Bangalore to Honnavar – A long weekend trip from Bangalore
Friends you would have visited or read about the famous tourist places on the western ghats of India – Murudeshwar, Gokarna, Goa, Udupi, Mangalore etc. But we tend to miss out on another beautiful location – Honnavar.
Honnavar, nestled along Karnataka's coast, offers serene beaches, lush greenery, and cultural charm. Explore Sharavati backwaters, ancient temples, and waterfalls like Apsarakonda. Its peaceful vibe, rich biodiversity, and scenic beauty make it perfect for a relaxing escape or nature-filled adventure. A hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
Honnavar is quite far from Bangalore. Like othe destinations of Goa, Murudeshwar etc and hence takes a lot of travel time.
You have 4 days in hand, a trip to Honnavar can be very relaxing, but a minimum 3 days are needed if you are travelling by your own car. And below Itinerary is based on that assumption.
But if you plan to travel by Train or Bus then you have full 2 days in hand to explore Honnavar.
There are overnight trains and busses from Bangalore to Honnavar.
Click here to know more about train & bus details.
So adjust the below Itinerary as per your plans.
Honnavar is well-known for a variety of things, including hiking routes, mangrove forests, suspension bridges, waterfalls, and coastal food.
Places to visit near Honnavar
Honnavar is located in Sharavati region of Uttar Kannada. So it is in the tourist belt of Shimoga, Udupi, Mangalore, Goa , Murudeshwar, Gokarna etc.
Few near by places you should definitey try if you have more time in your hand:
• Idagunji Mahaganapathi temple,
• Manki Beach,
• Mirjan fort,
• Murudeshwara,
• Jog falls,
• Yana Rocks.
Bengaluru -> Honnavar
No of Days: -> 3
Approx Distance from Base Location: -> 470 Km (s)
Tarvel time from Base location: -> 10 Hour(s)
Click on maps to open itinerary in your (google) maps app.
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Itinerary Overview
| Day | Step | Time Slot | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day-1 | Step-1 | 5.00 PM to 9.00 PM | Start of Travel - Halt at Chitradurga |
| Day | Step | Time Slot | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day-2 | Step-1 | 7.00 AM to 1.00 PM | Travel to Honnavar |
| Day-2 | Step-2 | 1.00 PM to 3.00 PM | Checkin-Lunch and some rest |
| Day-2 | Step-3 | 3.00 PM to 3.15 PM | Drive to Sharavathi Kandla Mangrove Boardwalk |
| Day-2 | Step-4 | 3.15 to 4.15 | Explore Sharavathi Kandla Mangrove Boardwalk |
| Day-2 | Step-5 | 4.15 to 4.30 | Drive/Walk to Eco Beach |
| Day-2 | Step-6 | 4.30 to 6.00 PM | Explore Eco Beach |
| Day-2 | Step-7 | 6.00 PM to 9.00 PM | Drive back to Hotel - Explore Honnavar city |
| Day | Step | Time Slot | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day-3 | Step-1 | 8.00 AM to 9.00 AM | Breakfast and Check out from hotel |
| Day-3 | Step-2 | 9.00 AM to 10.30 AM | Drrive to Chaturmukha Basadi |
| Day-3 | Step-3 | 10.30 AM to 11.30 AM | Explore Shri Chaturmukha Basadi |
| Day-3 | Step-4 | 11.30 to 12.30 | Drive to Kodlamane Shree Maha Vishnu Temple |
| Day-3 | Step-5 | 12.30 to 1.00 PM | Explore Shri Kodlamane Shree Maha Vishnu Temple |
| Day-3 | Step-6 | 1.00 PM to 1.30 PM | Drive to Apsarakonda Waterfalls |
| Day-3 | Step-7 | 1.30 PM to 3.30 PM | Explore Apsarakonda Waterfalls |
| Day-3 | Step-8 | 3.30 PM to 8.30 | Lunch and Drive back to Chitradurga |
| Day | Step | Time Slot | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day-4 | Step-1 | 6.00 AM to 10.00 AMM | Drive from Chitradurga to Bangalore |
Itinerary Details
| Day / Step | Time Slot | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Day-1/Step-1 | 5.00 PM to 9.00 PM | Start of Travel - Halt at Chitradurga |
| So let us say that you have holiday on Monday making the weekend a long weekend holiday. Now this can be a Friday as holiday, so adjust accordingly. Bangalore to Honnavar will be approx. 10 hours and hence we will travel by breaking journey into half. Start from Bangalore in the evening by 5.00PM. And Drive to Chitradurga. Bangalore to Chitradurga is approx. 4 hours of drive – 200 Kms. There are lot of good stay and food options in Chitradurga. Chitradurga itself is a good tourist place and hence check out our itinerary for Chitradurga as well. Tip: Try booking KSTDC hotel - Hotel Maurya Durg, in front of the Chitradurga fort. It is a amazing experience staying there. |
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Click on the "more options" link on the preview map below to open the directions for the day in google maps.
