Known for its tech industry, vibrant startup culture and educational institutions, Bengaluru is a thriving cosmopolitan city. However, if you need a little break from the city’s fast-paced scene, then you’re in luck. Karnataka’s capital is near a range of destinations perfect for a blissful escape. If you’re planning a road trip from Bengaluru and have a liking for waterfalls and wildlife, we’ve got you covered.
South India offers an eclectic mix of history and nature, with its many temple towns, hills and trekking trails, and Karnataka is no exception. While you might seldom see either of these in the “Silicon Valley of India” itself, venturing outside certainly proves to be rewarding, with a range of forts, lakes and hilltops located just a few hours away from the city. A road trip from Bengaluru is certainly worth it, as there is something for everyone – from nature lovers to hiking enthusiasts, history buffs and spiritual seekers.
10 road trips you can take from Bengaluru
Mekedatu
Mekedatu, one of the best road trips within 100 km of Bengaluru, is ideal for those looking to unwind and immerse in nature’s beauty. Begin your journey by driving up to Cauvery Akravati Sangama, where you’ll find plenty of street eats, making it a good pitstop. To reach Mekedatu, you will have to cross the river from here in a coracle (circular boat), which makes for quite the adventure. If the water levels of the Cauvery are low, you can even walk across, but exercise caution when doing so.
Once past the river, there are bus services that will take you to Mekedatu in about 30 minutes. After reaching the tourist spot, you can marvel at the unique rock formations and natural beauty of the place before making your way back.
To get to Mekedatu from Bengaluru, take the Kanakapura main road and continue via NH 948. This day trip takes about two and a half hours, considering you head to Sangama directly. If you feel hungry, you can stop at some of the food joints — MTR and Udupi Garden—along the way.
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Distance: 89.4 km
Best time to visit: October to March
Things to do: Visit the Chunchi Falls and the towns of Muthathi and Bheemeshwari
Sakleshpur
Hills. Check. Coffee plantations. Check. Pleasant weather. Check. One thing is for sure, Sakleshpur is all heart, making it a great road trip option from Bengaluru. This stunning town caters to everyone’s needs, from scenic hiking trails to historical ruins, waterfalls, coffee and spice plantations. It’s undoubtedly a traveller’s treat, regardless if you have a fully chalked-out itinerary or are just looking for a relaxing getaway.
The drive takes a little over four hours via NH75 and makes for a great one or two-day trip. On the way to Sakleshpur, you can stop at Kunigal, which is famous for its stud farms, and Hassan for Hasanamba Temple.
For a quick bite or sumptuous meal, you can stop by Malgudi Mylari Mane, Sambrama and Sri Kamadhenu, all of which are near the Nelamangala NH75 entry. At the Kunigal road intersection, there are a few more options – Kamat Upachar, Empire Restaurant, Cafe Coffee Day and Swathi Delicacy. If returning on the same day sounds hectic, then you can relax at one of many upscale resorts in Sakleshpur.
Distance: 220.9 km
Best time to visit: November to February
Things to do: Visit Manjarabad Fort, Bisle Ghat ViewPoint, Shri Bettada Bhairaveshwara Temple and explore the ruins of the Shettihalli Rosary Church
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Shivanasamudra
Located in Karnataka’s Chamarajanagar district, Shivanasamudra mesmerises visitors as it gracefully divides the river Kaveri into two gorgeous falls. The river cascades down the hills, traversing through the rocks and ravines, creating a captivating sight. Adding to its allure, it is also home to a hydroelectric power station, which was set up as far back as 1902.
The drive takes about two hours and 40 minutes via NH275/Mysuru Expressway and is ideal for a relaxed road trip from Bengaluru. Driving to Shivanasamudra takes you past Ramanagara district, where there are plenty of activities to do. You can check out the Ramadevarabetta Vulture Sanctuary, Wonder La, the amusement park and even explore Innovate Film City.
Some eateries that you can find on the expressway are Kadamba, Café Coffee Day and A2B. Past Ramanagara, you can also find fast food joints such as KFC and McDonald’s.
Distance: 137 km
Best time to visit: September to January
Things to do: Visit the stunning Barachukki Waterfalls and the Ganalu Falls
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Skandagiri
Among the trekking trails listed here, Skandagiri stands apart with its distinctive charm, as it is best conquered in the early morning hours. Once you’ve taken on the 1,450 m climb, you are rewarded with a breathtaking sunrise, which is worth waking up while it’s still dark outside. Skandagiri is also home to a fort that was once used by Tipu Sultan, and that is an added reason to take on the five-hour trek.
Skandagiri is perfect for those looking for a short trip without wanting to spend the entire day, as it takes just 90 minutes to reach the hilly area via Bellary Road and NH44 from Bengaluru.
Distance: 60.8 km
Best time to visit: November to March
Things to do: Skandagiri has many temples in and around the area – visit the Amaranarayana Temple, Yoganandeeshwara and the Bheemeshwara Temple
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Savandurga
As you drive towards the west of Bengaluru, you will reach Savandurga, a 1,226 m hill considered one of the largest monoliths in Asia. Known amongst pilgrims for the Savandi Veerabhadreshwara Swamy and Narasimha Swamy Temple situated at its foothills, Savandurga is also the haunt of rock climbers, cave explorers and adventurers. While here, watch for the yellow-throated bulbul, an endangered species. Sloth bears and leopards are also known to inhabit the place.
