Ultimate 9-Day Road Trip from Hyderabad Through South India's Historical and Natural Wonders

Day 1: Mysore Exploration

Mysore, India on April 23, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Vinayaka Mylari

Start with their iconic soft dosas and filter coffee, a Mysore speciality to energise your day.
INR100, 1h

8:30am

Visit Mysore Palace

Explore the grand Mysore Palace, a magnificent example of Indo-Saracenic architecture and former royal residence, opening at 10:00am but exterior and gardens can be viewed earlier.
INR70, 2h

10:30am

St. Philomena's Cathedral

Visit this beautiful Neo-Gothic church known for its stunning stained glass windows and towering spires.
Free, 45m

12:00pm

Lunch at Malgudi Coffee

Enjoy a traditional South Indian thali in this cosy cafe in Mysore.
INR250, 1h

2:00pm

Chamundi Hill & Nandi Statue

Drive up Chamundi Hill to see the Chamundeshwari Temple and view the giant Nandi bull statue, offering panoramic views of Mysore city. Open all day.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Brindavan Gardens

Visit the famous Brindavan Gardens for its musical fountain show which starts at sunset (around 7:00pm).
INR50, 2h

8:00pm

Dinner at Riverside Restaurant

Relish Karnataka's local cuisine with peaceful views by the river.
INR400, 1h

Day 2: Coorg Coffee & Nature

Coorg, India on April 24, 2025

7:00am

Drive from Mysore to Coorg

Early morning start for about a 3-hour scenic drive to Coorg, the “Scotland of India.”
Fuel costs approx INR1200, 3h

10:30am

Breakfast at Coorg Cuisine

Try Coorgi Pandi Curry with local side dishes at this highly-rated eatery.
INR300, 1h

11:30am

Visit Abbey Falls

Enjoy a walk to serene waterfalls surrounded by coffee plantations, open till 5:00pm.
INR50, 1.5h

1:30pm

Madikeri Fort

Explore the historic fort and museum in Madikeri town to learn about Coorg’s heritage.
INR20, 1h

3:00pm

Coffee Plantation Tour

Book a guided tour at a nearby plantation to learn about coffee growing and roasting.
INR300, 2h

5:30pm

Relax at Raja’s Seat

Witness spectacular sunset views from this famous garden spot.
INR30, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Falls at The Tamara

Fine dining with a blend of local flavours and stunning natural ambience.
INR800, 1.5h

Day 3: Chikamagalur Coffee Trails

Chikamagalur, India on April 25, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Chikamagalur

Short 2-hour drive north to the coffee capital of Karnataka.
Fuel approx INR800, 2h

9:30am

Breakfast at Town Canteen

Enjoy South Indian breakfast favourites and aromatic coffee.
INR150, 1h

10:30am

Baba Budangiri Hills

Trek or drive (depending on time) in this scenic hill range named after the revered Sufi saint Baba Budan, with panoramic views of coffee plantations.
Free, 3h

2:00pm

Lunch at Echharajé

Sample local dishes featuring fresh ingredients and traditional spices.
INR350, 1h

3:30pm

Coffee Museum Visit

Explore exhibits on the history of coffee cultivation in Chikamagalur.
INR50, 1h

5:00pm

Drive to Hampi (overnight stay nearby)

Begin the 4-5 hour drive towards Hampi for next day’s exploration.
Fuel approx INR1200, 5h

Day 4: Hampi Heritage

Hampi, India on April 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Mango Tree Restaurant

Start your day with hearty vegetarian breakfast in Hampi’s village.
INR250, 1h

9:30am

Explore Virupaksha Temple

Visit this ancient temple, one of the oldest active temples in India, open from 6am to 8pm.
Free, 1h

10:45am

Vijaya Vittala Temple Complex

Explore this iconic UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its stone chariot and musical pillars.
INR40, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Royal Orchid Restaurant

Enjoy an extensive menu with Indian and continental options near the Hampi Bazaar.
INR350, 1h

2:30pm

Hampi Bazaar Walk & Underground Shiva Temple

Wander through ruins of the ancient market street and see lesser-known temples.
Free, 1.5h

4:30pm

Matanga Hill Sunset

Hike up to this hill for panoramic sunset views over Hampi’s landscape.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Laughing Buddha Cafe

A cosy restaurant offering local and fusion vegetarian dishes.
INR300, 1h

Day 5: Coastal Drive & Gokarna

Gokarna, India on April 27, 2025

7:00am

Drive to Gokarna via Murudeshwar

Early start for 4-5 hour coastside journey stopping at Murudeshwar for the famous temple and giant Shiva statue.
Fuel approx INR1500, 5h

