5-Day South Karnataka Nature and Culture Itinerary: Bengaluru to Gokarna to Shivamogga

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Day 1: Travel and Arrival

Bengaluru to Gokarna, India on August 6, 2025

7:00AM

Depart from Bengaluru

Start your journey early from Bengaluru heading towards Gokarna via NH 69 and SH 93 for a scenic drive.
INR0, 2h30m

9:30AM

Breakfast at Kamat Upachar or Swathi Delicacy

Enjoy authentic veg South Indian cuisine at these popular spots on Tumkur Road or Yediyur, both open by 7 AM and perfect for a hearty meal.
INR200, 1h

12:30PM

Tea/snack break at Sirsi

Freshen up with a tea or light snack at Hotel Madhuvan Veg or a local bakery; a good midway break before continuing the journey. Both open before noon.
INR100, 1h

6:30PM

Check-in at Stone Wood Nature Resort, Gokarna

Settle into cozy accommodation near Kudle Beach after your drive. Relax and unwind in the natural surroundings.
INR3000, 1h

8:00PM

Dinner Options

If arriving late, dine at Hotel Panchavati for traditional veg meals; if earlier, try Namaste Café at Om Beach or Halfway Home Café at Kudle for fresh coastal cuisine and ambience.
INR400, 1h

8:45PM

Evening stroll to Kudle Beach

Optional short walk to Kudle Beach to enjoy the sunset and the calming sea breeze before retiring for the night.
INR0, 30m

Day 2: Gokarna Exploration

Gokarna, India on August 7, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Stone Wood’s Restaurant

Start with a wholesome breakfast at the resort featuring local and continental options, served fresh from 7 AM.
INR300, 1h

9:30AM

Temple and Culture Tour

Visit Mahabaleshwar Temple and explore Gokarna Main Beach and Koti Tirtha Tank, all close by and rich in spiritual and cultural history. Most sites open by 9 AM.
INR0, 2h30m

12:30PM

Lunch at Prema Restaurant or Chez Christophe / Mantra Café

Relish local and international vegetarian fare. Prema Restaurant is preferred for in-house guests; check if Chez Christophe is open. Mantra Café offers a nice alternative.
INR500, 1h

2:00PM

Beach hopping around Gokarna

Visit the iconic Om Beach, enjoy shacks and views, then possibly trek or boat to Half Moon or Paradise Beach for secluded natural beauty.
INR0, 3h

5:30PM

Sunset and snacks at Sunset Café or Café 1987

Relax with light snacks and refreshments while watching the beautiful sun set over the Arabian Sea in these popular local cafés.
INR250, 1h

8:00PM

Dinner at Halfway Home or Namaste Café

For dinner, choose Halfway Home for fusion and vegetarian options or Namaste Café for Indian and continental dishes with good ambiance. Both open till late.
INR400, 1h

Day 3: Waterfalls & Beaches

Gokarna, Apsarakonda, Honavar, India on August 8, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Stone Wood

Start your day with a filling breakfast at the resort before heading out to explore waterfalls and beaches.
INR300, 1h

8:30AM

Drive to Apsarakonda Falls

Enjoy the scenic 45 km drive to this serene waterfall and park, perfect for photography and nature walks. Open from 9 AM.
INR0, 1h

9:30AM

Visit Apsarakonda Falls & Park

Spend time at the picturesque falls and surrounding park area appreciating the lush greenery and tranquility.
INR20, 1h30m

11:15AM

Boating at Sharavathi Backwaters, Honavar

Experience boating near Eco Beach offering calm waters and beautiful views, a unique way to connect with nature. Check local timings but usually open mid-morning.
INR200, 1h15m

12:30PM

Visit Kasarkod Blue Flag Beach

Enjoy a short walk along this clean, Blue Flag-certified beach, known for responsible eco-tourism and natural beauty.
INR0, 1h30m

2:00PM

Lunch at Meenaxi Bhavan or local thali place

Have a peaceful vegetarian lunch enjoying local flavors at this well-known spot or a nearby thali restaurant in Honavar.
INR300, 1h

3:30PM

Drive back to Gokarna

Return to your base for rest and evening plans.
INR0, 1h30m

5:30PM

Tea/snack at Café de Malgudi or Sunset Point Café

Unwind with a refreshing tea or light snack while soaking in the coastal ambiance before dinner.
INR200, 1h

8:00PM

Dinner at Beach Shack Café

Try a new local shack café or revisit your favorite spot to enjoy fresh coastal vegetarian dishes and cozy ambiance.
INR400, 1h

Day 4: Falls & Drive to Shivamogga

Gokarna to Shivamogga, India on August 9, 2025

7:30AM

Early Breakfast at Stone Wood

Fuel up with an early breakfast to prepare for a day filled with waterfall visits and travel.
INR300, 30m

8:00AM

Depart to Unchalli Falls

Start a 2.5 hour drive to the stunning Unchalli Falls, well known for its height and surrounding forest.
INR0, 2h30m

10:30AM

Visit and short trek at Unchalli Falls

Explore the falls area including a short trek to a viewing point to get spectacular views of the cascading waters.
INR10, 1h30m

12:00PM

Drive to Jog Falls

Transfer via road to the iconic Jog Falls site, one of India's highest waterfalls.
INR0, 2h

2:00PM

Explore Jog Falls viewpoints

Visit designated viewpoints to capture amazing photos and take in the natural power of the falls. Facilities are open till sunset.
INR30, 1h30m

4:00PM

Drive to Shivamogga

Embark on the drive to Shivamogga, checking in at your selected hotel.
INR0, 2h30m

7:30PM

Check-in and Dinner in Shivamogga

Check in at Jai Maata Grandeur or Sri Sai Palace followed by dinner at the hotel or nearby popular eateries like Kamat Madhuvan or TKS Iyengar serving traditional South Indian veg meals.
INR400, 1h30m

Day 5: Return to Bengaluru

Shivamogga to Bengaluru, India on August 10, 2025

6:30AM

Depart from Shivamogga

Begin early drive back towards Bengaluru, stopping en route for breakfast to refresh.
INR0, 2h

8:30AM

Breakfast at Guru Kottureshwara Benne Dosa Hotel, Davanagere

Enjoy authentic crispy Benne Dosa, a Davanagere speciality, at this iconic local eatery open from early morning.
INR150, 45m

9:15AM

Continue drive to Bengaluru

Complete the approximately 4 hour journey back to Bengaluru with expected arrival by early afternoon depending on traffic.
INR0, 4h45m
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