Chikmagalur Peaks and Coffee Trail

900 year old Hoysala temple, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Free entry. The inner shrine closes for rituals from about 1 PM, so we come in the morning.

Every inch of the outer walls is carved: elephants, dancers, gods and scenes from the epics. Free entry. Shoes off at the gate. The small museum next door is closed on Fridays.

A quiet lake with the Mullayanagiri range behind it. The sun drops behind the hills around 6 PM in winter.

1,930 m, the highest point in Karnataka. About 500 steps from the parking to the small temple at the top, with views over the whole range. We book the vehicle pass for the 6 AM to 12 noon slot. It is windy and cold early, carry a jacket.

A cave shrine honoured by both Hindus and Muslims. Legend says coffee first came to India here, when Baba Budan brought seven beans from Yemen.

Private cars stop at the checkpoint. A local 4x4 jeep takes you down a bumpy estate track, then a short walk to the falls. Jeep fare is included. Jeeps stop running by late afternoon.

A planter walks you through arabica and robusta plants, pepper vines and the drying yards. Taste coffee made from beans grown right there.

A wide old lake at the foot of the Baba Budangiri range, built more than 1,000 years ago. A calm stop before the highway.