Embark on an unforgettable journey as you explore the best road trips from Bangalore. From the royal city of Mysore to the serene beaches of Gokarna, each destination offers a unique experience. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, a foodie, or just someone looking for a refreshing break, these road trips have something for everyone.
1.Bangalore to Mysore
If you’re looking for the road trips from Bangalore, a drive to Mysore should be at the top of your list. The journey is as beautiful as the destination itself. There are two popular routes you can take.
Route 1: Bangalore to Mysore via NH275 Expressway
This is the shortest route, covering around 142 KM and can be completed in less than 3 hours. The expressway has reduced traffic congestion, making the drive smooth and enjoyable. Along the way, you can visit unique places like the Ramdevara Betta Vulture Sanctuary, Kanva Reservoir, and the open-air museum at Janapada Loka. Don’t forget to stop by Daria Daulat Bagh, the summer palace of Tipu Sultan, and the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary.
Route 2: Bangalore to Mysore via NH948
This route is slightly longer, approximately 160 km, but equally scenic. Highlights include the Mekedatu Dam & Reservoir, Chunchi Falls, and the ancient site of Talakadu with its buried temples.
No matter which route you choose, there are plenty of places to stop for a bite to eat. Kamat Lokaruchi and Maddur Tiffany’s are popular choices on Route 1, while NH 209 Family Garden Restaurant and Gokul Vegetarian Restaurant are favorites on Route 2.
Both routes offer a delightful road trip experience. However, if you’re short on time, the NH275 expressway is your best bet.
2.Bangalore to Gokarna
When exploring the road trips from Bangalore, a trip to Gokarna is certainly worth including on your list. There are two popular routes you can take.
Route 1: Bangalore to Gokarna via NH48
This route is about 490 KM and takes roughly nine and a half hours. You’ll pass through Tumkur, Chitradurga, Harihar, and Sirsi before reaching Gokarna. Along the way, you can enjoy the scenic beauty of Nijagal Betta and Chitradurga Fort, take a refreshing break at Benne Hole Falls, and explore the historical Mirjan Fort. There are also plenty of places to grab a bite, like Spoorthi Prince Bar & Restaurant and Kaarar Forest Breez Restaurant.
Route 2: Bangalore to Gokarna via Bangalore- Shivamogga Road & NH 69
This route is a bit longer at 513 Km and takes nearly ten and a half hours. You’ll pass through Kadur, Shivamogga, Sagar, and Kumta on your way to Gokarna. Highlights of this route include the Markonahalli Dam, Nagapuri Forest, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, and Jog Falls. There are also several great places to eat, like Shark Food Court and Taj Restaurant.
Both routes offer their own unique experiences, but the NH48 route is generally faster and more recommended by frequent travelers. Whichever route you choose, make sure to check for live traffic updates to ensure a smooth journey.
3.Bangalore to Nandi Hills via Bellary Rd
If you’re looking for the best road trip from Bangalore, a drive to Nandi Hills should be at the top of your list. It’s a swift and scenic journey of about 65 km, usually taking around an hour and a half. The route is straightforward – from Bangalore, you head to Yelahanka, Pujanahalli, Devanahalli, Yarappanahally, and finally, Nandi Hills. Along the way, you’ll find interesting spots like Devanahalli, known for its historic fort and beautiful temples, and Doddaballapur, a town transitioning from a silk-weaving center to a hub for modern industries. Don’t miss the Grover Vineyards, where you can taste some of India’s finest wines. And of course, there are great places to eat, like Adyar Anand Bhavan for a classic South Indian breakfast, Indian Paratha Company for a unique paratha pizza, and De LAWN for some delicious continental food.
4.Bangalore to Coorg
When considering the road trips from Bangalore, embarking on a journey to Coorg should undoubtedly be your priority. There are two main routes you can take, each offering its own unique experiences.
Route 1: Bangalore to Coorg via NH 275
This route is a bit shorter but slower, covering a distance of 254 kilometers. It’s an adventurous path that takes you through the historic city of Mysore and the spiritual center of Bylakuppe. Despite the highway traffic that might extend your travel time to six hours, the diverse adventures you’ll encounter make it worth the journey. Along the way, you’ll find iconic structures in Mysore, a vulture sanctuary in Ramanagara, and the largest Buddhist monastery in South India in Bylakuppe.
