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Bangalore is one of the best cities to live in, especially if you like to travel. The city is ideally placed for travel across Karnataka and the nearby states. While the city offers a plethora of weekend getaway options, it also offers many road trip destinations. Be it short trips to destinations such as Coorg or longer distance travel to destinations such as Goa. The NativePlanet team recently made a road trip from Bangalore to Goa and stopped at some unique destinations on the way. Here is how you can have a similar trip.
Let us take a look at what the road trip from Bangalore to Goa can typically include, the beauty of this route is that the offerings are many, and they are readily available on the road and does not require too much deviation from course to enjoy. You can also look at reducing the destinations to suit varied time plans.
Bangalore to Kukke Subramanya
Among the most scenic trails out of Bangalore, the route to Kukke Subramanya is 281 km long and will ideally take a driving time of four hours. It is advisable to leave early in the morning so that you can visit the temple for darshan at around 9:00 am, you can also have your breakfast here. The route passes through Nelamangala-Yadiur-Hassan-Sakleshpur and even a bit of drive through the Western Ghats.
You can expect the ghat section driving to be pleasurable with immense greenery. The traffic on this route is usually moderate. It sure is a drive to remember as you pass under many canopies formed by bamboo growing on either side of the road. The temple is a popular pilgrimage destination. Kukke is also the starting point for various treks in the region.
Lush greenery all the way.
Photo Courtesy: Anusha Ramakrishnan
Kukke Subramanya to Mangalore
Since Kukke is a small town, you can look at staying the night at Mangalore, which has excellent options for accommodation and some great restaurants for sea food as well! The distance to Mangalore is 107 km and will ideally take two hours to reach. You can plan to reach Mangalore for lunch, check into the hotel and explore dinner options.
A great sea food restaurant that is also known for its open to sky ambiance is Gajalee. The specialty of Mangalorean cuisine is the usage of red chilli paste in various preparations of sea food and chicken. And if you do stop by here, don't miss out on the custard apple (sitaphal) kulfi that is absolutely delicious! Mangalore, the key port city of Karnataka has many attractions. You can choose to laze on its beaches such as the Panambur beach or pay a visit to the famous Mangaladevi temple.
Nothing feels as good as hitting the road.
Photo Courtesy: Anusha Ramakrishnan
Mangalore to Udupi
After spending a day in Mangalore, it is time to travel to the next stop of the road trip, Udupi. The place is famous for more than its cuisine. The driving distance from Mangalore is 55.4 km and will take approximately one hour to reach. The key place to visit in Udupi is of course the Udupi Krishna Matha Temple. However, if you are not keen on visiting temples, you can stop at the place briefly for lunch and proceed to the beautiful beaches around Udupi.
Udupi to Malpe and Maravanthe
The most fascinating aspect of this journey is the opportunity to travel on the highway so close to the sea. Driving down with the sea breeze on your face is an unforgettable joy. Located at a distance of just 6 km from Udupi, Malpe is also a natural port. The beach is scenic and fringed with coconut palms, less crowded than the more commercial beaches on this route; it definitely makes for a picnic stop. From here off the coast are other attractions such as St. Mary's Islands and Daria Bahadurgad. For those interested in temples, Malpe has ancient temples of Balarama and Ananteshwara as well.
The next stop is Maravanthe, located at a distance of 57 km from Malpe. This is considered one of the driving highlights of the road trip. The NH-66 passes through the scenic trails of Maravanthe, with river on one side and the sea on the other side of the road. It is a stunning sight to say the least. You can stop by the beach and spend some time relaxing as you soak your bare feet in the golden grains. There are limited options for accommodation here. One option right near the beach is the Turtle Bay Resort.
The beautiful beach at Maravanthe.
Photo Courtesy: Anusha Ramakrishnan
Maravanthe to Murdeshwar
At a distance of 48.5 km from Maravanthe is one of the most popular destinations among tourists in Karnataka, the land of the popular Shiva temple, Murudeshwar. The temple has a stunning statue of Lord Shiva in the seated position, against the stunning backdrop of the Arabian Sea. Painted in silver, the Shiva statue is said to be the second tallest in the world. Surrounded by well-maintained gardens, the R.N.S authorities also provide comfortable accommodation at the temple complex. The beach offers a colourful market where you can shop for interesting items such as mirrors and various other accessories crafted with sea shells. The beach itself however, is dirty and is especially avoided in the morning as people are known to defecate here.
Murdeshwar to Gokarna and Karwar
En-route from Murdeshwar to Karwar is the unspoiled beauty of Gokarna. The distance of 124 km will take around two hours to traverse. The little hills with dense greenery, the quaint beaches with colourful boats, the trekking trails and the few beach shacks makes Gokarna a virgin Goa. Gokarna provides limited options for accommodation and has a few resorts around the Om Beach. Regardless of whether you choose to stay here overnight or not, be sure to spend time enjoying an afternoon at the beach, frolicking in the blue waters.
After a fun day at Gokarna, you can also choose to proceed to Karwar for the night, that is located at a distance of 58.4 km. Karwar is yet another coastal town of Karnataka and a vital port city. The place has a few attractions such as the Tagore Beach, the Maritime Museum on the beach and the very interesting Devbagh Island Beach that can only be reached by taking a ferry. You can plan to spend a night on this stunning island. If visiting Karwar, make sure you visit the restaurant Amruth for the most delicious sea food in this part of the country!
The stunning Shiva statue at Murudeshwar.
Photo Courtesy: Anusha Ramakrishnan
Karwar to Goa
Crossing the border from Karwar in Karnataka to Goa is the easy part and you will hardly notice the switch. At lesser than 20 km distance from Karwar lies Edapally in Goa, and then the vast expanse of Goa is yours to explore. Goa has much to explore, you can make your way to North or South of the state based on the activities you prefer; that is simply relaxation or water sports and parties. If it is high-energy activity you are looking for head to Calangute and Baga. If relaxation is on your mind you can head to Old Goa and spend time in leisure learning about the history and culture of Goa. The place is truly much more than its lovely beaches and is worth exploring in leisure.
Goa to Bangalore
The return journey from Goa to Bangalore is 558 km and expected to take over nine hours of travel time, it is best advised to leave early in the morning and you can look at reaching Bangalore in the early evening, or you can break the journey with an overnight stop at Davangere, especially if you are travelling with children. If you choose to halt for the night at Davangere, the driving distance to Bangalore remains the same.
So, what are you waiting for? Go forth and explore the treasures of the road!
Still waters and quaint boats somewhere along the way.
Photo Courtesy: Anusha Ramakrishnan
