A Journey through Mysore, Coorg, Chikmagalur, and More – Life Messes or People Messes

^{Hello Everyone!}

^{I hope you’re all doing well. Today, let’s embark on an exciting journey across Karnataka, a state brimming with cultural heritage, natural beauty, and historical wonders. While many of us are familiar with Bangalore’s vibrant city life, I’ve decided to skip the usual spots like MG Road and the malls, and instead, explore the lesser-traveled gems of Karnataka. I’ll also share some of my favorite places to eat and cozy accommodations along the way. So, buckle up as we dive into our first stop!}

^{1. Mysore: The City of Palaces}

^{Our adventure begins with a 150 km drive southwest from Bangalore to the royal city of Mysore. Known for its grand palaces and rich history, Mysore is a place where tradition meets modernity. Driving is the best way to get here, as it gives you the freedom to explore the charming countryside at your own pace.}

• ^{Journey Overview: Start your day early in Bangalore, setting off on the 4-5 hour drive to Mysore. The journey itself is a scenic delight, with plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the views.}
• ^{Best Mode of Transportation: A self-drive car or hired cab is ideal for this trip, offering the flexibility to explore at your own pace. Public transport is available but less convenient.}
• ^{Must-Visit Places:}
  • ^{Mysore Palace: A breathtaking Indo-Saracenic architectural masterpiece.}
  • ^{Chamundi Hill: Offers stunning panoramic views of the city and is home to the famous Chamundeshwari Temple.}
  • ^{St. Philomena’s Church: A beautiful neo-Gothic structure that stands as a testament to Mysore’s diverse cultural history.}
• ^{Best Restaurants in Mysore:}
  • ^{Mylari Hotel: Renowned for its incredibly soft dosas that melt in your mouth.}
  • ^{RRR Restaurant: A must-visit for an authentic taste of Mysore’s traditional meals.}
• ^{Accommodation: For a budget-friendly stay, consider Hotel Roopa or Treebo Trend Akshaya Mahal Inn, both offering comfortable rooms for around ₹2,000 per night.}
• ^{Do’s & Don’ts: Definitely explore the local markets for exquisite silk sarees. And don’t leave Mysore without tasting the famous Mysore Pak from a local sweet shop.}

2. ^{Coorg (Kodagu): The Scotland of India}

^{Next, we headed 120 km to Coorg, a region famed for its coffee plantations, misty hills, and cool climate. The drive through winding roads is nothing short of enchanting, and the chilly weather makes it a perfect escape from the heat.}

• ^{Journey Overview: The 120 km journey to Coorg takes around 3 hours, with lush green landscapes greeting you at every turn.}
• ^{Must-Visit Places:}
  • ^{Abbey Falls: A stunning waterfall nestled amidst coffee plantations.}
  • ^{Dubare Elephant Camp: Get up close and personal with elephants in a natural setting.}
  • ^{Raja’s Seat: A serene garden offering breathtaking sunset views.}
  • ^{Talakaveri: The origin of the sacred Kaveri River.}
• ^{Where to Eat: Savor the local Kodava cuisine at Coorg Cuisine or enjoy a meal with a view at The Falls at Tamara.}
• ^{Accommodation: For a cozy stay, try budget homestays like Amanvana Coorg or Heritage Resort, with rates starting around ₹3,000 per night.}
• ^{Do’s & Don’ts: Don’t miss out on a plantation tour, but remember to wear proper footwear when visiting waterfalls—they can be slippery!}

3. ^{Chikmagalur: The Coffee Land}

^{Our journey then took us 120 km north to Chikmagalur, a town known for its coffee estates and serene landscapes. Chikmagalur is slightly more expensive than Coorg but offers unique experiences, especially for trekking enthusiasts.}

• ^{Journey Overview: The 150 km drive to Chikmagalur takes around 4 hours, leading you through scenic coffee plantations and misty hills.}
• ^{Must-Visit Places:}
  • ^{Mullayanagiri: The highest peak in Karnataka, perfect for trekking and catching stunning sunrise views.}
  • ^{Baba Budangiri: A picturesque range with caves and a revered shrine.}
  • ^{Coffee Museum: Dive into the history and art of coffee-making in this quaint museum.}
• ^{Best Restaurants in Chikmagalur:}
  • ^{Town Canteen: A local favorite, especially for its delicious Masala Dosa.}
  • ^{The Estate Cafe: Enjoy freshly brewed coffee and snacks with a view of the plantations.}
• ^{Accommodation: For a comfortable stay, consider The Serai Chikmagalur or Trivik Hotels & Resorts, with prices around ₹4,000 per night.}
• ^{Do’s & Don’ts: Pack warm clothes as temperatures can drop at night. And whatever you do, don’t miss the sunrise from Mullayanagiri—it’s worth the early wake-up!}

