Comfort stop for tea/coffee and a hot South Indian breakfast at a clean highway restaurant (for a large group choose a place that can handle 38 people). Typical places like A2B / clean roadside restaurants open from 7:00am and are group-friendly.
Arrive and check in at Arya Eco Stay (request early check-in for the group). Rest and freshen up before lunch; the stay typically accommodates groups and can organize in-house meals and estate tours.
Simple homestyle Kannadiga and coffee estate cuisine at the stay — convenient for a large mixed-age group and saves time. Confirm menu and any dietary needs with the stay before arrival.
Easy, 45–60 minute guided walk inside a coffee plantation arranged by Arya Eco Stay — learn about coffee processing and sample fresh brews; suitable for all ages.
Short drive to Mullayanagiri (highest point in Karnataka). For mixed ages, drive most of the way and do the short walk to the viewpoint (not the full strenuous trek). Aim to arrive before 6:00pm as the site is best visited daytime; open roughly 6:00am–6:00pm.
Panoramic valley and Western Ghats views; short easy walk to the main viewpoint. Great photo stop and mild exercise for the group — avoid steep climbs for older or less-mobile members.
Quick visit to Hirekolale Lake (scenic view point close to Chikmagalur town) for a relaxed sunset and tea/soft drinks; lake area usually accessible until about 6:30pm.
Group dinner at the stay for convenience or at Town Canteen (local favorite) for authentic local meals. Arya Eco Stay can cater to group needs (check menu & timing); Town Canteen usually open till late evening.
Relax at the stay, organize a short briefing for Day 2’s timings and transport, and ensure the group is ready for an early start. Hot drinks available at the stay.
Gentle guided birdwatching or a short nature walk inside the coffee estate to spot early-morning bird activity and enjoy cool air — ideal for mixed-age groups and low effort. Plan for about 1 hour; start early when birds are active.
Drive to Baba Budangiri (Dattatreya shrine) and the nearby Manikyadhara Falls for a short, easy walk and scenic views; the area is culturally significant and scenic. Sites are generally open 6:00am–6:00pm — avoid long treks for comfort of the group.
Return to the stay for baggage and group check-out. Confirm seating/boarding details for the bus and ensure everyone has essentials for the journey back.
Short visit to the Coffee Museum or local shops in Chikmagalur town to buy fresh beans and souvenirs; museum/shop visits usually open from 9:30am–6:00pm and are easy for all ages.
Group lunch at a roomy local restaurant — try traditional thali or local Malnad dishes. These places typically serve lunch from 12:00pm–3:00pm and handle groups with advance notice.
Short stop to stretch legs, use restrooms, and grab tea/coffee/snacks before the drive back to Bangalore; important for group comfort on a long journey.
Board the bus and head back to Bangalore via the same NH75 route. Expect 6–7 hours drive depending on traffic; plan a couple of short breaks en route for comfort.
Estimated arrival back at the Bangalore meetup/drop-off point around 10:00pm. Confirm final headcount and ensure all luggage and purchases are collected.