Coorg, or Kodagu, also known as the Scotland of India, is a breathtaking hill station located in Karnataka. Coorg is famous for its scenic hills, streams, and greenery. Hospitable locals, lush coffee plantations, cultural treasures, elephant safaris and gorgeous waterfalls, are a few reasons why Coorg is one of the most charming places to visit in India. In fact, the routes to Corrg from Bangalore are also considered the best road trips in India.
Check out these awesome routes to take a bangalore to coorg road trip
Best Time To Visit
Coorg is good to go to all-year round and is one of the most visited and popular tourist destinations in the country, especially for nature enthusiasts. However, from June to September, Coorg is laden with heavy rainfall. Albeit that too has its own draw. October to May is the perfect time to visit Coorg, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and sightseeing. In March and April, the destination is at the height of its picturesque appeal.
How To Get There
Coorg is easily approachable via car, bike or bus. As much as Coorg and its surrounding spots are attractive, travelling to Coorg is via its scenic routes is also a great experience of the trip.
The roads are smooth and well-maintained overall, a reason why travellers prefer to take a car or a cab, however private and government buses (KSRTC) regularly operate from Bangalore to Coorg. AC and Non-AC bus tickets range from Rs. 300 to Rs. 650. The distance between Bangalore to Coorg is 245 kilometres (5 hours and 30 minutes) but the various routes that we have listed may take upto 7 to 8 hours or more, according to the stops you make.
Route Options
There are three popular routes to get to Coorg from Bangalore; mentioned below are the details.
Route 1: The Kushalnagar Route (via Mysore-Madikeri Highway)
Route Map: Bangalore → Ramanagara → → Madya → Kushalnagar → Madikeri → Coorg
It’s advisable to leave early in the morning to avoid peak hour traffic on the highway. This route will take approximately 6 hours across 275 kilometres. If you opt to visit all of the attractions listed below, it will be more likely a whole day of your road trip.
Also Read : Bangalore to Chikmagalur Road Trip
Popular things to do on a road trip from Bangalore to Coorg via the Kushalnagar Route:
- Bhagamandala Temple: Located on the confluence of three rivers, these temples are spiritually uplifting and a must visit for their sacred appeal.
- Coffee Plantations: The Kushalnagar route is paved with the beautiful Madikeri coffee plantations and estates.
- Abbi Falls: Located in Madikeri, Abbi Falls is a popular tourist attraction, nestled among lush landscape and coffee plantations.
- Dubare Elephant Camp: About 14 kilometres from Kushalnagar, this refreshing spot offers experiences such as elephant bathing, jeep safaris, and river rafting.
- Namdroling Tibetan Monastery: Located in Bylakuppe, this monastery offers several attractions such as a nunnery, souvenir shops and a spectacular Golden Temple.
Route 2: The Channarayapatna Route
Route Map: Bangalore → Channarayapatna → Hassan → Sakleshpur → Coorg
This route will take approximately 7 hours across 332 kilometres on NH48. This route is less preferred than the Kushalnagar route; however, it is filled with its own attractions.
Popular things to do on a road trip from Bangalore to Coorg via the Channarayapatna Route:
- Chennakesava Temple: A massive temple in Channarayapatna, Chennakesava temple is famous for its bracket figures showing dancing and ritual poses.
- Belur and Halebeedu: Home to monuments paying a dazzling tribute to India’s rich Puranic and Upanishadic heritage.
- Manjarabad Fort: Built in the shape of a star, the Manjarabad Fort in Sakleshpur is a fine specimen of India’s historical defence acumen.
- Bisle Ghat: Nature admirers can soak in the magnificent beauty of three mountain ranges here from three districts: Hassan, Coorg and Mangalore.
- Mallalli Falls: A few kilometres off Bisle Ghat are the Mallalli Falls that are pure and blissful, with plenty of photo ops and natural beauty.
Route 3: The Nagarhole Route
Route Map: Bangalore → Ramanagara → Mandya → Nagarhole → Gonikoppal → Coorg
Covering around 300 kilometres, and approximately 7 hours, this route is via NH275.
This route is ideal for those who simply want to travel on the road, enjoying nature’s beauty with a visit to Nagarhole National Park and Tiger Reserve as its major attraction.
Also check : Bangalore to Pondicherry road trip
Popular things to do on a road trip from Bangalore to Coorg via the Nagarhole Route:
- Nagarhole National Park and Tiger Reserve: The park is home to Asiatic elephants with a variety of fauna and flora, waterfalls, and forest land.
- Nisargadhama Forest: The forest is located in Gonikoppal on the way to Coorg. This can be visited even if you are taking the Kushalnagar route.
Also Read : Road Trip from Bangalore to goa
Safety Measures for a drive from Bangalore to Coorg
- The roads on the Mysore route (Kushalnagar Route) are smooth-sailing pretty much all along the main highways.
- During diversions and off-route destinations, one needs to be careful about the bumps, narrow roads with potholes, and the locals strolling by. Drive at slower speeds here.
- Taking off from Bangalore, the NICE highway, from where all the routes begin, is an easy ride. But leave early in the morning.
- While on the main highways, eateries are plenty, with dosas and coffee being the region’s specialty.
- Use GPS since depending on locals for directions is fraught with language barriers.
That’s all you need to know about your road trip from Bangalore to Coorg. While leaving from Bangalore, be sure to check traffic details. If you have any queries or inputs, feel free to leave comments below.
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