Let me tell you the places to see based on my experience. I?m attaching my blogs written then for your perusal.
1. Architectural places (almost all places will require you to remove your footwear, as a mark of respect for traditions)
a. Remote: needs planning and probably more than a day to visit and return
i. Shravanabelagola-Gomateshwara: Huge Jain statue of a king who left everything for spirituality-leave early and you should be able to get there and back in a day. Recently, there was a Jain religious rite performed there, where the first person to perform the rite paid approx: $35000 via an auction.
ii. Mysore Maharaja?s palace
iii. Halebid: An ancient Hindu temple destroyed by Islamic invaders. Pretty popular, but I haven?t been there. You should leave really early to visit this and Belur.
iv. Belur: An ancient Hindu temple, which was covered with sand to escape the Islamic invaders. The architecture is pretty good and worship happens to this day. One of the temples that allow westerners inside the sacred areas of the temple.
v. Tipu Sultan?s summer palace
vi. Brindavan Gardens
b. Local: you can visit these places in a day
i. Gavipuram Gangadhareswara Cave Temple and Bull temple
2. Natural places:
a. Local
i. Bannerghatta national park: they have safaris here. Expect rickety vehicles and a very good wildlife outing.
ii. Parks: Lal Bagh/Cubbon Park
b. Remote
i. There is a bird/wildlife sanctuary somewhere along the drive to Tipu Sultan?s palace. They have a boat ride there in a lake with crocodiles. That is good, if you have the time.
ii. National forests around the western ghats (if you have more than 2 days)
iii. Origin of Cauvery river/Hogennakkal waterfalls (if you have more than 2 days)
http://yathra.blogspot.com
http://yathra.blogspot.com
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Another suggestion:
That's not a lot of time, but hey we never have enough time, right! :)
Okay, if I understand right your interests are historical architecture & nature.
Your hotel is an excellent hotel & should be able to help with your sight-seeing, just ask.
Again, remember India is a developing country, don't expect US style facilities, but then, the prices are a lot cheaper as well.
Day trip: Architecture
Sculpture/Architecture
One weekend day, if you get time, start early, hire a cab, got to Shravanabelagola, Halebid & Belur, if possible with a good guide.
Shravanabelagola is a huge male statue, is the 24th Jain Thirthankara, a mythical king Bahubali who renounced everything to go on the path of self realization. One of the most popular Jain architectures.
Halebid has intricate external carvings, but the temple couldn't be completed; so its internal carvings aren't as intriccate. I think it means House destroyed.
Belur is a beautiful temple with the Hoysala architecture, which literally means, covered with sand, to escape Islamic invaders. One of the few temples to allow everyone to visit sacred areas of the temple.
Day Trip: Palace
Go to Mysore Maharaja palace. On the way, go to the bird sanctuary & a boat ride with crocodiles. On the way, visit Tipu Sultan's summer palace, and maybe Brindavan gardens with its musical fountains.
Day Trip: Nature
Go to Bannerghatta national park. They offer two safaris, one for bears/tigers/asiatic lions/wild buffaloes; another for elephants. Try to take both.
Evening Trip: Nature
Lal Bagh park, Cubbon park
Evening Trip; Architecture
Gavipuram Gangadeshwara Cave temple, Bull temple nearby which has water coming continuously out of the Bull's mouth (be wary of crowds trying to beg or get money from you, you are an outsider)
I'll let you know if I can think of anything else.
Have a safe & fun trip,
Swami
