We are already midway through 2021. Phew! What a year it has been. Can you believe that it's almost going to be winter again? And what better way to spend a weekend in winter than to take a road trip and do picnic? So call up your friends, pack up your family's luggage, and get your car set as we are going on some fun winter road trips from Bangalore. Are you ready? Let's go!
Hampi - one of the best winter road trips from Bangalore
One of the best times to visit Hampi is during winter. The sun isn't harsh (phew! The best thing about winters, right?) and you can go around and get your dose of ancient architecture and history here. The place is so full of stories from the past and through its temples and boulders, mythology sweeps in too.
Are you a Shiva worshipper? Then you definitely have to visit the very prominent structure of Hampi - Virupaksha Temple. Even if you aren't a believer, the sheer engineering marvel of its many pillared halls and gateways would enchant you. Here, you will also find the working of one of the first pinhole cameras. Isn't that so amazing?
But if you want to get the best view of the whole city and watch a stellar sunrise or sunset, you can climb up the Matanga Hills or Anjaneya Hills. By the way, did you know that Anjaneya Hills is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Hanuman? P.S. Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Now, isn't that all the way more reason to visit the place for your winter road trips from Bangalor?
Time and Distance from Bangalore: 5 hr 34 min (341.0 km) via NH 48 and NH50
Food and Accommodation: From budget guesthouses for backpackers to mid-range hotels and luxury heritage stays, Hampi has quite a lot of stay options. Food is also available widely available across restaurants but since the demolition of the Hippie Island, the famous cafes in the region no longer exist. :(
Road Conditions: Some of the roads along the way are narrow and pass through village areas which might slow you down. If you are going via Chitradurga, road till Hospet wasn't in great condition the last time we checked.
Nearest Petrol Pump: Belgaum
Coorg
Misty hills, tranquilizing smell of coffee and spices, and numerous gushing streams - you know what I am talking about? The Scotland of India - Coorg. If you love to visit hills, why miss out on Coorg on your winter road trips from Bangalore? Especially when it comes with the heart-melting flavors of Coorgi cuisine, no saying no to it, right?
Driving on the hilly rounds and having gorgeous valley views all along is something so adventurous in itself. Whether it is the Abbey waterfalls, the unmissable sunset from Raja's Seat, a day with the elephants at Dubare Elephant Camp or the source of river Kaveri - Talakaveri, there are so many things to do and so many places to visit around Coorg that you will be spoilt for choices! Pro tip: Make the most out of your winter getaway from Bangalore by staying at one of these offbeat resorts in Coorg.
Time and Distance from Bangalore: 5 hr 12 min (267.7 km) via NH75
Food and Accommodation: Large number of stays and restaurants available since Coorg is a very popular tourist hub.
Road Conditions: Roads are in great condition. Very beautiful too.
Nearest Petrol Pump: Mysore - Madikeri Rd
Also read: 7 Hill Stations near Bangalore for a weekend getaway
Yana
Set in the evergreen forests of the Western Ghats, lies two very unusual massive crystalline rock formations. That's Yana caves for you, travelers! It is something so unique that as soon as you lay your eyes on them, immediately this question will pop up in your mind, "Are these even real?" Well, legend has it that Bhasmasura's ashes fell here turning the rocks and soil around it black when Lord Vishnu in the disguise of Mohini had tricked him to place his hands on his own head. To be honest, places with mythological threads are always fascinating to tour, right?
You can offer prayers at the Shiva temple right below the Bhairaveshwara rock. The hike up to the rock through dense thickets is also quite amazing. Time to get your body moving! ;) Waterfalls give you happiness? Then you should also add Vibhooti waterfalls to your itinerary when you visit Yana Caves. Now doesn't that sound like a plan for a winter trip from Bangalore?
Time and Distance from Bangalore: 9 hr 8 min (465.8 km) via NH 48
Food and Accommodation: Most people visit Yana as a day trip from Gokarna. So, your options for food and stays would be limited. Your best bet would be to drive down till Gokarna and stay in the seaside hotels or hostels there.
Road Conditions: Ghats fall on several stretches of the road, so take extra precaution.
Nearest Petrol Pump: Madangeri
Murudeshwara - one of the best winter road trips from Bangalore
Where do you think the world's second-highest Shiva statue is? Well, let me tell you that it's right here in Murudeshwar, just a road trip away from Bangalore. This colossal Shiva statue stands right at the edge of the Arabian Sea and your visit to Murudeshwar will be nothing short of fascinating. You will feel a very humbling sense of calmness reigning over you as you stand in front of the statue.
