Leave Bangalore at 9:00pm to use overnight hours for the long drive into the Western Ghats toward Kollur. This keeps daytime free for temple darshan and sightseeing.
Drive northwest via NH48/NH69 (typical route) with planned short stops for fuel and rest. Keep headlamp checks and phone charger handy; stay alert for ghats/curves approaching early morning.
Mookambika is a major pilgrimage temple set at the foothills of the Western Ghats; early morning darshan avoids crowds and is spiritually quiet. Typical opening: early morning (around 4:00–5:00am); verify current timings before travel.
Have simple South Indian breakfast — temple prasadam is available at Mookambika or choose a nearby vegetarian eatery (e.g., Saraswathi-type local hotel) for idli, dosa and filter coffee; most places open by 6:30–7:00am.
Short drive to Sigandoor to see the unique riverside Chowdeshwari shrine famed for its protective deity and scenic river setting; visit for darshan and photos. Temple hours are generally morning to evening; confirm local ferry/boat if needed (if river access required).
Arrive at Jog Falls (Sharavathi Falls) to view the cascading falls from the main viewpoints; best accessed by 11:00–15:00 for good light and full flow (seasonal). Public viewpoints are generally open daytime (approx 7:00am–6:00pm).
Eat at a local Malnad-style restaurant or roadside eatery — try a thali or ragi-based dishes for an authentic regional meal; many small eateries serve hot meals around noon.
Leave Jog Falls mid-afternoon and descend west toward Honnavar and the coast; you’ll pass scenic ghats and later coastal plains — this longer leg positions you for an evening arrival in Gokarna.
Arrive Gokarna, check in to a hotel or beach guesthouse and freshen up; evening is ideal for a brief walk to the beach or quick temple visit (Mahabaleshwar Temple has evening aarti times).
Dine at a popular beach cafe for relaxed coastal food and ambience — many cafes on Om and Kudle beaches serve a mix of Indian and coastal dishes; check kitchen closing times (often around 9:30–10:00pm).
Have a relaxed breakfast at a beach cafe (e.g., Namaste Cafe or other popular spots) with ocean views; breakfast service typically starts 7:00–8:00am — great way to recharge before morning sightseeing.
Visit the town temple (Mahabaleshwar) and take the picturesque beach trail to Om and Kudle beaches; morning is best for tranquility and photos. Temple timings usually include early morning and evening; plan darshan accordingly.
Depart Gokarna late morning and follow coastal NH66 north to Murudeshwara — scenic coastal drive with towns and viewpoints en route; travel time roughly 2.5–3.5 hours depending on stops.
Visit the towering Shiva statue, climb the Raja Gopura (viewing tower) for panoramic sea views, and do darshan at the Murudeshwara Temple; temple hours commonly 6:00am–9:00pm so afternoon visit is fine.
Have a quick early dinner or coastal snack at a beach/temple-front restaurant (many stay open through evening); keep it light for the long overnight drive ahead.
Begin the long overnight return to Bangalore; expect ~9–11 hours depending on traffic and stops — aim for driver rotations and planned rest breaks to arrive safely by early Monday (target before 5:00am).
Estimated arrival into Bangalore early Monday (before 5:00am) if departure and traffic follow the plan; you meet the user's requirement to be back by Monday 5:00am (Sunday midnight return is tight—this schedule aims for safe overnight driving).