THE DUSKY FOODIE

Wednesday, 22 October 2025

CHIKMAGALUR: 2D,1N Itinerary - from Bangalore by road

CHIKMAGALUR ROAD TRIP ITINERARY - 2-DAY PLAN

🌄 DAY 1 –

| 4:00 AM |

Depart Bangalore (via NH75) | Crucial to start on time for maximum sightseeing.

| 7:30 AM |

Breakfast en route at Kamat Upachar, Hassan.

| 8:30 AM – 8:45 AM |

Shettihalli Rosary Church | Visit the half-submerged Gothic ruin near Hassan. This is slightly off-route but a great stop.

| 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM |

Drive towards Belur. | Chennakeshava Temple.

| 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM |

Drive towards Chikmagalur town. | Check-in & Freshen Up | Check-in at your chosen stay (preferably closer to town for the afternoon/evening agenda).

| 1:00 PM |

Lunch in Town | Try a local spot like Grand Maharaja for authentic Malnad food.

| 2:30 PM – 6:30 PM |

Baba Budangiri Hills ; Mullayangiri & Z Point | A scenic drive for panoramic views.

Important: Start descending before sunset at 6:30 PM for safety.

| 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM |

Scenic Drive Down & Tea/Coffee Break at Coffee Tatva Café | Stop at a viewpoint or a coffee shop on the hill descent. |

| lDinner |

at Stay / Town Restaurant - Siri Café / Vishnu Delicacy

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🐅 DAY 2 –

| 4:00 AM |

Depart for Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary | Drive to Muthodi Gate (~1 hr from town). |

| 6:00 AM – 8:30 AM |

Jeep Safari (Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary) | The safari slots start early (6:00 AM). Book this well in advance.

| 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM | Breakfast | Have breakfast at a café or homestay near the sanctuary area. |

| 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM |

Hirekolale Lake & Coffee Museum.

| 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM |

Drive towards Halebidu | Drive down from the hills towards the plains. |

| 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM |

Halebidu Temples | Marvel at the intricate Hoysala architecture.

| 2:30-3:30 PM |

Lunch near Belur / Halebidu | Have a quick, late lunch before the long drive. Hotel Mayura Velapuri|

| 3:30 PM | Start Drive Back to Bangalore | Return via NH75 (Hassan route) for the fastest way back. |

⸻

📌 Key Logistics & Tips

* Mullayanagiri & Baba Budangiri by Car: The final few kilometers of the road to Mullayanagiri are narrow and require cautious driving. It is generally motorable by car. The Jeep at Baba Budangiri charges 200 per person to and fro from the muddy road pickup point.

* Safari Booking: Mandatory to pre-book the morning safari for Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. Safari slots start at 6:00 AM or 6:30 AM. Check the official Karnataka Forest Department or Jungle Lodges websites for booking and precise timings.

* Coffee Museum: The museum is usually operational from 10 AM to 5 PM, and since your Day 2 is Monday (when many museums/attractions are closed), visiting on Sunday afternoon is the correct approach.

* Belur/Halebidu Timing: The temples are generally open until 9:00 PM, but the main deity's inner sanctum at Belur's Chennakeshava Temple may close briefly around 1 PM to 3 PM. You will still have enough time (2 hours) for exterior viewing and Halebidu.

Sunday, 29 December 2024

Darjeeling: 2N, 3D Itinerary from Kolkata

**Day 1: Arrival in Darjeeling**

- **Morning:**

Arrive at Siliguri by train from Kolkata. From there, begin your scenic road journey to Darjeeling which will be around 3-4 hours.

- **En Route: Stop at Ghoom Monastery**

One of the oldest Tibetan monasteries in the region, for a brief visit.

- **Afternoon:**

Check-in to your hotel and take some rest.

- **Evening:** Head out for a leisurely stroll on **Mall Road**, enjoy the cool mountain breeze, and explore the local shops and cafes.

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**Day 2: Exploring Darjeeling**

- **Morning:** Begin the day with a visit to **Batasia Loop**, a unique railway loop offering panoramic views of the mountains and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.

- **Next Stop:** Explore the **Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park**, home to rare species such as the red panda and snow leopard.

- **Lunch:** Head to the scenic **Rungneet Tea Garden** and take a walk through the lush tea plantations.

- **Evening:**

Return to Mall Road for another stroll and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.

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**Day 3: Sunrise and Departure**

- ** Early Morning:** Leave the hotel at 3:30 AM to witness the breathtaking **sunrise at Tiger Hill**. The view of the sun rising over the Kanchenjunga mountains is truly mesmerizing.

*Note: A permit is required for vehicles to access Tiger Hill, so make sure to discuss this with your cab driver in advance to secure the necessary permissions.*

- **Return to Hotel:**

After sunrise, head back to the hotel to rest, have breakfast and check out.

- **Mid-Morning:** Start your day’s journey with a visit to **Lepchajagat Pine Forest**—a serene and quiet spot perfect for nature lovers.

- **Next Stop:** Head to **Simana Viewpoint** for more stunning views of the Himalayas and neighbouring areas - 📍 Nepal

- **Pashupati Market:** Explore the lively Pashupati Market near the Nepal border. You’ll need to show a government ID (like Aadhar card) to enter. You can hire a Nepali taxi here which costs around INR 300, as Indian Vehicles aren't allowed here.