Arrival at Bangalore. Take a stroll in the 240 acre Lalbagh, which is home to India’s largest collection of rare tropical and subtropical plants, as well as many centuries old trees. Or visit the Tipu’s summer palace built in 1791; a two storied ornate wooden structure with fluted pillars, cusped arches and balconies. Or visit the Bull temple built by Kempegowda and which has a huge

granite monolith of Nandi the bill, Lord Shiva’s vehicle. The Krishna Temple of ISKCON temple with its blend of modern technology and spiritual harmony is also an interesting place for a visit.

Visit the Bannerghatta National Park (25 km.), sprawling over 104 sq.km. The National Park has a tiger and lion safari, crocodile farm, a snake park, elephant rides and a nature camp for children.

Early morning depart for Hospet. Afternoon visit the Tungabhadra Dam here which harnesses the sweet waters of the Tungabhadra River. At the base of the dam is a garden, styled along Japanese lines. Overnight stay at Hospet.

Depart for Hampi, the seat of the World Heritage group of monuments and one of the most beautiful and evocative of all historical sites in South India. Situated on the southern bank of Tungabhadra, Hampi was established as the seat of Vijayanagara Empire in the mid 14th century, South India’s largest, wealthiest and most powerful kingdoms. The period witnessed resurgence of Hindu religion, art, and architecture in an unprecedented scale. The city covers an area of nearly 26 sq km and is stated to be enclosed by seven lines of fortifications. The city was later conquered in AD 1565, pillaged for 6 months and abandoned. Yet Hampi is not only of interest for its magnificent ruins. Its remarkable landscape, religious associations and ongoing archeological investigations make it an outstanding destination of international significance. Overnight stay at Hospet.

Depart for Bijapur. The one time capital of the Adi shahi kings (1489 – 1686). Bijapur is dotted with mosques, mausoleums, palaces, fortifications, watchtowers and strong gateways with the massive Gol Gumbaz dominating the Landscape. This magnificent mausoleum of Muhammed Adil shah houses the world’s second largest dome unsupported by the pillars-an

acoustic and architectural wonder. Built in 1659, its most arresting features are the seven storied octagonal spires of the four corners and the heavy bracketed cornice below the parapet. The Gol Gumbaz in this dome forms a highly sensitive echo chamber. The slightest whisper at one end can be distinctly heard at the opposite end – 125 feet away! Also visit the Malik-e-Maaidan (a 55 ton cannon perched on a platform), Bara Kamman (incomplete mausoleum of Ali Adil shah II), and Ibrahim Roza (palatial mosque and tomb). Overnight stay.

Visit Afzal Khan`s Centaph. It is said that Afzal Khan started the construction of his own tomb in his lifetime. But eventually could not be buried here. You could spend days exploring Bijapur wandering around the arakilla, The Anand Mahal, the Mehtar Mahal, the Gagan Mahal, the amin Durgah, the assar Mahal, the Chota Asar, the Faroikh Mahal, The Jahz Mahal and the Jod Gumbaz. The jewel of Adil Shahi architecture is the Jami Masjid, with its graceful arches, aisles, hall, intricate designs and large crowing onion dome. What makes it even more special is the priceless Koran written in letters of gold that is preserved here.

Drive to Badami. Once the centre of ancient Chalukyan glory, Badami (founded in 550 AD) was the head quarters of the kingdom of the Chalukayas, who ruled most of Karnataka between the sixth and eighth centuries. The Chalukyas were great patrons of architecture and in their endeavor to develop an architectural style for Hindu temples, they first excavated

cave shrines in Badami, all hewn out of sandstone on the side of a hill cliff in Badami. These caves were adaptations of earlier Buddhist cave shrines and have been influenced by them. The most ornamental and largest temple is cave temple number three. Dedicated to Vishnu, this 100 ft deep cave has inscription dating back to 578 AD. Badami has also several other temples and is strewn with early inscriptions like the one that records Mamalla victory over the Chalukayas in the year 642 AD. Overnight Stay.

The next phase of development of temple architecture can be seen in Aihole(two hours from Badami) which has a range of styles from simple rock cut shrines to the highly evolved temples like the Meguti temple constructed to perfection. Aihole was the early capital of the Chalukayas for 200 years. The Temples in Pattadakkal, close to Aihole and a World Heritage monument, reflect the culmination of the experiments in the field of temple architecture started by the Chalukyan rulers (AD 540-757). Pattadakal served as a second capital, where important state ceremonies like coronation etc took place between the 4th and 6th centuries AD. The most interesting aspect of these temples is that some of the temples have been built in accordance with south Indian style (with shikharas having square roofs of receding tiers), while others follow the north Indian style (curvilinear shikharas). An impressive series of nine Hindu temples, as well as a Jain sanctuary, can be seen here. One masterpiece from the group stands out the Temple of Virupaksha, built 740 AD by Queen Lokamahadevi to commemorate her husband’s victory over the kings from the South.

Arrive at Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary – The domain of the Black Panther. This sanctuary is spread around the raging rapids of the sprightly Kali River in the forests of the Western Ghats. You’ll come across a huge presence of colorful hornbills, raucously roosting in the branches of the Indian birch. Go down the river in a coracle and be surrounded by crocodiles. Or hop into rubber dinghy and

go white water rafting on the rapids in Kali. Visit Syntheri Rock, which is a 300-foot tall monolithic granite formation, and Sykes Point that offers unhindered view of the Kali River flowing through the gorges and the valleys.

Spend some time in and around Dandeli visiting the Kulgi Nature camp where nature walks are organized, Shiroli Peak that affords great vista of the ghats and the Kaavala limestone caves where you wend your way into the depths of limestone formation that resembles a Shivling.

Proceed to Goa. Strung along Goa's 60-mile (100 km) coastline are some of the most beautiful beaches in the world-dazzling stretches of golden sand edging the aquamarine expanse of the Arabian Sea. Goan beaches are magnificent. An unbroken four-mile (7km) crescent sun-drenched sand marks the twin beaches of Candolim & Calangute, north of Panjim and the Aguada headland.

Baga, a little further north is a delightful beach. Further north, past estuaries of the many streams that gurgle through the land, are a series of secluded beaches. In South Goa at a distance of mere two kilometers are the Colva and the Benaulim beaches. The slow paced beaches are breathtaking beauties. The Dona Paula beach, Vagator and Chapore are other Beaches worth visiting.

The churches and convents of Goa (the former capital of the Portuguese Indies) illustrate the evangelization of Asia. They are World Heritage monuments today, particularly the Church of Bom Jesus, which contains the tomb of St. Francis Xavier. The most comprehensive group of churches and cathedrals built during 16th to 17th century AD at Old Goa comprise the following Se` Cathedral Church and Convent of St. Francis of Assisi, Chapel of St. Catherine, Basilica of Bom Jesus; Church of Lady of Rosary; Church of St. Augustine. The Church of St. Cajetan is modeled on the original design of St. Peter’s Church in Rome. The Paintings in the churches were done on wooden boarders and fixed between panels having floral designs as in the nave on either side of main altar in the Church of St. Francis of Assisi. Excepting a few which are in stone, the statues are mostly in wood delicately carved and painted to adorn the altar . Overnight Stay.