| Day / Step | Time Slot | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Day-2/Step-1 | 7.00 AM to 1.00 PM | Travel to Honnavar |
| Check out early from hotel. And start your travel to Honnavar. It is going to be a long drive again. Approx 6 hours with last stretch of your journey in ghat section. So drive carefully. |
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| Day-2/Step-2 | 1.00 PM to 3.00 PM | Checkin-Lunch and some rest |
| You should be able to reach hotel by 1.00 PM. Checkin and have your lunch ad rest for some time. By 3.00 PM you should be ready to explore the places around! |
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| Day-2/Step-3 | 3.00 PM to 3.15 PM | Drive to Sharavathi Kandla Mangrove Boardwalk |
| Drive to Sharavathi Kandla Mangrove Boardwalk It will be around 3 to 6 kms from where ever you stay in Honnavar. It should not take more than 10 mins to reach. You can also take local transport to reach the Boardwalk. |
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| Day-2/Step-4 | 3.15 to 4.15 | Explore Sharavathi Kandla Mangrove Boardwalk |
| Sharavati boardwalk offers an immersive experience into the mangrove forests along the Sharavathi River.
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| Day-2/Step-5 | 4.15 to 4.30 | Drive/Walk to Eco Beach |
| You can choose to walk to Eco beach or you can drive and park near the beach. Both options are ok. Both the places are opposite to each other. |
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| Day-2/Step-6 | 4.30 to 6.00 PM | Explore Eco Beach |
| Eco beach is also known as Kasarkod Beach Eco Beach is renowned for its pristine white sands and clear blue waters. It's an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxation. The beach is open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with no entry fee. If you are a fish lover, then this is the place where you can enjoy some nice fish fry! Enjoy the sunset ! |
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| Day-2/Step-7 | 6.00 PM to 9.00 PM | Drive back to Hotel - Explore Honnavar city |
| After spending a some good time at the beach you can drive back to hotel. Must be a tiring day so enjoy some good stroll in the city. Explore some local food and buy some souvenirs and take some good rest ! |
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Click on the "more options" link on the preview map below to open the directions for the day in google maps.
