Bangalore is located in the south of India and is the capital of the state Karnataka. It’s the third most populated city in the world, with a population over 10 million. There are so many must-visit places to explore here, including museums and art galleries. Check out art at the Indian Cartoon Gallery or catch a play at one of the many theatres in the city. But it’s also a great location to explore other areas of India. We’ve created a list of the best road trips from Bangalore, India. So buckle up and check out the options below!
1. Shivanasamudram Falls
The Shivanasamudram Falls are a set of twin waterfalls which separate the island town of Sivanasamudra. You can hire a boat to take you to the top of the falls, where you’ll have an up-close view of the rushing water. As you climb to various viewing areas to get the best view of the falls, you’ll find street food carts along the way, so you can enjoy lunch as you go.
The Falls are about 138 km (86 miles) from Bangalore, and it will take you about 3 hours to drive there. If you’d like to take a bit longer, there’s plenty to see along the way. On a hot day, stop by Rangarayana Doddi Lake, where you can take a dip in the water or go for a walk in the park area. If you enjoy bird watching, you must stop at Kokkare Bellur Bird Sanctuary during your journey.
Shivanasamudram Falls
Address: Shivanasamudra, state of Karnataka, India
Website: Shivanasamudram Falls
2. Lepakshi
One of the best road trips from Bangalore, Lepakshi is a small village located in the Anantapur district. It’s about 120 km (75 miles) north of Bangalore, or about a 2-hour drive. The village is famous for its religious shrines and temples.
One such well-known spot is the Veerabhadra temple. It’s a sprawling temple built in the 15th century, and features a large granite Nandi bull sculpture and painted ceilings. When you need a break from exploring all the temples, grab a meal at Nandini Restaurant.
Lepakshi
Address: Lepakshi, Anantapur District of Andhra Pradesh, India
Website: Lepakshi
3. Wayanad
A long drive from Bangalore, the rural Wayanad District is located in Kerala state, about 283 km (175 miles) from Bangalore. The drive will take about 6 hours.
It’s an excellent road trip to take if you enjoy nature. There are a number of national parks and animal sanctuaries in the area. Mudumalai National Park provides ample green space, a tiger reserve, and an open jeep safari where you can spot free-roaming wild animals. History buffs will also want to head to the Edakkal Caves in the Ambukuthi Hills to view the ancient petroglyphs.
Wayanad
Address: Wayanad, Kerala state, India
Website: Wayanad
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4. Ooty
Ooty is a town located about 6 hours away from Bangalore, a 278 km (173 miles) journey. There, you’ll have the pleasure of being surrounded by nature. Spend some time boating on Ooty Lake, or head to the Rose Garden, where over 200 varieties of roses thrive. At the Government Botanical Garden, you’ll find ferns, orchids, and a fossilised tree.
There are plenty of places to stop on your journey as well. Stop by BHARATH ART AND CRAFTS, a toy factory which produces wooden toys and regularly gives tours to show off the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into each toy. Sri Chamundeswari temple is on the way and is a popular tourist destination which dates back 1,000 years. You can learn more about the history of the railway at the Rail Museum.
Ooty
Address: Ooty, state of Tamil Nadu, India
Website: Ooty
Bangalore District Tour Guide
Ramesh Kumar
Hello, I am Ramesh Kumar, a Bangalorean, born & brought up in this lovely city. I work as a freelance Tour Guide-Tour Leader-Trip Manager to the foreign travelers who visit Southern India as a destination for travel as well as for the corporate executives who come on business meets taking place. Being a knowledgeable Tour Guide, I curate creative itineraries, all tailor made to suit their tastes, likes & interests. I am conversant with the entire stretch of South Indian monuments. I speak good quality English easily assimible by the travelers. My services are sought after by foreign travelers, travel agents, diplomats & those who wish to travel with their special plans of interest for gaining an experience of Learning and Discovery.
5. Hampi
The ancient village of Hampi is located about 352 km (218 miles) from Bangalore. The drive will take you around 7 hours. Hampi is filled with activities to do, so you’re sure to enjoy your stay.
Visit the Hampi Flea Market, a famous 2-storey bazaar where you can haggle away and buy a variety of items. Visit the Sri Virupaksha Temple, a 7th-century Hindu temple with a tower, courtyard, and dining hall. You can also visit the Daroji Bear Sanctuary, where you’ll spot the Indian sloth bear.
Hampi
Address: Hampi, state of Karnataka, India
Website: Hampi
6. Biligiriranga Hills
The Biligriranga Hills is a hill range located inside the Bikigriranganatha Swamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary. Surrounded by forests, the hills offer plenty of green space to hike through. A number of animals make these hills their home, including elephants, deer, tigers, and leopards.
About 179 km (111 miles) from Bangalore, the journey to the Hills will take you about 4 hours. If you want to take a long way, we recommend stopping at Two Peaks Viewpoint. If you climb this hill you’ll be rewarded will beautiful views of the surrounding scenery. You can also stop at the Gaganachukki Falls View Point to catch a glimpse of the waterfalls.
Biligiriranga Hills
Address: Yelandur Taluk, Chamarajanagar, India
Website: Biligiriranga Hills
7. Pondicherry
Pondicherry is the capital of the Indian Union Territory of Puducherry. However, it was a French settlement until 1954. It’s located about 307 km (191 miles) from Bangalore and will take around 6 hours to drive there.
Its French Quarter retains much of its French legacy. You’ll find trendy boutiques on tree-lined streets. Spend some time along the Promenade Beach Front, where you can stroll along the seaside. Or head to the Pondicherry Museum, a small museum which is known for its sculptures.
Pondicherry
Address: Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu state, India
Website: Pondicherry
8. Bandipur National Park
Bandipur National Park is a forested nature reserve located in India’s Karnataka state. It’s located about 229 km (142 miles) from Bangalore. The drive will take you around 4.5 hours.
