6 Best Road Trips from Bangalore

Bangalore - Shravanabelagola - Halebidu - Belur - Chikmagalur

Do this for the love of great ancient Indian architecture and a fabulous hill-station. Belur and Halebidu have magnificent temples constructed by Hoyasala Empire. Chikmagalur offers a great destination for short treks, waterfalls and landscape full of jungles or coffee plantations. Shravanabelagola has 18 meters high monolithic statue of Bahubali on a hill and one of the most sacred Jain pilgrimage place in India.

Approx. Distance: 510 KMsIdeal Time: Chikmagalur is at its best during monsoon months but this trip can be taken round the year.Road Quality: 7/10

Bangalore - Shravanabelagola - Halebidu - Belur - Chikmagalur

Bangalore - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry - PichavaramMahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram is world famous for its UNESCO World Heritage–listed shore temples. Pondicherry is a must visit for its still present colonial charm, cafes and a laid back trip. Pichavaram is one of the natural wonders of India and the spot where world's second largest Mangrove forest are present.

Approx. Distance: 900 KMsIdeal Time: October to February.Road Quality: 6/10

Bangalore - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry - Pichavaram

Bangalore - Hampi - Aihole - Pattadakal - BadamiHampi doesn't need an introduction, if you have not heard of this place then may be road-trips are not your cup of tea. Hampi is a small town with ruins from Vijaynagar Empire spread over hundreds of kilometers around it. Some of these almost thousand-year-old monuments are an absolute must visit. Hampi has Goa style shacks to stay on other side of the river which must be crossed on a coracle. Alcohol sale is prohibited within the town limits. Badami - Aihole -Pattadakal offer cave temples, forts and other monuments from ChalukyaEmpire. Along with Hampi this make a perfect circuit to cover for the love of ancient architecture.

Approx. Distance: 970 KMsIdeal Time: November to February.Road Quality: 7/10

Bangalore - Hampi - Aihole - Pattadakal - Badami

Bangalore - Munnar - Thekkady - AlleppeyAlso known as "Honeymooner's Paradise", sprawling mountain valleys, vast Tea Plantations, green lush meadows, make Munnar, a much sought after tourist destination in Southern India.Thekkady is famous for Periyar National park and is usually thronged by foreign tourist charmed by local culture, wilderness and cool climate. Alleppey is what comes to picture when most people think of Kerala, never-ending backwaters, house boats and Ayurvedic massages.

Approx. Distance: 1300 KMsIdeal Time: All year round.Road Quality: 7/10

Bangalore - Munnar - Thekkady - Alleppey

Bangalore - Karwar - Gokarna - Murudeshwar - Udupi - Mangalore

This is the road trip for beach lovers. Karwar with its beach resorts and Gokarna with its pristine beaches are undoubtedly the best beach destinations of Karnataka. Murudeshwar and Udupiaremore of religious centers but they are great spots for water sports especially scuba diving.St Mary's island off the coast of Udupi is a must visit.

Approx. Distance: 1150 KMsIdeal Time: August to MarchRoad Quality: 7/10

Bangalore - Karwar - Gokarna - Murudeshwar - Udupi - Mangalore

Bangalore - Madurai - Kanyakumari - RameshwaramKanyakumari sounds far but on a highway as good as NH-7, you could do it far easily then some shorter trips. Take a night halt at Madurai or Salem if you want. Visit Meenakshi temple early morning to avoid rush and traffic. Kanyakumari offers numerous stay options at very fair price but unfortunately it's not the same for Rameshwaram Island. Either stay at Ramanathapuramor manage a few options available on island. Crossing Pamban Bridge and visit to Dhanuskodinear Adam's bridge would be one of your life time experiences.

Approx. Distance: 1600 KMsIdeal Time: Mid Octoner to February.Road Quality: 9/10

Bangalore - Madurai - Kanyakumari - Rameshwaram

Have a favorite road trip from Bangalore and its not here? Share your trip in the comments below!

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