Once known as the Silicon Valley of India, the city of Bangalore has evolved into a more colorful and vibrant collage of cultures, occupations, and industries, that has transformed this city into a wholesome place to live and experience life. To add to its cosmopolitan persona, the city also enjoys quite a strategic geographical location. Sitting in the heart of South India, flanked by all the states of the region, Bangalore and its vicinity is blessed with endless natural and man-made wonders, making this the perfect starting point for uncountable road trips and places to visit nearby. With wide stretches of national and state highways crisscrossing the state, you can be anywhere, anytime, within a few hours’ drive.
What’s more? With Savaari’s exceptional car rental service in Bangalore, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey from the concrete landscape of the city to quieter, more scenic locales that the state has to offer. Save & share this handy infographic curated by Savaari for a quick weekend getaway from Bangalore. The roads are calling where are you?
Savaari’s Curated Places to Visit near Bangalore
- Bheemeshwari – The Fishing Village of Karnataka
- Mysore – The City of Palaces
- Coorg – Bringing in the vibes of Scotland
- Pondicherry – Of French heritage and colonial vibes
- Wayanad – The land of paddy fields
- Gokarna – Goa of the South
- Agumbe – The last rainforests of India
- Bandipur National Park – Where the wild things are
- Hampi – Reminiscence of ancient royalty
- Nandi Hills – For day treks and mountain air
- Kanakpura – A charming retreat in nature
- Sakleshpur – Switzerland of Karnataka
Bheemeshwari – The Fishing Village of Karnataka
On a road trip from Bangalore within 100KM, you’ll find this quaint natural enclave with hills and water bodies, perfect for a day trip or a relaxing drive. Bheemeshwari is surrounded by forested areas of Basavana Betta with the Cauvery River in its upstream flow.
Why do we recommend visiting Bheemeshwari?
The banks and hills around the upstream Cauvery still boast untouched nature spots where you can have a day picnic or a quick drive by. Bheemeshwari boasts sparkling, natural water bodies in all shapes and sizes, from rivers and lakes to waterfalls, gurgling streams, and tributaries. The place also offers adventure options like kayaking and rafting in designated areas, as well as jungle camping, ziplining, zorbing, etc. If you are the kind who prefers a relaxing vibe, Bheemeshwari has excellent spots for fishing along the river bank under the shadows of numerous trees.
Why should you travel to Bheemeshwari by road?
If you want to take a long drive from Bangalore for lunch and just refresh your mind, Bheemeshwari is perfect for such a break from the grind. You can drive along the wide, clean NICE Road, then stop anywhere enroute for a bite, or simply keep driving all the way till you reach the greener banks of the Cauvery River. The mere change of scenery will reawaken you before you head back to the city.
A trip to Bheemeshwari is ideal for?
- One-day road trip from Bangalore, a quick drive outside the city.
- You should travel here if, you are looking for a picnic spot with your family or a much-needed break or just want to get out of the city for a couple of hours and enjoy some solitude by camping next along the river bank.
[Book a cab from Bangalore to Bheemeshwari]
Mysore – The City of Palaces
A significant part of India’s history and one of the most important princely states of South India, Mysore remains the center of Karnataka’s historical legacy. Also called the City of Palaces, the city is replete with monuments. These edifices, once a center of power, prestige, and grandeur, still reflect its rich heritage. Whether you are a local or new to Bangalore, Mysore is a must-visit.
Why do we recommend visiting Mysore?
One of the best short road trips from Bangalore, Mysore is a treasure trove of history, art, architecture, and culture and has endless sightseeing options. Also, the local food trail of Mysore is quite popular among those hoping for a gastronomic expedition. And it’s not all about the Masala Dose. From sandalwood to silk sarees, you can find everything classic of the state, including native wildlife.
[Also read: A detailed travel guide on Mysore]
Why should you travel to Mysore by road?
A road trip from Bangalore to Mysore makes you experience the shift in the cultures across the cities as well as the landscape. As you move on from the metro suburbs, you will pass towns like Channapatna, famous for handcrafted wooden toys, and Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, home to native and migratory birds and dense mangroves.
[A detailed road trip guide from Bangalore to Mysore]
A trip to Mysore is ideal for?
- Ideal for 2-3 days/weekend trip.
- You should travel here if, you are an art and history buff and love to experience all things ancient and cultural.
