Places to Visit While on a Road Trip in Karnataka

The state of Karnataka makes for a great place for nature junkie's who look for road tripping opportunities everywhere. Anytime is the best time to go on a road trip in Karnataka, but if you're one fo

The state of Karnataka makes for a great place for nature junkie’s who look for road tripping opportunities everywhere. Anytime is the best time to go on a road trip in Karnataka, but if you’re one for witnessing flowers in full bloom in gold sunflower fields, marigold fields and neon green paddy fields surrounded by palm trees – a summer road trip is what would be ideal for you.

You can fly to Bengaluru airport from wherever you are, rent a car and boom, you’re ready to roll.

Drive down to Mysore, which is a 4 hour drive from Bengaluru. However, it almost always exceeds by an hour or two because of the traffic in Bangalore. It’s quite an experience to stop by and admire the grandeur and opulence of Mysore Palace. A short drive away is Chamundeshwari Temple, a Hindu temple with great religious significance. If you’re game at sampling South Indian food, Hotel RRR should be on your list. Many mid-range properties in Mysore offer a comfortable stay if you’re looking to spend a night.

A drive down to the little village of Gundlupet the next morning might just become the favourite part of your journey.  It is home to dozens of sunflower and marigold fields during summer months (1 June – 15 September approximately). So if that when you’re doing the road trip, you won’t be able to have enough of them. At other times of the year though too, it’s quite a scenic drive.

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Driving from Mysore to Coorg is another 3-4 hours. Even though you’ll be crossing busy towns and highways, it’ll still be a pleasant drive because in no time you’ll see many tropical plantations and paddy fields. Take it easy and unwind at a hotel of your choice – there are scenic homestays, comfortable and affordable Air B&B’S and eco-luxury properties to choose from.

You could drive around Madikeri, visit the coffee and pepper plantations or soak in the beauty of a dozen waterfalls – Abbey Falls being the best among them.

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If you’re a beach bum include Gokarna in the itinerary and if you’re a history enthusiast, pay Hampi a visit. And then of course drive back to Bangalore and fly out to your city.

You could fit the entire trip in 8-10 days depending on how much time you wish to spend in each place. But it will be a memorable trip that’ll leave you with lots of anecdotes and a perpetual smile on your face whenever you reminisce about it.