7-Day Family Friendly Road Trip Itinerary for Coastal Karnataka

Day 1: Explore Mangalore

Mangalore, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Ideal Ice Cream

Start your day with delicious sandwiches and their special ice creams that kids absolutely love.
From your hotel, drive to Ideal Ice Cream which is about 15 mins away.
INR300, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Panambur Beach

Spend your morning at Panambur Beach where kids can enjoy sandcastle building and water games.
Drive from the restaurant to Panambur Beach, approximately 30 minutes.
Free, 2.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Gajalee

Savor authentic Mangalorean seafood with a family-friendly atmosphere.
From Panambur Beach, Gajalee is a 20-minute drive.
INR1200, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Visit St. Aloysius Chapel

Explore this beautiful chapel known for its stunning frescoes which captivate all ages.
Just a 15-minute drive from Gajalee.
Free, 1 hour

3:30 PM

Mangaladevi Temple Visit

Pay a visit to the famous Mangaladevi temple which holds spiritual significance.
Drive 10 minutes to the temple.
Free, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Shopping at Mallikatta

Take some time to shop for local products and souvenirs.
A short 10-minute drive from the temple.
Variable, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Mangalore Fisherman's Wharf

Indulge in delectable local dishes, especially seafood, in a quaint riverside setting.
About 20 minutes drive from Mallikatta.
INR1500, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Udupi

Udupi, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Woodlands

Taste scrumptious vegetarian South Indian breakfasts like idli and dosa.
Drive 1.5 hours to Udupi.
INR500, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Krishna Temple

Explore the renowned Udupi Krishna Temple, a significant pilgrimage site for Hindu devotees.
Just a 10-minute drive from Woodlands.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30 AM

Udupi Sri Krishna Matha Museum

Delve into the rich culture and heritage of Udupi at this informative museum.
Located near the Krishna Temple.
INR100, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at The Near Hotel

Enjoy a hearty thali lunch with traditional flavors.
A quick 5-minute walk from the museum.
INR800, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Explore Malpe Beach

Spend the afternoon playing on the shores of Malpe Beach, perfect for families.
A short 15-minute drive from the restaurant.
Free, 3 hours

5:30 PM

Visit St. Mary's Island

Catch a ferry to the famous St. Mary's Island for a unique geological formation.
Ferry takes about 20 minutes to the island.
INR400, 3 hours including ferry ride

8:30 PM

Dinner at Swathi Restaurant

Finish your day with sumptuous Udupi cuisine including their divine desserts.
Return ferry then drive about 30 minutes to the restaurant.
INR1000, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Educational Manipal

Manipal, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Cafe 108

Indulge in an eclectic breakfast menu, perfect for families.
Drive 15 minutes to Cafe 108 from Udupi.
INR600, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit the Manipala Museum of Anatomy

A fascinating place for children to learn about human anatomy through exhibits.
A short 5-minute drive.
INR250, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Explore Manipal End Point

Enjoy panoramic views of the valleys and surrounding areas, ideal for family photos.
Just 10 minutes drive from the museum.
Free, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at Dosa Corner

Grab quick South Indian snacks and light meals that kids adore.
Only 10 minutes from End Point.
INR500, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit Manipal’s Tiger Circle and Tranquil Garden

Let your kids explore the garden while you unwind amidst nature.
Just a 5-minute drive.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Visit Anegudde Vinayaka Shrine

Drive to this iconic temple famous for its serene setting and spiritual vibes.
A drive of about 30 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Return to Manipal for kids' play time at Castle Rock

Let the kids play while enjoying the picturesque surroundings.
Back to Manipal, a 30-minute drive.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Tandoor Hut

Enjoy delicious grilled dishes and North Indian fare.
A short drive of 10 minutes.
INR1000, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Scenic Kundapura

Kundapura, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel Kamath

Savor traditional South Indian breakfast options to kickstart your day.
Drive 45 minutes to Kundapura, stopping at Hotel Kamath.
INR500, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Explore Kundapura Beach