| Day / Step | Time Slot | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Day-3/Step-1 | 8.00 AM to 9.00 AM | Breakfast and Check out from hotel |
| So get up a bit early and check out by 9.00 AM. It would be good to have your breakfast before 9.00 AM so that you can drive down straight to our first spot of the day ! |
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| Day-3/Step-2 | 9.00 AM to 10.30 AM | Drrive to Chaturmukha Basadi |
| Drive to Shri Chaturmukha Basadi The travel should take around 1 hour 15 mins to 1 hour and 30 mins. Google maps some time may not show the correct location. You will cross a place called as Gerusoppa. Ask people around to make sure that you are going in the right direction. Not many people visit this place, though it is one of the must visit on our itinerary ! |
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| Day-3/Step-3 | 10.30 AM to 11.30 AM | Explore Shri Chaturmukha Basadi |
| Sri Chaturmukha Basadi is a stunning 16th-century Jain temple located in Karkala, Karnataka. Built in 1586 by Immadi Bhairarasa Wodeyar of the Santara dynasty, the temple is named “Chaturmukha,” meaning “four-faced,” due to its symmetrical design with four identical entrances facing each cardinal direction. Constructed entirely from granite, the temple features 108 intricately carved pillars and houses idols of Tirthankaras, including Lord Aranatha, Mallinatha, and Munisuvrata. It is a fine example of Vijayanagara-style architecture and reflects the Jain emphasis on symmetry, balance, and serenity. The temple stands atop a small hill, offering panoramic views of Karkala and its surroundings. |
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| Day-3/Step-4 | 11.30 to 12.30 | Drive to Kodlamane Shree Maha Vishnu Temple |
| You next stop will be Shri Kodlamane Shree Maha Vishnu Temple So this temple is on the way back to Honnavar, and could have visited this temple before, but we suggest you follow the itinerary as suggested here. |
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| Day-3/Step-5 | 12.30 to 1.00 PM | Explore Shri Kodlamane Shree Maha Vishnu Temple |
| The Kodlamane Temple has a rich history that dates back several centuries. It is believed to have been built during the Hoysala period, showcasing the architectural style of that era. The temple has undergone various renovations over the years, preserving its ancient charm. Local legends suggest that the temple was a significant pilgrimage site for devotees of Lord Shiva. This place is also referred to as Tirth Khestra! You will need atleast 30 mins to visit the temple |
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| Day-3/Step-6 | 1.00 PM to 1.30 PM | Drive to Apsarakonda Waterfalls |
| You last stop for the day will be Apsarakonda Waterfalls! The drive to this place , will not take more than 30 mins and you should be able to reach here by 1.30 PM! |
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| Day-3/Step-7 | 1.30 PM to 3.30 PM | Explore Apsarakonda Waterfalls |
| Apsarakonda waterfalls and Marine park Honnavar Apsarakonda waterfalls is a picturesque cascade where water gently descends from approximately 10 meters into a serene pond, creating a tranquil setting. The name "Apsarakonda" translates to "Pond of Angels," reflecting local legends of celestial beings bathing here. Adjacent to the falls is the Marine Park, a well-maintained area featuring diverse flora, walking trails, and panoramic viewpoints overlooking the Arabian Sea. You can also explore the nearby Pandava Caves and ancient temples, making it a holistic destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike! For all these you need atleast 1 hour 30 mins to 2 hours |
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| Day-3/Step-8 | 3.30 PM to 8.30 | Lunch and Drive back to Chitradurga |
| So by 3.30 you wil be done. Now you have a couple of options: 1) If you have more days in hand, you can plan for Murudeshwar & Gokarna 2) If you have next complete day in hand, you can stay at Honavar at night and the next day drive back to Bangalore 3) You can travel back to Chitradurga and break your journey staying overnight at Chitradurga and then drive ealry morning to Bangalore 4) If you are confident, you can drive back directly to Bangalore. But you will be reaching very late in night around 1 to 2.00 AM and we do not recommend this option if you are travelling with family ! Our recommended approach is option 3. But if you are travelling out of Honnavar then make sure that you start back by 4.00 PM atleast so that you exit the ghat section while it is still not dark! |
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Click on the "more options" link on the preview map below to open the directions for the day in google maps.
| Day / Step | Time Slot | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Day-4/Step-1 | 6.00 AM to 10.00 AMM | Drive from Chitradurga to Bangalore |
| So if you are able to check out from Chitradurga by 6.00 AM you will definitey be able to reach your home by 9.30 AM to 10.00 AM and then you can attend your office / work ! So this way you can cover this beautiful location in 3 days ! |
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