How many days do you need in Karnataka?

This itinerary covers 5 days in Karnataka, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for Karnataka?

Plan your perfect 5 days trip to Karnataka. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

5-Day Cultural and Nature Exploration in Karnataka

Day 1: Bangalore City Tour

Bangalore, India on May 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hole In The Wall Cafe

Start your day with a hearty breakfast featuring South Indian and continental options, loved for its rustic charm and delicious coffee.

INR500, 1h

9:30am

Visit Lalbagh Botanical Garden

Explore this historic botanical garden established in the 18th century, renowned for its diverse flora and a stunning glasshouse inspired by London's Crystal Palace. Open 6 AM to 7 PM.

INR20, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at MTR (Mavalli Tiffin Rooms)

Enjoy authentic Karnataka cuisine, especially their famous dosas and thali meals, offering a glimpse into traditional local flavours.

INR400, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Bangalore Palace

Discover the magnificent architecture inspired by Windsor Castle, with grand interiors and beautiful grounds to stroll around. Open from 10 AM to 5:30 PM.

INR230, 1h30m

4:00pm

Explore Cubbon Park

Relax in this lush, expansive urban park in the heart of the city, perfect for a leisurely walk among centuries-old trees.

Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Toit Brewery

Dine at one of Bangalore’s most popular microbreweries offering a wide range of craft beers and a variety of pizzas and Indian snacks.

INR1000, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Bangalore

Day 2: Mysore Heritage

Mysore, India on May 27, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Mysore

Drive approximately 3 hours from Bangalore to Mysore, enjoying scenic countryside views.

INR1500, 3h

10:30am

Breakfast at Vinayaka Mylari

Famous for its fluffy dosas and traditional South Indian breakfast items in Mysore’s historic market area.

INR200, 1h

11:30am

Explore Mysore Palace

Visit one of India’s grandest royal palaces, showcasing exquisite architecture and rich history. Open 10 AM to 5:30 PM.

INR70, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at RRR Restaurant

Savour authentic Andhra-style meals famous for their spicy flavours and thalis.

INR400, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Chamundeshwari Temple

Climb up the hill or drive to one of Mysore’s revered temples offering panoramic city views. Open 6 AM to 6 PM.

Free, 1h

5:00pm

Stroll at Brindavan Gardens

Enjoy the beautiful terraced gardens and evening musical fountain show, open till 7 PM.

INR50, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Mylari

End your day with simple South Indian dishes like soft dosas and vadas.

INR300, 1h

Find Hotels in Mysore

Day 3: Coorg Nature Escape

Coorg, India on May 28, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Coorg

Morning drive for approximately 3 hours to the scenic hill station of Coorg, known for its coffee plantations and lush landscapes.

INR1500, 3h

10:30am

Breakfast at Coorg Cuisine

Taste traditional Coorgi dishes like Pandi Curry and bamboo shoot curry.

INR350, 1h

11:30am

Visit Abbey Falls

Walk through a spice plantation to reach the spectacular Abbey Falls amidst thick forest. Open 8:30 AM to 6 PM.

INR10, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Falls at The Tamara Coorg

Enjoy a premium meal with views of the lush greenery, offering a mix of local and international cuisine.

INR1200, 1h

3:00pm

Coffee Plantation Tour

Explore the coffee estates of Coorg with a guided tour explaining coffee production and sampling.

INR500, 1h30m

5:00pm

Relax at Raja’s Seat

Visit this scenic viewpoint known for beautiful sunset views and the garden surrounding it.

INR20, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Coorg International

Sample local Kodava delicacies and enjoy live music some evenings.

INR800, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Coorg

Day 4: Chikmagalur Coffee Hills

Chikmagalur, India on May 29, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Chikmagalur

Drive 3 hours from Coorg to Chikmagalur, another famous coffee-growing region with beautiful hills and pleasant climate.

INR1500, 3h

10:30am

Breakfast at Town Canteen

Enjoy classic South Indian breakfast items in the town centre, loved by locals and tourists alike.

INR250, 1h

11:30am

Visit Mullayanagiri Peak

Trek or drive up to Karnataka’s highest peak, offering panoramic views of the Western Ghats. Open 6 AM to 6 PM.

Free, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at The Estate Cafe

Dine amidst coffee plantations with a varied menu focusing on fresh local produce.

INR600, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

Go for a late afternoon safari to spot endangered species like tigers and bears. Safaris start at 4 PM and must be pre-booked.

INR800, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Town Restaurant

Relax with simple, home-style cuisine offering delicious rustic flavours of the region.

INR350, 1h

Find Hotels in Chikmagalur

Day 5: Hampi Historical Tour

Hampi, India on May 30, 2025

6:00am

Travel to Hampi

Early morning long drive around 5 hours to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hampi, famed for its ruins and impressive Vijayanagara Empire architecture.

INR1800, 5h

11:30am

Breakfast at Mango Tree

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast with river views and continental plus Indian options.

INR400, 1h

12:30pm

Explore Hampi Ruins

Visit key sites such as the Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple with iconic stone chariot, and the Queen’s Bath. Open 7 AM to 6 PM.

INR500, 3h

3:30pm

Lunch at Laughing Buddha Cafe

Dine with a varied menu focusing on healthy and international dishes catering to all tastes.

INR600, 1h

5:00pm

Visit Matanga Hill

Hike up to watch sunset over the ruins and river – a fantastic photo opportunity and a reflective end to your journey.

Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Hampi's local eatery

Try some local dishes such as jolad rotti and spicy curries to round off your historical tour.

INR300, 1h

Find Hotels in Hampi

Step 1 Outline Preview:

5-Day Cultural and Nature Exploration in Karnataka

Day 1: Bangalore City Tour

8:00am

9:30am

12:00pm

2:00pm

4:00pm

7:30pm

Day 2: Mysore Heritage

7:00am

10:30am

11:30am

2:00pm

3:30pm

5:00pm

7:30pm

Day 3: Coorg Nature Escape

7:00am

10:30am

11:30am

1:00pm

3:00pm

5:00pm

7:30pm

Day 4: Chikmagalur Coffee Hills

7:00am

10:30am

11:30am

2:00pm

3:30pm

7:30pm

Day 5: Hampi Historical Tour

6:00am

11:30am

12:30pm

3:30pm

5:00pm

7:30pm

More About Karnataka

Plan Your Karnataka Trip