8‑Night Karnataka Highlights: Badami • Hampi • Gokarna • Udupi • Coorg • Mysore

Day 3: Full Day Hampi

Morning: Visit the magnificent Vijaya Vittala Temple, famous for its stone chariot and musical pillars.

Afternoon: Explore the royal Lotus Mahal and the Elephant Stables, then wander the serene Hampi Hemakuta Hill for sweeping vistas.

Evening: Enjoy a relaxed dinner at a riverside café and reflect on Hampi’s UNESCO‑World‑Heritage charm.

Day 4: Gokarna – Beaches & Temples

Morning: Travel to Gokarna (≈4 h). Check in and head straight to the striking Om Beach for a refreshing dip.

Afternoon: Walk along the pristine Half Moon Beach and explore the ancient Mahabaleshwar Temple, perched on a hilltop.

Evening: Watch a tranquil sunset on Gokarna Beach and dine on fresh seafood at a beachfront shack.

Day 5: Udupi – Spiritual & Coastal Delight

Morning: Drive to Udupi (≈2 h). Begin with a visit to the revered Udupi Sri Krishna Temple, known for its intricate wooden pillars.

Afternoon: Wander the nearby **Mani** market, then head to Malpe Beach for a leisurely stroll and optional boat ride to St. Mary’s Island.

Evening: Savor a traditional Udupi dinner of dosa and sambar, then relax at your hotel.

Day 6: Coorg – Waterfalls & Wildlife

Morning: Depart for Coorg (≈3 h). Upon arrival, visit the cascading Abbey Falls, surrounded by coffee plantations.

Afternoon: Experience the Dubare Elephant Camp, where you can feed and bathe gentle giants under the guidance of trained mahouts.

Evening: Check into a homestay, enjoy a plantation‑themed dinner, and unwind with a cup of locally grown coffee.

Day 7: Coorg – Culture & Scenic Views

Morning: Explore the panoramic Raja’s Seat, a perfect spot for sunrise over the misty hills.

Afternoon: Tour a coffee plantation to learn about bean processing, followed by a visit to the historic Madikeri Fort.

Evening: Attend a cultural performance showcasing Kodava folk music before returning to your homestay.

Day 8: Mysore – Palaces & Gardens

Morning: Travel to Mysore (≈2 h). Start with a guided tour of the opulent Mysore Palace, marveling at its illuminated interiors.

Afternoon: Climb to Chamundi Hill to visit the revered Chamundeshwari Temple and enjoy sweeping city views.

Evening: Stroll through the illuminated Brindavan Gardens, watching the musical fountain show.

Day 9: Departure from Mysore

Morning: Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and a final walk around the historic St. Philomena’s Cathedral.

Afternoon: Transfer to the airport or railway station for your onward journey, carrying memories of Karnataka’s diverse heritage.

Evening: (Optional) If time permits, explore the local market for souvenirs before departure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Badami Cave Temples – 2 hrs – $8
• Agastya Lake & Fort – 1.5 hrs – $4
• Virupaksha Temple – 1.5 hrs – $5
• Hampi Bazaar – 1 hr – $3
• Vijaya Vittala Temple – 2 hrs – $7
• Lotus Mahal & Elephant Stables – 2 hrs – $6
• Om Beach – 2 hrs – $0 (public)
• Mahabaleshwar Temple – 1 hr – $2
• Udupi Sri Krishna Temple – 1.5 hrs – $5
• Malpe Beach & St. Mary’s Island – 3 hrs – $12
• Abbey Falls – 1 hr – $3
• Dubare Elephant Camp – 2 hrs – $15
• Raja’s Seat – 1 hr – $2
• Coffee Plantation Tour – 2 hrs – $10
• Mysore Palace – 2 hrs – $8
• Chamundi Hill (Temple) – 1.5 hrs – $4
• Brindavan Gardens – 2 hrs – $6
• St. Philomena’s Cathedral – 1 hr – $0 (public)
• Overall Transport & Accommodation – 9 days – $180
• Total Estimated Cost: $317

Tips

If you have extra days, consider adding a visit to the historic city of Pondicherry after Mysore or extending your stay in Coorg for a trekking excursion in the Western Ghats. To shorten the trip, you can combine Badami and Hampi into a single day with an early start, or skip the island trip from Malpe to reduce travel time.