Leave Hyderabad on the overnight train or bus for Hosapete (Hospet), allowing roughly 9–12 hours. For travel dated December 18, check the exact timetable and arrival date carefully: overnight services may depart the previous evening, and schedules vary. From Hosapete, continue by local bus or auto-rickshaw to Hampi, usually 30–45 minutes. Before setting off, agree on the drop-off point and fare with an auto driver, and keep your luggage with you; buses and autos may not take you right to your accommodation.
Once settled, take an easy 45–60-minute first walk through Hampi Bazaar, soaking up the old street and temple surroundings without trying to cram in the major sights—you’ll have more time to explore tomorrow. Stay in a budget guesthouse in or near the village area for convenient access, but book ahead for December and confirm the precise location: lodging availability in the historic village can be limited, so Kamalapura is a useful nearby fallback if you can’t find a suitable room.
For dinner, look for a busy vegetarian spot around Hampi Bazaar; allow about ₹150–350 per person for a simple South Indian meal. Gopi Guesthouse Restaurant is a familiar option in the area, but check current hours and availability when you arrive. Keep tonight relaxed after the long journey, and carry some cash—small eateries and local transport may not reliably accept cards.
Start around Virupaksha Temple when it opens, usually about 6 a.m.; allow 1–1.5 hours for the active shrine and its historic halls. Entry is generally free, though special areas or rituals may have charges. Dress modestly and leave footwear outside. From here, walk uphill to Hemakuta Hill for its small shrines and broad views over the boulder-strewn landscape; give yourself 45–60 minutes, especially if you want to linger for photos.
Continue on foot to Kadalekalu Ganesha and Sasivekalu Ganesha, two impressive monolithic sculptures in the same hill area; about 45 minutes is enough. Then take an auto to Vijaya Vittala Temple in the riverside heritage zone—agree the fare before setting off, and allow roughly 1.5–2 hours there. The complex usually closes in the late afternoon, so don’t leave this visit too late. There’s a walk from the vehicle drop-off to the monument, with a shuttle buggy sometimes available; check the current entry fee at the gate, as charges and access arrangements can change.
After the temple visit, head back toward Hampi Bazaar for a vegetarian banana-leaf meal. Gopi Guest House Restaurant is a convenient, well-known option nearby; ask whether a banana-leaf thali is being served that day, as availability can vary. Budget about ₹150–350 per person, and carry water—the midday sun can feel strong even in December.
Leave Hampi early and allow roughly 5–7 hours to reach Badami, including the connection at Hosapete. Bus links can be thin, so confirm the onward service at the station before setting off; you’ll likely arrive around lunchtime or early afternoon. Head first to the Badami Cave Temples. They’re generally open during daylight hours (often around 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m.); allow 1.5–2 hours for the carved shrines and the steep steps. Entry is usually inexpensive—check the current ticket price at the gate—and carry water for the climb.
Walk down to Agastya Lake for a slower half-hour and views of the red sandstone cliffs reflected in the water, then continue uphill to Badami Fort. The fort’s steps are uneven and exposed, so take your time, especially in the afternoon heat; allow 1–1.5 hours for the climb and viewpoints. Afterward, have a simple North Karnataka meal near the town center or bus stand: Hotel Anand Deluxe is a practical option to check for a filling local meal, with about ₹150–350 per person to budget.
Check in at KSTDC Hotel Mayura Chalukya, a convenient state-run stay to consider; confirm availability and the current rate before you travel. If you arrive late or the bus connections run slowly, keep the fort visit flexible and ask locally about access before climbing near closing time.
Leave Badami as early as you can and reserve a bus or train to Bengaluru in advance; expect roughly 9–12 hours on the move, with fares around ₹800–1,800 for the bus option. That makes today’s sightseeing tight: the planned Cubbon Park walk (45–60 minutes) is best only if you reach central Bengaluru before its usual 6 p.m. closing. If you do, take a gentle loop through the shaded paths, then continue to Vidhana Soudha to admire its illuminated exterior from outside; allow 20–30 minutes, and remember the building is not generally open for casual visits.
