2‑3 Day Itinerary: Mysuru → Kolli Hills & Surroundings

Day 1: Mysuru to Kolli Hills – Sunrise & Exploration

Morning: Depart early from Mysuru (≈5 hrs drive) and enjoy a scenic route through the Western Ghats. Arrive at the base of Kolli Hills by mid‑morning and check‑in to a homestay in Kolli Malai Village. A light breakfast of idli‑sambar and fresh coffee will refresh you for the day.

Afternoon: After settling in, trek to the famous Kolli Malai Viewpoint for panoramic vistas of the valley. Continue to the historic Arapaleeswarar Temple, a 7‑century rock‑cut shrine perched on a cliff, and explore its intricate carvings.

Evening: Return to the homestay for a relaxing sunset at the Valley Viewpoint, where the sky paints the hills in golden hues. Enjoy a traditional Tamil dinner featuring mutton curry, lemon rice, and local banana chips.

Day 2: Local Flavors, Nearby Attractions & Return Options

Morning: Start with a hearty breakfast of appam and coconut chutney before heading to Vandavasi Falls, a serene cascade ideal for a short hike and photo ops. Afterwards, visit a nearby tea plantation to learn about tea processing and sample fresh brews.

Afternoon: Savor a lunch of local cuisine at a family‑run eatery—try the spicy Kolli Hills chicken curry and butter naan. Post‑meal, explore the ancient Namakkal Fort (≈1 hour drive) and enjoy its panoramic views of the surrounding plains.

Evening: Depending on your schedule, either begin the drive back to Bengaluru (≈7 hrs) or stay another night in Kolli Hills for a relaxed evening by the fire, sharing stories with fellow travelers.

Day 3 (Optional): Extend to Hogenakkal Falls & Yercaud

Morning: If extending, depart early to Hogenakkal Falls (≈3 hrs from Kolli Hills). Take a boat ride on the river and feel the mist on your face while admiring the cascading waters.

Afternoon: Enjoy a riverside lunch featuring fresh fish fry. Then travel to the hill station of Yercaud (≈2 hrs) and visit the scenic Shevaroy Temple and the tranquil Yercaud Lake.

Evening: Watch the sunset from the famous Pagoda Point before returning to your accommodation in Yercaud or heading back to Bengaluru, depending on your onward plans.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Kolli Hills (viewpoints & temple) – 4 hrs, INR 300 (entry & guide)
• Vandavasi Falls – 2 hrs, INR 150 (parking & minor trek)
• Tea plantation visit – 1 hr, INR 100 (tour & tasting)
• Namakkal Fort – 2 hrs, INR 80 (entry)
• Local meals (2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners) – 6 hrs total, INR 1,200
• Transportation (Mysuru ↔ Kolli Hills round‑trip) – 12 hrs driving, INR 3,000 (fuel & tolls)
• Optional Day 3: Hogenakkal Falls – 3 hrs, INR 200 (boat & entry)
• Optional Day 3: Yercaud (tour & lake) – 4 hrs, INR 250 (entry & guide)
• Optional Day 3: Additional meals – 3 hrs, INR 600
• Optional Day 3 transport (Hogenakkal ↔ Yercaud ↔ Bengaluru) – 6 hrs, INR 1,500
• Accommodation (2 nights homestay in Kolli Hills) – 2 nights, INR 2,400
• Optional accommodation (1 night Yercaud) – 1 night, INR 1,200
• Total Estimated Cost (2‑day core itinerary) – INR 5,530
• Total Estimated Cost (including optional Day 3) – INR 9,580

Tips

To shorten the trip, skip the optional Day 3 and head straight back to Bengaluru after Day 2’s evening; this saves both travel time and accommodation costs. If you have an extra day, adding the Hogenakkal Falls and Yercaud segment offers diverse scenery—from waterfall mist to cool hill‑station breezes—making the journey richer without a long detour.