Start with a hearty breakfast at The Serai’s restaurant — fresh coffee, local Malnad dishes and continental options to fuel a day of walking. The Serai's dining is open from 7:00am to 10:00pm and offers good coffee grown locally.
Visit a nearby coffee estate for a guided walk through plantations to learn about bean varieties, wet/dry processing and sample fresh brew; estate tours usually run 9:00am–5:00pm and are a signature Chikmagalur experience.
Enjoy a simple, authentic Malnad meal or North/South Indian lunch at Town Canteen — excellent for local flavours and quick service; typically open 11:00am–4:00pm.
A short, relaxing visit to Hirekolale Lake for photographs and lakeside strolls; the spot is scenic in the afternoon light and open all day (public space).
Drive to Mullayanagiri (highest peak in Karnataka) and trek the final section to the summit for panoramic views and sunset — the slope is open all day, but arrive with time for a comfortable ascent (trek ~30–45 minutes).
Return to town for dinner at a well-regarded cafe offering local and fusion dishes — relaxed setting and good coffee after a long day. Most town cafes are open until 9:30–10:00pm.
A quick early breakfast (porridge, eggs, filter coffee) so you can depart promptly for Kemmangundi and waterfall access; most hotels offer breakfast from 6:30–8:30am.
Scenic drive to the Kemmangundi hill station; visit the Kemmangundi gardens and Z Point for cliff-top views and easy walks — public garden hours are generally 7:00am–6:00pm.
Take the authorised jeep service or trek to Hebbe Falls — jeep services typically operate between ~8:00am–5:00pm; the falls are best reached by the official jeep track and offer a spectacular waterfall set in coffee forest.
Return drive through coffee and forested countryside with stops at viewpoints; a relaxed afternoon to soak in the rural landscape and photograph tea/coffee terraces.
Finish the day with a comfortable dinner at your hotel or a recommended in-town restaurant offering local meats/vegetarian Malnad cuisine and continental options; hotel restaurants normally open until 10:00pm.
Early drive to the Bhadra forest zone to join the morning safari — morning safari windows are typically around 6:30am–10:30am; booking in advance is strongly recommended.
After the safari, drive south-west to Sringeri (historic temple town) — the route takes you through scenic countryside and is a pleasant mid-day drive.
Eat at a local vegetarian restaurant near the temple complex and try Malnad staples such as ragi-based dishes, sambar and fresh coconut chutney; most temple-area eateries serve lunch 11:00am–3:00pm.
Explore Sharada Peetham and the 14th-century Vidyashankara Temple — both are open to visitors (generally 6:00am–7:30pm); the shrine complex is peaceful and architecturally significant.
Drive back to Chikmagalur for an evening arrival or to continue onwards; use the remaining time to pick up local coffee beans and spices from town shops.
Enjoy a final relaxed Malnad-style dinner in town, sampling regional delicacies and freshly brewed local coffee before you leave or retire for the night.