Belur, situated on the banks of river Yagachi, 38 km from Hassan, is a world famous tourist destination. The town is renowned for its Chennakeshava temple, one of the finest examples of Hoysala workmanship. The temple was consecrated by the famous Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana to mark his victories in 1116 AD against the Cholas and called the Vijaya Narayana.

The Temple Architecture - The Hoysalas used soft soapstone for their structures as they were found suitable for intricate carvings. Enclosed by a Parikrama with a Gopuram built in the Vijayanagar style, the Chennakesava temple stands on a platform. The fine workmanship and skill visible in this masterpiece is truly breathtaking.

There are more than 80 Madanika sculptures in the temple, dancing, hunting, standing under canopies of trees and so on. The 4 Madanika figures (striking elegant dancing poses) on the wonderfully engraved columns of Navaranga are unique creations of Hoysala workmanship. The Garbhagriha is stellar in shape and its zigzag walls make the figures of 24 forms of Vishnu look different at different times of the day due to light. One of the sculptures in the Navaranga - Darpana Sundari, alone speaks for the beauty and art of this magnificent temple.

Other smaller temples surround this main temple.

Halebid has some of the most remarkable monuments including the Hoysaleshwara and the Kedareshwara temples and is situated about 17 km from Belur. The Hoysaleshwara Temple has the deities of Lord Hoysaleshwara and Lord Shantaleshwara. This temple has four entrances - two to the east, one to the north and south respectively. Elegantly decorated with friezes of Puranic panels, madanika sculptures and other carvings, this is the largest existing Hoysala structure.

The Kedareshwara temple was built by Ballala II and his consort Abhinava Kethaladevi in 1219 AD. Decorated with sculptures and panels in typical Hoysala style, this triple shrine, resembles the temple at Somanathpur with its outer walls consisting of episodes from epics.

After an early breakfast, drive to Mysore, enroute visit Shravanbelgola and Srirangapatna. Upon arrival at Mysore, check into the hotel. After freshening up, proceed to visit Mysore Palace and Art Gallery.

Shravanabelagola town has been a prominent centre for Jain art, architecture, religion and culture. Here, the hill is home to a thousand-year-old 17.38 meter monolithic stone statue of the Lord Gomateshwara Bahubali, considered to be the world's largest monolithic stone statue, built by Chamundaraya, a general of King Gangaraya. The base of the statue has inscriptions in Kannada and Tamil, praising the Ganga king who funded the effort, and his general Chamundaraya, who erected the statue. Every 12 years, thousands of devotees congregate here to perform the Mahamastakabhisheka, a spectacular ceremony in which the devotees cover the thousand year old statue with offerings of milk, curds, and ghee, saffron and gold coins.

A little further away is the Gumbaz - the family mausoleum built by Tipu in memory of his father, Haidar Ali. The ornate white domed Gumbaz has beautiful ivory-on-wood inlay work; also seen prominently is Tipu's characteristic tiger-striped emblem. Some of his swords and shields are also kept at the Gumbaz on display.

anganthittu is a famous bird sanctuary. Ranganthittu is a picturesque island on the Cauvery River, right through the migration season, which is June to December, thousands of exotic birds from all over the world, wing their way to Ranganthittu - adding color to a landscape already in full bloom.

Mysore , part city, part small town was erstwhile capital of the Wodeyars, the rulers of Mysore . Mysore 's charm is unique.The City Royale is famous for its opulent palaces, stately buildings, sprawling gardens, silks, sandalwood and myriad tourist attractions in its proximity.

ysore Maharajah's Palace, built in Indo-Saracenic style is profusely decorated and glided. A solid jewel studded golden throne, displayed here during the Dasara Festival in October, remains the single most resplendent object that visitors throng to see.

The Jaganmohan Palace converted into an Art Gallery in 1875 exhibits paintings, which date back to that period. Paintings of masters like Raja Ravi Verma of Travancore and the Russian Painter Svetoslav Roerich are on display.

A beautiful Cathedral, St. Philomena's Church, built in imposing Gothic style with stained glass windows and lofty towers is a truly majestic sight.

Perched atop the Chamundi Hill is the 12th century Chamundeswari temple. Where you can motor up a 13 km road or walk up 1000 steps laid out in the 17th Century. Also located there is a 4.8 m tall monolith, Nandi, a celestial bull and gigantic statue of the demon Mahishasura.

Mysore is famous for sandalwood carvings and silks.

Morning after breakfast drive to Kabini, a small forest reserve. Overnight stay at Kabini.

Kabini is one of the most enchanting wildlife destinations of Karnataka. The forest reserve is situated on the banks of the river Kabini and is spread over a vast area of thick dense forestland, steep valleys, and water bodies.

Kabini, the river that originates from the hills of Kerala and confluences with the mighty Kaveri, has a large and beautiful backwater created by the Kabini Dam. The river which has virtually transformed itself into a huge, tranquil lake is surrounded by lush green forests on one side and villages on the other. The biggest attraction of Kabini is the closeness to the unspoilt nature. Sandwiched between two reserve forests- Nagarhole and Bandipur- Kabini offers the richest wildlife habitats in the state. It is home for the Asian elephant, gaur, sambar, cheetal (deer), bison, wild boar, sloth bear, tiger, leopard and wild dogs. For bird lovers Kabini offers a wide variety of birds that feast on fishes from the river. A good sighting of animals and birds complements the back-to-nature vacation at Kabini as the fresh air and the purity of nature rejuvenates your body and soul.

A coracle ride in the river or an early morning walk when there is chill in the air and mist rising from the river, creates an ambiance that bonds well with the vacation mood.

he main activity here is wildlife sightings by safaris on open-top jeeps and a boatride on the river. The first ride into the Park is at the crack of dawn and again in the evening. On a boat ride on the River Kabini, you could see elephants congregating on the banks to drink or play in water. You can choose between the traditional, circular boat (made of bamboo and buffalo hide) and the regular motorboat for the river cruise.