It was established as a tiger reserve in the 1970s, and as such, it is a popular place to get a peek at these large cats today. You’ll also find elephants, deer, and many other native animals. The Park also features the Himavad Gopalaswamy Temple. This 14th-century temple is on the highest peak in the park, and if you make the climb, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view.
Bandipur National Park
Address: NH 67, Hangala Village, Gundlupet Taluk, Chamarajanagar District, Bandipur, Karnataka 571126, India
Website: Bandipur National Park
9. Antharaganga
A short trip from Bangalore, Antharaganga, also known as Antara Gange, is a mountain located within the Shathashrunga mountain range. The mountain is famous for the Sri Kashi Vishweshwara temple, a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Visitors to Antharaganga also like to explore the mountain’s caves. It’s a steep, narrow path to the caves, so do bring proper footwear.
The mountain range is located in the state of Karnataka. It’s about 70 km (43 miles) from Bangalore, and the drive will take around 2 hours. If you get hungry on the journey, you can have a meal and a coffee at the Cafe Coffee Day - Kolar Highway.
Antharaganga
Address: state of Karnataka, India
Website: Antharaganga
10. Bheemeshwari Adventure and Nature Camp
Located on the River Cauvery, the Bheemeshwari Adventure and Nature Camp is a fun and exciting place to play and enjoy nature. It will take you about 2.5 hours to get there from Bangalore, a distance of about 105 km (65 miles).
At the Nature Camp, there’s an almost endless amount of activities to enjoy. Go zip lining in the forest or enjoy a kayak ride on the river. You’ll also be able to enjoy lunch and refreshments at the park.
Bheemeshwari Adventure and Nature Camp
Address: Post Halgur Hobli, Malavalli Taluk, Mandya District, Muthathi, Karnataka 571421, India
Also See: 12 Best Things to do in Bangalore at night
11. Kabini River
Almost five hours away from Bangalore, with a distance of 203.1 km (126.20 mi), the Kabini River is worth the long drive. It boasts beautiful sceneries, wildlife, and thrilling activities. You’ll find in its banks the Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary, which is a paradise for photographers, and where you’ll find numerous species of flora and fauna, including black panthers, elephants, and tigers. Activities you can try here include boating, bike riding, bird-watching, cycling, and trekking.
12. Yercaud
Located 230.03 km (143.10 mi) away from Bangalore, with a travel distance of more than 4 hours, Yercaud is a beautiful town in Tamil Nadu. It is known for its many expansive plantations of spices, coffee beans, orange groves, and different fruits. These plantations also offer guided tours to tourists. One of the most visited attractions here is the Yercaud Lake that features a boathouse and a popular weekend destination for families. Near the lake, you’ll find Anna Park with its Japanese garden and the Lady’s Seat vantage point that comes with a watch-tower complete with a telescope.
13. Savandurga
One-day bike trip from Bangalore, with a distance of 48.7 km (30.26 mi), Savandurga is a must-trek mountain in India that features twin peaks, the Black and White Hill. Its monolith is recognized as one of the largest if not the largest in Asia. A lot of people climb it for the thrill and for the views from the top, including the green exterior of Bangalore and the ruins of the fort constructed by Kempegowda. Also, on a good day, you can spot many migratory birds.
14. Skandagiri
A popular weekend destination, Skandagiri, is about 61.4 km (38.15 mi) away from Bangalore or will take you a little after an hour to reach. Skandariri is a beautiful hill that offers numerous things to do. It is popular for adventure seekers for it has various death-defying activities, including paragliding as well as night camping, trekking, and bird watching. Also, on the top, you’ll find an ancient temple with fascinating interiors, where you can relax inside, and a fort whose walls were destroyed by banyan trees. Additionally, you’ll find two unexplored caves, which locals believed to be home to six Samadhi and phythons.
15. Coorg
Quite a long drive from Bangalore, Coorg is a rural district in Karnataka that is worth the almost six-hour travel time, for its many attractions and activities. One of the most visited attractions here is the 17th-century Madikeri Fort that is guarded by two large elephant statues at the entrance, and inside is a palace, a temple, a library, and a museum. Other must-visits here include Hindu Omkareshwara Temple, a 19th-century religious structure, Raja’s Tomb - where you’ll find the remains of the Kodava kings, and the majestic Abbi Falls.
16. Mysore
Another beautiful city in Karnataka, Mysore or Mysuru, is 145.5 km (90.41 mi) away from Bangalore and will take you more than three hours to reach. On its heart, you’ll find the stunning and affluent Mysore Palace that showcases different styles, including Rajput, Hindu, Islamic, and Gothic. It is also the former seat of the Wodeyar dynasty. Another attraction you should visit that also steeped in history is the Devaraja Market, where you’ll find various spices, sandalwood, silk, and many more interesting items.
17. Avalabetta
Two hours away from Bangalore with a distance of 91.4 km (56.79 mi), Avalabetta is an underrated hilltop viewpoint and an alternative to the more popular Nandi Hills, if you prefer lesser crowds. You’ll find here the Hanuman Temple, after climbing 50 strange stone steps. Further to the top is the well-photographed cliff that is very popular among the youths, as it is a very Instagram-worthy shot but as well as a dangerous one; so be careful. On the top, you’ll also have a spectacular view of the valley with a small body of water as backdrop.
So much to explore near Bangalore
Whether you want to explore nature in one of India’s many parks or take in a historic temple, there’s so much to see within driving distance of Bangalore. So when you feel like you need to get out of the city, pick your favourite destination about, fill up the tank, and prepare for a fun road trip! To help you with the planning, read our list of the best road trips from Bangalore, India.
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