Trip Overview: The Grand Highland Odyssey
This grand 6-day expedition is a masterclass in the geography of the Western Ghats, bridging the hidden valleys of Sakleshpur with the majestic heights of Chikmagalur. Trace the history of coffee from its legendary birthplace at Baba Budangiri to the sprawling modern estates of the Malnad region. From the thrill of 4×4 Jeep safaris through tiger reserves to standing atop the highest point in Karnataka at Mullayanagiri, this journey is designed for the traveler who seeks both architectural heritage and untamed natural beauty. https://www.incredibleindia.gov.in/en
Why This Experience is Unmatched?
- ⛰️ The Summit Experience: Climb 450+ steps to reach the peak of Mullayanagiri, the highest point in all of Karnataka.
- 🚜 Deep Forest Safari: A government-authorized Jeep safari through the Bhadra Tiger Reserve to reach the hidden Hebbe Falls.
- 🏰 Heritage & Geometry: Explore the 18th-century Manjarabad Fort and the unique Kalhatti Falls temple.
- ☕ The Birth of Coffee: Visit Baba Budangiri (Datta Peeta), where the first coffee seeds were planted in India.
- ⛲ Waterfall Extravaganza: From the layered Jhari Falls (Buttermilk Falls) to the cascading Magajahalli and Silver Cascade.
INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
✅ What’s Included (Inclusions) | ❌ What’s Not Included (Exclusions) |
🏨 Selected Accommodation: 5 Nights stay in handpicked hotels as per your chosen package category. | 🎫 Entry Fees: Tickets for all sightseeing places. Special Darshan: VIP/Fast-track entry tickets. |
🍳 Morning Breakfast: Complimentary daily breakfast at all hotels to kickstart your day. | ✈️ Travel Tickets: Airfare or Train tickets to and from Bengaluru are not part of this package. |
🚗 Private AC Vehicle: Dedicated AC Sedan/SUV for all transfers, inter-city travel, and sightseeing as per the itinerary. | 🍛 Additional Meals: Any lunch or dinner not specifically mentioned |
⛽ Covered Travel Costs: All fuel charges, road tolls, parking fees, and driver allowances are fully included. | 🛍️ Personal Expenses: Tips, laundry, beverages, telephone calls, and any personal shopping. |
🤝 Meet & Greet: Hassle-free arrival with a professional meet and greet by our experienced driver at Bengaluru Airport/Railway Station. | 📉 GST 5%: Government Service Tax will be extra on the final package cost. |
ACCOMMODATION
LOCATION | HOTEL NAME | ROOM CATEGORY | MEALS |
SAKLESHPUR (3 NIGHTS) | FALLING WATER RESORT OR SIMILAR | GARDEN VILLA | BREAKFAST |
CHIKMAGALUR (2 NIGHTS) | THE GRAND KRISHNA OR SIMILAR | DELUXE AC | BREAKFAST |
DETAILED DAY-WISE ITINERARY
Your grand journey 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 the 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 grand 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.
After an early breakfast, checkout and drive 60km toward Chikmagalur, the birthplace of coffee. Your first stop is Mullayanagiri, the highest peak in Karnataka, where a climb of 450+ steps leads you to the summit temple with a 360-degree valley view. 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 layered Jhari Falls (Buttermilk Falls), where the water crashes down in white layers amidst dense greenery, offering a spectacular and refreshing sight before your overnight stay in Chikmagalur.
Prepare for a day of deep-forest exploration as we head toward the Kemmanagundi hill station. Board a forest-authorized Jeep at the 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 before returning to your hotel.
On your final morning in the coffee country, visit the Coffee Museum to understand the rich history and processing of the beans that define the region. Take a walk through the local market to shop for fresh plantation coffee, spices, and homemade chocolates. We then begin our drive back to Bangalore, witnessing the dramatic change in climate as we descend from the mountains. Enjoy a final lunch on the Hassan highway and reach Bangalore by evening for your drop-off at the airport or home, marking the end of your grand 6-day coffee and peaks expedition.
