Morning: Depart Bangalore at 6:00 AM by private car, enjoying the lush Western Ghats scenery en route to Shimoga (≈ 3 hours). Stop for a quick breakfast at a roadside café featuring fresh Karnataka snacks.
Afternoon: Check into a boutique lodge near the city center, then head to the spectacular Shivaganga Falls. A short trek leads to the cascading waterfalls where you can dip your feet and enjoy the cool mist.
Evening: Wander through Shimoga’s bustling market, tasting local mangoes and Mysore pak. End the day with a relaxing dinner at a river‑front restaurant featuring regional delicacies.
Find HotelsMorning: Early drive to Jog Falls, one of India’s highest plunge waterfalls. A guided trek takes you to the viewpoint for panoramic photos and a brief walk to the base of the falls.
Afternoon: Head to the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary for a safari. Spot elephants, deer, and a variety of bird species while learning about conservation from local guides.
Evening: Return to Shimoga for a leisurely sunset boat ride on the Bhadra River, followed by a cozy dinner at your lodge’s rooftop, overlooking the hills.
Find HotelsMorning: Visit the serene Horanadu Shri Lakshmi Devi Temple perched atop a hill, offering a peaceful ambience and stunning vistas of the Western Ghats.
Afternoon: Explore the historic Kundadri Hill with its ancient Jain temple, followed by a stop at the Sakrebailu Elephant Camp for a short elephant ride and photo session.
Evening: Return to the lodge to freshen up, then enjoy a farewell dinner of traditional Malnad cuisine before departing for Bangalore.
Find HotelsLeave Shimoga at 5:00 AM for a smooth drive back to Bangalore, arriving by 9:00 AM. Use any remaining time for a quick coffee stop before the journey ends.
Find HotelsTo extend the trip, add a day to explore nearby Hampi or Mysore, which are both within a 5‑hour drive from Shimoga. For a shorter stay, focus only on Shivaganga Falls, Jog Falls, and a quick Bhadra Wildlife Safari, skipping the hill and temple visits to condense the itinerary into two full days.