Karnataka Road Trip Guide – Best Routes, Hidden Gems & Itinerary

Karnataka is a place to be lived and experienced fully, no matter how many days you’re here for. This state is packed with countless attractions, from temples and hills to coffee plantations, waterfalls, beaches, and much more. The best way to explore all this is to set out on a road trip. 

Have a look at our well-crafted Karnataka road trip guide, highlighting all popular routes, hidden gems along the way, and other details for a seamless experience. 

Your Ultimate Karnataka Road Trip Guide

Karnataka indeed rewards travelers who look beyond the basics and desire more from their journey! 

Best Road Trip Routes in Karnataka 

Planning for Bangalore weekend trips with your friends and family? Here’s the list of all the top trip routes in Karnataka 

1. Bangalore → Coorg (Madikeri)

The Bangalore-to-Coorg road trip is a must-do experience, as it takes you through the state’s iconic landscapes and cultural pockets. Also renowned as the Coorg road trip, this will not be just a basic journey; it’ll be entirely life-changing, as you’ll experience the compelling mix of scenery, heritage, and nature that few road trips can match. 

This road trip stretches roughly 250-275 km from Bangalore’s urban buzz to the mist-clad hills of Kodagu via the well-maintained NH275/Mysore-Coorg highway. This will be an incredibly scenic journey as you will pass through winding views of the Western Ghats, rolling sugarcane fields, and verdant countryside. 

This route is highly popular among photographers and riders for capturing stunning panoramas, pausing to breathe deeply in the magical air of the landscapes. In fact, many food lovers and spiritual seekers also pause at the Namdroling Monastery (Golden Temple) near Bylakuppe, or at the historic sights of Mysore Palace and Srirangapatna, before the hills draw near.

The moment you enter the Western Ghats region, you will notice the air thickening as you ascend, with intense aromas of coffee and spices grown in the surrounding estates, setting the tone for the experience ahead. 

The approach towards Madikeri, Coorg’s capital, will be another phenomenal experience as you will pass through dense forests and cascading streams, where every road bend will offer incredible valley views and hidden waterfall detours like Abbey Falls once you arrive.

Lastly, witnessing the Kodava culture in Coorg will definitely be a heart-warming experience, as you’re welcomed by age-old traditions, proud warrior heritage, soulful festivals, distinctive cuisine, and a deep-rooted connection to the land that makes the region feel as authentic as it is inviting. 

This Karnataka road trip is definitely for the souls who crave rich nature and culture experiences. 

Hidden Gems to Explore: 

• Chunchanakatte Falls: A roaring waterfall near the Kaveri River. 
• Kote Betta: The third-highest, most scenic peak in Coorg.
• Honnamana Kere: The largest, most dramatic lake in Coorg, backed with local folklore and cultural significance.
• Chelavara Falls:  Marvellous plunge waterfall near Virajpet.

Suggested Itinerary:

This road journey will cover ~260 km, and a 3-day 2-night itinerary is ideal for this experience:

Day 1: 

Drive from Bangalore to Coorg, evening at Raja’s Seat, and local markets

Day 2: 

Exploring coffee estates, Abbey Falls, Mandalpatti

Day 3: 

Visit Dubare Elephant Camp and return

With this, start your return journey to Bangalore, stopping for lunch near Mysuru.

Book your ideal Karnataka Tour Package today with JustWravel! 

2. Bangalore → Chikmagalur → Belur → Halebidu

Those travelers wishing for a life-changing road trip journey- This is THE ONE for you! The Bangalore → Chikmagalur → Belur → Halebidu road route is far from a basic journey experience, mates; it’s a masterfully planned one, where every turn reveals something so beautiful, showcasing nature’s masterpiece at its best. 

Starting from Bangalore’s noisy urban cityscape, the landscape opens up to endless expanses of scenic farmland and quiet, laid-back towns, giving you an authentic feel of rural India. 

On your journey towards Chikmagalur, believed to be the jewel of hill stations in Karnataka, you will feel the air turn crisper and be met with lush green settings that are truly breathtaking. 

The real treasure of the road trip begins in Chikmagalur! This is the birthplace of Karnataka’s coffee estates after all, where the air is thick with the tantalizing aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the surrounding hills are shrouded in a mystical mist. 

In fact, add depth to this journey by visiting Mullayanagiri and Baba Budangiri mountain regions (located nearby). These places are best for soaking in beautiful natural scenery, which is hard to find elsewhere, offering infinite peace and inner calm.

