7-Day Spiritual and Natural Journey Through Karnataka's Sacred and Scenic Sites

Day 1: Spiritual temples

Kukke & Dharmasthala, Karnataka, India on May 14, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Kukke Local Eatery

Start your day with a traditional South Indian breakfast featuring idli, dosa, and filter coffee, energizing you for temple visits.
INR100, 1h0m

8:30AM

Kukke Subramanya Temple

Visit the renowned Kukke Subramanya Temple, famous for serpent worship and its scenic hill surroundings. It's open from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Free, 2h0m

10:45AM

Travel to Dharmasthala

Drive about 40 minutes from Kukke to Dharmasthala, enjoying the lush Western Ghats en route.
INR300 (Taxi), 0h40m

11:30AM

Dharmasthala Temple Complex

Explore this unique temple complex combining Jain and Hindu worship, famous for its charitable activities and beautiful architecture. Open 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Free, 2h0m

1:30PM

Lunch at Hotel Mayura

Enjoy a vegetarian meal with Karnataka specialties like ragi mudde and sambar in this popular local hotel near Dharmasthala.
INR250, 1h0m

2:30PM

Evening leisure walk around Dharmasthala

Take a peaceful walk around the temple vicinity, exploring nearby gardens and cultural spots.
Free, 1h0m

4:00PM

Return to Kukke

Drive back to Kukke and get settled for the night.
INR300 (Taxi), 0h40m

7:30PM

Dinner at Hotel Mayura Kukke

Relish local Karnataka cuisine with dishes like Bisi Bele Bath and vegetable curry in a cozy setting.
INR300, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Sacred statues & waterfalls

Gomateshwara Statue, Sowthadka, Ermai Falls, Karnataka, India on May 15, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Kukke Lodge

Fuel up with South Indian breakfast staples and fresh fruit before a day of exploration.
INR120, 1h0m

8:30AM

Drive to Gomateshwara Statue, Shravanabelagola

Depart early for the famed 57-foot monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali, a Jain pilgrimage site about a 3.5-hour drive.
INR600 (Taxi), 3h30m

12:00PM

Climb Gomateshwara Statue hill

Ascend 600+ steps to the statue and soak in panoramic views; the site is open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Free, 2h0m

2:15PM

Lunch at local restaurant in Shravanabelagola

Enjoy a peaceful vegetarian meal featuring dosas and chutneys at a quaint local eatery.
INR200, 1h0m

3:30PM

Drive to Sowthadka Vinayaka Temple

Travel roughly 2 hours to this serene temple nestled amid nature, open till 7:00 PM.
INR400 (Taxi), 2h0m

5:30PM

Visit Sowthadka Vinayaka Temple

Enjoy the tranquil setting as you visit the temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, a spiritual haven for peace and blessings.
Free, 1h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at nearby guesthouse

Savor a simple home-style Karnataka dinner with fresh local ingredients.
INR250, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Waterfall hike & temples

Ermai Falls & Karkala, Karnataka, India on May 16, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at guesthouse

Have a nutritious and quick breakfast to prepare for a day of hikes and temple visits.
INR100, 0h45m

7:45AM

Travel to Ermai Falls

Drive approximately 45 minutes to Ermai Falls, a beautiful natural waterfall recommended for morning visits when it’s less crowded.
INR200 (Taxi), 0h45m

8:30AM

Ermai Falls hike

Enjoy a scenic hike down to the falls with stunning vistas; ideal for nature lovers, open during daylight hours.
Free, 2h0m

10:30AM

Drive to Sri Rama Kshetra Karkala

About a 1-hour drive to Karkala’s famous Sri Rama Temple, a spiritual and cultural landmark.
INR300 (Taxi), 1h0m

11:30AM

Sri Rama Kshetra Karkala

Visit this revered temple complex dedicated to Lord Rama, known for its traditional architecture and festivals. Open 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Free, 2h0m

1:30PM

Lunch at Hotel Mayura Karkala

Relish a combination of coastal Karnataka cuisine including seafood and vegetarian options in a comfortable setting.
INR350, 1h0m

2:30PM

Return to Kukke

Travel back to Kukke for an evening rest, approximately 2 hours by car.
INR400 (Taxi), 2h0m

6:30PM

Dinner at Kukke Local Restaurant

Enjoy local specialties like neer dosa and coconut chutney to end your day on a flavorful note.
INR250, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Mountain views & temple

Bisle Ghat Viewpoint & Malle Mahadeshwara Temple, Karnataka, India on May 17, 2025

6:30AM

Early Breakfast at Kukke

Eat a hearty breakfast to prepare for a day of scenic views and temple visits.
INR150, 0h45m

7:15AM

Drive to Bisle Ghat Viewpoint

About 2 hours’ drive to one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in Karnataka, known for its misty forest landscapes.
INR450 (Taxi), 2h0m

9:15AM

Bisle Ghat Viewpoint

Enjoy spectacular views where the Western Ghats’ sanctuary meets stunning valleys; perfect for photography and nature appreciation. Open daylight hours.
Free, 1h0m

10:30AM

Travel to Malle Mahadeshwara Temple

Drive approximately 2 hours to this revered hilltop temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, nestled in dense forests.
INR450 (Taxi), 2h0m

12:30PM

Lunch near Malle Mahadeshwara Temple

Enjoy a simple lunch with local flavors at a small restaurant by the temple complex.
INR200, 1h0m

1:45PM

Visit Malle Mahadeshwara Temple

Explore this peaceful temple set atop a forested ridge, famous for its spiritual significance and tranquil surroundings; open 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Free, 2h0m

4:00PM

Return to Kukke or onward travel

Drive back to Kukke for overnight stay or continue to your next destination. Journey takes roughly 3 hours.
INR600 (Taxi), 3h0m

7:30PM

Dinner

Have a relaxing dinner either at Kukke or on the way, with options to savor Karnataka comfort food.
INR300, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability