Once the glittering seat of the Wodeyar dynasty, Mysore (Mysuru) is Karnataka’s cultural capital—famed for Indo-Saracenic architecture, sandalwood, silk, and the Dussehra festival that lights up the palace like a jewel box. A short, scenic drive away, Kodagu (Coorg) trades urban pomp for evergreen hills, gurgling streams, and the scent of arabica drifting from coffee blossoms.

This 4-day itinerary marries stately heritage with hill-station ease: think Mysore Palace, lively markets, temple-topped hills, and then a retreat to Coorg’s cool altitudes for plantation walks, waterfalls, cycling, and sunset viewpoints. You’ll travel light, eat like a local, and sleep well.

Practical notes: English is widely understood; Kannada is the local language. Dress modestly for temples; carry a light shawl. The best weather is October–February; June–September brings lush monsoon greens but slippery trails and occasional road delays—plan buffer time in Coorg.

Mysore

Mysore is the “City of Palaces,” yet its real heartbeat is on the street: jasmine-scented lanes, spice stalls, and tiffin joints turning out ethereal dosas. By day, admire the stained glass and carved teak of Mysore Palace; by evening, browse Devaraja Market’s flower garlands and banana-leaf pyramids.

• Top sights: Mysore Palace, Jaganmohan Art Gallery, Chamundi Hill, Philomena’s Cathedral, Karanji Lake, Brindavan Gardens (evening fountains; allow time for traffic).
• Eat & drink: Iconic Mysore masala dosas, ghee-rich Mysore Pak, filter coffee that keeps conversations going.
• Fun fact: The palace’s Sunday/holiday illuminations use thousands of bulbs—a century-old tradition that never gets old.

Where to stay (Mysore):

• Browse stays on VRBO Mysore or Hotels.com Mysore.
• Trusted picks: Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Mysore (pool, palace views), Hotel Roopa (value, central), Silent Shores Resort & Spa (resort vibe, by a lake).

Getting to Mysore: Fly into Bengaluru (BLR) via Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Then take a train to Mysuru Junction—fast services take ~2–2.5 hours, INR 100–800 depending on class: check Trip.com Trains. A private car from BLR airport is ~4–5 hours (INR 3,500–6,000).

Onward to Coorg (for Day 3): Mysore to Madikeri is ~120 km, 3.5–4 hours by car (INR 3,500–5,500). Start early for cooler weather and clearer views.

Kodagu (Coorg)

Kodagu is nicknamed “the Scotland of India,” but locals will tell you it’s better—rolling coffee estates stitched with pepper vines, mist-laced valleys, and homestays that smell of woodsmoke. Madikeri is the main hub; smaller hamlets hide waterfalls and forest trails.

• Top sights: Abbey Falls, Raja’s Seat (sunset), Mandalpatti viewpoint (jeep trail), coffee and spice plantations, Dubare Elephant Camp, Nisargadhama island.
• Eat & drink: Pandi curry (Coorg-style pork), bamboo shoot curry in monsoon, akki rotti (rice flatbread), and pour-over from local roasters.
• Vibe: Slow mornings, village lanes, and the soft rhythm of plantation life—perfect after Mysore’s bustle.

Where to stay (Coorg): Search a range of estates, boutique hotels, and homestays on VRBO Madikeri and Hotels.com Madikeri. Look for stays near Kadagadal, Suntikoppa, or Virajpet for quieter countryside.

Departing Coorg (Day 4): Madikeri to Bengaluru airport is ~6–7 hours by road; to Mysore, ~3.5–4 hours. Consider buffer time in monsoon.

Day 1: Arrive in Mysore, Markets and Filter Coffee

Morning: Travel to Mysore (aim to reach by early afternoon). From Bengaluru, the train is efficient and scenic—book on Trip.com Trains. Drop bags and freshen up at your hotel.

Afternoon: Late lunch at RRR (banana-leaf meals and famed biryani; quick service), or The Old House (thin-crust pizzas, garden seating, excellent cappuccinos). Then stroll the Devaraja Market area for flowers, turmeric, and essential oils—practice your Kannada greetings and ask to see how garlands are threaded.

Night: Join a guided market walk to decode spices and stories: Vibrant Markets of Mysore (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour).

Wrap up with dinner at Anima Madhva Bhavan (classic Udupi thali; pure veg) or Oyster Bay (open-air grills and Indian mains). Sip a late filter coffee at Depth N Green if you’re still adjusting to the time zone.

