for the vimana with so many star points that it almost becomes circular in appearance. Each right angle is divided into four 22.5 degrees angles. Then each angle is again divided and covered with intricate carvings. Then drive to Bangalore. On arrival at Bangalore, you will be transferred to the Airport or Railway station or Hotel. Trip ends with the delightful memories of Hampi – Kuknoor – Itagi – Lakkundi – Gadag - Dambal Tour Package.
