Intricate soapstone carvings so fine they appear carved in metal — the pinnacle of 12th-century Indian artistry.
The Chennakesava Temple at Belur and the Hoysaleswara Temple at Halebidu represent the zenith of Hoysala architecture, built in the 12th century. Carved from soft chloritic schist (soapstone), every inch of these temples is covered in extraordinarily detailed sculptures — from gods and goddesses to elephants, horses, and scenes from the epics. No two carvings are alike. The temples took over 100 years to build, and the craftsmanship is so precise that the stone appears to have the malleability of wax. A must-visit for anyone interested in Indian art and architecture.
The ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire sprawl across a surreal boulder-strewn landscape of temples, palaces and royal quarters.
An Indo-Saracenic masterpiece with stained glass, mirrored halls and 97,000 electric bulbs illuminating it every Sunday.
Rolling coffee estates, spice plantations and cascading waterfalls nestled in the Western Ghats.
