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2 Days at BR Hills

Planning 2 days in BR Hills? Discover the Biligiriranga Hills (BR Hills) in Karnataka over two immersive days: Day 1 explores the sacred Biligiri Ranganathaswamy Temple and the panoramic Honnametti Viewpoint, while Day 2 ventures into the K. Gudi Safari Zone for a wildlife jeep safari through the BRT Tiger Reserve. It includes a detailed day-wise schedule, activities, meal suggestions, transportation tips and an estimated budget to help you plan your trip with less guesswork.

Day 1

Begin your journey in the heart of the BR Hills with a spiritual visit to the ancient Biligiri Ranganathaswamy Temple, set on a forested hilltop. In the afternoon, drive to the cliffside Honnametti Viewpoint for sweeping views over the reserve and the Tamil Nadu plains, then return to your stay for a quiet evening.

Activities

Visit Biligiri Ranganathaswamy Temple
Explore the temple surroundings and learn about Soliga heritage
Scenic drive to Honnametti Viewpoint
Sunset photography at Honnametti

Meals

•Breakfast at your accommodation
•Lunch at a local eatery or temple prasadam
•Dinner at your accommodation or a homestay

Day 2

Rise early and head to the K. Gudi Safari Zone, the principal forest-department safari range within BRT Wildlife Sanctuary, operated in partnership with Jungle Lodges & Resorts. Enjoy an open-jeep drive through diverse habitats—from evergreen shola to dry scrub—in search of elephants, gaur, and other wildlife. After the safari, relax or take a short nature walk before departing.

Activities

Morning jeep safari at K. Gudi
Wildlife spotting (elephants, gaur, deer, birds)
Interpretive talk by naturalist guide
Optional short nature walk (if permitted)

Meals

•Early breakfast (packed or at lodge)
•Lunch at Jungle Lodges or nearby resort
•Evening tea/snacks

Detailed Timeline

Day 1

9 activities

Morning

06:00 AM

Early morning arrival and check-in

Arrive at your accommodation in BR Hills (e.g., Jungle Lodges, K. Gudi, or a homestay). Check in, freshen up, and have a light breakfast. If you're staying at K. Gudi, it's about 30-40 minutes drive to the temple area.

08:00 AM

Drive to Biligiri Ranganathaswamy Temple

Set off for the hilltop temple, located at the heart of the BR Hills. The winding road climbs through dense forest, offering glimpses of wildlife. The temple is about 10-12 km from the main BR Hills village, depending on your starting point.

09:00 AM

Visit Biligiri Ranganathaswamy Temple

Explore the ancient temple dedicated to Ranganatha (reclining Vishnu). The temple is revered by both mainstream Hindus and the indigenous Soliga community. Spend time in prayer and admire the simple Dravidian architecture. Entry is free, but donations are welcome. Dress modestly.

10:30 AM

Explore temple surroundings and Soliga heritage

Walk around the temple complex and the small market area. Engage with local Soliga vendors selling forest honey, herbs, and handicrafts. Learn about the Soliga's deep connection to the forest and their landmark 2011 Forest Rights Act recognition. This is a great spot for cultural exchange.

Afternoon

12:00 PM

Lunch break

Enjoy a simple lunch at a local eatery near the temple (options are limited) or return to your accommodation for a packed meal. Try local Soliga-influenced dishes if available, but keep it light for the afternoon drive.

01:30 PM

Drive to Honnametti Viewpoint

Leave the temple and drive towards Honnametti, a cliffside viewpoint on the edge of the BR Hills plateau. The drive is about 20 km and takes roughly 45 minutes on forest roads. The route passes through scenic shola-grassland mosaics.

02:30 PM

Hike to Honnametti Viewpoint

Park at the designated area and take a short, gentle walk to the viewpoint. The cliff drops sharply away, offering unobstructed views over layered forest ridges towards the Tamil Nadu plains. Look for birds of prey soaring below. Spend time soaking in the panorama.

04:00 PM

Sunset at Honnametti

Stay until sunset if possible—the western-facing viewpoint is ideal for golden-hour photography. The light over the forested valleys is spectacular. Carry water and a light jacket as it can get breezy. Return to your accommodation before dark (wildlife is active at dusk).

Evening

07:00 PM

Dinner and rest

Return to your lodge or homestay for a warm dinner. Share stories with fellow travelers or simply relax under the starry sky. Prepare for an early start the next day for the safari.

Day 2

7 activities

Morning

05:30 AM

Early breakfast and briefing

Have a quick breakfast at your accommodation (or a packed breakfast if staying outside the safari zone). If you're staying at K. Gudi Jungle Lodges, the safari starts right from the lodge. Otherwise, drive to the K. Gudi Safari Zone entrance by 6:00 AM.

06:30 AM

Morning jeep safari begins

Board an open jeep with a naturalist guide and driver. The safari traverses the K. Gudi range of BRT Tiger Reserve, a transitional zone where evergreen shola meets dry scrub. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants, gaur, sambar, and possibly tigers or leopards. The morning light is perfect for photography. Safari cost is approximately ₹2,500-3,500 per person (including guide and entry fees; book in advance).

09:30 AM

Safari concludes and refreshments

Return to the safari base or lodge. Enjoy a mid-morning tea or coffee and light snacks. Discuss sightings with your guide and other guests. If you're lucky, you might have seen a tiger or a herd of elephants.

10:30 AM

Optional nature walk or rest

If permitted and with a guide, take a short nature walk near the lodge or base to learn about the flora, including medicinal plants used by the Soliga. Alternatively, rest and enjoy the serene forest environment.

Afternoon

12:30 PM

Lunch

Have lunch at the K. Gudi Jungle Lodges resort (if you're a guest or with prior arrangement) or at a local eatery in the nearby village. Relish simple Karnataka-style meals.

02:00 PM

Afternoon at leisure or second safari (optional)

If you wish, you can book an afternoon safari (usually 3:30-6:00 PM) at an additional cost, but this may not be necessary. Alternatively, visit the BRT Interpretation Centre near the temple to learn more about the reserve's ecology and the Soliga community.

04:00 PM

Departure or short village visit

Begin your journey back or, if time allows, visit a Soliga settlement (with permission) to understand their sustainable forest livelihoods. Remember to respect their privacy and traditions. Depart BR Hills with memories of a unique ecological and cultural experience.

Food Recommendations

K. Gudi Jungle Lodges & Resorts

In-house restaurant (South Indian and North Indian buffet)

Must Try: Ragi mudde with sambar, local greens, and forest honey

₹300-500 per meal

BR Hills Temple Prasadam

Simple vegetarian temple food

Must Try: Pongal or puliyodarai (tamarind rice)

₹20-50

Local homestay or village eatery

Karnataka-style home cooking

Must Try: Akki rotti with chutney, or Soliga-influenced dishes

₹100-200 per meal

Transportation Tips

Nearest major town is Chamarajanagar (about 60 km); BR Hills is well-connected by road from Mysuru (approx. 90 km) and Bengaluru (approx. 220 km).
Drive your own vehicle or hire a taxi from Mysuru/Chamarajanagar; be prepared for winding ghat roads after entering the reserve.
For the K. Gudi safari, you must book in advance through Jungle Lodges & Resorts or the forest department; safari jeeps are provided at the zone.
Public buses run from Chamarajanagar to BR Hills village, but for flexibility, a private vehicle is recommended.