Five weekend road trips from Bengaluru: Distances, driving times and what to see in Coorg, Hampi, Kabini and more

These destinations range from the easily accessible Nandi Hills to the considerably longer drive to Hampi. Distances and travel times are approximate and can change significantly with the starting point, route, weather and traffic.

Nandi Hills is generally a 1.5-to-two-hour drive from Bengaluru. The hill retreat is known for sunrise views, historic fort remains and temples. Tipu Sultan also used it as a summer retreat. 

The drive to Chikkamagaluru commonly takes around five hours. The district is closely associated with India’s coffee history and offers plantation stays, waterfalls and access to Mullayanagiri, Karnataka’s highest peak.

Coorg, or Kodagu, usually takes five to six hours by road from Bengaluru. Coffee plantations, Abbey Falls, forested hills and the Namdroling Monastery near Kushalnagar are among its leading attractions.

Kabini is a popular base for exploring the Nagarhole landscape. Depending on authorised operations and seasonal conditions, visitors can consider wildlife safaris and activities around the Kabini backwaters. Tigers are present but sightings can never be guaranteed.

Hampi is a six-to-seven-hour road journey and is better treated as a long-weekend destination than a short drive. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for Vijayanagara-era temples, the Stone Chariot and its granite-boulder landscape.