Take an early flight from Chennai International (MAA) to Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) to maximize sightseeing time; flight ~1h15m but allow 90–120 minutes for airport formalities. Book early-morning flights and check current flight times and baggage rules.
Classic Bengaluru breakfast (rava idli, set dosa) at the iconic MTR; popular and opens early (typically ~7:00am). Expect a short queue at peak times—great introduction to local food.
Historic botanical garden famous for its glasshouse and huge tree collection; visit for a relaxed stroll and photography. Gardens are typically open 6:00am–7:00pm but verify seasonal timings.
View the Tudor-style palace and interiors (rich woodwork and pictures); the guided/ audio tour gives context on Bangalore's history. Palace hours are usually 10:00am–5:30pm; last entry before closing.
Spicy Andhra-style biryani and thali that’s a Bangalore favorite; open for lunch from ~11:30am onward. Good choice for hearty, flavourful food before afternoon stops.
Small but ornate teak palace with Tipu-era frescoes and history; visit to understand Mysore/Bangalore-era history. Typically open 10:00am–5:30pm—plan to arrive well before closing.
Walk in Cubbon Park for greenery and then photograph the imposing Vidhana Soudha from the outside (public building; interior visits limited). Cubbon Park generally open 6:00am–7:00pm.
Check in to your Bengaluru hotel or guesthouse, rest after travel and prepare for dinner. Typical check-in times from 2:00pm onward; confirm early check-in if needed.
Fine coastal dining at Karavalli (samples regional south-west coastal cuisine) or pick a local brewpub for more casual dining. Many restaurants open from ~7:00pm; reservations recommended for weekend nights.
Famous dosas and filter coffee in basher areas of Bangalore; quick, authentic breakfast before the road trip. Opens early (typ. 7:00am) and is perfect for a filling start.
Start the ~3–3.5 hour drive to Mysore with a planned stop at Srirangapatna to break the trip and see historic sites; consider a private car or comfortable taxi for flexibility.
Historic island town with an important temple and Tipu Sultan's summer palace (Daria Daulat Bagh). Temples typically open early morning and evening; the palace often opens ~9:00am–5:00pm.
Try Mysore's famous soft dosa at Mylari or a hearty Andhra meal at Hotel RRR; both are local favorites and open through lunchtime. Good rest stop after your drive into Mysore.
One of India's grandest royal palaces with ornate interiors and a changing light display at night on select days; open generally 10:00am–5:30pm so afternoon visits fit well.
Evening musical fountain & illuminated gardens near Krishnarajasagara dam; shows usually at ~7:00pm (verify seasonal show times). It's a relaxing, photogenic evening outing.
Drive or climb to Chamundi Hill for expansive city views and morning temple rituals; temple usually opens early (6:00am) — best time to avoid heat and crowds.
Art collections including traditional Mysore paintings and modern Indian art; gallery hours often ~10:00am–5:00pm—good for a mid-morning cultural stop.
Neo-Gothic cathedral with stained-glass windows modelled on European cathedrals; open for visitors and worship most of the day (approx. 6:30am–6:30pm).
Well-maintained historic zoo with a wide variety of animals; open typically 8:30am–5:30pm, making late afternoon a good visit to see active animals before dusk.
Browse spices, sandalwood, silk and Mysore pak sweets at the lively Devaraja Market—great for souvenirs; many shops close by early evening, so plan accordingly.
Leave early for the drive to Kabini (~2.5–3 hours depending on your Lodge location) to arrive with time to check-in and register for safaris. Roads are generally good but drive safely.
Most wildlife lodges (Kabini River Lodge, The Serai, Jungle Lodges, etc.) offer breakfast on arrival and help arrange safari permits—confirm check-in and safari times with them.
Use this time to rest, take a guided nature walk near the lodge, or visit the Kabini backwaters; many lodges offer short interpretive walks mid-morning (check lodge schedule).
Afternoon/evening safari through Nagarhole to look for elephants, deer, leopards, gaur and birdlife; typical forest department safari window ~3:00pm–6:00pm but confirm and pre-book (permits required).
Early morning safari is the best chance to see active wildlife (elephants, gaurs, spotted deer, and possibly leopard) and birds; morning slots often run ~6:00am–9:00am—book forest department slots ahead.
Return to lodge for breakfast, settle bills and collect packed lunch/snacks for the road if required. Confirm check-out policies and any pending charges.
Begin the drive back to Bengaluru (approx 5–5.5 hours) or to Mysuru (~3 hours) depending on onward travel plans; plan a relaxed stop en route for lunch.
Arrive back in Bengaluru in the evening; have a final dinner (brewpub or local restaurant) and prepare for onward travel—airport or train connections typically available late evening.