Explore the Temples
Virupaksha Temple, Hampi
Virupaksha Temple is the 7th century Shiva temple in Hampi, Central Karnataka. Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lord Virupaksha, also referred to as Pampapathi is the main deity in Virupaksha Temple. Virupaksha Temple complex also houses shrines of Bhuvaneshwari and Vidyaranya.
Udupi Sri Krishna Temple
Sri Krishna Temple in Udupi is an important pilgrimage site in South India. Thousands of devotees throng this temple town to offer prayers to Lord Krishna. It is said that the Krishna idol here is the most beautiful idol of Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna is depicted here as a small boy (Balakrishna). The idol is not seen directly, but through a 9 holed window called the Navagraha Kitiki. Udupi is referred to as ‘Mathura (birthplace of Lord Sri Krishna, situated in Uttar Pradesh state) of South India.
Sri Mookambika Temple
Sri Mookambika Temple in Kollur, Udupi district attracts devotees from all parts of South India. The village of Kollur lies amid the green canopy of the Western Ghats, on the base of Kodachadri Hill. Here, the Mookambika Temple, one of the seven most sacred spots of Salvation, is dedicated to the Goddess of emotional power and strength.
Sri Manjunatha Temple, Dharmasthala
An epitome of spirituality and religious significance, Sri Manjunatha Temple is one of the renowned holy sites in South India. This Shiva temple is located in the sacred town of Dharmasthala in the state of Karnataka. The primary deity of the temple, Majunatheshwara, has taken the shivalinga form. Besides the chief deity, other idols like Dharma Daevas and Shakti are also worshipped in the temple. It is also the abode of Lord Dharma’s four Guardian Spirits, Kanyakumari, Kalarkayi, Kalarahu, and Kumaraswamy.
Shri Yediyur Siddhalingeshwara Temple
The Yediyur Siddhalingeshwara Swamy temple is a famous temple of lord Siddhalingeshwara. It is located on the National Highway of Mangalore- Bangalore. The temple is situated in the Kunigal town of Tumkur district. It has the samadhi of Tonda Siddhalinga, a great saint from the late 15th century.
Shree Rama Kshethra Mahasamsthanam
Yediyur temple of Karnataka is famously known as Yediyur Siddhalingeshwara Temple, one of the sacred Hindu shrines. It is a famous religious trip center in a small village called Yedeyuru, located in the Kunigal town of Karnataka. It is located on the highway of Mangalore-Bangalore.
Pattadakal
Located on the banks of the Malaprabha River, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a testament to the richness of Chalukyan architecture during the 7th and 8th centuries and is renowned for its intricately chiselled temples. The temples in Pattadakal bear testimony to the richness and timeless splendour of the Chalukyan architecture. It has a cluster of 10 major temples, which showcase some striking architectural features. The world-famous geographer Ptolemy (150 AD) has documented the town as “Perti gal”.
Kukke Subramanya Temple
Nestled between hills, this pilgrim center is famous for the 5000 years old Kukke Subramanya temple on the banks of Kumaradhara river. The epics narrate how the divine serpent Vasuki and other snakes took refuge under Lord Subrahmanya, in the caves. Here Lord Subrahmanya is worshipped as a snake and pooja is offered to Him, who is merged with serpent king Vasuki. Hence, believed to be the ultimate solace for salvation from any sort of Naga Doshas. A ritual dance called Nagamandala is also performed here.
Kadri Manjunatha Temple
The Kadri Hill is famous for the 11th century Kadri Manjunatha Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed to be the oldest Shiva Temple in Mangaluru. The temple also has tanks with natural springs and laterite caves also known as the Pandava Caves. The bronze image of Lokeshawara and Guatama Buddha in the Dhyani posture point to its Buddhist origins.
Hazara Rama Temple
Hazara Rama Temple is a dominant shrine in Karnataka. This small but beautiful place of worship dedicated to Lord Rama is located at the center of the royal area of Hampi. The temple which was the private temple of the kings of Vijayanagara is popular for the lovely relics and panels depicting the story of the epic Ramayana.
