Early start from Mandya to maximise daylight in the ghats and reach Jog Falls in the afternoon; drive time ~3–3.5 hours to Shigandur then onward to Jog area.
Quick walk around the village/estate roads to enjoy the Western Ghats scenery; great for photos and a short nature stroll (no formal ticketed attraction).
Lunch in Sagara — choose a popular local restaurant for aamti, rice, fish curry (if you eat seafood) or hearty vegetarian thali; refuel before waterfall viewpoints.
Visit the main viewpoints (Rani, Raja, Rocket) of Jog Falls to see one of India's highest waterfalls; best to visit between 9:00am–6:00pm (viewing area generally open 6:00am–6:00pm).
If time allows, a short cultural stop at Banavasi (ancient Kadamba site) near Sirsi for a quick walk—museum and temple areas are generally open 9:30am–5:30pm; otherwise skip and head to Yana.
Drive to the striking limestone Yana rock formations; short hike (20–30 minutes) up through shaded forest to the twin rock peaks, best visited in morning to avoid heat.
Walk the path to the base of the Bhairaveshwara and Mohini peaks and enjoy limestone caves and forested scenery; it's a 1–2 hour visit depending on pace.
Drive down to the coastal town of Kumta and have lunch — coastal eateries are good for fresh seafood or coastal vegetarian fare; restaurants open midday.
Stretch legs on Kumta beach or visit Mirjan Fort (open daylight hours) for history and photo stops; both are relaxed afternoon options before heading to Gokarna.
Watch sunset at Om Beach (open all day) and enjoy beach shacks; the bay has a distinctive OM-shaped shoreline and is perfect for late-afternoon relaxation.
Dine at a popular coastal café or shack (try local fish thali or wood-fired pizzas at traveller-frequented cafes) — many eateries operate through the evening.
Attend or observe the early morning rituals at the Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple (temple generally opens early morning ~5:00–5:30am), a calm spiritual experience before coastal driving.
Head north along the NH66 coastal route to Murdeshwar, known for one of the tallest Shiva statues and a scenic beach beside the temple complex; drive ~2–2.5 hours.
Visit the famous Mookambika temple in Kollur — typically open from early morning until late evening (approx 6:00am–9:00pm); plan darshan or explore temple complex and nearby quiet forested surroundings.
Stay either in Kollur or drive down to coastal Kundapura/nearby town for a wider hotel selection; have dinner at the hotel or a local restaurant serving Malnad and coastal cuisine.
Explore Karwar’s beaches, the Sadashivgad fort area and riverside promenade; beaches are open all day and fort areas are best visited in morning or late afternoon.
Have lunch at a well-regarded Karwar coastal restaurant — try Karwari fish curry or other local seafood preparations if you eat fish; many eateries open midday.
Reach Goa in the evening — unpack and take a brief sunset beach stroll if you arrive early enough; Goa nightlife and dining options are plentiful for dinner.
Finish your 4-day loop with dinner at a beachside Goan restaurant — try local Goan fish curry, prawn balchao or vegetarian xacuti; many restaurants remain open late into the night.