This page gives you a road route through five Karnataka Devi temples in one trip: Chamundeshwari in Mysuru, Annapoorneshwari in Horanadu, Sharadamba in Sringeri, Mookambika in Kollur and Durgaparameshwari in Kateel. It starts in Bengaluru, ends in Mangaluru, and covers about 700 km by road. Below you will find the stops in order, the distance of each leg, a suggested 5-day plan, darshan timings in brief, and what Navaratri 2026 means for crowds on this route.
General darshan is free at all five temples. The order runs from Mysuru into Chikkamagaluru district for Horanadu and Sringeri, then to Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts, so you finish close to Mangaluru airport and Mangaluru Central station.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Temples | Five: Chamundeshwari (Mysuru), Annapoorneshwari (Horanadu), Sharadamba (Sringeri), Mookambika (Kollur), Durgaparameshwari (Kateel) |
| State and districts | Karnataka: Mysuru, Chikkamagaluru (Horanadu and Sringeri), Udupi (Kollur), Dakshina Kannada (Kateel) |
| Route length | About 700 km by road, adding up the approximate legs |
| Days | 5 days suggested |
| Start and end | Bengaluru to Mangaluru |
| Entry fee | None for general darshan at any of the five temples; sevas and homas are paid |
| Busiest period | Navaratri: in 2026, Mysuru Dasara runs 11 to 21 October and Sringeri Sharannavaratri 11 to 22 October |
| Official package | KSTDC South Karnataka Temple Tour, 4 nights and 5 days from Bengaluru |
Sources: KSTDC: South Karnataka Temple Tour, Sringeri Sharada Peetham: Sharannavaratri 2026, Sri Chamundeshwari Temple: home page, Karnataka Tourism: Sri Mookambika Temple, Siasat Daily: Mysuru Dasara 2026.
The Route in Order
All distances are approximate road distances. Drive times are given only where the sources give them, and they depend on traffic and the road you choose.
| Stop | Temple | From previous stop | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bengaluru | Start | None | Direct KSRTC and private buses also run from here to Horanadu and Sringeri |
| Mysuru | Sri Chamundeshwari Temple, Chamundi Hills | About 145 km, 2.5 to 3 hours depending on traffic | Hill temple about 13 km from the Mysuru city bus stand |
| Horanadu | Sri Annapoorneshwari Temple | About 250 km, about 5 hours or more | About 10 km from Kalasa; elevation about 831 m |
| Sringeri | Sri Sharadamba Temple, Sringeri Sharada Peetham | About 45 to 80 km, depending on the route taken | Peetham guest houses in town |
| Kollur | Sri Mookambika Temple | About 110 km, about 2 to 2.5 hours | Temple guest house; Byndoor station about 30 km |
| Kateel | Shree Durgaparameshwari Temple | About 115 km, about 1.5 to 2 hours | Temple on an islet in the Nandini river |
| Mangaluru | End | About 21 to 25 km | Airport about 16 km from Kateel; Mangaluru Central about 19 km |
Sources: Chikkamagaluru District: Sri Ksetra Horanadu, Karnataka Tourism: Horanadu, Karnataka Tourism: Sri Mookambika Temple, Sri Chamundeshwari Temple: home page, India TV News: Bengaluru to Mysuru road trip, karnataka.com: Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway, distancebetween2.com: Horanadu to Mysore, distancebetween2.com: Sringeri to Horanadu, distancesfrom.com: Sringeri to Kollur, distancesfrom.com: Kateel to Kollur, Wikipedia: Kateel.
1. Chamundeshwari, Mysuru
Sri Chamundeshwari Temple stands on Chamundi Hills in Mysuru, and Mysuru Dasara 2026 will be inaugurated here on 11 October. Darshan is open from 7:30 am to 2:00 pm, 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm and 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm. Abhisheka is from 6:00 am to 7:30 am and 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm, and on Fridays from 5:00 am to 6:30 am. Darshan usually takes 30 minutes to 1 hour, but it can take 2 to 3 hours on festival days.
General darshan is free, and dasoha (free meals) is served from 7:30 am to 10:00 am, 12:00 noon to 3:30 pm and 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm. The Rs 300 special entry ticket was discontinued in 2026; during Ashada a Rs 2,000 special darshan package was offered instead. Saree seva, Chandika Homa and Mritunjaya Homa can be booked on the temple's e-seva page, with fees shown there. Carry a printout of any online booking.
KSRTC buses leave the Mysuru city bus stand for the hill about every 20 minutes. A motorable road runs to the top, and those who prefer to walk can climb a flight of about 1,000 steps. Plastic carry bags are not allowed, and footwear is not permitted during darshan. Read the full Chamundeshwari Temple Mysore guide.
