7-Day City Adventures in South India

  1. Day 1: Hampi
    6 hours (340 km) from Bangalore

    Unveil the historical ruins of Hampi, UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Virupaksha Temple, admire the intricate carvings at the Elephant Stables and the Hazara Rama Temple, and ascend to the Matanga Hill to have a bird's eye view of the sunset.

  2. Day 2: Udupi and Murudeshwar Temple
    4.5 hours (240 km) from Hampi

    Get blessed at the Sri Krishna Temple in Udupi, famous for the 'Udupi cuisine.' Then, head to visit the Murudeshwar Temple, and see the second largest statue of Lord Shiva. Catch the sunset at the Netrani Island Beach.

  3. Day 3: Gokarna
    3 hours (110 km) from Murudeshwar

    Visit the pilgrimage town of Gokarna, home to many ancient temples and beaches. Take the laid-back walk through the Mahabaleshwar Temple, Maha Ganpati Temple, Tamra Gauri Temple, and ends up at the sandy shores of Kudle Beach.

  4. Day 4: Yana Caves and Dandeli
    3.5 hours (150 km) from Gokarna

    Explore the natural wonder of the Yana Caves formed by massive black rock formations. Then head over to the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary for activities such as white water rafting, nature walks, and jungle safaris.

  5. Day 5: Goa
    4 hours (140 km) from Dandeli

    Tackle the vibrant city life, colonial architectures, and many notable beaches of Goa. Visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus, have a stroll through the lively Fontainhas Neighborhood, and end the day at the Anjuna Beach.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Virupaksha Temple (1.5 hours, free)
  • Elephant Stables (45 minutes, INR10)
  • Hazara Rama Temple (1 hour, INR25)
  • Matanga Hill (3 hours, free)
  • Sri Krishna Temple (1 hour, free)
  • Murudeshwar Temple (2 hours, free)
  • Netrani Island Beach (2 hours, INR500 for boat ride)
  • Mahabaleshwar Temple (1 hour, free)
  • Maha Ganpati Temple (30 minutes, free)
  • Tamra Gauri Temple (30 minutes, free)
  • Kudle Beach (2 hours, free)
  • Yana Caves (2 hours, INR20)
  • Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary (4 hours, INR2000 per person)
  • Basilica of Bom Jesus (1 hour, free)
  • Fontainhas Neighborhood (1 hour, free)
  • Anjuna Beach (2 hours, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR2575 per person

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider an elephant ride in Dandeli or an overnight stay on the Netrani Island Beach. For a shorter trip, consider skipping Dandeli and the Goa section. Keep in mind that some of the temples may have dress codes or limited visiting hours. Don't forget to bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent.

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