There’s a charm in leaving the city lights behind and watching the road stretch endlessly in front of you. Ask anyone who has lived in Bangalore for a while, and they’ll tell you road trips are the easiest way to escape the bustle. You don’t need a big plan or a travel package. Sometimes all it takes is good company, music on the stereo, and the freedom of a car that you control. That’s exactly why people are turning more toward Bangalore self drive cars.
The beauty of this city is not just what lies within it but also what surrounds it. Hills, coffee estates, wildlife reserves, and even beaches—all of them lie a few hours’ drive away. Here are some road trip destinations that never disappoint.
Nandi Hills – The Short Escape Everyone Loves
If you live in Bangalore and haven’t driven to Nandi Hills yet, you’re missing out on a ritual. It’s just 60 km away, yet the road is filled with curves that keep you awake and excited. The highlight? That sunrise. People leave as early as 3:30 a.m. just to watch the mist roll back as the sky turns orange. Don’t be surprised if you end up stopping midway for a cup of tea at a roadside stall—it’s almost part of the experience.
Mysore – Palaces and More
Just three hours down a smooth highway, Mysore waits. The palace grabs all the attention—and yeah, it’s worth it—but that’s just the start.
Wander through markets packed with flowers and spice smells. Climb up Chamundi Hills for a breather. Or swing by Ranganathittu if birds are your thing.
With your own car, you’re not chasing schedules. You stop when something pulls you in. It’s your trip, your pace.
Coorg – Green, Rainy, Beautiful
Coorg is all about coffee and rain. It’s around 270 km from Bangalore, but the drive through the Western Ghats makes it feel like less.
Tall trees lean in close. Plantations roll out like green carpets. And sometimes, a waterfall sneaks up around a bend. You’ll stop the car—not because you have to, but because you won’t want to miss a thing.
Chikmagalur – Coffee Hills and Quiet Roads
Chikmagalur feels like Coorg’s easygoing cousin. It’s about 245 km away, and the road flips between open skies and snug, twisty stretches that feel like they’re just for you.
At the top of it all is Mullayanagiri, Karnataka’s tallest peak. The climb up? It’s more than just a walk. The wind hits sharp, the view hits harder, and for a minute, the whole world feels quiet. Folks keep going back. You might too.
If you’ve got your own car, you’re free. No hotel check-ins to rush for. No waiting for buses. Just you, the hills, and tiny homestays hiding off the main roads.
Kabini – Into the Wild
About 210 km from the city, Kabini swaps traffic for trees. It’s where you go when you’re tired of glass buildings and just want green all around.
The forest feels alive. Elephants stroll past. Deer dart through the brush. And if you’re lucky, a tiger might show up. But even if you don’t see one, just sitting by the river at sunset is enough—it sticks with you.
Bring your own gear, set your own pace. Driving yourself from Bangalore makes everything simpler. No waiting. No rushing. Just you and the wild.
Hampi – Stones That Tell Stories
Hampi feels like stepping into another era. About 340 km away, the long drive can test your patience, but it pays back generously. Ruins rise against the horizon, giant boulders scatter like they’ve been dropped by gods, and temples whisper of dynasties long gone.
Cycling through Hampi is fun, but knowing you have your car close by makes exploring the surroundings much simpler.
Sakleshpur – Green Trails, Quiet Town
About 220 km out, Sakleshpur doesn’t shout for attention. It just lets you slow down and breathe easy.
You’ll find coffee estates, old fort walls, and winding hill roads that come alive when it rains. It’s not about rushing from one place to another. It’s about stopping when something catches your eye, feeling the damp earth, and just being there.
And when you’ve got your own car, you don’t have to follow anyone’s plan. You make your own.
Pondicherry – A Longer Drive, A Different World
If you’ve got the time and the will, drive down to Pondicherry. The ~310 km stretch along the East Coast Road is an experience in itself, with sea views breaking the monotony. Once in Pondy, the rhythm slows down.
French‑style buildings, colorful doors, and beaches where you can sit without thinking of the clock. Trips like these remind you why driving, instead of flying, often gives the richer memory.
Why Drive Yourself?
It’s not just about saving money or having privacy. It’s about the freedom to decide. Want to stop for hot idlis at a roadside dhaba? You can. Want to take a longer route just because the scenery feels better? No one’s stopping you. The point of a road trip is the journey itself, and having your own car keeps it in your hands.
Onroadz – Making Roads Yours
At Onroadz, the idea is simple—hand the steering wheel back to the traveler. With a wide choice of cars and simple booking, your trip becomes less about logistics and more about experiences. From quick sunrise rides to Nandi Hills to week‑long drives to Coorg, it’s about enjoying the road without worry.
Closing Note
Bangalore is busy, no doubt. But it’s also blessed with places that let you hit reset. All it takes is a plan—or sometimes no plan at all. With Bangalore self drive cars, you can create journeys where the stops, detours, and stories are yours alone. Pack your bags, grab the keys, and let the road decide the rest.