Karnataka Spiritual Tour — Sacred Shrines, Mountains & Coastline
20 day Journey Through Sacred Temples, Majestic Mountains, and Serene Beaches
Embark on an enriching Spiritual Tour of Karnataka, a captivating 20-day journey through the heart of southern India. This meticulously crafted itinerary invites international travelers to explore the state’s spiritual heritage, magnificent temples, lush mountains, and pristine beaches. Starting from Bengaluru, this spiritual odyssey is designed to immerse you in the vibrant culture and serene landscapes that define Karnataka.
Your adventure begins with a hike at Nandi Hills, where you can witness breathtaking sunrises and explore the ancient Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple. From there, you will visit Shravanabelagola, home to the towering Gommateshwara Statue, a testament to Jain spirituality. As you journey onward, the rich heritage of Karnataka unfolds through stops at the renowned temples of Hoysaleswara in Halebidu and Chennakeshava Swamy in Belur, offering a glimpse into the state’s architectural splendor and deep-rooted spiritual traditions.
The itinerary also includes visits to the enchanting coastal city of Mangaluru, where you can explore significant temples such as Kadri Manjunath Temple and enjoy relaxation on the picturesque beaches. Continuing northward, you will visit Udupi, famous for its Sri Krishna Matha, and then proceed to the tranquil landscapes of Sringeri, where the Shankara Math and Kaalikamba Temple invite you to reflect and meditate.
The tour takes you to the breathtaking Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can connect with nature and visit the sacred Mookambika Temple. From here, you will journey to Gokarna, a serene beach destination that houses the revered Mahabaleshwar Temple. Here, you can relax on stunning beaches and hike to the fascinating Yana Caves, known for their unique rock formations.
The exploration continues in the historical region of Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can immerse yourself in the stories of ancient kings through the impressive ruins and temples scattered across the landscape. The journey also includes a visit to Badami, famous for its stunning cave temples, before heading to the picturesque hills of Chikmagalur. Here, you will hike to Mullayanagiri, the highest peak in Karnataka, and explore lush coffee plantations that make this region a nature lover’s paradise.
As you travel to Hassan, you will visit more of Karnataka’s architectural gems, including the stunning Hoysaleswara Temple. The tour culminates in Mysuru, where you will discover the majestic Mysore Palace and the spiritual Chamundi Hill Temple, offering a perfect blend of history and spirituality. Your final days will be spent in Bengaluru, where you can relax and reflect on your journey through this enchanting state.
Join us on this incredible Spiritual Tour of Karnataka and experience the harmonious blend of spirituality, culture, and nature that this captivating state has to offer. From sacred temples to breathtaking landscapes, this journey promises to be an unforgettable exploration of the heart and soul of India.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Start from Bengaluru
- Arrival: Start from Bengaluru.
- Accommodation: Check into a hotel near Nandi Hills.
- Evening: Rest and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Day 2: Nandi Hills Hike
- Morning: Early morning hike at Nandi Hills for sunrise views.
- Afternoon: Explore Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple.
- Evening: Drive to Shravanabelagola (approx. 90 km / 2 hours).
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Shravanabelagola.
Day 3: Shravanabelagola to Mangaluru
- Morning: Visit the Gommateshwara Statue in Shravanabelagola.
- Drive: Depart for Mangaluru, passing through Dharmasthala. Visit the Dharmasthala Temple.
- Afternoon: Explore Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebidu and Shri Chennakeshava Swamy Temple in Belur.
- Evening: Arrive in Mangaluru. Relax at the beach.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Mangaluru.
Day 4: Mangaluru Sightseeing
- Morning: Visit Kadri Manjunath Temple and Mangaladevi Temple.
- Afternoon: Spend time relaxing at Tannirbhavi Beach or Panambur Beach.
- Evening: Enjoy local cuisine and unwind.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Mangaluru.
