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Bangalore, the City of Gardens, is known for its gardens (duh!), beautiful weather, and a nightlife unlike any other city in India. But all the same, life in such a metro city might get a little difficult and monotonous. Getting up, going to work, coming back too tired to do anything else may become a routine that you desperately want to get away from. That’s why you need a getaway from the city!
So without any further ado, let's get into it! Here are our top picks for the best road trips from Bangalore.
Nandi Hills is perhaps one of the most preferred getaway spots among the majority of bikers, tourists, and couples of Bangalore. That is for a reason: the road leading up to the hills is pretty exciting; packed with picturesque views and fairly safe to drive. The pleasure of getting to witness a beautiful sunrise after a thrilling drive is just too good to resist.
Make sure you leave as early in the morning as possible to catch the sunrise once you reach your destination.
This route is packed with scenic views and it will be hard for you to not stop after each mile just to take in the magical weather during the morning. This route will take you past the Devanahalli where you can make a quick pit stop if you'd like to explore the beautiful surroundings but we'd suggest you get to the hills directly as there's nothing more beautiful than the view of the sunrise from the hills. And, it’s not too far from Bangalore anyway.
The road is absolutely safe to travel as long as you stay in your lane. Keep your speed in check and don't cross the speed limit of 80 kmph. The road up to KIAL (Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru) is absolutely beautiful and tempting to speed up, but don't because there will be low visibility in the early morning.
While you climb the road leading up to the hills, make sure you drive at a slow speed because the road will be covered in fog and keep your headlights on to see ahead as well as to stand out to other drivers.
Length: 61 km
Duration: 1 hr 30 min
Route Map: You will reach your destination via NH 7 KIAL Rd.
Places To See: Tipu's Drop, Sunrise Point, Yoga Nandeeshwara Temple
Also Read: Spending A Day Out In Bangalore
The jewel of Karnataka, Mysore is a city rich in historical wealth. Every corner of this city tells a beautiful story. It feels as though time stands still in Mysore. Who wouldn't want to enter and let this city of temples unfold itself in front of them? We know we wouldn't. The best part about visiting Mysore is getting to experience and explore the beautiful centuries-old architecture. This city is a majestic blend of all religions and their architectural styles. You will see examples of everything from Rajput to Mughal architecture.
But, that is not all that Mysore is famous for. Shopping in Mysore is another beautiful experience. There is a wide range of textile, spices, silk, accessories available in the centuries-old Devaraja Market. Which indeed will make you feel like royalty while you're exploring this beautiful city.
If you’re planning on a road trip from Bangalore to Mysore, there are two ways to go on about it.
This route is pretty much smooth to drive. Make sure you follow all traffic rules and you will be good to go. The road condition is pretty well kept, so for the most part, this won't be inconvenient for you to drive unless there is heavy rain in which case, we suggest you take your time while driving and don't rush too much.
Length: 144 km
Duration: 3 hrs
Route Map: Bangalore — Channapatna — Madduru — Srirangapatna — Kesare — Mysore
Note: Follow the speed limit while traveling to avoid any mishaps, especially during the monsoon.
This route is a bit longer than the previous one but well, it's definitely worth it. The only thing you should be worried about while driving via Kanakapura is being aware of the beautiful scenery - it's breathtaking. You will be distracted throughout your journey. We suggest you make small pit-stops to enjoy and capture the beautiful views.
Length: 159 km
Duration: 3.5 hrs
Route Map: Bangalore — Kanakapura — Malavalli — Harohalli — Mysore
Note: Be careful while driving through mud during heavy rainfall.
Places To Visit In Mysore: Mysore Maharaja Palace, Jaganmohan Palace, Chamundeshwari Temple, Rail Museum.
If you’re planning to visit Mysore, learn everything about it in our Mysore Travel Guide!
Also Read: 5 Best Road Trips From Bangalore
Udhagamandalam, better known as Ooty, is a cozy small town in Tamil Nadu. Sitting in the lap of Western Ghats, this beautiful town was founded as a British Raj summer resort.
If you're a fan of verdant hills, roaming amidst the aroma of beautiful tree plantations, and breathing in fresh air, you will be a fan of Ooty. One of the most beautiful things about Ooty is its weather itself. The temperature stays within the limit of 15-20°C throughout the year except for the winters, when it gets colder.
These are the two most preferred routes to reach Ooty from Bangalore.
This is the shortest route to get to Ooty from Bangalore. But this is the more difficult route to travel by due to the steep gradient and numerous hairpin bends throughout the route. Understandably, we do not recommend this route if you're a first-timer or a new driver as this route is extremely difficult to drive by car if you're not used to driving through hairpin turns and mountain passes.
This will be a better option for bikers who love thrilling roads. But remember, too much of anything is never good. So be safe while you ride.
Length: 267 km
Duration: 6 hr 30 min
Route Map: Bangalore — Mandya — Gundlepet — Bandipur — Mudumalai — Masinagudi
Note: Beware of the extreme hairpin turns and the steep gradient.
This is a much safer option of the two as this is a part of the national highway which is a preferred route for most buses and cab commuters. This route is not as steep as the previous one, but it is somewhat steep. So regardless of how good a driver you are, be safe while driving on either of these roads during heavy rain or through fog, early in the morning as there will be low visibility. This route is 35 km longer than the previous route but it's packed with scenic views so you will surely enjoy your journey! We recommend this route to anyone who is a skilled driver.
Length: 302 km
Duration: 7 hr 30 min
Route Map: Bangalore — Mandya — Mysore — Gundlepet — Bandipur — Mudumalai — Gudalur — Ooty
Note: Be careful while driving through heavy rain or fog.
Places To Visit In Ooty: Botanical Garden, Ooty Lake, Government Rose Garden, Nilgiri Mountain Railway.
