A complex of 8th-century temples blending North and South Indian architectural styles along the Malaprabha River.
Pattadakal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the coronation site of the Chalukya dynasty. This temple complex represents a unique fusion of North Indian (Nagara) and South Indian (Dravida) architectural styles — the only place where both traditions coexist side by side. The Virupaksha Temple, built by Queen Lokamahadevi to commemorate her husband's victory, is the most magnificent, with intricate carvings and a massive Nandi mandapa. Alongside Aihole and Badami, Pattadakal forms the Chalukyan temple triad — the cradle of temple architecture in South India.
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.