Sources: Sri Chamundeshwari Temple: home page, Sri Chamundeshwari Temple: e-seva booking, Star of Mysore: Rs 2,000 darshan ticket during Ashada, Star of Mysore: KSRTC transport operation, Trawell: Chamundi Hill Temple.
2. Annapoorneshwari, Horanadu
The Adhishakthyathmaka Sri Annapoorneshwari Temple is in Kalasa Taluk of Chikkamagaluru district, about 10 km from Kalasa, at an elevation of about 831 m. The Goddess here is worshipped as the giver of food, and every visitor, whatever their religion, language, caste or creed, is served a free vegetarian meal. Lunch is usually from about 12:00 to 1:30 pm. For more on the Goddess, see our Goddess Annapurna guide.
Mahamangalarati is at 9:00 am, 1:30 pm and 9:00 pm, and kunkumarchana pooja at 11:00 am and 7:00 pm. Darshan runs from about 6:00 to 6:30 am until 9:00 pm; published opening times differ slightly, so check locally. There is no entry fee. Dress modestly and traditionally. Temple dharmashalas offer basic rooms, and reservations are offered through the temple website; homestays and resorts are available in Kalasa and Chikkamagaluru.
Sources: Chikkamagaluru District: Sri Ksetra Horanadu, Karnataka Tourism: Horanadu, Sri Kshetra Horanadu: official site, Vedadhara: Horanadu FAQs, TempleTimings.in: Horanadu guide 2026.
3. Sharadamba, Sringeri
The Sri Sharadamba Temple at the Sringeri Sharada Peetham is open from 6:00 am to 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm, with Maha-Mangalarati at 10:00 am, 12:00 noon and 7:30 pm. The other temples in the complex keep shorter hours: 6:00 am to 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Guru darshanam is from 10:30 am to 11:30 am daily, and the Jagadguru's Chandramoulishwara puja is from 9:00 to 10:00 pm on weekdays and 8:30 to 10:00 pm on Fridays. Darshan is free, but timings change with events and the Jagadguru's schedule. Sharadamba is worshipped as a form of Saraswati; see our Goddess Saraswati guide.
Nitya annadana is served free from 12:15 pm to 2:30 pm and 7:15 pm to 8:30 pm. The Peetham runs several guest houses, including Yatri Nivas and Sri Sharada Kripa, for a minimum kannikai (contribution). Rooms are usually allotted on a first come, first served basis at the Information Office near the temple entrance, and there is also an online portal at yatri.sringeri.net. Confirm availability before you travel on +91-08265-252525. Read the full Sringeri Sharada Peetham guide.
Sources: Sringeri Sharada Peetham: Temple Timings, Sringeri Sharada Peetham: Pilgrim Facilities, Sringeri Sharada Peetham: Sharannavaratri 2026.
4. Mookambika, Kollur
Sri Mookambika Temple is in Kollur, Byndoor Taluk, Udupi district. Darshan is from 5:00 am to 1:30 pm, then a break, then 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Timings differ on special days. General darshan is free; tickets are needed only for poojas and homas, including Chandika Homa, and are sold at the temple counters with fees shown there.
Same-day and next-day sevas can be booked at the counters, so arrive 30 to 45 minutes early if you want one. The temple website has an online services page, though online availability varies. The temple has a guest house at affordable rates, and budget hotels are available in Kollur, Kundapura (about 36 km) and Baindur (about 28 km). Read the full Kollur Mookambika Temple guide.
Sources: Kollur Mookambika Temple: Darshana Timing and Online Services, Karnataka HRCE: Sri Mookambika Temple portal, Karnataka Tourism: Sri Mookambika Temple.
5. Durgaparameshwari, Kateel
Shree Durgaparameshwari Temple stands on an islet in the Nandini river near Permude, in Dakshina Kannada district. There is no entry fee. Published hours vary: opening is reported between 5:30 and 6:30 am and closing between 8:30 and 9:30 pm, so check locally before you plan an early or late visit.
The temple maintains six Yakshagana troupes, and devotees can sponsor a performance (harake seva); the fee is given at the temple office. Allow 2 to 3 hours for the visit including travel from Mangaluru, which is about 21 to 25 km away.
Sources: Mangalore Tourism: Shree Durgaparameshwari Temple, Trawell: Kateel Durga Parameshwari Temple, Wikipedia: Kateel.