12:30pm

Lunch at Sea View Restaurant, Murudeshwar

Enjoy fresh seafood with ocean views near the temple beach.
INR400, 1h

2:00pm

Murudeshwar Temple Visit

Explore the renowned Shiva temple complex with cliffside views, open till evening.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Continue to Gokarna

Drive onward (about 2 hours) to reach Gokarna, a laid-back beach town famous for its temples and beaches.
Fuel approx INR600, 2h

6:00pm

Relax at Om Beach

Enjoy the sunset at this crescent-shaped beach known for its tranquility and scenic beauty.
Free, 1.5h

8:00pm

Dinner at Namaste Cafe

Try wholesome Indian and continental dishes right on Om Beach.
INR350, 1h

Day 6: Yana Caves & Udupi Temples

Yana & Udupi, India on April 28, 2025

7:00am

Drive to Yana Caves

Start early for the 2-hour drive to Yana, known for its unique karst rock formations and caves.
Fuel approx INR600, 2h

9:30am

Explore Yana Caves

Hike up 1.5km through forest terrain to visit the stunning limestone caves sacred to Lord Shiva. Open all day.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Drive to Udupi (1.5 hours)

Head to Udupi, famed for its Krishna Temple and coastal cuisine.
Fuel approx INR400, 1.5h

1:30pm

Lunch at Woodlands Restaurant, Udupi

Enjoy authentic Udupi vegetarian dishes in a popular local chain.
INR250, 1h

2:45pm

Visit Sri Krishna Temple

Explore this historic temple complex, a spiritual hub for devotees, open till 7pm.
Free, 1.5h

4:15pm

Stroll the Malpe Beach

Relax at the nearby beach, famous for its fishing harbour and boat rides.
Free, 1.5h

6:00pm

Drive to Dandeli (3 hours)

Evening journey to Dandeli known for wildlife and adventure, will be base for next day.
Fuel approx INR900, 3h

Day 7: Dandeli Wildlife & Jog Falls

Dandeli & Jog Falls, India on April 29, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Nature’s Resort, Dandeli

Enjoy fresh and local breakfast in the midst of nature.
INR300, 1h

8:00am

Dandeli Wildlife Safari

Take a guided jeep safari through the wildlife sanctuary to spot rare animals and birds, tours run until mid-afternoon.
INR1000, 3h

11:30am

Drive to Jog Falls

About 2.5 hours drive to the spectacular Jog Falls, highest waterfall in India.
Fuel approx INR600, 2.5h

2:00pm

Lunch at Jog Falls Restaurant

Simple local cuisine with views of the falls gorge.
INR300, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Jog Falls Viewing Areas

Walk the trails around the falls viewpoint platforms, open till sunset.
INR20, 2h

5:30pm

Return to Dandeli

Drive back to Dandeli for overnight stay.
Fuel approx INR600, 2.5h

8:00pm

Dinner at Dandeli Resort

Enjoy local Karnataka dishes to complete your day.
INR400, 1h

Day 8: Badami Caves & Return

Badami, India on April 30, 2025

6:30am

Drive to Badami

Early morning 4-hour drive to Badami, famous for its rock-cut cave temples.
Fuel approx INR1300, 4h

10:30am

Visit Badami Cave Temples

Explore the UNESCO-listed 6th-century rock-cut cave temples featuring intricate carvings, open 9am-5:30pm.
INR50, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Badami Hotel Mayura

A popular spot serving traditional Karnataka cuisine.
INR350, 1h

2:00pm

Drive towards Nandi Hills

Begin the return journey to Hyderabad via a 5-hour drive stopping at Nandi Hills for sunset.
Fuel approx INR1500, 5h

7:30pm

Sunset at Nandi Hills

Enjoy cool breezes and spectacular views over Bangalore’s outskirts at this popular hill station; open till late.
INR30, 1h

8:30pm

Dinner at the Hillside Restaurant

Tuck into tasty South Indian dishes with a hill view.
INR350, 1h

9:30pm

Drive to Hyderabad

Final 1.5-hour stretch returning to Hyderabad to conclude the trip.
Fuel approx INR600, 1.5h

Day 9: Relax & Departure

Hyderabad, India on May 1, 2025

9:00am

Late Breakfast at Chutneys

Enjoy a relaxing South Indian breakfast with a variety of chutneys in Hyderabad.
INR200, 1h

10:30am

Relax at Hussain Sagar Lake

Take an easy morning stroll or boat ride on the lake, letting the journey sink in before departure.
INR100, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Ohri's Tansen

Indulge in North Indian and Mughlai cuisine to end your trip on a delicious note.
INR500, 1.5h