Leave early (daytime driving only) to make good progress before midday traffic; aim for NH48/NH73 route via Tumakuru/Arsikere depending on traffic. This helps reach Shimoga in the afternoon with daylight driving throughout.
CTR is a budget-favourite for dosas and idlis; if you prefer to start earlier or avoid city traffic, pack a light tiffin or grab highway breakfast at Kamat Upachar. Eating before you leave saves time on the first day.
Stop at a clean highway restaurant such as Kamat Upachar or a reliable local dhaba for a budget thali (vegetarian) — convenient, family-friendly and reasonably priced.
Check into a budget family hotel or a trusted branded budget chain (OYO / FabHotel / Treebo / local family-run hotel with parking). Recommended budget range: INR1200–2200/night for a family room with parking and breakfast included.
A family-friendly small safari/deer park near Shimoga that’s good for kids and quick wildlife viewing; park typically open up to late afternoon (confirm local timing: usually until 5:00pm). Great as a light outdoor stop after your drive.
Light evening walk around the town market or riverside area to get local snacks, fruits and a feel of the town before dinner; keeps activities short and kid-friendly.
Choose a hotel restaurant or a nearby clean family restaurant that serves simple Karnataka meals or North/South Indian dishes; inexpensive and convenient for families after a day of driving.
Rest overnight. Recommended booking: budget family room in a dependable hotel or branded budget chain with free parking and breakfast next morning (INR1200–2200/night).
Quick breakfast at the hotel (included with many budget stays) or a nearby café — idli/dosa/uttapam for kids and chai for adults; fuel up for a day in the Ghats.
Take a short walk in Thirthahalli, visit local temples and riverside spots; Thirthahalli is the gateway to nearby forested Ghats and is ideal for quick sightseeing and tea stops.
Drive up to Agumbe (approx 25–40 min). Agumbe is famous for its rainforest, King Cobra research station (ARRS), and the scenic Agumbe Sunset Viewpoint — best visited in daylight for walking and small nature trails.
Visit the Agumbe sunset viewpoint (free) and, if available and open to visitors, the Rainforest Research Station (ARRS) for short guided wildlife/nature insights. Note ARRS may have limited public hours — confirm locally; viewpoints are open all day.
Stop at a clean local restaurant for a budget thali or coastal-style fish meal (if you prefer seafood) before heading on to Kundadri and Udupi. Carry water/snacks for short hikes.
Short drive to Kundadri (check local road conditions). Kundadri offers panoramic Western Ghats views and a small stone Jain/Bhairava temple on top. Typically open during daytime until early evening; a gentle climb is required.
Descend from the Ghats and drive to coastal Udupi (approx 2.5–3.5 hours depending on stops). This daytime drive transitions from hill roads to coastal highway — keep breaks for family comfort.
Check into a budget family hotel in Udupi (search family rooms in budget hotels / OYO / FabHotel near Krishna Matha or Malpe). Aim for hotels with free parking and breakfast included; budget range INR1200–2500/night.
Woodlands (a well-known Udupi vegetarian restaurant chain) serves traditional and budget-friendly Udupi meals. If you prefer seafood, choose a clean local coastal restaurant near Malpe for fresh, affordable seafood. Confirm timings (many restaurants open until 10pm).
Simple hotel breakfast or nearby café — order Udupi-style breakfast (idli, vada, dosa) to fuel the morning boat trip and temple visit. Many budget hotels include breakfast.
Visit the famous Krishna Matha temple; morning hours usually start early—darshan windows vary, typically 5:00am–1:00pm and 3:30pm–8:30pm but confirm locally. Temple visit is quick and culturally important for families.
Drive ~10–15 minutes to Malpe Harbor. Boats to St. Mary's Island (light basalt rock formations) generally run from ~9:00am to ~4:00pm — best to take an early ferry round trip. Book tickets in advance at the harbor; allow 2–3 hours total for boat + island walk.
Enjoy a budget-friendly lunch at a beach shack (seafood) or return to Udupi town for a traditional vegetarian meal at Woodlands or a clean local diner. If travelling with children who prefer milder food, choose vegetarian options in town.
Start return drive to Bangalore by daytime route. Total driving time ~8–9 hours depending on stops and traffic — plan two driver shifts if possible, and take regular breaks every 2–2.5 hours for safety and comfort.
Return home in Bangalore by late evening (arrival time depends on traffic and number/length of stops). Unpack and rest after a family-friendly road trip with scenic hills and coast.
Itinerary created by
Plantrip Team
AI-assisted, human-reviewed
Plan Your Hey give me a best itinerary from Bangalore to Udupi or road trip by car with family for 2 nights 3 days for this October 23rd to October 25th returning to bangalore, my condition is like I would like to travel only on day times and I would like to have budget friendly hotels for breakfast and Lunch and I would like to take the route from Bangalore>Shimoga>Thirthahalli>Udupi road, if you need anything else please do ask
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