[Book a cab from Bangalore to Mysore]
Coorg – Kashmir of the South
Traditionally known as Kodagu, the sleepy hill town of Coorg is tucked in the mystical layers of the Western Ghats. Laden with dense coffee plantations, the district has rightly earned its nickname, the Coffee Land of Karnataka. Dotted with rolling hills, sparkling waterfalls, and uninterrupted natural beauty, Coorg is a star of Karnataka’s mountainscape. A road trip from Bangalore to Coorg will prove why.
Why do we recommend visiting Coorg?
The home to the best coffee in the state (possibly across all of South India), exotic wildlife, and rich natural landscape makes Coorg truly a sensory delight. The misty valleys and the crisp mountain air is perfect to rejuvenate you inside out.
[Also read: A detailed travel guide on Coorg]
Why should you travel to Coorg by road?
Travelers often consider Coorg to be one of the best road trips from Bangalore. And here’s why – As you move on from the city limits of Bangalore, the urban landscape gives way to cooler, calmer, and greener locales, with the altitude slowly rising as you inch toward Madikeri.
[A detailed road trip guide from Bangalore to Coorg]
A trip to Coorg is ideal for?
- Relaxing trip, date drives for couples, trekking and rafting.
- You should travel here if, you are looking for a quick romantic getaway to the hills or simply want to unwind in the lap of nature.
[Book a cab from Bangalore to Coorg]
Pondicherry – The White town
Tucked along the Coromandel Coast, off the city of Chennai, is the historical French quarters of Pondicherry/Puducherry. One of the most scenic coastal towns on the East Coast, Pondicherry boasts clean beaches, quaint colonial structures, and a fantastic food trail that attracts visitors from both home and abroad.
Why do we recommend visiting Pondicherry?
It is one of the most sought-after beach destinations near Bangalore with a quiet but colorful energy that blends the past and the present like poetry, wrapped in a scenic coastal landscape. Whether you want a dose of vitamin sea, embark on a colonial food trail, or experience India’s most international town, Pondicherry is where you need to be.
[Also read: A detailed travel guide on Pondicherry]
Why should you travel to Pondicherry by road?
The road trip from Bangalore to Pondicherry, makes any city traveler from Bangalore get washed over by the allure of the sea. As you move on from the crowded city, you will cross the dense forests and hills of Krishnagiri, towards the culturally rich Vellore, giving you a complete travel experience across various landscapes.
[A detailed road trip guide from Bangalore to Pondicherry]
A trip to Pondicherry is ideal for
- Ideal for longer trips, a 3-4 day trip from Bangalore by car.
- You should travel here if, you are seeking a spiritual awakening from a solo trip, you are a serious gastronome, or simply want a wholesome beach holiday.
[Book a cab from Bangalore to Pondicherry]
Wayanad – The land of paddy fields
A part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Wayanad is a tranquil, forested land, and a sought-after hill station of Kerala. This mountain retreat is the perfect blend of nature, and culture, with its pure and refreshing beauty and the subtle rustic charm of the local community.
Why do we recommend visiting Wayanad?
Wayanad is rich in its natural beauty and boasts the most verdant hills and valleys, crystally lakes, and exotic flora and fauna, coupled with cool and crispy weather. The entire region feels like an emerald paradise that would fascinate you at every turn.
[Also read: A detailed travel guide on Wayanad]
Why should you travel to Wayanad by road?
The road trip from Bangalore to Wayanad is the most scenic in this region. The roads cut through the hills and forests of Vellarimala and Nilgiri hills, and open up vast stretches of paddy fields. To make the journey more interesting and complete, you can also explore Ranganathitu Bird Sanctuary and Nagarhole National Park along the way.
[A detailed road trip guide from Bangalore to Wayanad]
A trip to Wayanad is ideal for
- Ideal for a quick and relaxing weekend getaway.
- You should travel here if: You want to spend some time in the wilderness, enjoy a romantic getaway to the hills, or explore the mountainous side of Kerala.
[Book a cab from Bangalore to Wayanad]
Gokarna – Goa of the South
Sitting on the Karavali coast, Gokarna is a popular holiday destination for beach lovers, especially from Bangalore. The pristine shoreline of the Arabian Sea, coupled with a spiritual vibe and delectable coastal food, Gokarna offers you just what you expect from an ideal beach holiday.
Why do we recommend visiting Gokarna?
While Gokarna is a good alternative to Goa for Bangalore travelers, it has its unique charm. The beaches here are considered to be one of the best for surfing. From beach hopping to rave parties and spiritual getaways, Gokarna offers something for every kind of traveler.
