Day 9 – March 7, 2026The Final Drive – Farewell to the Western Ghats

It was our last morning in coffee country, and honestly, our hearts were not ready to leave. The peaceful plantations, misty hills, and quiet forest roads had slowly grown on us over the past few days.

After a perfect breakfast and one final cup of freshly brewed plantation coffee at Coffee Gudda Resort, we began our return journey toward Mangalore, about a two-hour drive away.

As we descended through the forest stretch of Kudremukh National Park, the weather slowly began to change. The cool mountain air gave way to the warm coastal heat as we approached the plains. While the journey was coming to an end, our hearts were already full of memories from the past week.

Midday at Panambur Beach

By noon we reached Panambur Beach, located close to the New Mangalore Sea Port. The heat, however, was intense. The blazing sun and coastal humidity made it difficult to spend much time on the sand.

After taking a few quick photos, we decided it was best to move on and head toward the city.

Checking In at Mangalore

Our final stay for the trip was at Treebo Pappilon Palace, located near PVS Circle, a well-known junction in the city.

After checking in and refreshing ourselves, we immediately stepped out again to continue exploring the spiritual side of Mangalore.

Kudroli Temple

Our first stop was the beautiful Kudroli Gokarnatheshwara Temple. This historic temple was lively even in the early evening hours, with many local devotees arriving for darshan.

The temple’s architecture, lighting, and devotional atmosphere made it a memorable visit.

Ferry Ride to Thanirbhavi Beach

From there we drove to Sultan Battery to board a ferry to Tannirbhavi Beach.

Although the beach can also be reached by road, we preferred taking the ferry for the experience. The short ride across the river added a unique charm to the evening.

Tannirbhavi is a Blue Flag certified beach, known for its cleanliness and well-maintained surroundings. The beach features soft white sand and a long shoreline stretching along the Arabian Sea.

For safety reasons, entry is allowed only between 7 AM and 7 PM, and the last ferry back to Sultan Battery departs at 7:30 PM.

We spent some peaceful time walking along the shore and watching our final sunset over the Arabian Sea—a beautiful closing moment for the entire journey.

Evening at Kadri Temple

After returning by ferry, we drove to our final temple visit of the trip, Kadri Manjunath Temple.

The temple was beautifully illuminated in the evening, and the rituals created a deeply spiritual atmosphere. During the evening pooja, I noticed something unique—the traditional temple instruments like kendai and sangu were accompanied by the sound of a saxophone, which added a surprisingly harmonious touch to the ceremony.

Just as the pooja concluded, I received a call from the car rental driver reminding us to return the vehicle. It was already around 8 PM, and suddenly the reality of the trip ending started to sink in.

The Final Walk

We drove back to the hotel and handed over the car, officially marking the end of our road trip.

Later that night, we walked through the narrow streets of Mangalore looking for dinner. One interesting thing to note—if you’re a vegetarian looking for South Indian “thindi” (tiffin) in the city, make sure you eat before 8 PM.

By 9 PM, most eateries close and the city becomes surprisingly quiet.

In a way, it felt symbolic.

Just like the city slowing down for the night, our vacation too had gently come to a halt.

And that marked the end of Day 9—and an unforgettable journey across the coast, forests, temples, and coffee hills of Karnataka.

Day 8 – March 6, 2026 Slow Living in Coffee Country

Waking up in the middle of a coffee plantation, surrounded by a reserve forest, is not something most of us city dwellers are used to. Compared to the constant hustle of urban life—the traffic, honking, pollution, and even the daily loudspeakers playing the familiar Swachh Bharat “Matkum Kuppai, Makkal Kuppai” awareness song—this felt like a completely different world.

Here, the morning began gently with the sounds of birds and the cool breeze flowing through the plantation. For someone used to city chaos, waking up to such calmness truly felt like heaven.

With a warm cup of freshly brewed, homegrown coffee in hand and a hearty breakfast to start the day, we set out with absolutely no fixed plans—something that often leads to the most memorable experiences while traveling.

