Bangalore to Coorg by Car: Rental Tips and Scenic Stops
There’s never a bad time to go on a road trip. Especially when you’re heading from Bangalore to Coorg — a place that smells like coffee and feels like calm. This journey is one of the most popular getaways for folks living in Bangalore, and honestly, it never gets old. Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, Coorg has a way of welcoming you with open arms and misty hills. And doing it by car makes it even better. You’re not just reaching a destination; you’re taking in every little thing on the way — the changing landscapes, the roadside snacks, and the many detours that make the trip unforgettable.
Bangalore to Coorg by Car
If you’re planning to rent and drive from Bangalore to Coorg by car, good call. Renting gives you the freedom to go at your own pace, stop wherever you want, and not worry about bus timings or train delays. Plus, with the roads between Bangalore and Coorg being in pretty good shape, it’s one of the best ways to travel. Here’s everything you need to know about renting a car for the trip, plus a list of must-stop places along the way.
Choosing the Right Rental Car
Let’s start with the basics. When planning a Bangalore to Coorg road trip by car, pick a car that matches your travel style. If it’s just you and a friend or partner, a hatchback or sedan works fine. But if you’re going with family or a group of friends, go for an SUV. It’s roomier and handles the curves of the Western Ghats better.
When considering car rental in Bangalore, Revv offers a decent range of cars. Book at least 2–3 days in advance, especially if you’re going on a weekend or long weekend, because everyone else probably has the same idea.
Double-check things like fuel policy (full-to-full is best), kilometer limits, pickup/drop locations, and any hidden charges. Also, take photos of the car before you drive off — small scratches can become big billing disputes later. Better safe than sorry.
When to Leave and How Long it Takes
When you travel from Bangalore to Coorg by car, leaving early in the morning, around 5 or 6 AM, is a sensible idea. That way, you beat the city traffic and get more time to enjoy the ride. The drive from Bangalore to Coorg is about 250–270 km, depending on where you’re starting from and which part of Coorg you’re heading to (Madikeri, Virajpet, etc). Expect around 5.5 to 6.5 hours of driving, without counting the stops.
If you’re not in a rush, make a day of it. Stop often. Eat local. Take detours. That’s the fun part of road trips.
Scenic Stops and Detours You Should Definitely Make: Bangalore to Coorg
This route is more than just a way to get from one place to another. And a self-drive car rental in Bangalore makes the experience that much more hassle-free. There are some pretty great stops that you can add to your plan, even if it means reaching Coorg a little later.
Rasta Café (around 50 km from Bangalore)
If you didn’t manage to eat breakfast before starting, this is a good place to fuel up — both you and your car. Rasta Café has been a classic stop on Bangalore road trips for years. Chill vibes, decent food, and clean restrooms. Hard to go wrong.
Mandya for some local food
If you want to try something more local than café food, take a break at one of the darshinis or messes in Mandya. You’ll get soft idlis, crispy dosas, and strong filter coffee that can wake the dead. Simple, tasty stuff.
Srirangapatna
History buffs, this one’s for you. This little town is packed with stories — Tipu Sultan’s fort, his summer palace, and a bunch of other old-world charm. It’s not a very long detour and adds some culture to your journey from Bangalore to Coorg by car.
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
If you have a bit of extra time, stop here. It’s peaceful, and you can take a short boat ride to see birds, crocodiles, and feel like you’re in a National Geographic documentary — but in real life.
Mysore city
This is a big one. Some folks even split the trip into two days and stay overnight in Mysore. You can check out the Mysore Palace, eat the famous Mysore masala dosa, and maybe pick up some sandalwood soap as a souvenir. If you don’t have that much time, even a couple of hours here is worth it.
Kushalnagar
On a Bangalore to Coorg road trip by car, you’ll hit this town. Stop by the Namdroling Monastery (Golden Temple). It’s a Tibetan monastery and pretty stunning — gold statues, prayer wheels, monks in red robes. It feels like you’ve been transported to another country for a bit.
Driving Tips for the Route
The roads are mostly good, especially the Bangalore to Mysore stretch, which is now an expressway. It’s smooth, fast, and comes with tolls. Keep change or a FASTag ready. After Mysore, the roads get narrower and more winding as you head into the hills of Coorg. Take it slow, especially if you’re not used to ghat driving.
When you travel from Bangalore to Coorg by car, Google Maps will do the job just fine, but don’t blindly follow it into weird inner roads. Stick to the main highways and ask locals if you’re unsure. Also, avoid driving after sunset if possible — the last stretch has some sharp turns and not many streetlights.
Things to Pack and Keep Handy
- Driver’s license and rental documents for car rental in Bangalore
- Power bank and charging cable
- Water bottles and snacks
- A playlist or downloaded music (some stretches have zero signal)
- Sunglasses and a cap — the sun can get harsh
- Basic medicines, especially if you get motion sickness on hills
Reaching Coorg — Where to Stay and What to Do Next
Once you reach Coorg, take a breather. The air is cooler, cleaner, and everything slows down a little. Depending on your budget and style, you’ve got tons of stay options — from luxury resorts to cozy homestays surrounded by coffee plantations.
If you want to keep it chill, just sit on the porch, sip coffee, and listen to the birds. But if you’re feeling active, visit Abbey Falls, trek up Tadiandamol, explore coffee estates, or go river rafting during the right season. Don’t forget to try pandi curry if you eat pork, or akki roti with chutney if you don’t.
Final Thoughts
A road trip from Bangalore to Coorg isn’t just about getting to a hill station. It’s about everything you experience on the way — the food, the roads, the music in your car, and the people you travel with. Renting a car makes the whole thing feel like an adventure without the stress of schedules.
So pick a weekend, book that car from Revv, and hit the road. Coorg’s waiting.
