Madikeri (also known as Mercara) is a congested market town spread out along a series of ridges. The only reason for coming here is to organise treks or sort out the practicalities of travel.

Anegundi is an ancient fortified village that’s part of the Hampi World Heritage Site, but predates Hampi by way of human habitation. The settlement has been spared the blight of commercialisation, and retains a delightfully rustic feel where the seasons dictate the cycle of change and craft traditions endure.

Inland from Mangaluru are a string of Jain temple towns, such as Venur, Mudabidri and Karkal. The most interesting among them is Dharmasthala village, 75km east of Mangaluru by the Netravathi River. Tens of thousands of pilgrims pass through this tiny settlement every day.