Karnataka 7-Day Classic
The state in a week - Bangalore, Mysore, Coorg, Chikmagalur, and Hampi.
This is the classic one-week route through Karnataka. It hits all the highlights - garden city, royal Mysore, coffee hills, and the Vijayanagara ruins - and covers very different parts of the state, from the dry Deccan plateau to the Western Ghats.
Reality Check
- This itinerary involves significant driving. If you are not comfortable behind the wheel on Indian roads, hire a driver for the whole week - around Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 4,000 per day.
- Day 6 (Chikmagalur to Hampi) is a long day. Consider a flight from Mangaluru to Hubballi to cut it in half.
- If you have only 5 days, drop Coorg or Chikmagalur - both are beautiful, but similar in feel. Keep Hampi regardless.
Alternatives
- If you have 10 days, add Gokarna and the beaches of coastal Karnataka after Hampi.
- If you are interested mainly in heritage, skip Coorg and Chikmagalur and do the Badami-Pattadakal-Aihole circuit instead.
Day by Day
Arrive in Bangalore
Land in Bengaluru and check in. If you have energy, do Cubbon Park and Lalbagh in the afternoon - they are close together and best in the late light. Dinner at Commercial Street.
Bangalore to Mysore
Leave early for the 3-hour drive to Mysuru. Visit Mysore Palace in the morning, climb Chamundi Hills for lunch, then wander Devaraja Market. Stay overnight near the palace.
Mysore to Coorg
Drive to Coorg (about 3 hours). Visit Abbey Falls and Raja's Seat in the afternoon. Check into a coffee plantation homestay for the night - the food and hospitality are half the experience.
Coorg
Full day in Coorg. Drive to Talakaveri in the morning, then Namdroling Monastery (Bylakuppe) on the way back. End with a walk through the coffee estate where you are staying.
Coorg to Chikmagalur
Drive to Chikkamagaluru (about 4 hours). Spend the afternoon on Mullayanagiri - the highest peak in Karnataka - and Baba Budangiri. Stay in a coffee estate near Chikmagalur.
Chikmagalur to Hampi
Long transfer day. Fly from Mangaluru to Hubballi if you want to save time, or drive via Shivamogga (about 7 hours). Arrive in Hampi by evening and walk to Matanga Hill for sunset.
Hampi and Out
Full morning at Vittala Temple and the royal enclosure. Afternoon at leisure or a final walk along the Tungabhadra. Transfer to Hubballi for your flight home.