The Attempt to Reach Eleneer Waterfalls

We decided to explore Eleneer Waterfalls, located about 5 km from our stay at Coffee Gudda Resort.

About halfway through the route, the road turned into a rough off-road trail. Eventually, we had to park the car in the middle of a dense wooded stretch and continue on foot. There was no mobile reception, and not a single person around to guide us in case we took the wrong path.

The waterfall lies inside a private property, and visitors need to get permission from the owner and pay a small entry fee of ₹50. We began walking along a muddy, sloping trail that stretched for nearly a kilometer through thick vegetation.

During the trek we even encountered a snake, which definitely made the walk a little more adventurous—and cautious.

Unfortunately, luck wasn’t on our side that day. When we reached the property area, there was no one present to grant permission, and without network coverage we couldn’t call the number mentioned at the entrance.

Although we couldn’t actually see the waterfall, the trek itself turned out to be quite memorable. It would have been perfect if we had managed to reach the falls, but sometimes the journey itself becomes the story.

Deciding to Stay Longer

Once back at the resort, the calm surroundings tempted us to extend our stay. The beauty and quietness of the plantation made it difficult to leave immediately.

We spent the rest of the day slowly exploring the estate—walking through rows of coffee plants, observing the flowers and greenery, and simply soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.

We also visited a small Ganesha temple tucked away within a nearby tea garden, a charming and serene little spot surrounded by nature.

Later in the afternoon, we stopped by a local jewellery store, Annapoorneshwari Jewellery, to look at some traditional designs. The shop owner was very friendly and happily chatted with us about his work, his children, and their higher education.

Interestingly, he mentioned that he doesn’t advertise his business at all. He seemed content with the steady flow of customers he receives through word of mouth—a simple yet refreshing perspective in today’s fast-paced commercial world.

Dinner Through the Tea Estates

As night fell, we drove once again through the dark, winding roads surrounded by tea estates to have dinner at the now familiar Nandhini Dosa Camp.

The quiet drive through the plantations, with cool air flowing through the windows and almost no traffic around, felt incredibly peaceful.

Sometimes the best travel days are the ones without a rigid itinerary—just nature, quiet roads, and simple experiences that stay with you long after the journey ends. 

Day 7 – March 5, 2026 Into the Western Ghats – Forest Roads, Hidden Falls & Coffee Country

It was a cozy morning in Sringeri. The weather was pleasantly cool, a refreshing change from the coastal heat we had experienced over the past few days. Being at a higher elevation and away from the sea, the air felt lighter and calmer.

With no rush to leave, I took a moment to simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings of our countryside guesthouse. The gentle sounds of birds chirping and the occasional call of peacocks made the environment feel vibrant yet tranquil. The caretaker and staff at the stay were extremely polite and attentive, making sure our stay was comfortable. A few other families were staying in nearby rooms, but most of them were already preparing to leave early.

Unlike the previous days filled with long drives, we decided to start this day slowly. After a freshly prepared South Indian breakfast, I asked the homestay staff if I could wash the car, which had become quite dusty and muddy after the off-road drives from the previous day. They kindly agreed, and it felt satisfying to give the car a quick clean before continuing the journey.

Through the Forest of Kudremukh

Our next destination was Kudremukh National Park, through which we had to pass to reach our stay at Coffee Gudda near Kalasa in Chikkamagaluru district. This day was meant purely for slowing down—less sightseeing and more soaking in nature.

At the forest checkpoint, we were stopped by the ranger as the road passes through a protected reserve. They took down our basic details and advised us not to stop inside the forest or overspeed. We were also given an ID card containing our travel details, which had to be returned at the exit checkpoint.

The instructions were clear—and important to follow—because the entire stretch is monitored by forest patrol teams.

Hanumanthagudi Waterfalls – A Hidden Gem

Midway through the forest drive, we stopped at Hanumanthagudi Waterfalls. Reaching the falls requires a short trek down a long flight of steps, but it is absolutely worth the effort.

The place felt untouched by commercialization. The water flowed quietly through dense greenery, and the surroundings were calm and refreshing. The entry fee was ₹60 per person. We spent some time taking pictures and simply enjoying the serene atmosphere.

