Travel across India – take a Run Vacation

Travel in India is difficult – because there is so much to see and for most of us, so little time. And as if deciding where to go isn’t difficult enough, there is also the question of how best to get there and then how to make good use of the always short vacation time. That’s not all – are there good options for accommodation? Whether you are already living in India, or visiting India on a vacation, Go Heritage Runs are a great way to explore India.

Go Heritage Runs is an award-winning fun run series – and we plan run vacations at heritage destinations across India all around the year. You will find that our family-friendly, fun runs are a unique way to actively explore all the heritage the country has to offer. Condé Nast Traveller agrees too – it recently rated three of our runs as among the most scenic in the country!

That’s not all – we do the hard work for you – by finding the best ways to reach a heritage destination from nearby cities, sharing information and sometimes facilitating booking of accommodation, researching about the culture and heritage of the destination and adding activities which will make the run weekend the best time to visit the destination in the entire year. Further, our unique medals and themed quick-dry t-shirts are great souvenirs to take home as a memory or as a gift for friends.

Hampi, Karnataka:

This heritage town is situated on the banks of the Tungabhadra River in central Karnataka.  Its monuments and temples are on the World Heritage Site list and date back to the 14th century – when  Hampi was seat of power of the prosperous Vijayanagara Empire.  Adjacent to Hampi, is Anegundi – considered to be the birthplace of Hanuman, the Hindu monkey God. Parts of Hampi are especially famous for its laidback, hippie culture – possibly why it remains popular today with itinerant slow travellers. Its rocky landscapes also attract bouldering enthusiasts from across the country.  Getting to Hampi is easy – it is situated a few kilometres away from Hospet, which is accessible by road and rail via Bangalore and Hyderabad.  Find about about our next run in Hampi here – there are great sights every kilometer – ruins of the Vijayanagara empire, the Tungabhadra river, boulders, fields, banana plantations and streams.

Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh:

Situated in central India, Khajuraho’s Hindu and Jain temples are renowned the world over. These are on the World Heritage Site list and some of the temples are known for their erotic sculptures. These temples are over a thousand years old and were built by the rulers of the Chandela kingdom in the 10th century. Over 85 temples are believed to have been built – and 20 remain standing today. Read more about the Eastern, Western and Southern Group of temples here. Khajuraho is accessible by air, road and rail – we’d recommend flying in via Delhi. See here for travel details and find out about our next run in Khajuraho here.

Halebidu, Karnataka:

Former capital of the Hoysala Empire, this town in Karnataka is best known for its the 12th century architecture – the Hoysaleshwara and Kedareshwara temples are prime examples. Belur, located 20 kms away. is best known for another example of Hoysala architecture – the Chennakeshava temple complex.  The temples of Halebidu and Belur were recently nominated for World Heritage Site status.  Both Belur and Halebidu are accessible via road from the nearest town, Hassan. Read about our next run in Halebidu here.

Warangal, Telangana:

Located in India’s newest state, Telangana, Warangal has a history dating back to the 12th century when it was the seat of power of the Kakatiya empire. The Thousand Pillar Temple, the Ramappa Temple and the Warangal Fort, built by different Kakatiya rulers, all find a place on the World Heritage Site Tentative List. Warangal is a short 3 hour drive away from Hyderabad – the capital of Telangana. Find out about our next run in Warangal here – the run route snakes around Warangal Fort, a 700-year old structure!

Ooty, Tamil Nadu:

Ooty is home to the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, now a World Heritage Site and initially constructed in 1899 – during British colonial rule. The railway line heads uphill through a mountainous terrain, tunnels and tea plantations – as well as the little town of Lovedale which is home to one of India’s oldest boarding Schools – the Lawrence School, Lovedale. Every year, the school plays host to heritage-loving runners from across the country – who run across Ooty’s scenic hills and valleys and along the mountain railway too! Read more about our next run in Ooty here.

Udaipur, Rajasthan:

Located in the south-central desert state of Rajasthan, Udaipur is home to many lakes and palaces and is often referred to as the “Venice of the East”.  It is the former capital of the kingdom of Mewar, a kingdom established in the early 7th century. Mewar was formerly ruled by the Rajputs and was later a British princely state. Udaipur’s many palaces by the lake – including the City Palace, Lake Palace and Jag Mandir – make it a popular tourist destination as well as a setting for destination weddings. Udaipur rose to worldwide fame when Octopussy, an ’80s James Bond movie was released. Read more about Go Heritage Run’s next fun run in Udaipur here.

Badami, Karnataka:

Situated in the southern state of Karnataka, Badami is a small town with a long history. It is the former capital of the Western Chalukyas – and its rockcut temples cut into sandstone date back to the 6th century. Its rocky landscapes have also made it one of India’s top climbing destinations. Situated a short bus ride away are the Group of Monuments in Pattadakal,  a series of temples that illustrate early temple-construction techniques – these are World Heritage Sites and definitely worth a visit. See Hampi – Badami  – Pattadakal travel itineraries and read about our next run in Badami here.

Bidar, Karnataka:

Bidar is quite the melting pot of cultures and religions – given how heritage sites dating back to the Bahmani and Mughal dynasties co-exist alongside sites of religious significance to the Sikh, Hindu and the Islamic communities. It’s often called the City of Whispering Monuments though those whispers might occasionally be drowned out by the sound of screeching fighter jets flying overhead – from the town’s air force base.  Bidar is also famous for its metal craft – Bidriware – with its origins dating back to Persia. Read about our next run in Bidar here.

Join our next run-vacation with your family in Bidar – sign up today!