Day 5: Mangaluru to Udupi
- Morning: Depart for Udupi (approx. 60 km / 1.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit the Udupi Sri Krishna Matha and enjoy lunch at a local eatery.
- Drive: Continue to Sringeri (approx. 90 km / 2 hours).
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Sringeri.
Day 6: Sringeri Temples
- Morning: Visit Shankara Math and Kaalikamba Temple.
- Afternoon: Explore the natural beauty surrounding Sringeri.
- Evening: Relax and enjoy the serene environment.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Sringeri.
Day 7: Sringeri to Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary
- Morning: Drive to Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary (approx. 80 km / 2 hours).
- Afternoon: Enjoy a day in the Mookambika Wildlife Reserve.
- Evening: Visit Mookambika Temple in Kollur.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Kollur.
Day 8: Nature Day in Mookambika
- Full Day: Spend the day exploring the wildlife sanctuary. Options include bird watching, nature trails, and relaxing in nature.
- Evening: Return to Mookambika Temple for evening prayers.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Kollur.
Day 9: Mookambika to Gokarna
- Morning: Depart for Gokarna (approx. 90 km / 2 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit the Mahabaleshwar Temple.
- Evening: Relax at Om Beach or Kudle Beach.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Gokarna.
Day 10: Gokarna Exploration
- Morning: Enjoy leisure time on the beach.
- Afternoon: Hike to the Yana Caves and explore the unique rock formations.
- Evening: Relax by the beach.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Gokarna.
Day 11: Gokarna to Jog Falls
- Morning: Depart for Jog Falls (approx. 140 km / 3 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit Jog Falls, one of India's tallest waterfalls.
- Evening: Drive to Hampi (approx. 180 km / 4 hours).
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Hampi.
Day 12: Hampi Sightseeing
- Full Day: Explore Hampi's UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
- Virupaksha Temple
- Vijaya Vittala Temple and its stone chariot
- Lotus Mahal
- Elephant Stables
- Evening: Enjoy the sunset from Matanga Hill.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Hampi.
Day 13: More Time in Hampi
- Full Day: Continue exploring Hampi:
- Royal Enclosure
- Achyutaraya Temple
- Hemakuta Hill
- Evening: Leisure time in Hampi.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Hampi.
Day 14: Hampi to Badami
- Morning: Depart for Badami (approx. 130 km / 3 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit Badami Cave Temples and Agastya Lake.
- Evening: Explore Bhootnath Temple.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Badami.
Day 15: Badami to Chikmagalur
- Morning: Visit Mahakoota and Banashankari Temple near Badami.
- Drive: Depart for Chikmagalur (approx. 220 km / 5 hours).
- Afternoon: Arrive in Chikmagalur and check into your accommodation.
- Evening: Relax and enjoy the serene atmosphere of Chikmagalur.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Chikmagalur.
Day 16: Chikmagalur Exploration
- Morning: Visit Mullayanagiri, the highest peak in Karnataka. Enjoy panoramic views and engage in hiking.
- Afternoon: Explore Baba Budangiri and Kudremukh National Park.
- Evening: Return to Chikmagalur for leisure.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Chikmagalur.
Day 17: Chikmagalur to Hassan
- Morning: Depart for Hassan (approx. 130 km / 3 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebidu and Shri Chennakeshava Swamy Temple in Belur.
- Evening: Explore the town of Hassan and enjoy local cuisine.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Hassan.
Day 18: Hassan to Mysuru
- Morning: Depart for Mysuru (approx. 130 km / 3 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit the Mysore Palace and Chamundi Hill Temple.
- Evening: Explore the local markets and try Mysore’s famous sweets.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Mysuru.
Day 19: Mysuru to Bengaluru
- Morning: Depart for Bengaluru (approx. 150 km / 3 hours).
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel.
- Evening: Leisure time for shopping or exploring local eateries.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Bengaluru.
Day 20: Departure from Bengaluru
- Morning: Last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
- Afternoon: Depart for