If you can avoid peak traffic time, then travelling from Bengaluru would take just over one and a half hours. You can take the Mysore Road and get on NH275 or even drive down the Savanadurga – Manchnabele Road, as both routes take roughly the same time to reach. For all your hunger pangs, NH275/Mysuru Expressway has plenty of eatery options.
Distance: 67 km
Best time to visit: November to May
Things to do: Visit the galleries and art exhibits at Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath and explore the NIMHANS Brain Museum
Lepakshi
A beautiful temple town, complete with stunning carvings and intricate art all around, Lepakshi makes for a great road trip from Bengaluru. A favourite among pro and amateur photographers, this historically rich town encourages you to explore its temples and courtyards. A great way to begin your trip is by indulging in a shopping spree. Lepakshi is known for its amazing handicrafts, such as wood carvings, leather goods and Kondapalli toys.
From Bengaluru, it takes a little over two hours to reach Lepakshi via Bellary Road and NH44. On the way, you can make a pit stop at Chikkaballapur, where you can visit Boganandishwara Temple, the Srinivasa Sagara and Nandi Hills if you don’t mind the crowd.
Distance: 123 km
Best time to visit: November to March
Things to do: Visit the famed Lepakshi hanging pillar, the Nandi statue, the main Lepakshi temple and the Jataayu theme park
Avalabetta
A hotspot among trekkers, Avalabetta is an excellent choice if you’re looking for road trip options from Bengaluru. If you can brave the trek and make it to the hilltop, you will be greeted with stunning views all around. While the hilltop pond and the beak-like rock were once the main attractions here, both these locations are now inaccessible. However, it is still worth the climb if you’re looking to get some fresh air. Although there isn’t an extensive list of things to do here, you can visit the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple.
A hotspot among trekkers, Avalabetta is an excellent choice if you’re looking for road trip options from Bengaluru. If you can brave the trek and make it to the hilltop, you will be greeted with stunning views all around. While the hilltop pond and the beak-like rock were once the main attractions here, both these locations are now inaccessible. However, it is still worth the climb if you’re looking to get some fresh air. Although there isn’t an extensive list of things to do here, you can visit the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple.
Avalabetta is roughly two hours away from Bengaluru, making it a convenient day trip. The route to Avalabetta goes via Bellary Road and NH44, which means you can stop by Chikkaballapur, offering plenty to explore if you’re looking to extend your itinerary. You can also take a detour and make a pit stop at Hoskote via NH75, which will increase your travel time to Avalabetta by an hour.
Distance: 91.8 km
Best time to visit: October to February
Things to do: Some of the nearby attractions worth seeing are Gudibande Fort, Dandiganahalli Dam and Srinivasa Sagara
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Melukote
Perched atop the hills of Yadugiri, Yaadavagiri and Yadushailadeepa, Melukote is a peaceful town filled with temples and a rich history. Although Melukote is largely known as a pilgrimage spot, with devotees making their way to Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple, it’s also popular among history buffs, thanks to its rich heritage.
A day trip to Melukote takes a little under three hours from Bengaluru via Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway and NH 275.
Closer to Melukote, you can stop by Mandya district for some exploration. Here, you can visit the Brindavan Gardens and the KRS Dam to lay back for a while.
Distance: 137.5 km
Best time to visit: June to November
Things to do: Visit the Yoganarasimha Swamy Temple, another famous temple in the area, and explore the Melkote Wildlife Sanctuary
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Avani
Avani, a beautiful town located near Kolar, is known for its spiritual charm. Pilgrims flock here for Sita temple and other sacred spots like Urulu Bande and Valmiki cave. Beyond its religious significance, the quaint town also attracts rock climbers, thanks to its stunning boulders and rock formations.
A leisurely two-hour drive via NH75, a trip to Avani can be combined with Hoskote and Kolar, both of which are en route. These additions to your itinerary could increase your travel time to two and a half hours (excluding the time spent at each location). This allows you to make the most of your road trip from Bengaluru. Kolar has plenty of sights, including various temples, the renowned Kolar gold field and the Budikote fort, the birthplace of Hyder Ali, the father of Tipu Sultan. Meanwhile, Hoskote is known for its namesake lake and several ancient temples.
Distance: 95.2 km
Best time to visit: October to March
Things to do: The nearby towns of Kurudumale and Kolar are certainly worth visiting. You can also plan a trip to the Kaundinya Wildlife Sanctuary
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Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
If you’d much rather swap the sound of honking cars with bird calls, then you certainly owe a visit to Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary. Located on the banks of Cauvery, you can spot birds here on guided boat rides. The sanctuary has a small canteen as well where you can get refreshments.
A trip to this bird sanctuary takes just over two hours via Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway and NH 275. On the way, you can check out Mandya district.
Distance: 131 km
Best time to visit: June to November
Things to do: Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is located close to Mysuru, 18.7km
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Related: Hill Stations Near Bengaluru For A Picturesque Escape From The City Hustle
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Answer: The conditions of the roads may vary, so it is best to do your research before your trip.
Answer: Yes, the routes to some of these destinations, such as Sakleshpur, Shivanasamudra, Avalabetta, Avani, Lepakshi and Melukote, do have tolls. Kindly check online sources before travelling.
Answer: Most destinations have attractions along the way, depending on the highway route taken.
Answer: At 22 km, Bannerghatta National Park is the closest national park and forest road trip you can visit from the city. You can also visit Bandipur National Park, Mudumalai National Park and Nagarhole National Park.
Answer: Yes, it is safe to go on a road trip from Bengaluru; however, it is essential to check the route and do your research before you leave the city.
Answer: Bengaluru has many car rental services. You can opt for these before embarking on your road trip.
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