Check our other packages for this destination : https://inbound.india.sarvaenroute.com/destinations/karnataka/
TRANSFER
DAYS | DESCRIPTION |
DAY 01 | Bengaluru to Shakleshpur : Private Basis Sakleshpur Sightseeing : Private Basis |
DAY 02 | Shakleshpur Sightseeing : Private Basis |
DAY 03 | Shakleshpur Sightseeing : Private Basis |
DAY 04 | Sakleshpur to Chikmagalur : Private Basis Chikmagalur Sightseeing : Private Basis |
DAY 05 | Chikmagalur Sightseeing : Private Basis |
DAY 06 | Chikmagalur to Bengaluru : Private Basis |
MEALS
DAYS | DESCRIPTION |
DAY 01 | Bengaluru to Shakleshpur : Private Basis Sakleshpur Sightseeing : Private Basis |
DAY 02 | Shakleshpur Sightseeing : Private Basis |
DAY 03 | Shakleshpur Sightseeing : Private Basis |
DAY 04 | Sakleshpur to Chikmagalur : Private Basis Chikmagalur Sightseeing : Private Basis |
DAY 05 | Chikmagalur Sightseeing : Private Basis |
DAY 06 | Chikmagalur to Bengaluru : Private Basis |
TERM & CONDITION
📋 GENERAL BOOKING & SIGHTSEEING POLICY
- Hotel Selection: As per preference. Important: While Udupi and Kannur offer standard city hotels, accommodation in Sakleshpur and Chikmagalur often consists of Coffee Estate Homestays or Nature Resorts. Guests must expect rustic settings, limited mobile network, and the occasional presence of insects/bugs due to the dense forest surroundings.
- The “Jeep Union” Protocol:
- The “Museum & Island” Protocol:
- St. Mary’s Island: Strictly CLOSED during Monsoon (June 15 to Sept 15) due to rough seas.
- Arakkal Museum (Kannur): Closed on Mondays.
- Coin Museum (Udupi): Closed on Sundays.
- Physical Requirements (Ghats & Treks):
- Trekking Fitness: Reaching Hebbe Falls involves a 1 km trek on slippery rocks and crossing shallow streams. Guests with severe knee/back issues should avoid this specific point.
- Force Majeure (Hills Edition): Delays or route cancellations caused by landslides in the Ghats, sudden heavy rain blocking trekking paths, or “Bandhs” (Strikes) in Kerala are beyond our control. Any additional costs for extended stays are to be borne by the guest.
- Payments: Full payment for specific Jeep Union Transfers is recommended in cash directly to the driver, as UPI often fails in forest zones.
- Physical Needs: Please communicate specific physical concerns in advance.
- Documentation: Mandatory: Guests must carry the Original Physical ID (Aadhar/Passport). Hotels in Kerala strictly enforce this for all guests.
- Check-in/out: Standard 12:00 PM (In) / 11:00 AM (Out) is common in Karnataka. Note: Homestays may have stricter timings.
- Amendments: Customizations during or 7 days prior to the trip may incur extra charges.
- No Show: Rooms not occupied by 20:00 hrs are considered “No Shows” unless prior notice is given.
💳 CANCELLATION & FLIGHT POLICY
- Non-Refundable: No refunds on blackout dates/long weekends.
- Cancellation Fee : Regardless of reason, cancellations are costly. To offset these costs, the following fees will apply. If you cancel, non-recoverable expenses of Rs. 1500 per person will be charged and over and above that the following will be charged on cancellation of a tour.
- Refundable Amount :
- Cancelled 30 days or more prior to trip start date: 35 % of total package cost.
- Cancelled between 15 – 30 days prior to trip start date: 50 % of total package cost.
- Cancelled between 14 days to 7 days prior to trip start date: 80 % of total package cost.
- Cancellation less than 7 Days prior to trip start date: 100 % of package cost will be charged.
- Postponement: Postponing may incur a rebooking fee. Post-postponement cancellations forfeit all amounts.
- Flight Policy: We act as facilitators. Carrier terms apply. We are not responsible for airline delays.
- Credit Note: A 6-month Credit Note will be provided for the possible refundable amount depending on the Selected Hotels and time period of cancellation .









