Arrive at Shivamogga airport and pick up rental car/driver; brief freshen-up and head toward the city for lunch. Allow 20–40 minutes for baggage and car pickup.
Enjoy a hearty Malnad lunch (akki rotti, neer dosa, Malnad chicken/fish curry or vegetarian thali) at a well-reviewed local restaurant in Shivamogga to fuel the afternoon.
Visit the historic Keladi Rameshwara Temple and the palace remains — interesting local architecture and calm surroundings; temples usually open until evening but check for any special closures.
Darshan at Sringeri Sharada Peetham — famed Advaita math on the Tunga river. Temple hours typically include an evening slot (around 4:00–7:30pm) so this timing suits the aarti; check local notice for exact aarti times.
Check into an ashram guest room, homestay or small lodge (advance booking recommended for ashram stays). Dinner will be simple Malnad/ashram fare, often served in the evening mess.
Early departure to reach Bhadra sanctuary for the morning safari — wildlife activity is highest at dawn. Drive time will vary (approx 1–1.5 hours depending on gate chosen).
Morning jeep or boat safari on the Bhadra reservoir/forest to spot elephants, deer, langurs, myriad birds and possibly leopards; safaris are run early morning and late afternoon and require advance permits/bookings through forest department or licensed operators.
Visit Jog Falls (Sharavathi Falls) and the main viewpoints (Raja, Rani, Rocket) for dramatic plunge views; note viewpoint area is typically open during daylight (roughly 7:00–17:00) but check seasonal access and safety during monsoon.
Head to Honnemaradu for calm reservoir scenery and optional kayaking/boat rides; activities usually run during daylight (approx 8:00–16:30) and are seasonal — book locally on arrival.
Settle into a riverside tented camp or homestay offering bonfire and dinner; camps provide a nature experience close to the falls/backwaters (book ahead during busy seasons).
Visit the Sigandur temple on the Sharavathi backwaters — the temple is locally famous and sometimes requires a short boat ride depending on reservoir level; temple open during daytime hours (confirm locally).
Drive through Western Ghats roads toward Agumbe (approx 1.5–2 hours) — the route offers rainforest scenery; plan carefully as roads can be narrow/wet in monsoon.
Visit Agumbe viewpoint for panoramic rainforest views; check out Koodlu Theertha and Barkana Falls viewpoints — waterfalls are seasonal and may require short walks. Safety note: avoid risky treks during heavy rain.
Board your overnight car/volvo/bus back to Bangalore. Expect ~6–8 hours depending on traffic; schedule driver rest stops. Arrival in Bangalore will be late night/early morning depending on traffic.