Spend some fun time at Kundapura Beach, which is less crowded and perfect for family days out.
Beach is located just 15 minutes away.
Free, 2.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Thimmappa Hotel

Enjoy simple and delicious lunch options featuring local cuisine.
Just a 15-minute drive from the beach.
INR700, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Visit Kumbashi Beach

More secluded and quieter, perfect for a laid-back beach experience with your family.
10 minutes drive from the restaurant.
Free, 3 hours

4:30 PM

Visit Kodi Beach

Great for watching stunning sunsets and spending quality family time.
A short 20-minute drive to Kodi Beach.
Free, 3 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner at Malgudi Cafe

Wind down with a delicious family dinner with a beautiful view.
Drive back to the cafe for a 30-minute ride.
INR1200, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Wonders of Murudeshwar

Murudeshwar, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Netrani Sea View Restaurant

Enjoy breakfast with a view of the sea, offering a great start to your day.
A scenic 30-minute drive to the restaurant.
INR600, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit the Murudeshwar Temple

Explore the magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its towering statue.
Just 10 minutes from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Beach time at Murudeshwar

Let the kids play and enjoy the waves at the beautiful beach adjacent to the temple.
Just a quick walk from the temple.
Free, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Sea View

Indulge in freshly-caught seafood and Indian dishes.
Walk a short distance from the beach.
INR900, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Visit Netrani Island

Enjoy some thrilling snorkeling and water sports (optional) at this stunning island.
Ferry ride takes around 30 minutes.
INR2000 (including equipment), 3.5 hours including transit

6:00 PM

Return to Murudeshwar and relax

Unwind at your accommodation or walk on the beach as the sun sets.
Returning from Netrani.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner at Nityanand Restaurant

Enjoy traditional coastal cuisine including local fish dishes.
Driving back to the restaurant in about 15 minutes.
INR1000, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Charming Gokarna

Gokarna, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Namaste Cafe

Indulge in their tasty breakfasts while enjoying serene beach views.
Drive an hour to Gokarna to reach Namaste Cafe.
INR700, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Gokarna Beach

Spend a leisurely morning swimming and playing on the famous Gokarna Beach.
A drive of 10 minutes to the beach.
Free, 2.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Preetham Restaurant

Enjoy a mix of North and South Indian dishes in a family-friendly restaurant.
Only a 15-minute drive from Gokarna Beach.
INR800, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit Mahabaleshwar Temple

Visit this ancient temple famous for its beautiful architecture.
A short drive of 10 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit Kudle Beach

Perfect for relaxing, enjoy a beautiful sunset at this lesser-known beach.
Quick 15-minute drive from the temple.
Free, 2 hours

5:30 PM

Explore Om Beach

Famous for its unique shape, enjoy sunbathing and family fun.
A brief 10-minute drive.
Free, 2 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner at The Garden Restaurant

Dine amidst nature and relish the local cuisine.
Drive back to Gokarna town for a 15-minute trip.
INR1000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Nature in Karwar

Karwar, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Fisherman's Wharf

Enjoy a delicious breakfast with fresh seafood and local flavors.
Drive to Karwar from Gokarna, approximately 1.5 hours.
INR600, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Explore Karwar Beach

Spend a relaxing morning on the beach with soft sands and gentle waves.
Just 15 minutes drive from the restaurant.
Free, 2.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Hotel Malabar

Enjoy delicious Malabari cuisine that the kids will adore.
Only a 10-minute drive.
INR800, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit Sadashivgad Fort

A historical fort with stunning views over the Arabian Sea.
Drive to the fort takes about 20 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Explore Devbagh Beach and Wildlife Sanctuary

Visit this serene beach and its wildlife, perfect for a peaceful conclusion to your trip.
Another 20-minute drive.
Free, 2 hours

5:30 PM

Return and Relax

Spend your last evening relaxing at your accommodation or nearby beach.
Backtracking wherever you're staying.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Farewell Dinner at Kamat Restaurant

Finish your trip with a delicious meal featuring local favorites.
A short drive back, around 15 minutes.
INR1200, 1.5 hours
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