Also Read: Top 12 Things To Do In Bangalore
If you love to breathe in pure air and roam amidst green forests and boat through the blue water without worrying about anything else, this will be heaven for you. Wayanad, meaning 'The Land Of Paddy Fields' is a lush green district in Kerala. If you ever wondered if there's a place resembling Africa in India, this is where you should go. Mighty hills covered in the blanket of lush green grass, blue sky, and minimal pollution. This is what heaven on earth must seem like.
One of the major tourist attractions in Wayanad is the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. It is a forested region with areas of high altitudes. You can see many wild animals like Asiatic elephants, tigers, egrets, and leopards living here. Another tourist attraction is the Edakkal Caves which contain ancient petroglyphs some of which date back to the Neolithic Age.
These are the two most preferred routes from Bangalore to reach Wayanad:
This is the more preferred path amongst most bikers and travelers as this is the shortest route to reach Wayanad from Bangalore. Monsoon is the perfect season to travel by this route as it's even more lush green and beautiful during the monsoon. This route is closer to Sultan Battery and Edakkal Caves, Karapuzha Dam, Heritage Museum, Phantom Point, and other tourist spots. So we suggest that you make small pit-stops along the way to enjoy the picturesque views on this route.
Length: 279 km
Duration: 6 hr 15 min
Route Map: Bangalore — Mysore — Nanjangud — Gundlupet — Mathanga Check Post — Wayanad
Note: The road is pretty safe to travel but once you reach Wayanad be careful and keep a keen eye towards any wildlife spotting.
This is the longer and the more scenic route. On the bright side, this route is less crowded than the Nanjangud route. So if you want to enjoy your journey just as much as the destination, we recommend you take this route as it's just inexplicably beautiful especially during the monsoon. In addition to the picturesque views, animal spotting is more common on this route than the previous one.
Length: 290 km
Duration: 6 hr 45 min
Route Map: Bangalore — Mysore — Heggadadevanakote (HD Kote) — D B Kuppe — Mananthavady — Wayanad
Note: Beware of wildlife animals, drive safely for both your and their safety.
Places To Visit In Wayanad: Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary, Phantom Rock, Edakkal Caves, Banasura Sagar Dam.
Also Read: Best Homestays In Bangalore
Pondicherry or Puducherry is a calm, former French colonial settlement in India. To this day, you can see the French legacy being preserved through its mustard-colored colonial villas, French quarters, and tree-lined streets. Pondicherry stands surrounded by greenery and beaches. You can do many things in Pondicherry or, do nothing and just let yourself melt away with the hues of sunset on the beach, laying down, enjoying the view.
Planning a road trip from Bangalore to Pondicherry? Here’s how you can do it!
This route is packed with numerous food joints, petrol pumps, and other facilities. This is a frequently used road that's why you may face traffic in some places. While taking this route you will have to remember to take a left turn from Krishnagiri to the Vellore - Chennai Road. This is a 4 lane highway throughout, that's why there are many toll booths on this route that will slow you down a bit.
The condition of the road from Arcot to Tindivanam (for around 108 km) is not that great to drive. Even though there aren't huge potholes, this road is quite narrow and overall unpleasant to drive so if you're driving with kids or family, remember you won't be able to pull over to the side of the road. We'd recommend that you avoid taking this route if you are traveling with kids and family.
Length: 380 km
Duration: 7 hr 30 min
Route Map: Bangalore — Hosur — Krishnagiri — Vellore — Arcot — Cheyyar — Vandavasi — Tindivanam — Pondicherry
The overall condition of the road is excellent. Remember taking a left turn from Krishnagiri to Vellore - Chennai Road. As we've already mentioned, there are toll booths on this route.
But instead of going to Cheyyar from Arcot, you travel via Arni, switching your road to avoid the narrower route.
The road condition from Tindivanam to Pondicherry is very good. Extremely suitable to drive. We recommend taking this route if you're traveling with kids and family. There's a chance you'll reach Pondicherry earlier if you take this road because you get to ditch the narrower path, resulting in lessened chances of facing traffic.
Length: 380 km
Duration: 6 hr 45 min
Route Map: Bangalore — Hosur — Krishnagiri — Vellore — Arcot — Arni — Chetpet — Ginjee — Tindivanam — Pondicherry
Note: This is a pleasant road overall but there are still many toll booths you'll cross along the way
Places To Visit In Pondicherry: Serenity Beach, The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Auroville, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Paradise Beach.
Also Read: Best Pet-Friendly Restaurants And Cafés In Bangalore
What Are Some Good Places For A Road Trip Within 100 Km From Bangalore?
Bannerghatta National Park, Ramanagara, Savandurga, Kanakapura, Bananthimari Betta, Manchanabele Dam, Nandi Hills are some of the best road trips from Bangalore that you can have within 100 km of the city
What Are Some Romantic Places To Visit Near Bangalore?
Jakkur, Anthargange, Ramanagara, Chunchi Falls are some great romantic places to visit with your partner and loved ones.
What Are Some Great Places To Visit Over The Weekend From Bangalore?
Chikmagalur, Madikeri, Gokarna, Kodaikanal, Gopalswamy Betta, Mysore, Bandipur, and Pondicherry are some great places to visit from Bangalore over the weekend.
What Is The Capital Of Karnataka?
Bangalore is the capital of Karnataka.
How Far Is Bangalore From Pune By Road?
Bangalore is 842 km from Pune by road.
How Far Is Bangalore From Hyderabad By Flight?
Bangalore is 453 km from Hyderabad by flight.
How Far Is Bangalore From Ahmedabad?
Bangalore is 1495 km from Ahmedabad by road.
How Far Is Bangalore From Ajmer?
Bangalore is 1944 km from Ajmer.
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