South Karnataka Tour

Day 1: Bangalore to Sravanabelagola – 224Kms & 4.5 Hrs Driving

Morning start early by 7am after breakfast for Sravanabelagola – 150Kms 3.5 Hrs
This holy Jain pilgrim is a small township situated between the two hills Vindyagiri and Chandragiri, locally known as Doddabetta and Chikkabetta respectively. Shravana refers to the member of Jain community and Belagola means a White pond.
Sravanabelagola is a glorious and popular Jain centre since the 6th century. Established by the Gangas and later on nurtured by Hoysalas, the centre is famous for the standing statue of Bhagavan Bahubali Gommateshwara, is 58.8 feet in height and is the tallest monolithic stone sculpture in the world standing on Vindyagiri or Doddabetta.
Vindyagiri is about 1020 meters high above sea level and is about 143 meters high from the ground level and one has to climb 641 steps carved out of the hill rock itself leading to the top of the hillock.

From Sravanabelagola one drives to Ballupet – 2 Hours – 90Kms
Check-in a Resort in a coffee gardens or a hotel in Sakleshpura, Hassan District, famous for it’s coffee gardens.
After Lunch visit the Manjarabad Fort
Just a few KMs away from Sakleshpur taluk centre in Hassan district. The fort is built on a hilltop on the Bangalore-Mangalore National Highway. The fort is at an elevation of 988 m above sea level. The fort, which stands at 3393 feet and one has to climb 252 stairs to reach the “Giridurga” to reach this star-shaped fort built. Tipu Sultan of Mysore records the construction of the fort starting in AD 1785 and completing in 1792 AD.
Rest of the day free for a leasurely stroll in the coffee gardens

Day 2: Ballupet (Hassan District) to Belur – 1 Hr 38Kms

When we talk about the culture, history, sculpture, art and architecture of Karnataka state, Hoysala sculpture, architecture and the temples definitely comes to ones’ mind. The multi sanctum sanctorum temples, stellate designs, the carved plank doorways, lathe-turned pillars and the sclpural carvings are of unique in their grandiose style and beauty.
Hoysalas were great patrons of art, music and architecture. They built number of magnificient temples during their reign of 300 years and their temples and monuments are indeed the best in the world.
The greatest among the Hoysala kings Bittideva later on called as Vishnuvardhana was an efficient rular [1108ad to 1152ad]. In 1116ad he defeated the Cholas and conquered Tallakud. In commemoration of this victory the Vijaya narayana temple at Belur was built. The first important monument of Hoysala architecture. Belur to Halebidu – 17 Kms 45 Mins.
Belur and Dora Samudra (Halebidu were successively the capital cities of Hoysala dynasty. The Hoysaleshwara – Shantakeshwara dwikoota temple at Halebidu is considered another important monuments of the Hoysala period, constructed by Kethamalla a general and chief of public works under kind Vijayavarda. After the visit to the Hoysaleshwara temple transfer to Chikmangalore 39 Kms and an hours drive and night halt.

Day 3: Chikamangalore to Mullayanagiri & Jhari Waterfalls

A Day for the adventure lovers
Perched at an altitude of 1930 m above the sea level, Mullayanagiri peak is located in the Baba Budan Giri Range of Western Ghats. It serves as the highest peak between the Nilgiris and the Himalayas offering its visitors a relaxed environment with temperature ranging between 20 - 25 degrees Celsius. Known for its peaceful ambience and nature's raw beauty, this peak is adorned with verdant grassland, rugged rocks, and a good trek path is also quite popular among adventure lovers. Mullayanagiri is also known for coffee plantations that are situated nearby. Mullayanagiri is best known as a hub for adventure enthusiasts, especially trekkers as this destination is adorned with perfect trek trail. The starting point of this 4 km trek is Sarpadhari with steep trail and full of thrill. One can drive till Sarpadhari which takes 1 Hour and 15 mins. And then trek to the peak.
Coming back to Sarpadhari one can drive down to Jhari waterfalls starting point from where one has to take a Jeep that takes you down by a very rugged path to the base of the falls. Each jeep charges Rs.700/- for 6 to 8 people that they can accommodate and give you enough time to have a excellent time under the falls. On a holiday the road to the falls is jammed with cars so a general week day is suggested.
The day and the tour ends here and you drive back to Bangalore, a 5 Hours drive or stay for the night in Chikmangaluru and drive back the next morning after breakfast.