Of course, the return climb was another story—over 300 steep steps back up to the parking area definitely required some effort!

Coffee Gudda – In the Heart of Coffee Country

After exiting the forest checkpoint and returning the ID card to the ranger, we continued a few more kilometers and finally reached Coffee Gudda Resort.

The property is a beautiful plantation estate growing coffee, tea, spices, and betel trees. What caught my attention were the clusters of small white flowers spread across the plantation. Curious, I asked about them and learned that these delicate blossoms are actually coffee flowers—the early stage of the coffee beans that will be harvested in the future.

Since it was the off-season and the resort was undergoing some expansion work, the manager generously upgraded our room to a King Suite, which normally rents for around ₹18,000 per night during peak season.

After ordering lunch from the in-house restaurant, we spent the afternoon relaxing in the room until about 5 PM.

Evening Visit to Horanadu

Later in the evening, we drove to the nearby Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple. The road leading there was lined with endless coffee and tea plantations, which reminded me strongly of the scenic Temi Tea Garden from my earlier travels in Sikkim.

The temple complex also has souvenir shops and a small restaurant area. We spent a little time exploring, trying some local snacks, and enjoying a warm cup of authentic Chikkamagaluru coffee.

A Simple Dinner Stop

On the way back, the dark rural roads eventually led us to the small market area at Kalasa Junction. Here we stopped at a humble but famous local eatery, Nandhini Dosa Camp.

Run by an elderly couple, the place is known for serving authentic local-style dosas. If you ever pass through Kalasa, this is definitely a must-try spot.

A Perfect Night in the Plantation

With the cool mountain breeze brushing our faces, we slowly drove back to the resort. By the time we reached, the entire area was pitch dark. Since we were almost the only guests in the property, there were very few artificial lights around.

It turned out to be perfect for stargazing.

The night was silent except for the gentle chorus of crickets and night insects—a natural lullaby echoing through the plantations.

A perfect way to end a slow, peaceful day in the heart of the Western Ghats. 

Day 6 – March 4, 2026 Southbound, Inland – Holi Roads, Majestic Falls & Divine Sringeri

After four days of ocean views, coastal drives, and the calming rhythm of the Arabian Sea, it was time to turn inland. With a simple fruit bowl breakfast, we checked out and began our journey toward Jog Falls, about 120 km away in Shivamogga district.

The drive first took us south along the coast toward Honnavar, before heading inland through the rural landscapes of Uttara Karnataka. After days of sea breeze, it felt refreshing to watch the scenery slowly change—palm-lined coastlines giving way to villages, fields, and winding forest roads.

Holi on the Highways

It was Holi, and the festive spirit was everywhere. Villages along the route were alive with color—locals drenched in bright powders, laughter echoing across the streets.

In a few villages, however, groups of youngsters stopped vehicles holding a hundi (piggy bank), asking travelers for “Holi Kannike” (festival donations). While it might be part of local celebrations, being repeatedly stopped felt slightly uncomfortable. Thankfully, since I speak Kannada and was driving a locally hired car, I managed to pass through without much fuss. I imagine it could be a little more challenging for outside tourists.

Jog Falls – Grand but Neglected

After about 2.5 hours of driving, we finally reached Jog Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in India.

The view from the observation deck was breathtaking. Even though the water flow was moderate this season, the sheer scale of the falls was impressive. Unfortunately, the visitor infrastructure did not match the beauty of the place. The upper deck was closed, there was little guidance or assistance, and maintenance felt lacking.

It’s unfortunate to see such iconic destinations under-maintained. Having travelled extensively across Northeast India, I’ve often noticed better civic discipline and cleaner public spaces there, even in remote areas. Despite rapid economic growth in many parts of South India, maintaining public spaces still remains a challenge.

A Long Drive for a Hidden Giant

After a quick meal, we continued another 115 km drive (about 2.5 hours) toward Kunchikal Falls, considered one of the highest waterfall in India.

