Known as the ‘Garden City’, Bangalore is the attractive capital of Karnataka, set on the Mysore Plateau. Leafy, cosmopolitan, and well-structured, it is often ranked among India’s most liveable cities. Wide boulevards are lined with restaurants and tea stalls offering a rich array of South Indian flavours.

Alongside its colonial heritage, Bangalore’s booming IT industry has shaped it into a modern and sophisticated metropolis.

Travel to the lush wilderness of Kabini, a place that stays with you long after you leave. Elephants wander along riverbanks at sunset, tigers remain hidden in dense jungle, and colourful birds fill the air with song.

The peaceful forests and river valleys offer a deep connection to nature and a glimpse into the wild heart of southern India.

Arrive in Mysore, a city that invites you to slow down and absorb its timeless charm. Once the capital of the Kingdom of Mysore, it is rich in culture, craftsmanship, and royal legacy.

The grand Mysore Palace, with its domes, arches, and intricate carvings, is an unforgettable highlight. Beyond the palace, explore tree-lined streets, vibrant markets, and the lingering scents of sandalwood and silk.

This morning, drive approximately one hour to the intriguing riverside town of Talakadu, veiled in myth and mystery. Famous for ancient temples once buried beneath river sand, it is an archaeological dream.

Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, explore shrines uncovered along the banks of the Kaveri River. Learn about the legend of Queen Alamelamma, whose curse is said to have doomed the town.

Talakadu is renowned for the Panchalinga temples dedicated to Lord Shiva — Vaidyanatheshwara (the largest), Pathaleshwara, Maruleshwara, Arkeshwara, and Mallikarjuna. The Maruleshwara Temple remains partially buried in sand.

Other significant remains include the Keerthinarayana Temple, Anandesvara and Gaurisankara shrines, Jain basadis, ring wells, bathing ponds, idols, and sculptures. Good walking shoes are essential due to sandy terrain.

Travel to Hassan, one of Karnataka’s oldest towns, founded in the 11th century and shaped by the Hoysala dynasty.

Hassan is celebrated for its exquisitely carved Hoysala temples, remarkable for their preservation and artistic sophistication. Beyond architecture, the town offers lively markets, regional cuisine, and scenic countryside.

Arrive in Hospet, the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi. Once the capital of the mighty Vijayanagara Empire, Hampi is among India’s most evocative archaeological landscapes.

Monumental temples, royal enclosures, markets, and advanced water systems stretch across a dramatic boulder-strewn terrain. With Annalise’s archaeological insight, the ruins come alive with stories of power, devotion, trade, and daily life.

Spend a full day exploring the open-air museum of Hampi, the last bastion of the Vijayanagara Empire.

Highlights include the Vijaya Vittala Temple, famed for its Stone Chariot and Musical Pillars, and the living Virupaksha Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Other sites include: • Royal Enclosure (Lotus Mahal & Elephant Stables) • Queen’s Bath • Hazara Rama Temple • Ganagitti Jain Temple • Pattabhirama Temple • Narasimha Monolith • Raghunatha Temple on Malyavanta Hill Hemakuta Hill offers breathtaking panoramic views of the entire archaeological site.

Return to the hotel for a relaxed evening.

Begin with an early morning coracle ride on the Tungabhadra River.

Drive towards the archaeological hub of Lakkundi, stopping en route at Gadag, part of the Gadag Temple Circuit. Explore the Trikuteshwara and Veeranarayana Temples, exemplars of Western Chalukya (Gadag-style) architecture. The Trikuteshwara Temple uniquely houses shrines to Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu.

Also visit Jain temples dedicated to Mahavira and Parshvanatha.

At Lakkundi, explore a remarkable concentration of temples and stepwells, including:
• Kasi Vishwanatha
• Mallikarjuna
• Virupaksha
• Lakshminarayana
• Manikeshwara
• Brahma Jinalaya (11th-century Jain basadi)

Notable stepwells include Chateer Bavi, Kanne Bavi, and Musukina Bavi. Visit the ASI Sculpture Gallery before returning to Hampi.

Travel to Badami, the former capital of the Chalukya dynasty. Set against red sandstone cliffs overlooking Agastya Lake, Badami is famed for its extraordinary rock-cut cave temples depicting Hindu and Jain iconography.

The caves reveal early experimentation in temple architecture and sacred spatial design.

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Aihole and Pattadakal.

Aihole, dating back to the 4th century CE, features over 120 temples scattered across the Malaprabha River valley. Highlights include the Durga Temple and the Ravana Phadi Cave, with reliefs of Shiva and Parvati.

Pattadakal showcases a fusion of North and South Indian architectural styles. The Virupaksha Temple is the standout monument, alongside the Galaganatha, Sangameshwara, Papanatha, Mallikarjuna, Jambu Lingeshwara, and Kadasiddeshwara temples.

Return to Badami for a relaxed evening.

Return to Bangalore for the final night of the journey. This is a time to reflect on the extraordinary archaeological landscapes, stories, and shared discoveries of Karnataka.

Transfer to Bangalore International Airport for departure, taking home a deeper understanding of South India’s ancient worlds and living heritage.