Top Family-Friendly Places to Explore by Car in Karnataka

Day 1: Mysore Heritage Tour

Mysore, Karnataka on May 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Vinayaka Mylari

Start your day with crispy dosas and filter coffee at this iconic Mysore eatery that locals love.
INR150, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Mysore Palace

Explore the magnificent Mysore Palace, a historical royal residence known for its stunning architecture and regal interiors. It opens at 10:00am, so arriving early helps avoid crowds.
INR70, 2h0m

12:00pm

Stroll at Brindavan Gardens

Enjoy the beautiful landscaped gardens with musical fountain shows which open until 7:00pm. A great place for family photos and leisure.
INR20, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at RRR Restaurant

Relish authentic Andhra-style meals famous for their biryani and spicy curries, perfect for a hearty family lunch.
INR300, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Mysore Zoo (Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens)

Spend the afternoon exploring one of India’s oldest zoos, home to a rich variety of animals and birds. It closes at 5:30pm.
INR80, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Dasaprakash

Enjoy traditional South Indian meals in a family-friendly atmosphere.
INR250, 1h0m

Day 2: Coorg Nature & Coffee

Coorg (Kodagu), Karnataka on May 27, 2025

7:00am

Drive from Mysore to Coorg

Start early for a 3-hour scenic drive through the Western Ghats heading northwest to the coffee region of Coorg.
Fuel approx INR500, 3h0m

10:00am

Breakfast at Coorg Coffee House

Enjoy local Coorgi cuisine including Pandi Curry (pork) specialties in a cozy restaurant.
INR200, 1h0m

11:30am

Visit Abbey Falls

Walk through the lush coffee plantations to reach the scenic 70 ft Abbey Falls surrounded by greenery.
INR30, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Raintree

Sample traditional Kodava dishes along with some fresh coffee in this charming garden restaurant.
INR400, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Dubare Elephant Camp

Interact and learn about elephants with feeding and bathing sessions, perfect for kids. Open till 5:30pm.
INR200, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Falls at Tamara

Dine with a view in this upscale resort offering a relaxing ambiance and multi-cuisine options.
INR600, 1h0m

Day 3: Chikmagalur Hill Station

Chikmagalur, Karnataka on May 28, 2025

7:30am

Drive to Chikmagalur from Coorg

A 3-hour picturesque drive northeast through coffee country to reach Chikmagalur known for its hills and plantations.
Fuel approx INR600, 3h0m

10:30am

Breakfast at Town Canteen

Enjoy traditional South Indian breakfast favorites in this popular local spot.
INR150, 1h0m

11:30am

Mullayanagiri Trek/Visit

Visit Karnataka’s highest peak (1,929m) with breathtaking panoramic views. The trek is moderate and great for active families.
Free, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Café Coffee Day Lounge

Relax with light meals and fresh coffee in a modern setting located in the heart of Chikmagalur.
INR300, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Coffee Plantations

Tour a local coffee estate to learn about coffee growing and processing, a unique experience for all ages.
INR100, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Estate Resort Multi-cuisine Restaurant

End your day with delicious multi-cuisine dishes set in a relaxing plantation ambience.
INR500, 1h0m

Day 4: Bangalore Urban Fun

Bangalore, Karnataka on May 29, 2025

6:30am

Drive Back to Bangalore from Chikmagalur

Early morning 5-hour drive heading southeast back to Bangalore to explore city attractions.
Fuel approx INR700, 5h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at MTR (Mavalli Tiffin Room)

Taste authentic Bangalore-style South Indian food at this historic and iconic restaurant.
INR250, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Bangalore Palace

Tour the grand Bangalore Palace with its Tudor style architecture and royal interiors. Open 10:00am to 5:30pm.
INR230, 1h30m

3:30pm

Lalbagh Botanical Gardens

Relax in the vast botanical gardens which showcase tropical plants and a glass house, open until 6:00pm.
INR25, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Toit

Enjoy a lively atmosphere with a variety of cuisines and craft beers, a great end to your family trip.
INR700, 1h30m