Route 2: Bangalore to Coorg via NH 75
This route is slightly longer, approximately 265 KM, but it also takes about six hours to travel. It offers different attractions like the natural locale of Nelamangala, the ancient Jain Temple in Shravanabelagola, and the Dubare Elephant Camp in Kushalnagar.
Both routes have their own charm, but Route 1 via NH 275 is often recommended due to its excellent road conditions and shorter travel time. However, always remember to check live traffic updates before you set off on your trip.
5.Bangalore to Chikmagalur
When mapping out the best road trips from Bangalore, don’t forget to include a drive to Chikmagalur on your itinerary. There are three popular routes you can take, each offering its own unique experience.
Route 1: Bangalore to Chikmagalur via NH 75
This is the quickest route, covering 244 km in about 4.5 hours. The journey is scenic, passing through Hassan and the historic town of Belur. You’ll see beautiful sights like Yediyur Lake and the Chennakeshava Temple. There are also great places to eat along the way, like Swathi Delicacy and Hotel Taj Kunigal.
Route 2: Bangalore to Chikmagalur via NH 48 & NH 73
This route is slightly longer, taking around 5.5 hours to cover 236 km. You’ll pass through Tumkur and Tiptur, and see sights like Begur Lake and the Manjarabad Fort. Don’t miss out on the delicious food at Anajur Restaurant and Hotel Majestic Family Restaurant.
Route 3: Bangalore to Chikmagalur via NH 48 & NH 69
This is the longest route, taking about 6 hours. It’s recommended only if the other routes are busy. You’ll pass through Tumkur and Hiriyur, and see sights like Devarayanadurga State Forest and Chitradurga Fort. There are also great places to eat, like Cafe NH48 and Vilasi Delight.
While all three routes have their own charm, Route 1 via NH 75 is generally recommended for its excellent road conditions and shorter travel time. But no matter which route you choose, you’re sure to have an unforgettable road trip from Bangalore to Chikmagalur.
6.Bangalore to Ooty
When planning the road trips from Bangalore, a journey to Ooty should definitely be a top consideration. There are two popular routes to choose from.
Route 1 via the Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway is the fastest and most traveled. It takes you through several interesting places like the Ramadevarabetta Vulture Sanctuary in Ramanagara, the toy town of Channapatna, and the majestic Mysore Palace. Don’t forget to stop at the Bandipur Tiger Reserve for an unforgettable jungle safari. Along the way, you can enjoy delicious meals at places like Rasta Cafe and Gayatri Tiffin Room.
Route 2 via Mysuru-Ooty Road offers a different set of attractions. You’ll pass through Shoolagiri, known for its hill that resembles Lord Shiva’s trident, and Krishnagiri, home to the beautiful Krishnagiri Dam. A slight detour will take you to the Hogenakkal Falls, often referred to as the Niagara of India.
No matter which route you choose, both offer a blend of natural beauty, historical landmarks, and culinary delights.
7.Bangalore to Dandeli
When you’re curating the best road trip from Bangalore, a journey to Dandeli is certainly one to consider. There are two popular routes to choose from.
The first one, via NH48 and Tadas road, is the shortest and quickest, covering around 460 km in about 8 hours. This route offers regular traffic and no road closures, making it a smooth ride. Along the way, you can visit the historic Chitradurga Fort, the serene Sri Bhoga Nandishwara Gudi temple, and the wildlife-rich Ranebennur Blackbuck Sanctuary. For food lovers, stops at New Agarwal Bhawan Veg Restaurant, The Wave Restaurant, and Ghoomar Rajasthani Dhaba offer a variety of delicious options.
The second route, via NH48, is a bit longer, covering around 555 km in just over 9 hours and 40 minutes. This route offers variable road conditions and a different set of attractions, including the Bengaluru Palace, the tranquil Gopanahally Lake, and the breathtaking Shivanasamudra Falls. For meals, consider stopping at Namaste Bengaluru, Jai Hind Hotel, or Royal Garden the Family Resto.
Both routes offer unique experiences and are great options for a Bangalore to Dandeli road trip. However, the route via NH48 and Tadas road is often preferred by travellers for its shorter travel time.
8.Bangalore to Pondicherry
If you’re looking for the road trips from Bangalore, a drive to Pondicherry should be on your list. There are two popular routes you can take.
