Its between 280-300 kms from Bangalore depending on where you start from.
It takes between 5hrs 20mins with one break, and 6hrs 30mins with plenty, to get there.
The route:
Bangalore-Mandya-Srirangapatna (slick 4 lane all the way) – turn towards Ranganthittu and take the bypass to Hunsur Road (20 kms of backroad) – Hunsur – Periyapatna – Kushalnagara – Madikeri. The roads are done up recently and smooth all the way!
From there this map should help http://quikmaps.com/show/137534
At the Thimmiah Circle as you enter Madikeri, take the 90-degree left (along the Petrol Pump) onto the road towards Mangalore – and a few kms later is the first left (hairpin) turn towards Bhagamandala/Talacauvery. A little ahead the (better looking) road goes left to Virajpet, but you need to continue straight towards Bhagamandala. You’ll soon climb up a hill at Appangala, and down it to the Spice Research Institute, after which there’s a fork where you need to continue on the left (straight?) one. The next fork has a left to Napoklu, but you need to continue straight and cross Cherambane, and then come to Chettimani Village.
At the entrance of the Chettimani Village is a signboard announcing the elevation of the place – 2592 feet MSL – from where the turnoff to Linger is exactly 2.1kms. After the Chettimani Village you’ll cross a temple on your left, of which you can merely see the roof, and a milestone announcing “Bhagamandala 6”. From this milestone, go about 500 mtrs and there’s a small little mud road just before a bus shelter on the left of the road there. This is the “Bandipkadu” bus stop, and we’ve marked it as such in both English and in Kannada. A 100 metres on this mud track brings you to Linger, and a few relaxed days ahead. Ideally, call Harish as you cross Madikeri, and he’ll wait for you at the bus stop before your turn off the main road.