However, our excitement quickly faded. Due to the nearby hydroelectric project and security restrictions, the forest ranger informed us that visitors are not allowed near the falls. With no access and tired from the long drive, we decided to move on toward our next destination—Sringeri.

A Spiritual Evening in Sringeri

By evening, we checked into our homestay Gowtham Inn in Sringeri. After refreshing ourselves, we dressed in traditional attire and headed to the sacred Sringeri Sharadhamba Peetham to seek the blessings of Goddess Sharadamba.

The sanctum radiated a deeply spiritual aura. Right beside it stands the magnificent Vidyashankara Temple, a remarkable 13th-century stone structure. Visiting it brought back a wave of childhood memories—I first came here when I was about seven years old.

The temple complex sits gracefully along the banks of the Tunga River, and the view of the illuminated bridge connecting the temple to the Mutt across the river was simply beautiful.

Annadanam & A Sacred Night

Like Udupi Sri Krishna Mautt, this temple also offers free meals (Annadanam) to devotees twice a day. We joined many others in the dining hall to partake in the prasadam, a simple yet fulfilling meal.

Later in the evening, we walked across the bridge to visit the Mutt. Around 8 PM, a special pooja was taking place in the main hall, presided over by the head of the Mutt. The entire area was beautifully lit, and the atmosphere was serene and spiritual.

After a long day of driving through villages, waterfalls, and winding ghats, the calmness of Sringeri brought a deep sense of peace.

We returned to our room quietly—tired, yet spiritually fulfilled.

Some days end with adventure.
Others end with blessings.

Day 6 gave us both. 

Day 5 – March 3, 2026Laid-Back Gokarna – Fishermen Trails, Beach Contrasts & A Red Moon Evening

The morning sun rose slowly over the cliffside, casting a golden glow across the Arabian Sea. From our resort  in Gokarna, we watched the warm Indian sun creep up above the horizon—calm, unhurried, and peaceful.

We had initially planned to visit Agasthya Cave, located on a nearby island, but learned it was closed to visitors. So instead of chasing plans, we chose to embrace current moment. 

Belekan Beach & A Glimpse of Coastal Life

A steep staircase just five minutes from our resort led us down to Belekan Beach. The descent was sharp, but the reward was worth every step. The beach was quiet and beautiful, marked by striking red coral rock formations that contrasted against the blue waters.

We strolled along the curving shoreline until we reached a small local fishing village. Fishing boats rested lazily on the sand, nets were spread out to dry, and traditional homes stood along the edge. It felt raw and real—untouched by commercialization.

After soaking in the simplicity of village life, we walked back up the steep path (a mini workout ) and later headed out for lunch at a local vegetarian hotel around 1pm.

A Stranger on the Road & A Lunar Pause

On our way, we met a traveler from Portugal looking for a lift toward Gokarna town. Since we were heading in that direction, I dropped him along the way. Small travel connections like these always make journeys richer.

That evening was special for another reason— lunar eclipse. We were advised not to eat during the eclipse window. Respecting the belief, we returned to the room and rested until about 6 PM.

Evening Beach Hopping – Two Worlds Apart

Our first stop was Om Beach. There’s a ₹30 parking fee, but honestly, I was left disappointed. The beach felt poorly maintained—litter scattered around, a noticeable pungent smell, and an overall neglected vibe. It felt overly hyped compared to its actual condition.

Without spending much time there, we moved on to Kudle Beach—and what a contrast it was!

Kudle was lively, clean, and vibrant. Cafés lined the shore, travelers from across the world mingled freely, and the atmosphere buzzed with energy. Reaching it requires climbing down several steps—not ideal for elderly visitors—but absolutely worth the effort.

We walked along the shore for nearly an hour, watching the sun slowly dip into the Arabian Sea, painting the sky in shades of orange and crimson.

A Red Moon & A Perfect Close

Back at the resort, we spent quiet moments at the infinity pool before heading for dinner. The highlight? A rare red moon glowing above the sea, casting a mystical reflection across the water.

Cliffside breeze. Warm dinner. Lunar eclipse sky.

