5-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for Chikkamagaliru and Shimogha in June 2023

1. Day 1: Mullayanagiri Peak
   20 minutes (8.9 km) from Chikkamagaliru

   Start your trip with a scenic drive to Mullayanagiri Peak, the highest peak in Karnataka. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and forests from the top. Make sure to carry warm clothes as it can be chilly at the peak. In the afternoon, visit the Hebbe Falls and take a dip in the refreshing waters. End the day with a visit to the Baba Budangiri shrine.

2. Day 2: Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
   1 hour 30 minutes (64.5 km) from Chikkamagaliru

   Spend the day exploring the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, home to a variety of flora and fauna. Take a jeep safari to see elephants, tigers, leopards, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. The sanctuary also has a beautiful lake where you can go boating and enjoy the serene surroundings.

3. Day 3: Sringeri Sharada Peetham and Agumbe
   1 hour 30 minutes (63.9 km) from Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

   Start your day with a visit to the Sringeri Sharada Peetham, a 8th century temple dedicated to the goddess Saraswati. The temple is known for its stunning architecture and peaceful surroundings. In the afternoon, drive to Agumbe, also known as the "Cherrapunji of South India". Visit the Agumbe Rainforest research station to learn about the flora and fauna of the region. End the day with a sunset view from the Kudremukh National Park.

4. Day 4: Kudremukh National Park and Kalasa
   1 hour 45 minutes (74.5 km) from Agumbe

   Explore the Kudremukh National Park, known for its scenic beauty and diverse wildlife. Take a trek to the Kudremukh peak and enjoy the panoramic views of the Western Ghats. In the afternoon, visit Kalasa, a quaint town known for its ancient temples and rich cultural heritage. Visit the Kalaseshwara Temple and the Annapoorneshwari Temple, both of which have stunning architecture and intricate carvings.

5. Day 5: Shimoga and Jog Falls
   1 hour 50 minutes (80.5 km) from Kalasa

   End your trip with a visit to Shimoga, the cultural capital of Karnataka. Visit the Tunga Anicut Dam and the Gajanur Dam, both of which have scenic surroundings and offer boating opportunities. In the afternoon, drive to the Jog Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in India. Enjoy the mesmerizing views of the waterfall and the lush green surroundings. End the day with a dinner at the Linganamakki Dam Reservoir.

Recommendations

Consider visiting the Bhadra Dam, Sharavathi Valley, and the Kodachadri Trek for some more adventure. You can also take a day trip to the nearby hill stations like Kemmanagundi and Kudremukh for some more scenic beauty. Make sure to try the local cuisine which includes dishes like Bisi Bele Bath, Mysore Pak, and Akki Roti.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Mullayanagiri Peak (2 hours, free)
• Hebbe Falls (2 hours, free)
• Baba Budangiri Shrine (1 hour, free)
• Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary (5-6 hours, INR 300 per person)
• Sringeri Sharada Peetham (2 hours, free)
• Agumbe Rainforest Research Station (2 hours, INR 100 per person)
• Kudremukh National Park (4-5 hours, INR 200 per person)
• Kalaseshwara Temple (1 hour, free)
• Annapoorneshwari Temple (1 hour, free)
• Tunga Anicut Dam (2 hours, free)
• Gajanur Dam (2 hours, free)
• Jog Falls (3-4 hours, INR 15 per person)
• Linganamakki Dam Reservoir (1 hour, free)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 615 per person