Best Road Trips from Bangalore You Must Take in a Self-Drive Car
There’s something about a road trip that never gets old. Living in Bangalore, we’re lucky — the city sits right in the middle of some of the most beautiful destinations in South India. Beaches, rolling hills, thick woods, historic villages, patches of coffee farms – just hop in and go. Here’s the kicker: no need to hurry at all. Go solo with a rented ride, then every mile feels like your personal adventure. Pause for strong filtered brew at some roadside stall, veer off track when you feel it, catch golden skies along empty roads, or drop the glass and let the air slap your face however it wants.
If you’ve been thinking of escaping the usual work–traffic–repeat cycle, here are some of the best road trips from Bangalore you must take in a self-drive car. These routes aren’t just about reaching a place; each one has its own charm, mood and pace.
Quick Glance: Best Road Trips from Bangalore
Here’s a snapshot of some top picks to get your road-trip ideas flowing:
| Destination | Approx. Distance | Ideal Drive | Best Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mysuru | ~145 km | 3–4 hours | Oct–Feb |
| Coorg (Kodagu) | ~250–270 km | 5–6 hours | Sep–Mar |
| Kabini & Western Forests | 4–5 hours | Comfortable and private | Nov–Feb |
| Family outings | Comfortable and private | Ideal for flexibility | Comfortable and private |
| Shivanasamudra Falls | ~135 km | 2.5–3.5 hours | Aug–Feb |
| Lepakshi & Heritage Side Trips | ~120–150 km | 2.5–3.5 hours | Oct–Mar |
Best Road Trips from Bangalore
1. Mysuru – The Classic Getaway
Distance: ~145 km away – takes around 3 or 4 hours by car
Leaving from Bangalore, you’ll cruise along easy highways till you reach Mysuru – a place packed with culture and charm. Here’s the kicker: having your own vehicle means skipping tight schedules or fixed tour plans.
Why go: Chill at Mandya with fresh sugarcane drink, check out busy bazaars, then drift through narrow streets of the old town. Breathe in night air laced with jasmine, pause awhile to admire the stunning Mysore Palace, enjoy slow moments under wide skies.
Tips: Get going at sunrise to dodge the rush, or head back once it’s dark – when streets glow nice.
2. Coorg (Kodagu) – Coffee, Hills & Chill
Distance: about 250 to 270 km | Driving takes around 5 or 6 hrs
If you’re needing a pause from the rush, this place fits just right – paths twist through shifting scenes while your vibe changes too once the slopes climb and plantations pop into view.
Why go: Wake up to foggy skies, wide-open horizons, strolls through green fields, then lazy sunsets – this place isn’t about where you go but how you get there.
Tips: Pick a vehicle that sits higher off the ground when hitting rougher farm paths. Tell Onroadz where you’re headed, that way things run smooth behind the scenes.
3.Kabini & the Forests – Nature’s Pause Button
Distance: ~200–250 km | Drive time: ~4–5 hours
Leave the city behind and drive into calm. This route is for those who love silence, who enjoy spotting deer by the roadside, who love riverside sunsets and early morning walks.
Why Go: Forest stay, wildlife views, boat rides on the river — everything slows down. The car you drive matters — you want comfortable, reliable and flexible.
Tip: Check ahead for park or lodge access hours. Fill up fuel outside dense forests and keep an eye on your kilometres — remote drives can surprise you.
4.Shivanasamudra Falls – Scenic & Short
Distance: ~135 km | Drive time: ~2.5–3.5 hours
Want something quick yet satisfying? This is it. A short drive, beautiful waterfalls, green patches, and lesser-crowded roads.
Why Go: You don’t need a full weekend to feel refreshed. A morning start, a waterfall picnic, and you’re back home with daylight to spare.
Tip: A smaller car works great here. Stop by local eateries on the way for fresh food, and pick a viewpoint for sunset if you’re staying late.
5.Lepakshi & Heritage Side Trips – The Offbeat Choice
Distance: ~120–150 km | Drive time: ~2.5–3.5 hours
For a road trip that’s different from the usual, this one offers quiet lanes, old architecture and plenty of space to explore at your own speed.
Why Go: Ancient temples, less tourist foot-fall, the freedom to wander villages or detour without much planning.
Tip: Keep snacks and water handy — amenities are fewer. Make sure your car has enough fuel, and feel free to stop as often as you like. Driving yourself here is part of the memory.
Planning Your Onroadz Trip
- Pick your car smart: hatchbacks handle short drives just fine – sedans or SUVs suit long hauls or bumpy roads instead.
- Grab your spot soon – think weekends or holidays, they fill up fast.
- Get your stuff ready: phone charger, maps you can use without internet, water, munchies, basic medical supplies – these small items really help out.
- See where you’re headed and what’s happening outside: heading into mountains or woods? If it’s raining or there’s fog, things shift fast.
- Get clear on how things work: like what’s covered with fuel, how far you can drive, or changing where you return it – because the Onroadz crew’s got your back.
Conclusion
The road invites you. Whether you’re chasing green hills, forest trails, heritage stops or waterfall views, each of these trips from Bangalore has its own personality. With a self-drive car, you’re not just going from A to B — you’re writing your own travel story. Rent through Onroadz, pick a car you trust, lay out your playlist, pick your companions or go solo, and just drive. Because memories are built in motion.
Ready to go? The wheels are waiting — let the journey begin.