Top 10 Scenic Road Trips from Bangalore by Taxi

Bangalore is a city that makes you want to escape every now and then. The beauty of living here is that you can choose from a wide variety of landscapes within just a few hours of travel. From misty mountains to breezy beaches, from coffee-scented estates to heritage towns, there is a road trip for every mood. Taking a taxi instead of driving yourself means you can simply lean back, watch the scenery change, and maybe even doze off before waking up to a whole new world. Here are ten road trips from Bangalore that deserve a place on your travel list.

1. Bangalore to Coorg – The Coffee Country Escape

Distance: ~260 km | Drive Time: 5–6 hours

Coorg is where the hills are wrapped in coffee plantations and the air carries the smell of fresh rain. The journey from Bangalore takes you past quaint villages, winding roads, and occasional misty stretches if you are lucky with the weather. Once in Coorg, you can spend your days visiting Abbey Falls, walking through plantations, and watching sunsets at Raja’s Seat. The best part about taking a taxi is that you can stop anywhere along the way for roadside snacks or photos without worrying about the long drive ahead.

2. Bangalore to Ooty – The Queen of Hill Stations

Distance: ~270 km | Drive Time: 6–7 hours

Ooty is a classic hill station that never goes out of style. The road trip offers plenty to admire before you even get there. Expect winding ghat roads, the cool scent of eucalyptus trees, and tea gardens that stretch across the slopes like a green quilt. You might pass tiny stalls selling freshly roasted corn or hot chai with biscuits. If you take the route via Bandipur, you could even spot deer or elephants by the roadside.

3. Bangalore to Chikmagalur – Coffee and Calm

Distance: ~245 km | Drive Time: 5–6 hours

Chikmagalur is another coffee capital but with a quieter, less touristy charm compared to Coorg. The drive is a blend of smooth highways and scenic rural roads that pass through sunflower fields and gentle hills. Here you can visit Baba Budangiri, Mullayanagiri (the highest peak in Karnataka), and pristine waterfalls like Hebbe and Jhari. A taxi gives you the freedom to explore at your pace without getting worn out by the long drive.

4. Bangalore to Wayanad – Kerala’s Green Canvas

Distance: ~280 km | Drive Time: 6–7 hours

Crossing into Kerala is like stepping into a greener, slower world. The road to Wayanad takes you through the Thamarassery Ghat Pass, which offers some of the most breathtaking valley views you can imagine. Along the way, you can make pit stops at small spice gardens, viewpoints, and tea shops. Once in Wayanad, explore Edakkal Caves, Soochipara Falls, and the wildlife sanctuary for a mix of nature and culture.

5. Bangalore to Pondicherry – French Charm by the Sea

Distance: ~310 km | Drive Time: 6–7 hours

This trip starts with urban highways but gradually shifts into breezy coastal roads. Pondicherry greets you with colourful colonial buildings, beach promenades, and charming cafés. The French Quarter is perfect for lazy strolls, while Paradise Beach and Auroville add variety to your trip. In a taxi, you can easily hop between beaches, heritage streets, and restaurants without parking headaches.

6. Bangalore to Kabini – A Wildlife Adventure

Distance: ~210 km | Drive Time: 4–5 hours

Kabini is a paradise for wildlife lovers. The road takes you past farmlands, rivers, and stretches of forest that set the mood for the adventure ahead. The star attractions here are safaris through Nagarhole National Park, where you can spot tigers, elephants, leopards, and a variety of birds. The backwaters of Kabini are perfect for sunset boat rides.

7. Bangalore to Hampi – A Journey to the Past

Distance: ~340 km | Drive Time: 6–7 hours

Driving to Hampi feels like travelling back in time. The landscape shifts from farmlands to rocky hills, with massive boulders scattered like nature’s own art installation. Once you arrive, you’ll find a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of ancient temples, market ruins, and unique architecture. The relaxed pace of a taxi trip means you can arrive refreshed and ready to explore without the fatigue of a long drive.

8. Bangalore to Gokarna – Where Hills Meet the Ocean

Distance: ~485 km | Drive Time: 9–10 hours

This one is for those who don’t mind a longer ride. The first part of the journey winds through highways and forested stretches, while the last leg offers coastal roads with glimpses of the sea. Gokarna is all about laid-back beaches, cliffside views, and a slower rhythm of life. Kudle Beach, Om Beach, and Paradise Beach are must-visits. Taking a taxi for this route saves you from the exhaustion of a near day-long drive.

9. Bangalore to Yercaud – The Jewel of the South

Distance: ~230 km | Drive Time: 4–5 hours

Nestled in the Shevaroy Hills, Yercaud offers crisp air, orange groves, and coffee estates. The climb up includes 20 hairpin bends, each offering a unique view of the valleys below. The calm Yercaud Lake, Lady’s Seat viewpoint, and the botanical garden are popular spots once you arrive. The journey is short enough for a weekend but still scenic enough to feel like a proper escape.

10. Bangalore to Mysore – Royal Roads and Palaces

Distance: ~145 km | Drive Time: 3–4 hours

The road to Mysore is a smooth, pleasant drive through sugarcane fields and small towns. A short trip but packed with charm, this route works perfectly for a day getaway. Once in Mysore, you can visit the grand Mysore Palace, stroll in Brindavan Gardens, and shop for silk sarees or sandalwood products.

Each of these road trips offers something unique, whether it’s the thrill of the mountains, the calm of the beach, or the call of the wild. With a taxi ride, you can skip the stress of navigating, focus on the scenery, and make spontaneous stops along the way. Pack your essentials, charge your camera, and let the road take you somewhere unforgettable.