It’s a Friday morning in Bangalore and the idea of spending another weekend surrounded by traffic, glowing screens, and the never-ending rush suddenly feels unbearable.
Just then, your phone lights up – an Instagram story from a friend in Chikkamagalur, mist curling over lush green hills. In that moment, your escape plan writes itself. You’re heading to the Western Ghats.
If you’re dreaming of cool winds, fragrant coffee estates, mountain sunsets, and peaceful lakes, this Bangalore to Chikkamagalur weekend itinerary is your perfect blueprint.
Day 1 (Friday): Leaving the City Behind
6:00 AM – Hit the Road via NH75
Begin your journey early from Bangalore and take the scenic Bangalore–Mangalore Highway (NH75) via Nelamangala. The drive is around 240 km, taking roughly 5–6 hours. This trip is all about trading city chaos for sweeping curves, thick forests, and refreshing mountain air.
9:00 AM – Coffee Break in Hassan
About halfway through, stop in Hassan, the ideal place to take a break, refuel, and enjoy some strong South Indian filter coffee – the kind that wakes you up right to your soul. As you approach Chikmagalur, the landscape transforms.
12:00 PM – Arrive and Check In
Reach Chikmagalur around noon and settle into your homestay. These local stays are peaceful, warm, and usually surrounded by coffee plantations. Take your time to relax, enjoy a home-cooked lunch, and sip estate-fresh coffee while listening to nothing but birds and rustling leaves.
6:30 PM – Sunset at Hirekolale Lake
Drive just 5 km to the serene Hirekolale Lake. As the sun dips behind the Baba Budangiri hills and paints the water in amber and pink, you’ll feel every ounce of city stress melt away. Carry some snacks, find a quiet corner, and breathe in the silence.
8:00 PM – Dinner at Your Homestay
End the day with comforting Malnad cuisine – rice roti, bamboo shoot curry, and other local delicacies. Enjoy the cool breeze and retire for the day.
Day 2 (Saturday): Peaks, Waterfalls & Wild Beauty
7:30 AM – Trek to Mullayanagiri Peak
Wake up for an adventure-packed day. Drive 20 km to Mullayanagiri, the highest peak in Karnataka at 1930 meters. Park at the base and trek for 30–45 minutes through shola forests to the summit. The 360-degree view is breathtaking – rolling mountain ranges, thick green forests, and mist drifting across the valley.
An ancient hilltop temple adds a touch of spiritual calm, but the true magic lies in the endless skies and stillness.
11:00 AM – Head to Hebbe Falls
Next, drive toward Hebbe Falls (around 35 km). The last stretch requires a rugged terrain vehicle, so most travellers hire a local 4×4 jeep for the bumpy coffee-estate trail.
12:30 PM – Trek to the Cascades
After a short jeep ride, trek the final 2 km to the falls. Hebbe’s twin cascades drop nearly 168 meters into a cold natural pool – ideal for a chilling but refreshing dip. Locals say the water has healing properties, but even if it doesn’t, you’ll feel renewed.
5:00 PM – Optional Evening at Baba Budangiri
Enjoy a traditional meal. If you still have energy, take an 8 km drive to Baba Budangiri for a panoramic view. Otherwise, head back to your homestay to unwind.
7:30 PM – Dinner & Rest
Enjoy a warm, simple dinner and call it an early night.
Day 3 (Sunday): Coffee Culture & The Road Home
8:30 AM – Coffee Estate Tour
Most homestays arrange estate tours nearby. Walk among acres of coffee plants, learn how coffee first came to India through the Sufi saint Baba Budan, and watch the bean-to-brew process. You can even participate in picking or roasting. The fresh brew at the end will spoil you forever.
Begin your journey home – but with a worthwhile stop.
12:00 PM – Optional Safari at Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
If time permits, drive 35 km to Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary for a quick safari. Home to leopards, elephants, gaur, and diverse birdlife, this forest offers an unforgettable slice of wilderness. If you prefer a calmer Sunday, skip this and drive straight back.
3:00 PM – Final Drive to Bangalore
The journey back feels easier, lighter. Maybe it’s the fresh mountain air still clinging to your hair—or the memories you’re carrying home along with bags of estate-fresh coffee.
7:30 PM – Reach Bangalore
Return just in time to reset for Monday, feeling calmer, centered, and recharged.
Driving Essentials
- Total Distance: 480 km round trip (approx.)
- Road Conditions: Excellent highways; some curvy mountain sections
Quick Travel Tips
- Pick homestays/zostels for authentic experiences
- Carry warm layers – the hills get chilly in evenings
- Download offline maps due to network glitches
- Start early to avoid crowds and catch best views
- Monsoon months bring lush beauty—check road conditions