Check into a budget hostel/guesthouse in Chikmagalur town. Recommended inexpensive options: Zostel Chikmagalur (dorm/private) or budget guesthouses near Town Bazaar; expect cheap private room rates ~INR700–1200/night, dorms lower.
Dinner at a wallet-friendly local eatery near the bus stand/Town Bazaar serving Karnataka-style meals and dosas; cheap, filling, and open late (7:00–10:00pm typical).
Short drive (20–40 minutes depending on hometown location) up to the Mullayanagiri start point; roads are generally accessible and parking is available at base.
Trek to Mullayanagiri peak (highest in Karnataka) to catch sunrise; the trek is moderate (stone steps and slopes) and offers sweeping Western Ghats views — open from sunrise to sunset.
Short drive to Baba Budangiri (Dattatreya shrine) and the nearby Manikyadhara Falls; both are scenic and culturally significant. Falls and shrine areas are typically open 9:00am–5:00pm.
Take a short guided walk in a nearby coffee estate (many local guides offer 1–2 hour walks) to learn about coffee farming and processing — low-cost educational activity.
Have dinner at the same budget restaurant or use the hostel's communal kitchen (if staying at a hostel) to keep costs low and socialize with other travelers.
Head to Hebbe Falls; final stretch requires a jeep ride (estate vehicle) followed by a short walk. Jeep services usually operate 8:00am–4:00pm, so plan to reach before mid-afternoon.
Take a packed breakfast and leave early for an organized Bhadra safari — morning safaris give best wildlife viewing and are typically scheduled 6:00am–10:00am.
Afternoon guided walk through a coffee estate (many estates and homestays offer low-cost guided tours explaining planting, harvesting and roasting) — great for cultural and photo opportunities.
Final full dinner in Chikmagalur at a low-cost popular eatery or the guesthouse — recommended to try local dishes like akki rotti or neer dosa if available.
Drive ~1 hour to Belur to visit the Chennakeshava Temple, a fine example of Hoysala architecture — temple complex usually open 9:00am–5:00pm, but arriving early avoids crowds.
Light tea/snack and prepare for departure. Your schedule is planned to finish by 5:00pm as requested so you can catch onward transport or continue travel.