Karnataka 5-Day Itinerary: Three Routes for Every Kind of Traveller
Five days is too short to see all of Karnataka and long enough to see one region properly. Pick the route that fits your interests, then follow the day-by-day plan.
Which 5-day Karnataka route should you pick?
| Route | Best for | Start and end | Best months |
|---|---|---|---|
| A: Mysuru and Coorg | First-timers, families, couples | Bengaluru | Oct to Mar |
| B: Hampi and Badami | History, photography, slow travel | Bengaluru or Hosapete | Oct to Feb |
| C: Coast to Gokarna | Beaches, temples, food | Mangaluru | Oct to Mar |
Route A: Mysuru and Coorg (Bengaluru start)
Day 1: Bengaluru to Mysuru
Leave Bengaluru early and stop at Srirangapatna for Tipu Sultan’s summer palace and the Ranganathaswamy temple. Reach Mysuru for lunch, see the palace, and watch the lights if your visit falls on a Sunday or festival evening.
Day 2: Mysuru
Take in Chamundi Hills, the Devaraja Market and the Mysore Zoo. Try Mysore pak and a classic dosa. A drive to Somanathapura is a good half-day option.
Day 3: Mysuru to Coorg
Drive to Kodagu via Bylakuppe, visit the Golden Temple, then settle in at Madikeri. See Abbey Falls and enjoy Raja’s Seat in the evening.
Day 4: Coorg
Visit Dubare, walk through a coffee estate and see Talakaveri if the weather is clear. Evenings are for local cuisine and a quiet verandah.
Day 5: Return to Bengaluru
Drive back via Kushalnagar and Mysuru. Allow six to seven hours with stops. More details are in the 7-day itinerary, which extends this route.
Route B: Hampi and Badami (north Karnataka heritage)
Day 1: Arrive in Hampi
Take the overnight train or bus from Bengaluru to Hosapete (Hospet) or fly into a nearby airport and drive in. Settle in, visit the Virupaksha temple and watch sunset from Hemakuta Hill. See how to reach Hampi from Bangalore.
Day 2: Hampi sacred centre and royal enclosure
Start at sunrise at the Vittala temple complex and its stone chariot. Continue to the Lotus Mahal, the elephant stables and the Queen’s Bath. Follow our Hampi 2-day itinerary for the full route.
Day 3: Hampi to Badami
Drive to Badami, around 130 to 140 km, which takes about three hours. Visit the cave temples and the Bhutanatha temples at the lake in the afternoon.
Day 4: Aihole and Pattadakal
Spend the day on the Chalukya trail. Aihole has dozens of early temples; Pattadakal is a UNESCO group of monuments. Read our Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal guide.
Day 5: Return
Take a bus or train from Badami or Bagalkot, or drive to Hubballi to catch a flight or train. See the Bagalkot guide for onward options.
Route C: Mangaluru to Gokarna (the coast)
Day 1: Mangaluru
Arrive, visit the Kadri Manjunath temple and eat fish curry and neer dosa. Watch the sunset at Panambur or Tannirbhavi beach.
Day 2: Udupi and Maravanthe
Visit Udupi’s Krishna Matha, take a boat to St Mary’s Island if conditions allow, and drive the Maravanthe stretch where the road runs between the sea and the river.
Day 3: Murudeshwar
See the Murudeshwar temple tower and Shiva statue, and spend the afternoon on the beach. Continue north in the evening.
Day 4: Gokarna
Visit the Mahabaleshwar temple, then walk the beach trail to Om, Kudle and Half Moon beaches. Use our Gokarna beaches guide.
Day 5: Gokarna and exit
Keep the morning easy, then travel to Karwar, Goa or Hubballi, depending on your next leg. The coastal road trip guide covers driving times and stops.
Practical tips for a 5-day Karnataka trip
- Do not mix regions. Combining Hampi with Coorg takes a full day each way.
- Use overnight transport once. Overnight buses and trains save a hotel night, but do not use them on consecutive nights.
- Book weekend stays early. Coorg and Gokarna are busy from Friday to Sunday.
- Check timings. Monuments and temples have set hours and some close for a midday break.
- Leave a buffer. Ghat roads and festival traffic can add hours.
Frequently asked questions
What can I see in Karnataka in 5 days?
One region well: either Mysuru and Coorg, Hampi and Badami, or the coast from Mangaluru to Gokarna.
Which is the best 5-day Karnataka trip for first-timers?
Route A (Mysuru and Coorg) because roads are good, distances are short and the activities suit almost everyone.
Can I do Hampi and Coorg in 5 days?
It is technically possible but exhausting because the two are almost 500 km apart. Choose one.
Is a 5-day trip suitable for a honeymoon?
Yes. Route A or Route C work well. See honeymoon places in Karnataka for stays and ideas.
What is the best time for a Karnataka 5-day itinerary?
October to February for all three routes. See the best time to visit Karnataka for details.