After breakfast, we travel to Shravanabelagola, an ancient 2300-year-old town. It is a seat of learning and spiritualism and a significant pilgrimage centre of one of India's ancient religions - Jainism. Our goal here is to climb barefoot about 650 steps on sacred Vindyagiri hill. The reward is the bewildering sight of an over 1000-year-old monolithic Gomateshwara sculpture, among the world's tallest monolithic sculptures. The beautiful statue and the idyllic countryside visible from the top are a treat to the eyes.

Our next two stops are UNESCO World Heritage Sites with some of the best stone carvings found nowhere else in the world. With our accompanying guide, we first explore the stunning 900+ years old Chennakeshava temple commissioned and consecrated by Hoysala King, Vishnuvardhana, in 1116 AD. The exquisite carvings in stone, be it the dancing maidens on the exterior overhang of the temple, the gleaming schist pillars or the intricate domed ceiling, are spellbinding. We break for an authentic lunch at a local eatery.

Our final tour stop is the over 900-year-old Hoysaleswara temple with sculptures and stone carvings that exist nowhere else. The richness in detail and the sheer volume of carvings on this temple's over 200-meter-long outer walls - of Hindu gods, scenes from Indian epics, animals, flowers, mythical beasts, and design patterns are spellbinding and sure to leave you speechless.