It was a slow, reflective, beautifully balanced day—contrasts of chaos and calm, hype and authenticity, solitude and celebration.

Some days are not about ticking off attractions.
They’re about feeling the place.

And Day 5 in Gokarna was exactly that. 

Day 4 – March 2, 2026 - Wedding Anniversary in Gokarna – Cliffs, Temples & Moonlit Waves

Some Journeys are planned

Some days are destined.

And this one—March 2nd—was both.

After a quick complimentary breakfast at Aarna Resort in Murudeshwar, we packed our bags for the most awaited destination of this trip—Gokarna—and for a very special reason: our wedding anniversary.

A Hidden Bathroom & A Bond Moment

Before leaving, we couldn’t stop laughing about our room’s “James Bond moment.” When we checked in the previous day, we were shocked to see no visible bathroom—just a wardrobe and a bed. Only after inquiring did the staff reveal the surprise: the carpenter had cleverly concealed the toilet entrance within the wardrobe door. It felt straight out of a spy movie.

There was also an archery setup at the resort. Before checking out, we gave it a try—missing targets but hitting memories.

Apsarakonda & An Unexpected Bargain

Our first stop was Apsarakonda Falls. To be honest, it felt overhyped—especially after witnessing the majestic waterfalls of Northeast India. Perhaps it was the wrong season, or perhaps my expectations were simply higher.

But sometimes, underwhelming places lead to unexpected opportunities.

There, we met a local who pitched a private boat ride at Sharavathi River backwaters. He quoted ₹1500. After a little negotiation, we sealed it at ₹1000—a deal too good to ignore.

Mangroves, Fishing Villages & Coastal Reflections

The 1 hour 15 minute boat ride took us deep into mangroves and later to a small fishing village near Honnavar. While the entry points were heavily commercialized—with artificial flowers, heart-shaped photo frames, and decorative bicycle props—the village beyond felt authentic and off-grid.

As we cruised through the backwaters, the sight of individual houses lining the water reminded me of Alleppey in Kerala. In fact, throughout this journey from Malabar to Konkan, I’ve been noticing cultural overlaps—architecture, cuisine, landscapes—all blending seamlessly along the coast from Kerala toward Maharashtra. The Malabar–Konkan stretch truly feels like one long cultural corridor.

After returning, we walked along the Sharavathi Boardwalk, a peaceful trail through dense mangroves. The cool shade was a blessing after the scorching highway drive.

Arrival at the Anniversary Destination

Post an average highway lunch, we finally arrived at Sangam Resorts in Gokarna—a serene cliffside luxury stay I had booked at a great deal. A chilled glass of sharbat welcomed us, exactly what we needed after the dehydrating drive.

Freshened up and dressed in formal attire, we headed toward the sacred Mahabaleshwar Temple, Gokarna, located about 8 km from our cottage.

The temple streets were narrow and bustling. With tourist crowds, the police had converted traffic into one-way flow. Driving through required patience and precision—pedestrians, vendors, and vehicles all weaving through the same space.

Temple traditions are strictly followed here. Men must wear a dhoti, and shirts are not allowed inside the sanctum. Since I was in formal trousers, I purchased a dhoti from a nearby shop before entering. Women are required to wear saree or traditional salwar attire.

There was something deeply symbolic about offering prayers together on our anniversary—gratitude, commitment, and continuity.

Bajji, Beach Breeze & A Moonlit Finale

After darshan, we grabbed tea and hot bajji at a local eatery before walking along the beach, letting the sea breeze wrap around us.

Back at the resort, we ended the evening in the infinity pool overlooking the Arabian Sea. The full moon reflected off the waters below, the cliffside breeze whispering softly around us.

The resort sits dramatically on a cliff edge, and watching the moonlit sea from the pool felt almost surreal.

We ordered dinner at the in-house restaurant and quietly celebrated the day—not with extravagance, but with presence.

Cliffs. Moonlight. Temple bells.
And another year of togetherness.

This wasn’t just Day 4 of the trip.
It was a chapter of life beautifully bookmarked.