3-Day Karnataka Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Karnataka tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaKarnataka travel expert at TourRadar

• 3 Days in South India, incl. Goa and Badami

  This UNESCO-focused tour spans 3 days across Karnataka, showcasing the Pattadakal Temple Complex and Badami Cave Temples. Two nights at Badami Court or Krishna Heritage include guided visits to Durga Temple and Meguti Jain Temple, with daily breakfast provided.

  

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  • Day 1

    Goa to Badami

    Leave your Goa hotel early at 7 AM to avoid traffic and heat. The 250km drive to Badami takes about 5 hours on NH52. Good roadside stops are limited so bring snacks. Stop at Yellapur for South Indian coffee. It's about halfway and the local coffee is excellent.

    
  • Day 2

    Badami Exploration

    Start your Badami tour at 8 AM before it gets too hot. You'll need to climb about 200 steps to see the Cave Temples. Wear shoes with good grip since the sandstone steps can be slippery. Begin at Cave 1, dedicated to Shiva, and work upward. The views of Agastya Lake get better as you climb. Take a 40-minute drive to Pattadakal after lunch. This UNESCO site looks best in late afternoon when sunlight brings out the intricate carvings. Make sure to see the Virupaksha Temple. It's the largest one and has detailed Ramayana scenes on its outer walls. End your day at Aihole, 14km from Pattadakal. Visit the Durga Temple, which is actually a sun temple with unique curved architecture. Photos look best between 4-5 PM when sunlight hits the sandstone.

    
  • Day 3

    Return to Goa

    Take the same route back to Goa. The drive takes 5 hours. Stop at the Mahadev Temple in Tambdi Surla if you like. It's just off the highway and is the oldest temple in Goa. Leave Badami by 9 AM to reach Goa by mid-afternoon. This helps avoid driving on dark highways.

    

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• 3 Days in Southern India, incl. Hyderabad and Bijapur

  Historical monuments of Karnataka unfold over 3 days from Gulbarga Fort to Bijapur's architectural treasures. Guests stay at The Fern Residency while visiting Gol Gumbaz and Asar Mahal. Six major historical sites await with expert guide commentary.

  

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  • Day 1

    Hyderabad to Bijapur via Gulbarga

    Leave Hyderabad by 6 AM to avoid traffic and the midday heat. The 385km drive to Bijapur takes about 7 hours so pack water and snacks for the road. Stop at Gulbarga which sits at the halfway point. Visit the Gulbarga Fort before noon when the lighting works best for photos and the stone walls are still cool. You'll need about 2 hours to see both the fort and Jama Masjid. Make sure to wear sturdy closed shoes since the fort grounds are uneven.

    
  • Day 2

    Bijapur Exploration

    Spend a full day discovering Bijapur's architectural sites. Head to Gol Gumbaz first thing when visitor numbers are low. This is the best time to experience its famous acoustics. The climb to the dome's whispering gallery involves 100 steps so take your time in the heat. Visit Bara Kaman and Ibrahim Rouza before lunch. Plan to see the Malik-e-Maidan cannon later in the day once it cools down. A local guide at Gol Gumbaz can show you the best spots to test the acoustics. It costs about $15 extra but adds a lot to the experience.

    
  • Day 3

    Bijapur to Hyderabad

    The trip back to Hyderabad is another 7-hour drive. You might want to visit the Jama Masjid in Bijapur at dawn before leaving since it's peaceful and quiet then. Try to depart by 8 AM to reach Hyderabad before nightfall. The road gets much better after Gulbarga which makes the second part of the drive easier.

    

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• 3 Days in Southern India, incl. Goa and Hampi

  Sacred monuments dot this 3-day route through Gadag's Trikuteshwara Temple, Lakkundi's Kasivisvesvara Temple, and Hampi's UNESCO sites. The Stone Chariot, Virupaksha Temple, and Lotus Mahal showcase architectural excellence.

  

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  • Day 1

    Goa to Hampi via Gadag and Lakkundi

    Plan to leave Goa by 7 AM for the 7-hour drive to Hampi. You'll stop at Gadag and Lakkundi along the way. "Our driver Shashi kindly visited the hotel the night before to confirm pickup time, which helped us prepare for the early start." Visit the Trikuteshwara Temple in Gadag before noon to see the stone carvings in the best natural light. You'll need a hat and water since there's minimal shade. When you reach Lakkundi, explore the Kasivisvesvara Temple complex. The ground is uneven, so wear comfortable shoes.

    
  • Day 2

    Hampi UNESCO Sites

    Start your day at Virupaksha Temple before 9 AM to beat the crowds and heat. Head to the Vittala Temple complex mid-morning to see the famous Stone Chariot. One visitor noted: "The guided tour of Hampi was fascinating, particularly the detailed explanations of the temple architecture." In the afternoon, check out the Lotus Mahal and Queen's Bath when the lighting is ideal for photos. End your day watching sunset from Hemakuta Hill. It's a bit of a climb up granite steps that can be slippery, but the views of Hampi's boulder landscape make it worthwhile.

    
  • Day 3

    Hampi to Goa

    Leave Hampi by 8 AM for your return to Goa. The 340km drive takes about 7 hours. Pack some snacks since good restaurants are scarce on this route. Most of the roads are in good condition. If you're flying out of Goa, book an evening flight. You should reach Goa by mid-afternoon.

    

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