Family-Friendly 6-Day Itinerary in Karnataka, India

Sunday August 20: Murudeshwar

Start your trip in the coastal town of Murudeshwar. In the morning, visit the magnificent Murudeshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Explore the temple complex and marvel at the towering statue of Lord Shiva overlooking the Arabian Sea. In the afternoon, head to Murudeshwar Beach for some relaxation and water activities. As the evening sets in, enjoy a beautiful sunset view from the beach.

• Murudeshwar Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
• Murudeshwar Beach: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours

Restaurants

• A popular breakfast spot near Murudeshwar is Hotel Amrut Palace. They serve delicious South Indian breakfast dishes like idli, vada, and dosa. The average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
• For lunch, head to Sagar Ratna Restaurant. They offer a wide range of vegetarian options including thali meals, biryani, and North Indian dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
• For dinner, try RNS Highway Family Restaurant. They serve tasty North Indian and Chinese cuisines. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.

Monday August 21: Coorg

Travel to Coorg, also known as the "Scotland of India." In the morning, visit the famous Abbey Falls and enjoy the scenic beauty of the cascading water. Afterward, head to Dubare Elephant Camp and get up close to these gentle giants through various activities. In the evening, explore the vibrant Madikeri town and visit Raja's Seat, a popular sunset viewpoint.

• Abbey Falls: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
• Dubare Elephant Camp: Estimated cost - INR 700 per person, Time spent - 3 hours
• Raja's Seat: Estimated cost - INR 10 per person, Time spent - 1 hour

Tuesday August 22: Chikmagalur

Head to Chikmagalur, known for its lush coffee plantations. Start your day with a visit to Mullayanagiri, the highest peak in Karnataka, and enjoy breathtaking views from the summit. In the afternoon, explore the iconic coffee estates and learn about the coffee-making process. End the day with a visit to Baba Budangiri, a sacred shrine for both Hindus and Muslims.

• Mullayanagiri: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
• Coffee Plantations: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
• Baba Budangiri: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour

Wednesday August 23: Gokarna

Continue your journey to Gokarna, a serene beach town. Start your morning with a visit to Kudle Beach and enjoy the pristine shoreline. Afterward, head to Om Beach and indulge in water sports activities such as banana boat rides and parasailing. In the evening, explore the famous Mahabaleshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva.

• Kudle Beach: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
• Om Beach: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 3 hours
• Mahabaleshwar Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour

Thursday August 24: Dandeli

Travel to the adventurous town of Dandeli. In the morning, embark on a thrilling white-water rafting expedition in the Kali River. Afterward, explore the lush Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary and spot various species of flora and fauna. In the evening, visit the Syntheri Rocks, a geological wonder with a stunning waterfall.

• White-Water Rafting: Estimated cost - INR 1500 per person, Time spent - 3 hours
• Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary: Estimated cost - INR 100 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
• Syntheri Rocks: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour

Friday August 25: Shivamogga, Udupi, and Nandi Hills

Start your morning with a visit to Shivamogga and explore the picturesque Jog Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in India. Afterward, head to Udupi and visit the famous Sri Krishna Temple. In the evening, make your way to Nandi Hills near Bangalore and enjoy the panoramic views from the hilltop.

• Jog Falls: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
• Sri Krishna Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
• Nandi Hills: Estimated cost - INR 10 per person, Time spent - 2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

If you have more time to explore, consider visiting the historical site of Hampi, known for its ancient ruins and rock formations. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a glimpse into the rich history and architectural marvels of the Vijayanagara Empire. Hampi is a treasure trove for history enthusiasts and a great place for the whole family to explore and learn.

For hotel and flight bookings, you can check prices and availability on Kayak.