Top 9 Best Road Trip From Mangalore

A road trip from Mangalore opens a gateway to explore the serene landscapes, historical marvels, and captivating cultures of South India. Mangalore, nestled between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, is a perfect starting point for adventurers and travel enthusiasts.

The top 9 road trip destinations that promise to satiate your wanderlust and create everlasting memories are:

1 Siddapur | 110 km

Siddapur, in the Uttara Kannada district, is another splendid road trip destination offering an immersive experience into nature’s beauty. Known for its sprawling coffee plantations and serene landscapes, it’s a perfect spot for a tranquil getaway.

• Best Time to Visit: October to January
• Popularity: Known among those seeking peace and natural beauty
• Activities to Do: Plantation tours, bird watching, and visiting Murudeshwara temple 
• Ideal Route: Mangalore - Udupi - Siddapur

2. Kannur | 144 km

Kannur, located on the Malabar Coast, boasts of pristine beaches, historic landmarks, and rich cultural heritage. The Mangalore road trip to Kannur offers a perfect blend of coastal charm and cultural delights.

• Best Time to Visit: October to February
• Popularity: Beaches, Malabar cuisine, forts and handloom heritage
• Activities to Do: Beach visits, historical tours, and cultural experiences
• Ideal Route: Mangalore - Kasaragod - Kannur

3. Coorg | 153 km

Coorg, also known as Kodagu, is a popular hill station known for its verdant landscapes, coffee plantations, and ethnic warrior people, the Kodavas. It’s a road trip that promises both adventure and tranquillity.

• Best Time to Visit: September to June
• Popularity: Coffee plantations, waterfalls and panoramic views
• Activities to Do: Trekking, river rafting, visiting coffee plantations, and cultural tours
• Ideal Route: Mangalore - Puttur - Coorg

4. Kakkabe | 169 km

Nestled in the lap of the Western Ghats, Kakkabe offers a tranquil escape amidst lush greenery and mist-covered hills. The road trip from Mangalore to Kakkabe is characterised by breathtaking views and a serene ambiance.

• Best Time to Visit: September to May
• Popularity: Igguthappa temple, Nalknad palace, wildlife and treks
• Activities to Do: Trekking, bird watching, palace tours, and visit the temple
• Ideal Route: Mangalore - Madikeri - Kakkabe

5. Chikmagalur | 179 km

Chikmagalur, the coffee land of Karnataka, is a must-visit for those who enjoy the serene ambiance of hill stations. Its lush green hills and cool climate make it an ideal road trip destination year-round.

• Best Time to Visit: September to February
• Popularity: Coffee plantation, trekking trails and wildlife sanctuaries
• Activities to Do: Trekking, coffee plantation tours, and wildlife safaris
• Ideal Route: Mangalore - Belur - Chikmagalur

6. Halebid | 200 km

Halebid, once the regal capital of the Hoysala Empire, is now famous for its magnificent temples and intricate carvings. This historical town makes for a fascinating road trip destination from Mangalore.

• Best Time to Visit: October to February
• Popularity: Hoyaleswara temple, Archaeological Museum and Yagachi Dam
• Activities to Do: Temple visits, photography, and historical tours
• Ideal Route: Mangalore - Hassan - Halebid

7. Kumta | 203 km

A coastal town in the Uttara Kannada district, Kumta, with its pristine beaches and lush greenery, offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. It’s an ideal destination for those looking to combine a beach holiday with historical exploration.

• Best Time to Visit: November to March
• Popularity: Handicrafts, Ayurvedic treatment, forts, and beaches
• Activities to Do: Beach hopping, fort exploration, shopping, and enjoying local seafood
• Ideal Route: Mangalore - Udupi - Kumta

8. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary | 205 km

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, nestled amidst the Western Ghats, is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. The road trip to Bhadra promises thrilling encounters with diverse flora and fauna.

• Best Time to Visit: October to May
• Popularity: A paradise for bird watchers and wildlife photographers
• Activities to Do: Jungle safaris, bird watching, and trekking
• Ideal Route: Mangalore - Agumbe - Bhadra

9. Sirsi | 260 km

Sirsi is a hidden gem that promises an enchanting road trip experience from Mangalore. Known for its lush green forests, majestic waterfalls, and ancient temples, Sirsi is an ideal retreat for nature lovers and history buffs.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Popularity: Growing as an eco-tourism and pilgrimage destination
• Activities to Do: Trekking to waterfalls, temple visits, and exploring the spice plantations
• Ideal Route: Mangalore - Udupi - Sirsi

The road trips from Mangalore are not just journeys; they are experiences that weave through the heart of South India’s natural beauty and historical grandeur. Whether you seek solitude in nature’s embrace, an adventure on rugged trails, or a leap back in time through ancient ruins, these road trips from Mangalore offer it all.