Virupaksha Temple , also known as the Pampapathi Temple , is the core of the village of Hampi . It predated the empire, and was renovated between the 13th and 17th centuries. It has two courts with entrance gopurams and the main entrance with a 50-meter gopuram facing east into a ceremonial, colonnaded street that extends for more than half a mile, to a monolithic statue of Nandi. Active worship is still conducted at this temple.

Krishna Temple , this ruined temple, south of Hampi, built by the emperor Krishnadevaraya after military campaigns in Orissa in 1523, is protected by a fort. The pillars in the temple have ornate carvings describing the life of Krishandevaraya. There are numerous other dilapidated temples with the temple premises.

Mahanavami Dibba , the massive podium is the most ornate of the monuments surviving within the enclosure. The 8-metere-high podium rises in three steps and commands a magnificent view of the surroundings. The king, his court and his entourage are believed to have watched the ceremonial parades from here.

Pushkarini or stepped wells , there is an excellent network of water canals or aqueducts running through the enclosure to supply water. The stepped pond or the Pushkarini in the middle of the enclosure descends in four stages to its square base. Made of well-dressed chlorite slabs, this perfectly symmetrical pond is an object of great architectural beauty.

Lotus Mahal , an elegant example of the fusion of Hindu and Islamic styles of architecture, this mahal is designed to stay cool even when temperatures soar up to 45 degrees Celsius.

Elephant Stables , this is an imposing edifice with arched entrances and numerous domes that once housed the magnificent state elephants. These stables are also a fine example of the then-prevalent Indo-Islamic styles of architecture.

Queen's Bath , this beautiful mortar building was a bathing palace for the women of the royal family. The architectural style is a confluence of Hindu and Muslim styles. The 8-foot-deep tank in the centre, meant for swimming, is supplied with water via an aqueduct from outside.

Vitthala Temple , this is one of the principal monuments of the city and one of the best sculptural wonders at Hampi. It is dedicated to Lord Vittala, a representation of Lord Vishnu. It is believed to date back to the 16th century. In front of the temple lies the famous stone chariot or ratha which in itself is a miniature temple, is carved out of a single rock to resemble the temple chariots. Another unique feature of the Vitthala Temple is its musical pillars.

The prominent temples are:

Lad Khan Temple is the most ancient temple structure, dating back to the 5th century. On the roof of the temple is another shrine-like Vimana that captivates its visitors. The Durga (Fort) Temple is notable for its semicircular apes, elevated plinth and the gallery that encircles the sanctum. The interior is filled with fascinating carvings. The Huthimalli Temple - out in the village - has a sculpture of Vishnu sitting atop a large cobra. Not-to-be-missed is the Konthis Temple Complex (Kwanthi Gudi), the Uma Maheshwari Temple , the Jain Meguti Temple and the two-storeyed Buddhist Temple .

Pattadakal , on an area of four acres is surrounded by a stone wall, with doors on the east and west, has four large and six small temples. The larger temples are excellent examples of the Dravidian style of architecture.

Mallikarjuna Temple is smaller than the Virupaksha Temple but its layout is similar to the Virupaksha Temple . The Galaganatha Temple is a dilapidated structure, but the antechamber has a finely decorated doorway. The Kashi Vishveshwara Temple with the Nagara or the curvilinear shikara is magnificent. The inner ceiling of the temple has the figures of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati and child Lord Skanda. The Papanatha Temple on the riverside is in better condition. It has a frontal pavilion, sabhamantapa, antechamber, a square, and a garbhagriha with circumambulatory path. Its ceiling has figures of Dikpalas beginning with Indra. One of the pillars has a scene of a royal durbar. The niches outside have carvings of Lord Surya, Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. This has been described as a temple with a mixture of Dravida and Nagara styles of architecture.

Badami is renowned for its rock-cut cave shrines and is an outstanding example of early Chalukyan art. It was the capital of the early Badami Chalukyas. Badami has both the rock-cut shrines and structures with simple exteriors but exquisite interiors. The town is picturesquely situated at the mouth of a ravine, between two rocky red-sandstone hills. Badami has a fort atop the hill and there are four rock-cut shrines on a very tall rock, one situated above the other.

Day 03 : Hospet - Dandeli by road (180km/5hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Dandeli Forest Reserve. Upon arrival check into the resort and afternoon a jeep safari into the forest. Evening relax beside a campfire. Overnight at Dandeli Camp.

Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is one the largest wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka. The sanctuary is generally undulating with steep slopes, river valleys and hilly terrain. The sanctuary is rich in Flora and Fauna and contains unspoilt, untouched and unexplored wildlife. The River Kali dominates Dandeli, River Kali and its tributaries meander through the forest. The important natural spots here are the Kavala Caves , an awe-inspiring sight, where one needs to crawl to get into the caves.

Syntheri Rock - Syntheri Rock is a 300-feet tall monolithic granite located deep inside the thick Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary. With the Kaneri River gushing ferociously by its side, the Syntheri Rock is a spectacular sight.

Sykes Point, from here one can get an unhindered view of the Kali River flowing through the gorges & the valleys below. For miles together, one can see nothing but undulating lush green forests all around. Siroli Peak is the highest point in the entire district.