Suggested Itinerary
Five days is a suggestion based on the distances between the temples, not a fixed plan. It matches the length of the official KSTDC temple tour on a nearby route. Add a day if you want a slower pace or are travelling with elderly family members.
Day 1: Bengaluru to Mysuru
Drive about 145 km to Mysuru, which takes 2.5 to 3 hours depending on traffic. Go up Chamundi Hills for the 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm or 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm darshan window; dusk is a good time to be on the hill. Stay the night in Mysuru.
Day 2: Mysuru to Horanadu
This is the longest leg: about 250 km and about 5 hours or more. If you want a morning darshan at Chamundeshwari instead, the temple opens at 7:30 am, but leave soon after. Aim to reach Horanadu for the 7:00 pm kunkumarchana or the 9:00 pm Mahamangalarati, and stay in a temple dharmashala or in Kalasa.
Day 3: Horanadu to Sringeri
Attend the 9:00 am Mahamangalarati at Horanadu, then drive about 45 to 80 km to Sringeri, depending on the road you take. If you arrive by lunchtime, nitya annadana at Sringeri is served from 12:15 pm to 2:30 pm. Spend the afternoon and evening at the Peetham, stay for the 7:30 pm Maha-Mangalarati, and sleep in a Peetham guest house.
Day 4: Sringeri to Kollur
Stay for guru darshanam from 10:30 am to 11:30 am if you wish, then drive about 110 km to Kollur, about 2 to 2.5 hours. The temple reopens at 3:00 pm after the afternoon break. Book any seva for the next morning at the counter, and stay at the temple guest house or in Kollur.
Day 5: Kollur to Kateel and Mangaluru
Take early darshan at Kollur from 5:00 am, then drive about 115 km to Kateel, about 1.5 to 2 hours. After darshan at Kateel, Mangaluru is about 21 to 25 km away, with the airport about 16 km and Mangaluru Central station about 19 km from the temple.
Sources: Sri Chamundeshwari Temple: home page, Chikkamagaluru District: Sri Ksetra Horanadu, Sringeri Sharada Peetham: Temple Timings, Karnataka Tourism: Sri Mookambika Temple, Trawell: Chamundi Hill Temple, Wikipedia: Kateel.
Getting There and Getting Around
Bengaluru is the start, and the road to Mysuru is about 145 km. If you fly into Mysuru instead, Mysuru Airport is about 12 km from Mysuru Palace. The route ends near Mangaluru International Airport, which is about 16 km from Kateel and is also the nearest airport for Sringeri (about 100 km) and for Kollur and Horanadu (about 130 km).
The nearest railway stations are Udupi (about 79 km) and Shivamogga Town (about 99 km) for Sringeri, Mookambika Road Byndoor (about 30 km) for Kollur, and Mangaluru Central (about 19 km) for Kateel. A car or taxi for the whole trip is the simplest way to keep to five days.
If you use buses: KSRTC city buses run from the Mysuru city bus stand to Chamundi Hill about every 20 minutes. Horanadu has direct KSRTC and private buses from Bengaluru, plus local buses and taxis via Kalasa. Sringeri has buses from Bengaluru, Mangaluru, Udupi, Mysuru, Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru, Dharmasthala, Kollur and Koppa. Kollur has private buses from Mangaluru, and taxis are available from Kundapura and Baindur. Bus and taxi fares are not listed here because the sources do not give them; ask at the bus stand or your taxi operator.
KSTDC South Karnataka Temple Tour
If you would rather not plan the drive, KSTDC (Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation) runs an official South Karnataka Temple Tour of 4 nights and 5 days from Bengaluru by AC Deluxe coach. Day 2 covers Horanadu, Kalasa, Sringeri and Kollur, with a night at Byndoor. Day 3 covers Murudeshwara, Udupi and Malpe, with a night at Kateel. Day 4 covers Kadri, Mangaladevi, Dharmasthala and Kukke Subramanya, and the coach returns to Bengaluru early on day 5.
The route is close to ours but not the same, so check whether Mysuru is included before you book if Chamundeshwari matters to you. Departure days and fares are shown when you book on the KSTDC tour page. Contact: +91 80 4334 4334.
Sources: KSTDC: South Karnataka Temple Tour, Sringeri Sharada Peetham: Travel and weather, Karnataka Tourism: Horanadu, Karnataka Tourism: Sri Mookambika Temple, Karnataka Tourism: Mysuru Palace (how to reach), Sri Chamundeshwari Temple: home page, Trawell: How to Reach Sringeri, Wikipedia: Kateel.