4. ^{Hampi: A Journey Back in Time}

^{From Chikmagalur, we embarked on a longer 330 km drive to Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you’re a history buff or an architecture enthusiast, Hampi’s ancient ruins and temples will captivate you.}

• ^{Journey Overview: The 330 km drive takes about 6-7 hours, leading you to the historic town of Hampi.}
• ^{Must-Visit Places:}
  • ^{Virupaksha Temple: A living temple that has stood since the 7th century.}
  • ^{Vijaya Vittala Temple: Known for its musical pillars and grand architecture.}
  • ^{Hampi Bazaar: Stroll through the ancient market street and soak in the history.}
• ^{Best Restaurants in Hampi:}
  • ^{Mango Tree: Offers not just great food but also a stunning view of the Tungabhadra River.}
  • ^{Laughing Buddha Café: A laid-back spot with a diverse menu and a relaxing vibe.}
• ^{Accommodation: KSTDC Mayura Bhuvaneshwari is a budget-friendly option, with rooms starting at ₹2,500 per night.}
• ^{Do’s & Don’ts: Hire a local guide to fully appreciate Hampi’s rich history. And remember, the heat can be intense, so carry plenty of water to stay hydrated.}

^{5. Badami: The Rock-Cut Wonders}

^{Our final destination was Badami, located 145 km from Hampi. Known for its rock-cut temples and ancient history, Badami is a must-visit for those interested in architecture and archaeology.}

• ^{Journey Overview: The 145 km drive to Badami takes about 3 hours.}
• ^{Must-Visit Places:}
  • ^{Badami Cave Temples: Marvel at the intricate rock-cut architecture dedicated to Hindu deities.}
  • ^{Bhutanatha Temple: Located by a serene lake, this temple offers a peaceful retreat.}
  • ^{Aihole and Pattadakal: Explore these UNESCO sites known for their ancient temples and detailed carvings.}
• ^{Best Restaurants in Badami:}
  • ^{Hotel Badami Court: Enjoy delicious North and South Indian cuisine.}
  • ^{Hotel Rajsangam: Famous for its traditional meals.}
• ^{Accommodation: Hotel Mayura Chalukya offers budget-friendly options with rooms starting at ₹2,000 per night.}
• ^{Do’s & Don’ts: Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the cave temples. And don’t miss the breathtaking sunset view from the caves.}

^{Budget Estimation:}

• ^{Transportation: ₹10,000 – ₹15,000 (car rental/fuel)}
• ^{Accommodation: ₹20,000 – ₹25,000}
• ^{Food: ₹8,000 – ₹10,000}
• ^{Miscellaneous: ₹5,000}
• ^{Total Budget: Approx. ₹45,000 – ₹55,000 for two people}

^{Best Packages & References:}

• ^{Thrillophilia: Offers customizable Karnataka road trip packages.}
• ^{MakeMyTrip: Look for special Karnataka packages with hotel stays.}
• ^{Yatra: Budget-friendly Karnataka road trip packages.}
• ^{Karnataka Tourism Official Website: Explore various packages, including customized road trips.}

^{Do’s and Don’ts:}

• ^{Do: Carry a power bank and car charger, as some areas have limited charging points.}
• ^{Don’t: Rely solely on Google Maps; locals often know the best routes and road conditions.}
• ^{Do: Try local food at small eateries for an authentic experience.}
• ^{Don’t: Overpack; travel light and keep it comfortable for the road trip.}

^{Unique Tips:}

• ^{Tip 1: Start early each day to avoid traffic and make the most of the cool morning weather.}
• ^{Tip 2: Keep some cash handy, as digital payments may not be available in remote areas.}
• ^{Tip 3: Engage with locals—they can offer unique insights and suggest offbeat places to visit.}

^{This road trip across Karnataka is more than just a journey; it’s an experience filled with culture, history, nature, and adventure. Each stop has its own charm, making the drive as rewarding as the destinations themselves. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or someone who simply enjoys exploring new places, Karnataka has something special waiting for you. Safe travels!}

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^{With Love,}

^Shara