Devarayanadurga
In the hilly terrain of Devarayanadurga, are various holy spots like the temples dedicated to Yoga Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy, Bhoga Narasimha Swamy and the Sanjivaraya Temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Near the Narasimha Temple are three sacred ponds called Narasimha Teertha, Parashara Teertha and the Pada Teertha. The Pada Teertha is inside a large cave.
Chandikeshwara Temple
Known for its majestic architecture, Chandikeshwara Temple was built during the period of the Vijayanagara Empire. Situated on the main road to Hampi, this impressive temple is situated just by main road to Hampi. It is dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Vishnu and is one of the prominent temples in Karnataka. It is visited by a large number of tourists throughout the year.
Chamundeshwari Temple
Located 12 km from Mysuru, the Chamundi Hills is home to the Goddess Chamundeshwari, the patron deity of the Mysuru Royal Family. Built in the Dravidian style architecture, the 17th-century Chamundeshwari temple with a richly-attired image of the deity also has a huge statue of Mahishasura near the entrance. An older Ganga-era Mahabaleshwara Temple is also located on the hilltop.
Explore the Churches
St. Philomena’s Cathedral
One of the largest cathedrals in India, St. Philomena’s Cathedral in Mysuru is a remarkable example of Gothic architecture. The majestic church, built to honour the memory of Saint Philomena, a Latin Catholic Saint of the Roman Catholic Church, draws inspiration from the beautiful Cologne Cathedral of Germany. Remains of St Philomena are preserved at the cathedral. St. Philomena’s Cathedral is one of the tallest churches in Asia.
St Patrick’s Church
St Patrick’s Church is a popular church in Bengaluru city built in 1841, located on Brigade Road. St. Patrick’s Church was originally dedicated to Virgin Mary and Archangel Michael, marked as the “Church of the Assumption” but was popularly named as St. Patrick’s Church by the Irish troops staying near the church. St. Patrick’s Church was renovated in 2000 and 2012.
St Mary’s Church
St Mary’s Church was built in 1869. It was consecrated by the then Governor of the Bombay Presidency and is built in the Gothic Style. Rev Francis Gell is believed to have designed the building. This imposing stone church of the Anglicans has fine piers in the prayer hall and gorgeous stained glasses at its doors and windows.
St Mary’s Basilica
It was built originally as a chapel in the year 1818 by Jean-Antoine Dubois but was transformed into a beautiful gothic style church in 1874. The remarkable interiors of the church – with a vaulted ceiling supported by Corinthian pillars, splendid arches and stained-glass windows would leave you absolutely wonderstruck. St Mary, also known as Our Lady of Health is said to possess miraculous powers and draws thousands of devotees for the feast in September. In 1974 the Pope elevated the church to the status of a Basilica.
St Aloysius Chapel
St Aloysius Chapel, built in 1885, is an important chapel for followers of Christianity in Mangaluru, a Coastal city of Karnataka. A line of circular pillars holds aloft an arched ceiling. Oil paintings on canvas bonded to the ceiling depict the life of Aloysius Gonzaga to whom the chapel is dedicated. The Chapel also has beautiful paintings done by Br. Anthony Moschemi of Italy.
Shettihalli Church
India is truly a diverse country with numerous destinations to make into your bucket list. While some a man-made, the natural stops are phenomenal and amaze us with their grandeur. The Church, our new favorite, is the mesmerizing combination of both. It remains submerged in the surrounding water throughout the year and floats in summer. A view that makes it one of its kind.
Infant Jesus Shrine
Infant Jesus Shrine is a Christian Monastery dedicated to St Joseph, located on Carmel Hills in Mangaluru. Infant Jesus Shrine was set up by the Teresian Carmelites who migrated to South Canara from Goa in the 17th century. Infant Jesus church is known for its peacefulness and well maintained campus.
Explore the Jain Temples
Kundadri Jain Temple
Located on the Theerthahalli-Agumbe road, about 12km from Theerthahalli, Kundadri Hill is a gigantic monolithic rock formation. Surrounded by dense evergreen forests, it is a lovely place for trekking. A rough, stone-paved path leads to a Jain temple, Parshwanath Chaityalaya, a stone structure, perched atop the hill. Camping in the open at Kundadri Hills is an exhilarating experience as from the hill top you can see the twists and turns of the Thirthahalli-Agumbe road.
