Start early in an AC Innova/Crysta with driver for a comfortable 7–8 hour drive to Hospet (gateway to Hampi); this gives flexibility to stop for photos and short breaks.
Visit the active Virupaksha Temple and stroll the historic Hampi Bazaar for sunset views along the Tungabhadra; the temple typically welcomes devotees until early evening.
Explore the iconic Vittala Temple with its stone chariot and musical pillars; the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) monuments area is best seen in the morning. Typical visiting hours: ~6:00am–5:30pm.
Drive (~2 hours) to Shravanabelagola to see the famous 17 m Gomateshwara statue perched on Vindhyagiri Hill; plan your climb for late afternoon if not early morning.
Climb the steps (about 600 steps) to the Gomateshwara statue — best done early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat; the site is accessible for most visitors.
Early visit to Chamundi Hill Temple for sunrise views over Mysore; temple usually open from 6:00am–8:30am and later in the day — morning is best to avoid crowds.
Explore Mysore Palace (guided audio tours available) to see grand interiors and temple-like architecture; palace hours typically around 10:00am–5:30pm (confirm for any special closures).
Short drive to Srirangapatna to see the Ranganathaswamy Temple and Tipu Sultan’s historical sites; Ranganathaswamy Temple timings generally split morning and evening (6:00am–1:00pm and 3:00pm–7:00pm).
Visit the historic Bull Temple and surrounding grounds in Basavanagudi; the open-air shrine is typically accessible during daylight hours and is a compact stop.
Optional visit to ISKCON Bangalore (peaceful and well-maintained) or Bangalore Palace as a cultural stop; ISKCON timings usually include morning and evening aartis.
Dine at a recommended restaurant (try South Indian fine dining or contemporary Indian like Karavalli / Thalassery or a popular modern spot in Indiranagar).
Depart for Kempegowda Airport (approx 1 hour from city center) for a flight back to Hyderabad, or to the railway station if you prefer an overnight train.
Take a mid-day flight (about 1 hour) back to Hyderabad for the quickest return; train is an alternative (6–8 hours) if you prefer lower cost or a scenic ride.