From Vidhana Soudha, head to M. G. Road for a 45-minute browse among its shops and cafés. Then go to MTR (Mavalli Tiffin Rooms) on Lalbagh Road for a classic South Indian meal; budget about ₹200–450 per person and check the day’s closing time before setting out, as a late arrival may leave little time to eat. If your bus or train gets in after the park closes, don’t try to squeeze in everything: settle into your hotel first and enjoy the central sights you can reach before dinner.
A budget hotel around Majestic is practical for an overnight stop and tomorrow’s onward transport; compare recent reviews and confirm late check-in before booking. Majestic is busy, so keep valuables close and use an auto or app cab from the station or bus stand if you’re arriving tired.
Once you reach central Mysuru, head to Mysore Palace first; allow about 1½–2 hours to see the Durbar Hall, painted ceilings and royal rooms at an unhurried pace. The palace is generally open to visitors from around 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; entry is roughly ₹100 for Indian adults, but check the current ticket price and hours before you go. Leave shoes in the designated area and keep a little cash handy.
Walk or take a short auto-rickshaw ride to Devaraja Market. Give yourself 45–60 minutes to wander among the flower heaps, spice stalls and fruit sellers; mornings and early afternoons are liveliest, and it’s best to ask before photographing vendors. Then go to Hotel RRR, near the palace area, for a hearty Andhra-style lunch—budget about ₹200–450 per person. It can get busy at peak lunch time, so expect a short wait.
For tonight, look for a budget lodge or simple hotel near Mysuru railway station or the city centre; both make it easy to get around by local bus or auto-rickshaw tomorrow. Rates and availability vary in December, so confirm the room, check-in time and any extra charges before booking.
Take a city bus toward Chamundi Hill from the central bus stand, or use an auto for a quicker uphill ride; allow about 30–45 minutes each way depending on traffic. Visit Chamundeshwari Temple early to avoid the biggest queues and enjoy the views over Mysuru. Darshan hours can vary, so check locally before setting out; budget 1½–2 hours including the trip up. Afterward, stop at the Nandi Statue on the descent—buses and autos may be available, but agree on an auto fare before you leave the temple area. Give the statue and viewpoint about 20–30 minutes.
Head down to Mysore Sand Sculpture Museum in Siddhartha Layout by auto or cab; allow roughly 20–30 minutes from the hill, depending on traffic. It’s a compact visit, usually around 45–60 minutes, and a good change of pace after the climb. Continue by auto or cab to Mysore Zoo in Indira Nagar (around 15–25 minutes). Set aside 2–3 hours for the grounds; it’s generally open 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. and closed Tuesdays, but check the current schedule before visiting.
Finish at Vinayaka Mylari in Nazarbad for its soft, Mysuru-style masala dosa; allow roughly ₹100–250 per person. It’s a small, popular place, so expect a possible wait and check its evening opening hours before making the trip—hours can change, and it may close between meal services. From Mysore Zoo, an auto or cab is the easiest option; allow about 10–20 minutes depending on traffic.
Start at St. Philomena’s Cathedral in Lashkar Mohalla; allow about 45 minutes to admire the soaring neo-Gothic interior. It’s generally open during the day, but services can affect visitor access, so check locally before setting out. From the city centre, it’s a short auto-rickshaw ride or a manageable walk. Then head to the Railway Museum near Mysuru Junction—about 10–15 minutes by auto from the cathedral. Give yourself 1–1½ hours to see the vintage locomotives and exhibits; it’s typically open from around 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with a modest entry fee and possible extra charges for the toy train.
For a straightforward, budget-friendly vegetarian meal near the centre, try Hotel Suvarna Bhavan; expect roughly ₹150–350 per person depending on your order. It’s an easy auto ride from the museum. Leave a little slack after lunch for packing and collecting your bags rather than squeezing in another stop.
For Hyderabad, check IRCTC for a suitable train from Mysuru—a connection via KSR Bengaluru City may be the most practical rail option—or book a bus, commonly routed via Bengaluru. Allow roughly 12–16 hours for the bus journey, and compare the full journey time and connection wait before booking. If you take an overnight service on December 24, you’ll likely arrive on December 25; reserve ahead and confirm the departure point and reporting time with the operator.
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