[Also read: A detailed travel guide on Gokarna]
Why should you travel to Gokarna by road?
The road trip from Bangalore to Gokarna is said to be the best and most scenic in the entire state, spanning all possible geographical landscapes in less than 10 hours. From the arid hinterlands of north Karnataka to the historical locales of Chitradurga, the forests of the Sharavathi Valley, and finally, the coasts of Karavali, it’s the most holistic journey you would have ever had.
[A detailed road trip guide from Bangalore to Gokarna]
A trip to Gokarna is ideal for
- Ideal for 3-4 days trip
- You should travel here if, you are a water baby and seek the holy trinity of sun, sand, and sea now and then. Or, if you are seeking an experimental solo trip.
[Book a cab from Bangalore to Gokarna]
Agumbe – The last rainforests of India
Agumbe is a cluster of rainforests in the Western Ghats, lying in the Shimoga district of Karnataka, and often called the Cherrapunji of the South. With its rich natural resources and unique species of plants and insects, endemic only to this region, Agumbe is also a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Why do we recommend visiting Agumbe?
The forests of Agumbe are depleting fast and you might want to explore the last surviving rainforests of the country before they die out. With forests, hills, streams, waterfalls, and rare creatures, Agumbe is a holistic ecosystem. Also, the forests are popular for the huge population of cobras and other tropical snakes. That’s why Agumbe is often called the Cobra Capital of India.
[Also read: A detailed travel guide on Agumbe]
Why should you travel to Agumbe by road?
Once you leave Bangalore city limits, the highways turn into steep and snaking ghat roads and make the drive exciting. Along the way, the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary gives a good primer on what to expect ahead. The hairpin bends on the road, flanked by dense tropical forests, and the stillness of nature makes the road trip from Bangalore to Agumbe truly immersive.
A trip to Agumbe is ideal for
- Ideal for a weekend getaway that completely disconnects you from the frenetic urban lifestyle.
- You should travel here if, you love watching sunset, nature, and/or wildlife, not necessarily in that order.
[Book a cab from Bangalore to Agumbe]
Bandipur National Park – Where the wild things are
Bandipur National Park is the most famous national park in the state, spanning a massive area of forests, hills, and waterbodies. It is most known for its tiger habitat among other rare species of plants, animals, and birds. With its various deciduous trees, grasslands, and biomes, Bandipur forms a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
Why do we recommend visiting Bandipur?
Bandipur is a National Tiger Reserve and a major destination for wildlife tourism. The forests are home to rare and endangered animals like Indian elephants, gaurs, sloth bears, muggers, Indian rock pythons, four-horned antelopes, and jackals, among exotic birds. You can walk among forests of rosewood, sandalwood, teakwood, bamboo trees, etc.
Why should you travel to Bandipur by road?
Unlike driving to a beach town or the mountains, a road trip from Bangalore to Bandipur National Park will take you through places still untouched by commercialization. Since the road to the forests also crosses Mysore, you can make a stop at the historical city and enjoy a dose of history, thus making it an all-rounded trip.
A trip to Bandipur is ideal for
- Ideal for a 3-day trip from Bangalore by car
- You should travel here if you love the wilderness or anything to do with the wild side of nature, enjoy safaris and jungle treks, or you are simply an adventurous soul.
[Book a cab from Bangalore to Bandipur]
Hampi – Reminiscence of ancient royalty
Tucked in a corner of the Ballari district, Hampi is a beautiful historical town and the erstwhile city of the Vijayanagara Empire, sitting on the banks of the Tungabhadra River. With ancient temples, historical ruins, and a ruddy landscape of red and yellow sandstone, Hampi is an enchanting land that takes you back in time in all its glory.
Why do we recommend visiting Hampi?
Hampi is like a living work of art in stone, with huge boulders and monoliths dotting its landscape. You can explore the temples, forts, and ancient monuments that go back 500 years and capture the beauty of the prosperous empire that once was.
[Also read: A detailed travel guide on Hampi]
Why should you travel to Hampi by road?
Unlike other nature destinations, a road trip from Bangalore to Hampi is different. Although you don’t move to a higher altitude, the progressive span of rocky terrain, under a clearer, more open sky, is stimulating for the senses and promises you a great journey. You can also explore the other historical town of Chitradurga along the way.