The first one, via NH 77, is the fastest and shortest, covering about 300 KM in roughly 7 hours. This route takes you through several towns like Hosur, Krishnagiri, Chengam, Tindivanam before reaching Pondicherry. Along the way, you’ll pass by historical sites like the Krishnagiri Fort and the Virupaksha Cave and Temple. There are also great places to eat, like Tandooriwala in Hosur and Saravana Bhavan in Krishnagiri.
The second route, via NH 44/NH 48, is a bit longer but offers more scenic views. This route also takes you through Krishnagiri and Chengam, but then diverts to Kandachipuram before reaching Pondicherry. You’ll encounter sights like the Panchavati Panchamukha Anjaneyar Temple and the Periyar Waterfalls. There are also good restaurants along this route, like Saravana Bhavan in Krishnagiri and Green Gaarden Restaurant.
Both routes offer unique experiences, but the first route via NH 77 is generally considered the best due to its shorter distance and time. However, always check live traffic updates before you set off on your journey.
9.Bangalore to Munnar
When charting the best road trips from Bangalore, ensure to include a drive to Munnar in your plans. There are two main routes you can take.
Route 1 via NH 44 & Darapuram Road is about 500 KM and takes around 10 to 11 hours. Along the way, you’ll pass through Krishnagiri, Salem, Namakkal, and Dharapuram. You’ll see sights like the KRP Dam Rear View Point and the Government Museum in Krishnagiri, and the Paravasa Ulagam water park in Salem.
Route 2 via NH 44 & NH 544 is a bit shorter at 477 KM and can take over 10 hours. This route goes through Hosur, Krishnagiri, Salem, Erode, and Tiruppur. Along this route, you’ll also see the KRP Dam Rear View Point, the Government Museum, and Paravasa Ulagam, as well as the Kalingarayan Anicut in Bhavani.
Both routes offer great places to eat, like Tandooriwala in Hosur and The Cascade in Salem. But if you’re looking for the best route to Munnar from Bangalore, Route 2 via NH 44 & NH 544 is recommended. The road conditions are excellent and the time taken is less.
10.Bangalore to Sakleshpur
When compiling the road trips from Bangalore, a drive to Sakleshpur is a must-have on your list. The journey is as exciting as the destination itself. There are two popular routes you can take.
Route 1: Bangalore to Sakleshpur via NH 75
This is the quickest route, covering about 221 KM in roughly 3 hours. Along the way, you can visit the spiritual Sri Yediyuru Siddhalingeshwara Swami Temple in Kunigal, the vibrant Adichunchanagiri Peacock Sanctuary in Nagamangala, and the historic Hasanamba Temple in Hassan. For food lovers, there are great stops like the Empire Restaurant in Kunigal, Vaishali in Hatna, and Parijata Restaurant in Hassan.
Route 2: Bangalore to Sakleshpur via Kunigal – Maddur Road and NH75
This route is a bit longer, around 271 KM and takes about 4.5 hours. It offers different sights like the Ramanagara Ramadevarabetta Vulture Sanctuary in Ramanagara, the serene Sri Hole Anjaneya Swamy Temple in Maddur, and the relaxing Maharaja Park in Hassan. For meals, you can stop at Kamat Lokaruchi Veg Restaurant in Ramanagara, Swathi Delicacy in Kunigal, and Sri Venkateswara Daba in Bijjanahalli.
Both routes offer unique experiences, but if you’re looking for the fastest option, Route 1 via NH 75 is the way to go. However, if you’re up for a longer adventure and want to explore new sights, Route 2 is a great alternative. Remember to check live maps and traffic updates before you set off on your road trip.
11.Conclusion of Best Road Trips from Bangalore
In conclusion, the road trips from Bangalore offer a blend of scenic beauty, historical landmarks, and culinary delights. Whether it’s the short drive to Mysore, the spiritual journey to Coorg, or the adventurous trip to Gokarna, each route has its own unique charm. The journey to Nandi Hills is swift and scenic, while the drive to Chikmagalur offers a choice of three different routes, each with its own attractions. And let’s not forget the trip to Ooty, with its two popular routes offering a variety of experiences. So pack your bags, fuel up your car, and set off on an unforgettable road trip from Bangalore. Happy journey!