10N/11D| The Western Ghats & Malabar Coastline Odyssey

Your Odyssey begins with an early 6:00 AM departure from Bangalore to beat the city traffic, stopping for a traditional breakfast on the Hassan highway. Reach the lush town of Sakleshpur by noon and, after a hearty lunch, head to the historic Manjarabad Fort. This 18th-century star-shaped fort requires a climb of 250 steps, offering a unique defensive architecture and breathtaking views of the Western Ghats from its ramparts. End your day seeking blessings at the 11th-century Sakaleswara Temple, an ancient Shiva shrine that gives the town its name, before enjoying a peaceful night amidst the coffee plantations.

Today is dedicated to the dramatic landscapes of this Odyssey with Bisle Reserve Forest, starting with a 50km drive to the Bisle Ghat Viewpoint. Stand at the edge where the three districts of Hassan, Coorg, and Mangalore meet, offering a massive, misty view of the Giri River valley. In the afternoon, explore the "Green Route" near Donigal, where you can witness the legendary railway tunnels and bridges of the Sakleshpur-Subramanya trek from a safe distance. Return to your resort for an evening of campfire activities and the quiet sounds of the surrounding rainforest, soaking in the rustic charm of the highlands.

Start your morning with a thrilling adventure as you head toward Patla Betta or Pandavara Gudda for a rugged 4x4 Jeep off-roading experience. The bumpy ride through slippery mud tracks leads you to an open, grassy peak that offers a staggering 360-degree view of the clouds floating below the mountain tops. After the adrenaline rush, visit the Magajahalli (Abbi) Waterfalls, where you can enjoy the cool spray of the cascading water tucked away in a hidden corner of the estates. Spend your final evening in Sakleshpur relaxing by the plantation, breathing in the fresh air before moving toward the higher peaks tomorrow.

Bid farewell to Sakleshpur and drive toward Chikmagalur, the birthplace of coffee in India. Your first stop is Mullayanagiri, the highest peak in Karnataka, where a climb of 450+ steps leads you to a small temple at the summit with a view that reaches the horizon. Continue to the sacred Baba Budangiri hills to explore the ancient cave shrine and the nearby Manikyadhara Falls. The highlight of the afternoon is a steep Jeep ride down to the Jhari Falls, also known as Buttermilk Falls, where the water crashes down in white layers amidst dense greenery, offering a spectacular and refreshing sight.

Prepare for a day of deep-forest exploration as we head toward the Kemmanagundi hill station. Board a government-authorized Jeep at the forest checkpoint for a rugged safari through the Bhadra Tiger Reserve to reach the majestic Hebbe Falls. After the jeep drops you off, enjoy a short 1km trek crossing three small forest streams to reach the massive two-tiered waterfall tucked deep inside the jungle. On your way back, visit the Kalhatti Falls, where the water cascades directly over the roof of the Veerabhadreshwara Temple, a unique site where nature and spirituality meet in a spectacular display of stone and spray.

Today’s drive of this odyssey takes you through the heart of the Malnad region toward the coastal town of Udupi. Stop at the Sringeri Sharada Peetham, a 14th-century architectural marvel on the banks of the Tunga River, where you can feed the sacred fish at the river steps. Navigate the 14 sharp hairpin bends of the Agumbe Ghat, known as the "Rainforest Capital of South India," and stop at the sunset point to see the Arabian Sea shimmering in the distance. Reach Udupi by evening and visit the world-famous Sri Krishna Matha for the evening rituals, viewing the idol through the intricate silver-plated Kanakana Kindi window.

Start your coastal day with a visit to the Corporation Bank Heritage Museum to see a massive collection of ancient coins dating back to 400 BC. Head to Malpe Beach and take a ferry to St. Mary’s Island, a geological wonder famous for its unique hexagonal basalt rock formations that were formed millions of years ago. Spend a few hours walking on the pristine white sands before returning to the mainland for an authentic seafood lunch featuring the famous Udupi Ghee Roast. End your evening with a relaxed walk along the Malpe Sea Walk jetty, feeling the sea breeze as the sun sets over the Arabian Sea.

Explore the hinterlands of Udupi with a drive to Varanga to witness the ethereal Kere Basadi. Board a small wooden canoe for a short ride to this 12th-century Jain temple that appears to float in the middle of a lotus-filled lake, surrounded by green hills. After this peaceful experience, return to the coast for an evening at the Kapu (Kaup) Beach. The highlight here is the steep climb up the spiral stairs of the 100-year-old Kapu Lighthouse, where the balcony offers arguably the best panoramic sunset view in all of Karnataka, with the waves crashing against the rocky shore far below.

Cross the border into Kerala as we drive toward the Malabar coast and the town of Kannur. En route, visit the magnificent Bekal Fort, the largest fort in Kerala, famous for its unique keyhole-shaped observation tower and ramparts that run right along the sea. Continue your Odyssey to the Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach, Asia’s longest drive-in beach, where you can experience the thrill of driving your vehicle along the 4km stretch of firm golden sand during low tide. Check into your beachside resort in Kannur and enjoy the distinct flavors of Malabar cuisine for dinner, marking your entry into God’s Own Country.

Spend your day exploring the royal and colonial history of Kannur, starting with the triangular St. Angelo Fort which protrudes dramatically into the Arabian Sea. Visit the Arakkal Museum, dedicated to the only Muslim royal dynasty in Kerala, to see their unique heritage and maritime artifacts. After a legendary Malabar Biryani lunch, spend a relaxed afternoon at Payyambalam Beach. If the local temple calendar permits, witness the powerful Theyyam ritual in a local "Kavu" (sacred grove), where the performer is believed to manifest as a deity through elaborate face-painting and rhythmic dancing, offering a truly once-in-a-lifetime spiritual experience.

On your final day, begin an early return journey to Bangalore via the scenic Makutta Ghat road. Drive through the dense forests of the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary and the coffee country of Virajpet, stopping for a traditional Coorg-style breakfast along the way. The route takes you through the lush greenery of the Western Ghats one last time before joining the Mysore-Bangalore Expressway. Enjoy a final lunch on the highway and reach Bangalore by 5:00 PM for your drop-off at the airport or home, marking the end of your grand 11-day Southern odyssey covering mountains, rainforests, and the deep blue sea.

Check our other packages of Karnataka : https://inbound.india.sarvaenroute.com/destinations/karnataka/