There's a 20-story-high temple right in front of the statue and you can reach the top of the Gopura via lift. Wouldn't you want to feel the salty breeze gush against your face as you watch the azure waters of the Arabian Sea meet the deep blue sky at the horizon, all from the top? Besides, you can also visit Netrani Island to witness its rich biodiversity. Who's up for an adventure in the ocean? Let's go scuba diving at this winter road trip destination near Bangalore!
Time and Distance from Bangalore: 9 hr 34 min (489.0 km) via NH 48 and NH 69
Food and Accommodation: Murudeshwar is a popular tourist spot. So, there are no dearth of good hotels and restaurants.
Road Conditions: Roads are well maintained except a few stretches where you might encounter pot holes.
Nearest Petrol Pump: Mavalli
Also read: Famous temples near Bangalore for a spiritual getaway
Agumbe
Have you visited the Cherrapunji of South India? Agumbe is one of rainiest places in India and also a part of the natural World Heritage Site of Western Ghats. If you are a 90s kid you already know about the insanely popular Malgudi days TV series, right? But let me tell you that R K Narayan's fictitious village isn't all fiction after all. Here in Agumbe, they shot the series. In fact, you can even stay at a 150 year old heritage homestay which was one of the filming locations.
Of course the most prominent tourist spot in Agumbe is the Sunset Point from where you can witness one of the most mesmerizing sunsets over the Arabian Sea. Who says no to magical sunsets anyways, yeah? Let ancient wonders of the Hoysala period work their way into your heart when you visit Gopalkrishna Temple. The carvings here are just incredible, I tell you!
But wait, that's not all! Agumbe is a treasure trove of beautiful waterfalls like Barkana Falls, Jogi Gundi Falls, Onake Abbi Falls, and so many others. And the best part? You have to trek through foresed hills to reach these waterfalls and swim in their pool. A tiresome hike with a relaxing swim, its's the best combo ever, right?
Time and Distance from Bangalore: 7 hr 24 min (346.8 km) via NH75
Food and Accommodation: There are several homestays and campstays in the region. Since it's in a village area, you are unlikely to find luxury.
Road Conditions: Although well-maintained, roads are quite steep and curvy. So, drive with precaution.
Nearest Petrol Pump: Hebri
Kollur
The pandemic has been hard for all of us and if only there was a way to be reconnected with our soul! I'd say, how about taking a spiritual getaway as one of your winter road trips from Bangalore? If you want peace to come over you in divine presence, pay a visit to Mookambika Temple in Kollur. It is believed that not only does the temple house Lord Shiva and Devi Durga but also the complete celestial congregation. So, you can seek blessings from all of them when you are in Kollur.
Now, being in the Western Ghats, natural beauty too is in abundance in Kollur. And who doesn't love spending time amidst nature, right? Adventure enthusiasts, you should take the hike up to the Kodachadri Peak. The sight of gorgeous lush green hills, the Arabian Sea, and the Linganamakki Backwaters is something you would not want to miss. If you are a waterfall person like me, you'll love the ever-so-beautiful Arishna Gundi Waterfalls!
Time and Distance from Bangalore: 8 hr 45 min (428.6 km) via NH 48
Food and Accommodation: There are a few guest houses near the Mookambika Temple which are run by the temple authority and they provide all kinds of rooms, from dormitories to AC Deluxe rooms.
Road Conditions: Expect twisty roads and some rough patches on the way
Nearest Petrol Pump: Anandapur
Kaup - one of the best winter road trips from Bangalore for beach lovers
Who's up for a beach getaway this winter 2021? Then lets head towards Kaup. The cool salty breeze will sweep your hair as you quietly sit down on a boulder to watch the flaming sky at sunset. The waves of the the deep blue Arabian Sea are crashing against the shore, their rhythm giving you a certain kind of relaxation. So scenic, so peaceful! Now that sounds romantic, right? So, if you are planning on winter road trips from Bangalore with your partner, Kaup should be one of your top choices!
What adds to the beauty of this picturesque beach destination is a lighthouse. If you are can do stairs, you should definitely climb up to the top of the lighthouse. Needless to say, the views of the Arabian Sea on one side and backwaters on the other is incredible! Keep those shutters moving, people!
Time and Distance from Bangalore: 8 hr 26 min (403.7 km) via NH75
Food and Accommodation: There are several seaside resorts and hotels along Kaup beach. Several beach shacks and eateries are there too.
Road Conditions: Mostly in great condition except a few rough patches
Nearest Petrol Pump: Brahmagiri
Also read: 7 Best beach getaways near Bangalore in 2021
Do you like to visit places with history? Then add these top heritage places near Bangalore to your bucket list. Or maybe, you are a solo traveler like me! Then visit these top 5 places for solo trips near Bangalore. Wherever you are heading out near your city, we have got you covered with some unique handpicked stays. Now, go pack your bags and head out for your next weekend getaway.
