Getting from Gokarna to Kakkabe

I'd appreciate suggestions for the best way to get from Gokarna to Kakkabe, including options using trains (for part of the way) & buses. Could stop overnight in Mangalore if necessary. Also best timings if anyone has done this recently. I have a bigger budget than last trip& there are two of us to divide the costs, so we can also afford to take autorickshaws/taxis for parts of trips if it looks too gruelling or complicated.

I've done very little bus travel in past trips (just love those trains!) but know I'll have to get used to taking buses for much of my travel in Karnataka, as later going on to Mysore, Belur, Halebid & Bangalore.

Any input will be much appreciated!

Hi K53,

Kakkabe is 38 KMS from Madikeri, And first you need to get to Madikeri, which is the nearest city.

The best option is take the Goa - Mangalore junction train. Get down at "Mangalore Junction" which is also known as Kankannady station. Try reaching here by 7 AM from Gokarna. Then take the Mangalore - Bangalore train and get down in Hassan. From Hassan you can take a train to Mysore and later take a bus to Madikeri or You can take a bus directly to Madikeri. From there local bus / taxi to Kakkabe.

But the day time Mangalore - Bangalore train is avaliable only on Tue, Thu, Sat.

Else if you reach Mangalore junction by 7PM. Then you can take the overnight train to Mysore. And later take a bus to Madikeri.

Currently the main road from Mangalore to Madikeri is closed for upgradation. And buses take a longer route to reach Madikeri. The road condition is terrible in the Shiradi ghat stretch.


Here is one more option:

Reach Mangalore from Gokarna by train. Spend a day or two in Mangalore.

Head on to Hassan by KSRTC Volvo/ Train. Cover Belur and Halebedu, which are very near from Hassan. Come back to Hassan. (You can cover both places in a day and reach Hassan).

From Hassan take a train to Mysore. Cover Mysore and later hear to Madikeri ( Kakkabe).

From Madikeri later take a overnight bus to Bangalore.

Trains from Gokarna to Mangalore:
ERANAKULAM EXP GOK 14.50 MAJN 19.05 Sunday only
MATSYAGANDHA EXp GOK 03.15 MAQ 07.30 Daily
MARU SAGAR EXP GOK 14.50 MAJN 19.05 Saturday only
MAO MAQ PASS GOK 16.20 MAQ 20.55 Daily

Take Madgaon -Mangalore Passenger at Gokarna at 16:20 , Reach M'lore by 21:00 . Take Night KSRTC bus to madikeri. Reach Madikeri. Halt for a day at Madikeri and sight seeing. Then proceed to Kakabe. Halt at Kakabbe.

Kakabbe to Mysore by bus via Madikeri or Virajpete. You can visit Nagarhole national Park. Halt at Mysore. Mysore Sight seeing.

Mysore to B'lore by train. Plenty of Buses from Mysore to Bangalore.From B'lore you have one day KSTDC guided package trip to Belur, Halebeedu and Shravanabelgola.

Thanks for your help! Gives me options to consider, as I was a bit lost.

Kash2730 or anyone else who can help me: I have not been able to find the train you mentioned in the 4 options you suggested "Take Madgaon -Mangalore Passenger at Gokarna at 16:20 , Reach M'lore by 21:00" either on Cleartrip or via travel people now I'm here in India. I understand this is a passenger train, so does this mean you cannot pre-book the train, or is there some other reason I can't find it?

I'd appreciate if anyone can help with this, as we'd still like to take a train from Gokarna to Mangalore if possible, & not the one at 3am!!

Its a passenger train, no need for advance booking, You can take the ticket from station itself before boarding the train.

Else there are KSRTC buses also to Mangalore in day time. The route is beautiful.

Passenger trains are mostly not bookable in advance except for some because they don't have reserved coaches. The above train has Second seating or 2S that is bookable from IRCTC but not from Cleartrip. Don't know why? It is however bookable on makemytrip.

Have heard of some issues with makemytrip not accepting non indian credit cards.

Thanks for your replies: they have clarified things for me. We will take our chances getting on the passenger train, & if all else fails...take a bus!