After this, take a refreshing break, then continue your drive towards the historic towns of Belur and Halebidu, best known for their iconic Hoysala architecture. The drive is a real feast for the eyes, but the real highlight comes when you arrive at the Chennakesava Temple in Belur. 

Just a short drive away, you’ll find the Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebidu, and it’s just as mind-blowing as the temple in Belur. The craftsmanship and artistry on display here are simply stunning, and they’ll really help you get a deeper sense of the region’s history and culture. 

And that’s the point of this particular road trip in Karnataka, it’s not just a chance to take in some lovely views, but an opportunity to experience the local culture and history for yourself. 

Hidden Gems to Explore: 

• Yagachi Dam Backwaters: A visually stunning natural wonder near Belur with reflections and quiet countryside charm.
• Jhari (Buttermilk) Falls: A jungle-set, dramatic waterfall.
• Koravangala Temples: The lesser-known Hoysala temples for a striking divine experience.
• Kudremukh Viewpoints (en route): A misty mountain stretch offering compelling views of the Western Ghats.

Suggested Itinerary:

This road journey will cover ~300 km in total, where the 3-day 2-night itinerary is perfect. 

Day 1:

From Bangalore to Chikmagalur via the Western Ghats. Visit scenic spots such as Hirekolale Lake and spend evenings in coffee plantations.

Day 2:

Start early and head toward Mullayanagiri(the highest peak in Karnataka) for stunning views. Continue driving to Baba Budangiri and detour to Jhari (Buttermilk) Falls or Hebbe Falls, depending on road and weather conditions. 

Take a return journey to Chikmagalur by evening. 

Day 3: 

After having a satisfying breakfast, drive toward Belur, where the Chennakesava Temple stands as a masterpiece of Hoysala architecture. Drive further to Halebidu, explore attractions like Hoysaleswara Temple. By late afternoon, return to Bangalore. 

3. Mangalore → Udupi → Gokarna → Karwar

Another fantastic coastal road trip to take in Karnataka is the Mangalore → Udupi → Gokarna → Karwar one. This journey is more of a slow, scenic ribbon of tarmac where the Arabian Sea will follow you everywhere you go. 

This scenic journey will start in Mangalore, a stunning coastal city in Karnataka, boasting temples, churches, mosques, and bustling fish markets. The moment you cross the city’s borders, you will witness an endless stretch of sea on the side of your road, turning the air downright breezy and salty. 

The highways are lined with coconut trees, giving a perfect coastal escape feel. The drive toward Udupi is smooth and relaxed, dotted with rivers, beach turn-offs, and legendary food stops. There’s no need to rush; just drive slowly and take stops to relax, click photographs, or soak in the beauty of the views. During the journey, you can even detour to Kaup Lighthouse or Malpe Beach, which rewards you with wide-open horizons and dramatic coastal light.

When entering Gokarna, the landscape drastically changes, and the journey becomes an adventure-packed Gokarna road trip, all about picture-perfect beach scenes. Explore cliff-lined beaches like Om, Kudle, and Half Moon, all situated a short drive from each other, offering raw, unfiltered views of the sea. 

Your final stretch to Karwar on this road trip will offer a satisfying experience, with the beaches becoming broader and crowd-free. Just stop for a while, lie in the soft sands, and soak in the fascinating beauty of the exquisite shoreline. Let the sea guide your way, and end this beautiful journey with a visit to nearby villages for a quick, immersive experience of local village life. 

Hidden Gems to Explore: 

• Kodi Bengre: A captivating fishing village to experience an authentic coastal experience
• Tilmati Beach (Karwar): A rare black-sand beach surrounded by greenery and silence.
• Sasihithlu Beach: A phenomenal beach with a confluence of river and sea, north of Mangalore.
• Half Moon & Paradise Beach (Gokarna): Quieter and less crowded beaches. 

Suggested Itinerary:

The 4-day itinerary will be ideal for this road trip journey in Karnataka. 

Day 1: 

Head for Udupi from Mangalore via the coastal drive. Stop at Surathkal or Sasihithlu Beach. Enjoy the sunset at Malpe or Kaup Lighthouse.

Day 2: 

From Udupi, head straight for Gokarna via Maravanthe. Spend the evening at Kudle or Om Beach.

Day 3:
After having a relaxed morning beach walk in Gokarna. Drive north to Karwar. Visit Devbagh Beach or the Kali River estuary.

Day 4:
Relax at Tilmati Beach in Karwar. Depart by noon.

Suggested Read: Karnataka Travel Guide

4. Kabini & Bandipur Forest Loop

If you wish to witness a little wild side of Karnataka, then get ready for this phenomenal road journey to Kabini and Bandipur forest loop. This will be a completely wildlife-rich experience in Karnataka. 