Chaturmukha Basadi
Chaturmukha Basadi is a popular 16th century Jain temple in Karkala, a taluk headquarter and town in Udupi district in coastal Karnataka. Chaturmukha basadi is located on an elevated field in the middle of coconut plantation and paddy fields. Chaturmukha translates to “four faces”. The temple is open on all four sides, with four identical doorways all leading to inner sanctum- Gurba Gruha. Temple doorways feature various Jain Thirthankaras as well as Hindu gods and goddesses.
Explore the Mosques
Mohamud Gawan Madrasa
Madrasa-e-Mahmad Gawan or the madrasa of Mohamud Gawan is an ancient Islamic institute in Bidar. Khwaja Muhammad Gilani (Mahmud Gawan) built this madrasa (college) at Bidar in 1472 AD. An imposing three-storied building, the Madarasa was a renowned centre of learning with its own library, lecture halls, quarters for professors/ students and a mosque.
Masjid Zeenath Baksh
It is located in the Bunder area in Mangaluru and this mosque portrays the life stories of Prophet Mohamed. Believed to be established by Arab Muslim traders during 644 AD, this mosque surpasses all others mosques due to its pure Indian architecture style. It is probably the only mosque in Karnataka made entirely of wood. The main highlight of the mosque is the wooden inner sanctum consisting of 16 pillars made of teak.
Jamia Masjid, Vijayapura
Graceful arches, picturesque aisles, beautiful halls and a large crowning onion dome are the features of one of the prominent examples of Adil Shahi architecture – the Jamia Masjid. Even though magnificent, the structure is incomplete, as it lacks the two minarets. The Central mihrab (an arched recess in the interior wall of a mosque) on the western wall, is covered with lines from the Holy Quran etched in exquisitely gilded calligraphy.
Jama Masjid, Srirangapatna
Jama Masjid is a mosque in Srirangapatna built by the ruler of Mysuru- Tipu Sultan during the year 1784. Jama Masjid is also known as Masjid e-Ala. Jama Masjid has two stories and impressive design. Two imposing minarets (towers) have an internal staircase consisting of about 200 steps. Walls and ceiling are decorated with intricate motifs and paintings.
Explore the Religious Places
Pyramid Valley
Located in Kanakapura Road, Pyramid Valley International is administered and run by Pyramid Spiritual Societies Movement. The Trust, a not-for-profit organization, was founded by Brahmarshi Patriji in the year 2003, to set up an international Meditational University near Bengaluru. It is considered to be the world’s largest meditation Pyramid and is constructed in a scientific way.
Kudala Sangama
Situated at the confluence of the rivers Krishna and Malaprabha in Bagalakote District, this pilgrim centre is associated with the great 12th-century poet and reformer Basaveshwara. The Aikya Mantapa or the holy Samadhi of Basavanna, the founder of the Lingayat sect of Hindu religion along with a Linga, which is believed to be self-born (Swayambhu), is here. Kudala Sangama is also famed for its Chalukyan-style Sangameshwara Temple where it is believed that Basavanna had worshipped Lord Shiva here.
Gurudwara Tap Asthan Mai Bhago
Mai Bhago was the surviving heroine in the battle of Muktsar. Mai Bhago was a brave sigh warrior woman who led sigh soldiers and fought against the Mughals during 1705 AD. Guru Gobind Sigh was the Sikh leader at that time and Sikhs were under constant pressure from Mughals to convert to Islam and had to face multiple attacks and wars for refusing demands and resisting Mughal advances.
Guru Nanak Jhira Sahib Gurudwara
One of the very few Sikh pilgrimage centres in south India, the Guru Nanak Jhira Sahib nestles in serene surroundings near a splendid Gurudwara complex. A natural spring feeds the Sarovara (lake) built here. A Guru-ka-langar (community kitchen) provides free food to all visitors. According to a legend Guru Nanak, the famed social and religious Sikh reformer had visited Bidar while the land was in the grip of a famine.
Day 1: Departure
Day 2: Adventure Beggins
Day 8: Historical Tour
Day 10: Historical Tour
Day 15: Return
Tour Location
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