8-Day Scenic Road Trip from Hyderabad: Exploring Mysore, Hampi, Coorg, and Coastal Karnataka

Day 1: Badami and Aihole Heritage

Badami, Karnataka on April 23, 2025

7:00am

Depart Hyderabad

Start early morning drive towards Badami, approximately 9 hours by car, to maximise daylight for sightseeing.
0, 9h0m

4:00pm

Visit Badami Caves

Explore the ancient rock-cut Badami Caves showcasing exquisite Chalukya architecture and carvings from the 6th century. Open until 6pm, ideal for late afternoon visit.
INR50, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Badami Local Eatery

Enjoy authentic Karnataka cuisine at a local restaurant like Hotel Surabhi, known for simple and hearty meals.
INR300, 1h

Day 2: Hampi Historical Exploration

Hampi, Karnataka on April 24, 2025

7:00am

Drive to Hampi

Early morning 2h30m drive from Badami to Hampi to start a full day of exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site.
0, 2h30m

9:30am

Explore Hampi Ruins

Visit the iconic Vijaya Vittala Temple, Virupaksha Temple, and the Royal Enclosure. Sites open from 8am to 6pm.
INR40, 6h

3:30pm

Sunset at Matanga Hill

Climb Matanga Hill for sweeping views of the ruins at sunset, a must-see experience in Hampi.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Mango House Hampi

Enjoy a relaxed meal offering local and international dishes in a peaceful garden setting.
INR700, 1h

Day 3: Jog Falls and Chikmagalur Coffee Country

Chikmagalur, Karnataka on April 25, 2025

7:00am

Drive to Jog Falls

3h drive from Hampi, arrive early to view the spectacular Jog Falls in full flow. Best visited in the mornings and good from 9am to 5pm.
INR20, 1h30m

9:30am

Visit Jog Falls

Spend time enjoying the scenic viewpoints and nature trails around the falls.
Included, 1h30m

11:00am

Drive to Chikmagalur

2h30m drive to Chikmagalur, central coffee region.
0, 2h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Town Canteen, Chikmagalur

Sample delicious local Malnad cuisine, especially their famous neer dosa and biryani.
INR400, 1h

3:00pm

Coffee Plantation Tour

Book a half-day guided tour of a coffee estate such as the Baba Budangiri coffee plantation, open until evening.
INR500, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Little Man Coffee Co

Enjoy freshly brewed coffee with light snacks in a charming setting before overnight stay.
INR300, 1h

Day 4: Coorg Scenic Landscapes

Coorg, Karnataka on April 26, 2025

7:30am

Drive to Coorg

Around 2h drive to Coorg famous for its hills, waterfalls, and spice plantations.
0, 2h

9:30am

Visit Abbey and Iruppu Waterfalls

Explore these scenic waterfalls, best visited in the morning when light is best for photos; Iruppu open till 6pm.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Coorg Cuisine Restaurant

Try traditional Coorgi dishes like pandi curry (pork curry) in a cosy local restaurant.
INR400, 1h

1:30pm

Dubare Elephant Camp

Interact with elephants and learn about their care at this camp open till 4pm.
INR250, 2h

4:00pm

Relax at Hotel

Enjoy the cool hill atmosphere at your resort or homestay in Coorg.
Included in stay, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Falls at the Tamara

Upscale dining with local and continental cuisine surrounded by lush greenery.
INR1000, 1h30m

Day 5: Mysore Palaces and Gardens

Mysore, Karnataka on April 27, 2025

7:00am

Drive to Mysore

Approximately 3h30m drive to Mysore, the royal city famous for its palace and gardens.
0, 3h30m

11:00am

Visit Mysore Palace

Explore the opulent Mysore Palace with its stunning architecture and museum, open from 10am to 5:30pm.
INR70, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Vinayaka Mylari

Enjoy traditional Mysore masala dosa and filter coffee at this famous local eatery.
INR300, 1h

2:30pm

Stroll Lalitha Mahal Palace Gardens

Visit the elegant gardens surrounding Lalitha Mahal Palace, good for photography and walking.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Chamundi Hill and Nandi Statue

Drive up to Chamundi Hill for panoramic views and the huge Nandi bull statue, site open till sunset.
INR20, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at RRR Mysore

Indulge in spicy Andhra meals after a long day of sightseeing, a well-known spot among locals and travellers alike.
INR400, 1h

Day 6: Nandi Hills and Bangalore Environs

Nandi Hills, Karnataka on April 28, 2025

7:00am

Drive to Nandi Hills

Early 1h15m drive from Mysore to Nandi Hills, perfect for sunrise and morning walk.
INR15, 1h15m

8:30am

Sunrise and Hill Top Visit

Explore the hill top fortress, gardens, and temples; ideal for peaceful nature views. The area is open 24 hours.
Free, 2h

11:00am

Breakfast at Nandi Hills Restaurant

Have a light breakfast enjoying local South Indian snacks.
INR250, 1h

12:00pm

Drive to Udupi

Approximately 6-hour drive to Udupi, arriving in the evening.
0, 6h

7:30pm

Dinner at Woodlands Udupi

Enjoy traditional Udupi vegetarian cuisine in a famed local restaurant.
INR350, 1h

Day 7: Coastal Karnataka Temples and Beaches

Murudeshwar, Gokarna, Yana Caves on April 29, 2025

7:00am

Drive from Udupi to Murudeshwar

Approx 2h30m morning drive to Murudeshwar, famous for huge Shiva temple and sea views.
0, 2h30m

9:30am

Visit Murudeshwar Temple and Beach

Explore temple complex with largest Shiva statue and relax on the adjoining beach.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Drive to Yana Caves

1h30m drive inland to Yana, known for unique karst rock formations and caves; open till sunset.
INR20, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch near Yana

Enjoy rustic meals at local eateries offering simple Karnataka cuisine.
INR300, 1h

2:30pm

Hike and Explore Yana Caves

Take an easy trek through forest to reach the sculpted limestone caves and towering rock peaks.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Drive to Gokarna

Approx 1h drive to Gokarna to settle in for beach stay.
0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Namaste Cafe, Gokarna

A relaxed beachside cafe offering a mix of Indian and international dishes.
INR500, 1h

Day 8: Dandeli Adventure and Return

Dandeli, Karnataka on April 30, 2025

7:00am

Drive to Dandeli

Approx 3h30m drive from Gokarna to Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, ideal for morning arrival.
0, 3h30m

10:30am

Jeep Safari and River Rafting

Enjoy adventurous jeep safari and white water rafting in the Kali river area. Rafting usually available 9am to 4pm.
INR1200, 3h

2:00pm

Lunch at Nature Camp

Simple meals served in peaceful forest surroundings.
INR350, 1h

3:00pm

Drive back to Hyderabad

Start approx 11h drive back to Hyderabad with dinner stops en route, or break journey if needed.
0, 11h