Bangalore to Chikmagalur Temples & Wilderness

We meet you at your hotel in Bangalore with your private driver and set out on a scenic countryside drive to Chikmagalur – approximately 280 km, allowing 6–7 hours with sightseeing. En route, we explore Halebeedu, once the Hoysala capital, visiting Hoysaleswara Temple dedicated to Shiva with richly carved scenes from the epics, Shantaleswara Temple built in honour of Queen Shantala Devi, Kedareshwara Temple with its fine friezes, and the Basadi Jain temples that reflect the region’s multi‑faith patronage. We then continue to Belur, the early Hoysala capital, to see the Chennakesava Temple built in 1117 CE and dedicated to Vishnu – a masterwork of ornate pillars and friezes – along with Kappe Chennigaraya Temple, Veera Narayana Temple and the Ranganayaki Shrine. There is time for lunch en route before we drive on through rolling hills and coffee plantations to Chikmagalur.On arrival, we check in and the evening is at leisure – you can relax, enjoy the mountain air, or take a gentle stroll around the surrounding estate. Overnight in Chikmagalur at your chosen hotel – 3 star Coffeeberry Hills or Hotel Aadrika, 4 star Gateway Chikmagalur or Vismita County, 5 star Trivik Hotels & Resorts or The Serai.

Wake to the cool mountain air of Chikmagalur. This morning, you choose one of three experiences. You can drive part of the way and trek the final section to Mullayanagiri, Karnataka’s highest peak at 1,930 m – a moderate hike with sweeping Western Ghats views. You can join a naturalist for gentle-paced birdwatching on the forest trails of Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, looking for species such as the Flame-throated Bulbul, Racquet-tailed Drongo, Malabar Whistling Thrush and Velvet-fronted Nuthatch. Or you can set off on a jeep safari in the southern ranges of Bhadra Tiger Reserve, crossing thick forests and open meadows with chances to see elephants, gaurs (Indian bison), sambar deer, wild boar, spotted deer and varied birdlife – a stop at the Jagara Giant, Karnataka’s largest teak at nearly 400 years old, is a highlight, and with luck you may spot elusive predators such as leopards.Afterwards, we return to the hotel for a relaxed breakfast and some time at leisure. In the afternoon, we visit a coffee plantation to walk among the rows of plants, learn about cultivation, harvesting and roasting, and enjoy a tasting when in season. The rest of the day is free – you can unwind at the hotel, explore the quiet town or simply soak up the peaceful plantation setting.3 star Coffeeberry Hills or Hotel Aadrika4 star Gateway Chikmagalur or Vismita County5 star Trivik Hotels & Resorts or The Serai

After breakfast, we check out and begin the journey back to Bangalore – around 250 km and about 6–7 hours including sightseeing. En route, we stop at Shravanabelagola – one of India’s foremost Jain pilgrimage centres.We ascend Vindhyagiri Hill, climbing more than 600 carved steps to the summit to see the monolithic statue of Bahubali (Gommateshwara), standing 57 feet high. Dating to the 10th century, it is regarded as the tallest free-standing stone statue in the world. The hilltop offers wide views across the surrounding countryside.After our visit, we continue the drive to Bangalore and conclude with drop-off at your hotel.