Early morning, visit KR Market, also known as Krishna Rajendra Market, one of Asia’s largest flower markets and a vibrant, authentic slice of local life. Return to the hotel for breakfast and later drive to Hassan via Shravanabelagola. On the way, stop at Shravanabelagola, a major Jain pilgrimage site, and climb the hill to see the colossal 17-meter-high monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali. Continue to Hassan. Check-in is normally at 1400 hrs and early check-in is subject to availability. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Hassan.

After breakfast, take a trip to Belur to visit the Chennakesava Temple, famous for its intricate Hoysala architecture and sculptural detail. In the afternoon, visit Halebidu, the former Hoysala capital, to see the Hoysaleswara and Kedareswara temples, known for their detailed carvings and 12th-century architectural mastery. Later visit the peaceful ruins of Shettihalli Church, which becomes partly submerged during the monsoon season. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Hassan.

After an early breakfast, begin the long drive through the heart of Karnataka toward Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The drive is approximately 340 km and takes around 6 to 7 hours. Arrive in Hampi in the afternoon and visit Virupaksha Temple, the main temple in the area. Continue to Lotus Mahal and the Elephant Stables in the Zenana Enclosure, known for unique Indo-Islamic architectural elements associated with the royal quarters. In the late afternoon, watch the sunset from nearby Hemakuta Hill. Later explore the Hampi Bazaar area and check into the hotel. Hospet may be preferred for more comfortable accommodation options.

After breakfast, explore the Vijaya Vittala Temple Complex, one of Hampi’s most celebrated monuments. Continue with a monoliths tour, visiting the impressive Ugra Narasimha Statue and the nearby Badavilinga Temple. Later, enjoy the landscape around Sanapur Lake, a peaceful lake surrounded by massive rock formations. As an optional experience, take a coracle boat ride on the Tungabhadra River during the golden hour, offering a memorable view of the region’s rock-strewn scenery.

After breakfast, drive to Shivamogga via Chitradurga. The drive is approximately 223 km and takes around 5 to 6 hours without visits. En route, visit Chitradurga Fort, whose name means “picturesque fort” in Kannada. Built across rugged hills, the fort narrates centuries of Karnataka’s valor and architectural brilliance. It covers around 1,500 acres with seven concentric stone walls, 19 gateways and nearly 2,000 watchtowers. Ingenious rainwater harvesting systems helped sustain the fort during long sieges, and the complex includes 18 ancient temples, including the notable Hidimbeshwara Temple. Continue to Shivamogga and check into the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, drive to Mysore via Jog Falls. Jog Falls is located around 100 km from Shimoga in the lush forests of the Western Ghats. It is a majestic waterfall formed by the Sharavathi River, also known as Gerusoppa Falls, dropping from a height of about 829 feet in four distinct cascades called Raja, Roarer, Rocket and Rani. The best time to visit is post-monsoon from September to January. There are well-laid steps and observation areas that offer panoramic views of the falls, though visitors should be cautious of slippery surfaces. Continue the drive to Mysore and check into the hotel on arrival.

After breakfast, experience Mysore Dasara, the grand state festival of Karnataka, also known as Nadahabba. Celebrated during Navaratri according to the lunar calendar, the festival has a history of more than 400 years and transforms the peaceful city of Mysore into a hub of celebrations. In the evening, witness Mysore Palace illuminated by over 100,000 bulbs, usually from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Enjoy cultural programs such as classical music and dance performances on the palace grounds, and visit the Dasara Exhibition, where fairgrounds feature local crafts, food, entertainment and amusement rides.

After breakfast, attend the grand finale of the festival: the Vijayadashami Jumbo Savari. Watch decorated elephants proceed through the city, with the lead elephant carrying the 750 kg golden howdah of Goddess Chamundeshwari from Mysore Palace toward Bannimantap. The celebration honors Goddess Chamundeshwari’s victory over the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. The procession reflects a royal tradition initiated by the Wadiyar dynasty of the Mysore Kingdom. In the evening, conclude the festival experience at Bannimantap grounds with the spectacular torchlight parade, military-style display and fireworks.

After breakfast, drive to Bengaluru Airport. En route, stop at Srirangapatna, the historic island town on the Kaveri River that briefly served as the capital of Mysore under Tipu Sultan. Visit Dariya Daulat Palace, also known as the Summer Palace, located within the gardens of Daria Daulat Bagh. Built in 1784, the palace now houses a museum dedicated to Tipu Sultan, with memorabilia, European paintings and Persian manuscripts. Your guide will explain the palace’s teakwood pillars, open corridors, outer-wall frescoes of battle scenes and royal portraits. Later transfer to the airport in time to board your onward flight.