Three of Karnataka's most important Shaiva/Devi temples, spread through the green, misty Malnad hill country: Sringeri Sharada Peetham, one of the four cardinal mathas established by Adi Shankaracharya; Horanadu's Annapoorneshwari Temple, known for feeding every visitor regardless of means; and Kollur's Mookambika Temple, one of South India's most visited Devi shrines. The roads between them are as much the experience as the temples themselves — thick forest, coffee estates and river crossings.
Step 2 of 6Next: Route↓Sringeri, Horanadu, planned for you
Day-by-day timings, the route, what each part costs, where to sleep and eat, and a checklist. One PDF that works offline: print it, or send it to everyone going.
- Day 1 Chikmagalur to Sringeri
- TravelChikmagalur₹400
- TravelSringeri₹150
- Day 2 Horanadu to Kollur
- Day 3 Onward to the coast
₹49 once, 6 pages. Secure payment by Razorpay, instant download. Already bought? Get your download
The route, stop by stop
The whole route first. Tap any stop and the map zooms to just that place.
Route
Stops
Chikmagalur → Sringeri → Horanadu → Kollur · Directions in Google Maps ↗
- 1Base — bus from Bengaluru (5 h) or Mangaluru (4 h) Map ↗
- 290 km, bus or taxi through coffee country Map ↗
- 370 km further, via forest roads Map ↗
- 490 km, descending towards the coast Map ↗
- 5Udupi or Murudeshwar, both within 2 hours Map ↗
Travel legs add up to about ₹970 per person.
Step 3 of 6Next: Cost↓What it costs
Ballpark ranges, not live quotes. Prices last updated 6 October 2026. Prices move with season and demand, so check live fares before you book. Spot a wrong price? Tell us and we fix it.
A do-it-yourself budget: trains and buses, simple lodges and temple meals. Paid darshan and donations are extra.
What to book ahead
Where to stay and eat
Stay
Basic pilgrim lodges in Sringeri, Horanadu and Kollur; Chikmagalur or Udupi offer more comfortable options at either end of the route.
Food
Horanadu's temple kitchen feeds everyone who visits, a genuinely moving tradition. Sringeri and Kollur both have simple vegetarian eateries.
Photos
Questions people ask
How many days do you need for Sringeri, Horanadu?
2–3 days, starting from Chikmagalur or Udupi.
What is the best time for Sringeri, Horanadu?
October to February for comfortable travel through the Malnad hill roads. This route also connects naturally to Chikmagalur or the coast.
How much does Sringeri, Horanadu cost?
From about ₹3,500 per person doing it yourself, with the travel legs adding up to roughly ₹970.
What needs to be booked in advance?
Vehicle for the route (must book): This circuit is much easier with a private taxi or your own vehicle — bus connections between the three towns are infrequent and slow. Horanadu's free meals: The temple feeds all visitors as a matter of tradition — no booking needed, just join the queue at meal times. Accommodation in each town: Simple pilgrim lodges exist in all three; book ahead on weekends and festival days.
Where do pilgrims stay?
Basic pilgrim lodges in Sringeri, Horanadu and Kollur; Chikmagalur or Udupi offer more comfortable options at either end of the route.
What about food?
Horanadu's temple kitchen feeds everyone who visits, a genuinely moving tradition. Sringeri and Kollur both have simple vegetarian eateries.
More sacred places and routes
Dharmasthala & Kukke Subramanya2 days · 1 night · from BengaluruFrom ₹1,800
Hoysala temple trail — Belur, Halebidu & Somanathapura1–2 days · from Mysuru or HassanFrom ₹2,500
Bhagamandala, Talakaveri & Irupu Falls1–2 days · from Madikeri (Coorg)From ₹2,000Underrated places near by
Agumbe & KudremukhThe wettest place in South India, a sunset point over the Arabian Sea, and rainforest where king…From ₹900/dayKudremukhKudremukh means 'horse face', for the shape of its peak, and the national park around it is one…From ₹1,200/day
Udupi & MalpeA hexagonal basalt island offshore, the temple kitchen that invented the masala dosa, and a…From ₹900/dayCosts are indicative ballparks for doing it yourself and change with season and demand. Always check live fares, rates and opening rules before you book. Trip Under is not a travel agency: we don't sell packages or bookings, we take no commission, and we link to maps and official sites, never to booking sites. Every guide is free; our only paid products are optional downloadable trip plans and itineraries. Photographs come from Wikimedia Commons under free licences; see credits.
By Gokul · Updated 6 October 2026 · Photo: Chiranjeevi Kuruba · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source · Photo: Hari K Patibanda · CC BY 2.0 · source · Photo: Starstuffseyyon · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source · Photo: Frozenivy · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
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