[A detailed road trip guide from Bangalore to Hampi]
A trip to Hampi is ideal for
- Ideal for a weekend visit.
- You should travel here if, you are a connoisseur of ancient art and architecture, and you love history, or maybe you are an adventurous soul who loves to explore unique geographical features.
[Book a cab from Bangalore to Hampi]
Nandi Hills – A nature lover’s heaven
Nandi Hills or Nandidurg is a hill fortress and town near Bangalore and is one of the most popular weekend getaways from the city. At only around one hour drive from Bangalore, this gorgeous locale will lift your bored spirits instantly. With cloud-covered hills and nippy weather, Nandi Hills lets you escape the maddening crowd.
Why do we recommend visiting Nandi Hills?
The misty hills and dew-soaked valleys, the verdant surroundings, and the rugged terrain make for the perfect platform to get adventurous. You can camp, trek, or simply unwind in the unpolluted natural environment. The heritage mountain trails are paved through forested hills and cliffs with awe-inspiring views of the valleys below.
Why should you travel to Nandi Hills by road?
Leaving the chaos of the city behind, a drive through the remote suburbs, to a slightly higher altitude feels like bliss. Although it’s a short drive, it’s beautiful and you’ll enjoy every bit of it, as the temperature changes and the air starts to smell fresher.
A trip to Nandi Hills is ideal for
- Ideal for long drives, romantic drives, night treks and day treks.
- You should travel here if you are an adventure seeker. You can trek, camp or even do paragliding in good weather. Or if you just want to get out of the town somewhere nicer and quieter with your friends or someone special Nandi hills is the place for you.
[Book a cab from Bangalore to Nandi hills]
Kanakpura – A charming retreat in nature
Kanakpura is a wonderful city nestled among trees and rivers, ideal for a weekend break from Bangalore. This hidden gem is abundant in flora and waterfalls. This location’s tranquil environment and lush green surroundings make it suitable for both adventurous and relaxing vacations.
Why do we recommend visiting Kanakpura?
Kanakapura is dotted with a wide variety of tourist attractions. River streams, waterfalls, public parks, and historic temples combine to make it a popular weekend getaway destination. With several adventure camps, resorts, bird-watching sites, and nature hikes, this is an unbeatable destination for those wishing to unwind.
Why should you travel to Kanakpura by road?
Imagine a relaxed drive with the sound of water falling in the distance and driving through waterfalls on the roads. Kanakapura offers an excellent setting for a long journey and is perfect for a road trip from Bangalore.
A trip to Kanakpura is ideal for
- Ideal for lunch dates, sightseeing, camping, trekking, photography
- You should travel here if you desperately need a break from city life and you could use a refreshing environment.
[Book a cab from Bangalore to Kanakapura]
Sakleshpur – Switzerland of Karnataka
Sakleshpur is a small fascinating hamlet nestled in the Malnad area of India amid the foothills of the Western Ghats. This intriguing town’s lush green hills are abundantly covered with cardamom, coffee, and pepper plantations, ideal for a magical retreat.
Why do we recommend visiting Sakleshpur?
This charming hill resort provides a lovely experience for naturalists as well as stunning routes for trekkers. A treasure trove of majestic temples, monumental forts, charming waterfalls, spectacular mountain climbs, and rich biomes are among the most popular locations to explore in and around Sakleshpur.
Why should you travel to Sakleshpur by road?
It’s a pleasurable experience to drive through the meandering roads to Sakleshpur. Sakleshpur has been blessed by mother nature in bounty. While driving through, one cannot miss the coffee plantations which fill the roads with the distinct aroma.
A trip to Sakleshpur is ideal for
- Ideal for star gazing, disconnecting from the city and trekking.
- You should travel here if you are an adrenaline-loving adventure enthusiast or looking for a place to invigorate yourself.
[Book a cab from Bangalore to Sakleshpur]
Each of these destinations around the city of Bangalore makes for a memorable trip and a great travel experience. But these places are just the tip of the iceberg that Karnataka’s nature holds. For the best travel plans, itineraries, and unique places to visit, reach out to our expert travel consultants in your city and let every journey become memorable.
Take a back seat & enjoy being driven to your nearest favorite destination near Bangalore by Savaari experts. Rent a chauffeur-driven car now.
Additional Travel Resources
- Karnataka tourism website
- Kerala tourism website
- Belur & the Chennakeshava Temple – A Historical Guide of the Hoysalas