When to Go
Navaratri is the peak season on this route. Sharad Navratri 2026 runs from 11 to 19 October, with Vijayadashami on 20 October in most of India. Expect heavy crowds at Mysuru, Sringeri, Horanadu and Kollur throughout this period, and longer darshan queues everywhere. See our Navratri 2026 Devi temples guide for other states.
- Mysuru Dasara: 11 to 21 October 2026. The inauguration is at the Chamundeshwari temple on 11 October, between 11:50 am and 12:13 pm. Mysuru follows its own programme, so Vijayadashami and the Jamboo Savari procession fall on 21 October here.
- Sringeri Sharannavaratri: 11 to 22 October 2026 (Ashwayuja Shukla Pratipat to Ekadashi). Sevas can be booked at seva.sringeri.net, the celebrations are telecast live on the Peetham's YouTube and Facebook channels, and darshan timings may change.
- Kollur Maha Navaratri: begins 11 October with Kalasha Sthapane, with Chandika Yaga and Rathotsava during the nine days and Vidyarambha on Vijayadashami, 20 October. The temple is very crowded.
- Horanadu and Kateel: Navaratri is the busiest time at Horanadu, along with Akshaya Tritiya. Both temples celebrate Navaratri; check with them for the 2026 programme.
Outside Navaratri, Fridays in Ashada (July to August) are very crowded at Chamundi Hill: about 8.61 lakh devotees visited in 13 days of the 2026 Ashada season. At Chamundeshwari, dawn and dusk are good times to visit. Horanadu's elevation of about 831 m keeps the weather there cool.
Sources: Sringeri Sharada Peetham: Sharannavaratri 2026, Karnataka Tourism: Horanadu, News Karnataka: Gavimath seer to inaugurate Dasara, Siasat Daily: Mysuru Dasara 2026, Star of Mysore: 2026 Ashada season, HinduPad: Maha Navaratri 2026 at Kollur, Trawell: Kateel, Trawell: Chamundi Hill Temple.
Practical Tips
- Dress: dress modestly and traditionally, as Horanadu asks of visitors.
- Footwear: footwear is not permitted during darshan at Chamundi Hill.
- No plastic: Chamundeshwari temple is a No Plastic Zone, so leave plastic carry bags behind.
- Bookings: carry a printout of any Chamundeshwari e-seva booking; saree seva there needs the original bill receipt. At Kollur, reach the seva counter 30 to 45 minutes early.
- Timings: Sringeri timings change with the Jagadguru's schedule, Kollur's differ on special days, and Kateel's are reported differently by different sources. Check locally on the day.
- Elderly visitors: a motorable road goes to the top of Chamundi Hills, so the 1,000 steps are optional. The Mysuru to Horanadu leg of about 5 hours or more is the hardest day; consider splitting it.
Sources: Sri Chamundeshwari Temple: e-seva booking, Star of Mysore: KSRTC transport operation, Karnataka Tourism: Horanadu, Kollur Mookambika Temple: Darshana Timing, Sringeri Sharada Peetham: Temple Timings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do I need for the Karnataka Devi temple circuit?
Plan on 5 days for about 700 km by road from Bengaluru to Mangaluru. This is a suggestion based on the distances, not a fixed itinerary, and it is about the same length as the official KSTDC 4-night, 5-day temple tour.
In what order should I visit the temples?
From Bengaluru: Chamundeshwari in Mysuru, Annapoorneshwari in Horanadu, Sharadamba in Sringeri, Mookambika in Kollur and Durgaparameshwari in Kateel, ending in Mangaluru. The longest leg is Mysuru to Horanadu, about 250 km and about 5 hours or more.
Is there an entry fee at these temples?
No. General darshan is free at all five temples. Sevas, poojas and homas are paid, with fees shown on the booking page or at the counter. At Chamundeshwari the Rs 300 special entry ticket was discontinued in 2026.
Should I do this route during Navaratri 2026?
Only if you are ready for heavy crowds. Mysuru Dasara runs 11 to 21 October 2026, with the Jamboo Savari on 21 October, and Sringeri Sharannavaratri runs 11 to 22 October. Kollur and Horanadu are also at their busiest, and darshan timings may change.
Is there an official package tour?
Yes. KSTDC runs a South Karnataka Temple Tour of 4 nights and 5 days from Bengaluru by AC Deluxe coach, covering Horanadu, Sringeri, Kollur and a night at Kateel, among other temples. Departure days and fares are shown when you book with KSTDC.
Related reading: Chamundeshwari Temple Mysore guide, Sringeri Sharada Peetham guide, Kollur Mookambika Temple guide, Navratri 2026 at major Devi temples and all our temple guides.