The journey will start in Mysuru (Mysore), where the road will gradually lead you into greener, forested areas as you approach Kabini. First, you will spot the calm Kabini River, where you must stop to enjoy the views and take pictures. Followed by a long drive, with a chance to spot deer, wild boar, elephants, and, if luck permits, leopards.

As you continue towards Bandipur National Park, the roads are flanked by dense deciduous forests & open grasslands, setting the stage for what is shaping up to be an exhilarating adventure. Keep in mind, though, that to maintain the authenticity of this experience & show respect to the wildlife & the park itself, strict rules regarding forest access & vehicle checks will be in place – think of it as being a guest in a protected home.

The Kabini & Bandipur Forest Loop is a journey that will have you rounding every bend, wondering what wildlife you’ll come face to face with next – it’s a trip that’ll leave you with memories to last a lifetime, not just a bunch of photos to look at someday.

Hidden Gems to Explore: 

• Gopalaswamy Betta: A temple that’s worth visiting for the incredible cloud views.
• Nagarhole Forest Buffer Zones: Super quiet village roads where you might just spot some elephants.
• Kabini Backwater Sunrise Points: Magical sunrise experiences.
• Himavad Gopalaswamy Hills Forest Road: Misty, high-altitude forest road.

Suggested Itinerary:

Three days are ideal for this road journey in Karnataka. The best entry point is from Mysuru. 

Day 1: 

From Mysuru, drive to Kabini, which will take 2.5 hours. Enjoy an evening safari or riverfront wildlife viewing.

Day 2:
After enjoying a morning safari in Kabini, head to Bandipur via a 3-hour scenic forest drive. Enjoy your evening there with multiple wildlife activities. 

Day 3: 

Early morning forest drive via Gopalaswamy Betta (Bandipur). Return to Mysuru by afternoon.

5. Central Karnataka Heritage Circuit

The last one in our list of the Karnataka road trip guide is the Central Karnataka Heritage Circuit. This journey takes you through the iconic regions of Hampi, Badami, Aihole, and Pattadakal. This will be a purely incredible road trip that puts you directly at the heart of India’s ancient heritage. 

The journey will begin in soothing landscapes and will gradually transition into views of India’s brilliant architecture. This juxtaposition of boulder-strewn terrain and the sheer magnificence of Hampi provides a truly fitting introduction to your road trip, captivating you in the very essence of the legendary Vijayanagara Empire’s legacy.

As the journey moves from Hampi to Badami, you will notice the scenery shifting dramatically, with towering red sandstone cliffs forming a picturesque backdrop for beautiful lakes and temples intricately carved into the cave walls. Aihole & Pattadakal are two key stops along the way, yielding a wealth of intricate carvings and bold structural experimentation in Indian temple architecture.

The roads are well-maintained and easy to navigate, with the distances between destinations manageable and the rewards truly outstanding. 

Hidden Gems to Explore: 

• Badami Bhoothanatha Temple: This peaceful lakeside temple is a must-visit for a divine experience.
• Anegundi Village (near Hampi): This ancient village, even older than Hampi, is rich in folklore and riverside life.
• Sanapur Lake: An incredibly scenic lake framed by boulders. Perfect for sunset spotting and photography. 

Your perfect Karnataka Tour awaits. Book now! 

Suggested Itinerary:

The 4-day, 3-night itinerary will be perfect for this road trip. The entry points will be from Hospet / Hubballi. 

Day 1:

After arriving in Hampi, begin your exploration with Virupaksha Temple, then Hampi Bazaar, and the Royal Enclosure. Do not miss out on enjoying the magnificent sunset at Hemakuta Hill.

Day 2:

Visit Vitthala Temple, Stone Chariot, Anegundi village, and Sanapur Lake.

Day 3:

Take a drive from Hampi to Badami. Explore Badami Cave Temples, Agastya Lake, and Bhoothanatha Temple.

Day 4:

From Badami, head to Aihole, then to Pattadakal. Explore this temple trail through Aihole and UNESCO-listed Pattadakal. Depart by afternoon for Hubballi or onward destinations.

PLEASE NOTE: The above itineraries are provided purely as a basic reference to help you understand the flow of each road journey. For a detailed and well-curated itinerary (based on your travel type), get in touch with JustWravel to get complete route planning, safety insights, and more. 

Ready for this adventure-packed Bangalore weekend trip? Why wait? Get in touch with our experts today to help you plan a flawless, adventure-packed Karnataka itinerary for you. 

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