7-Day Karnataka Road Trip from Bangalore

Day 1: Bangalore → Mysore

Morning: Depart Bangalore and drive 150 km (≈3 hours) to Mysore, enjoying the scenic countryside.

Afternoon: Explore the grand Mysore Palace and climb to Chamundi Hill for panoramic views.

Evening: Stroll through Devaraja Market and sample local sweets before settling in for the night.

Day 2: Mysore → Coorg (Madikeri)

Morning: Drive 120 km (≈3 hours) from Mysore to the hill station of Coorg, arriving in Madikeri.

Afternoon: Visit the picturesque Abbey Falls and tour a traditional coffee plantation.

Evening: Relax at Raja's Seat watching the sunset over the misty valleys.

Day 3: Coorg → Chikmagalur

Morning: Travel 200 km (≈5 hours) through winding roads to the coffee haven of Chikmagalur.

Afternoon: Take a guided walk through another coffee estate and trek to Mullayanagiri, the highest peak in Karnataka.

Evening: Dine at a local eatery enjoying the aromatic coffee and regional cuisine.

Day 4: Chikmagalur → Hampi

Morning: Embark on a 340 km (≈7 hours) drive to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hampi.

Afternoon: Wander through the ruins of Virupaksha Temple and the bustling Hampi Bazaar.

Evening: Catch a spectacular sunset from Hemakuta Hill, overlooking the ancient stone structures.

Day 5: Hampi → Badami → Jog Falls

Morning: Drive 210 km (≈5 hours) to Badami and explore the magnificent Badami Cave Temples and Agastya Lake.

Afternoon: Continue 170 km (≈4 hours) to the Jog Falls region, checking into a nearby lodge.

Evening: Enjoy the misty atmosphere around the falls and a relaxed dinner in Shimoga.

Day 6: Jog Falls → Shivamogga → Bangalore

Morning: Visit the thundering Jog Falls up close, then head to Shivamogga for a quick tour of the Sakrebailu Elephant Camp.

Afternoon: Begin the return journey, covering 400 km (≈7 hours) back toward Bangalore, with a possible stop at Nandi Hills for a brief visit.

Evening: Arrive in Bangalore, concluding the road adventure.

Day 7: Bangalore (Leisure Day)

Morning: Relax at a local café or revisit any favorite spot in Bangalore.

Afternoon: Optional short trip to Nandi Hills (30 km, 1 hour) for a final scenic view.

Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant, reflecting on the journey.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Mysore Palace – 2 hrs – ₹200 entry
• Chamundi Hill – 1 hr – Free
• Abbey Falls – 1.5 hrs – ₹50 entry
• Coffee Plantation (Coorg) – 2 hrs – ₹300 tour
• Raja's Seat – 1 hr – Free
• Abbey Falls – 1 hr – ₹50 entry
• Mullayanagiri Trek – 3 hrs – ₹200 guide
• Virupaksha Temple (Hampi) – 2 hrs – Free
• Hampi Bazaar – 1 hr – Free
• Hemakuta Hill Sunset – 1 hr – Free
• Badami Cave Temples – 2 hrs – ₹100 entry
• Jog Falls Viewpoint – 2 hrs – ₹100 entry
• Sakrebailu Elephant Camp – 2 hrs – ₹150 entry
• Nandi Hills (optional) – 2 hrs – ₹50 entry
• Fuel & Tolls (approx.) – – – ₹8,000
• Accommodation (6 nights) – – – ₹12,000
• Meals (7 days) – – – ₹7,000
• Miscellaneous (souvenirs, guides) – – – ₹2,000
• Total Estimated Cost – – – ₹30,200

Tips

To extend the trip, add an extra day in Coorg for river rafting or a day in Hampi to explore more hidden ruins. If you need to shorten the itinerary, combine Day 5 and Day 6 by skipping the stop at Shivamogga and heading straight from Badami back to Bangalore, reducing travel fatigue while still experiencing the main highlights.