Day 2: Palaces, Hills, and Story-Soaked Streets of Mysore

Morning: Fuel up at Hotel Vinayaka Mylari (butter-soft dosas with coconut chutney; go early). Then explore Mysore’s crown jewel with a guide: Mysore Palace + Jaganmohana Art Gallery + Devaraja Market: Heritage Walk (palace interiors, Ravi Varma canvases, and market lore in one sweep).

If going self-guided, palace hours typically run mid-morning to late afternoon; modest dress recommended.

Afternoon: Drive up Chamundi Hill for breezy views and the 1,008-step Nandi path for those up for a climb. Stop by Philomena’s Cathedral for neo-Gothic spires and stained glass. Lunch at Mahesh Prasad (veg South Indian tiffin, speedy) or Gufha at Pai Vista (themed cavern interiors, North Indian and kebabs—fun with kids).

Night: See Mysore by tuk-tuk with a local who threads neighborhoods you’d miss solo: Mysore Tuk-Tuk Tours.

Dinner by the pool at By The Blue (tandoor specials) or at Spring in the Radisson Blu (multi-cuisine with consistent service). If it’s a Sunday/holiday, swing by the palace exterior after dinner to catch the famed illumination.

Day 3: Drive to Coorg, Coffee Estates and Abbey Falls

Morning: Depart Mysore for Madikeri around 7:30–8:00 a.m. The drive is ~3.5–4 hours; keep cash for tolls and a tea stop. On arrival, drop bags and grab brunch at Big Cup Cafe (house-roasted coffees, pulled-pork sandwiches, cinnamon rolls) or Beans N Brews (omelets, relaxed vibe).

Afternoon: Stretch your legs with a guided spin through quiet plantation lanes: Private Coorg Cycling Tour.

Then visit Abbey Falls (short, stepped path; can be slippery after rains—wear grippy shoes).

Night: Sunset at Raja’s Seat, where the valley drops away below manicured arches. Dinner at Coorg Cuisine (try pandi curry with akki rotti; ask about spice level) or Raintree (heritage bungalow setting; Coorg specials plus North Indian classics). Later, sample local arabica as a French press back at your stay.

Day 4: Hilltop Views, Estate Time, and Departure

Morning: Optional soft adventure among the trees: Tree Top Adventure (rope obstacles high in the canopy; great for families).

Alternatively, book a local jeep to Mandalpatti for sweeping Western Ghats views (roads are bumpy; carry a light jacket).

Afternoon: Check out and begin the drive to Bengaluru airport (~6–7 hours) or back to Mysore (~3.5–4 hours). If flying out, search fares via Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Plan a meal stop in Kushalnagar (quick South Indian thalis) to break the journey.

Night: If your departure is later in the evening, consider a leisurely early dinner in Bengaluru or Mysore depending on your route; otherwise, it’s wheels-up with memories of palaces, pepper vines, and those perfect Coorg sunrises.

Where to Eat and Drink: A Quick Hit List

• Mysore breakfast: Hotel Vinayaka Mylari (legendary dosas), Mylari (Nazarbad) for fluffier, ghee-forward versions.
• Mysore lunch: RRR (banana-leaf biryani), Mahesh Prasad (veg tiffin), Hotel Hanumanthu (mutton pulao for non-veg loyalists).
• Mysore coffee/dessert: The Old House (espresso/pizza), Depth N Green (filter coffee, healthy bowls).
• Coorg coffee: Big Cup Cafe (house roastery), Point 360 (view + brews near Madikeri).
• Coorg dinner: Coorg Cuisine (pandi curry, kadambuttu), Raintree (heritage ambience), The Fort Mercara (barbecue platters).

Optional Add-ons (if you have extra time)

• Brindavan Gardens for musical fountains (allow for traffic; go on weekdays).
• Dubare Elephant Camp in Coorg for riverside elephant interactions (arrive early; respect animal welfare guidelines).

Booking hub (quick links): Stays in Mysore (VRBO), Mysore (Hotels.com), Madikeri/Coorg (VRBO), Madikeri/Coorg (Hotels.com) • Trains on Trip.com • Flights on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

In four days, you’ll trace a royal lineage from Mysore’s gilded halls to Coorg’s green amphitheater, swapping palace colonnades for coffee trails. Expect big skies, deeper breaths, and meals you’ll talk about long after you’ve left Karnataka.