Mangalore beckons tourists with its coastal charm and its surrounding areas dotted by numerous temples and other places of religious interest. A road trip from Bangalore to Mangalore is undoubtedly an interesting one. Road trips are nonetheless fun-filled, as they are more flexible than taking a train or a flight. Here we go with the Bangalore to Mangalore routes and other travel information for a seamless road trip.
Bangalore to Mangalore Routes – Via NH75 (Shiradi Ghat Route)
The roadmap from Bangalore to Mangalore via NH-75 is as follows.
Bangalore – Kunigal – Hassan – Sakleshpura – Bantwal – Mangalore.
- Distance: 352 km
- Driving time: 7 hrs
Among the Bangalore to Mangalore routes, the one via NH75 is ideal, as the road conditions are good. Four-lane highways with bypasses or flyovers at every town ensure a seamless journey. You traverse through the countryside, plantations and forests on this route. Since this is the shortest and fastest of the Bangalore to Mangalore routes, it is preferred by people. Also, this is the only route Google Maps recommends for travelling from Bangalore to Mangalore. However, road conditions are not consistent owing to ongoing roadwork and potholes. Be prepared to pay tolls as well.
Places of interest to visit via the NH75 route
- Gommateshwara Statue, Shravanabelagola: The Gommateshwara statue of Bahubali is 57 feet tall and carved from a single block of granite. The 983 CE statue is one of the tallest monolithic statues in the world. It represents the Jain principles of simplicity, peace, non-violence and sacrifice. Though Shravanabelagola is not located directly on the NH75 route from Bangalore to Mangalore, you can reach it by taking a short diversion from the highway near Hassan. Shravanabelagola is located just 12 km south of the NH75.
- Belur and Halebeedu: The Chennakesava temple at Belur and the Hoysaleswara and Kedareswara temples at Halebeedu showcase the intricate carvings of the Hoysala architecture. They are worth visiting if you take the NH75 route of the Bangalore to Mangalore routes. Belur is located around 35-40 km northwest of the city of Hassan, a major town on the NH75 route. Travellers need to turn off the NH75 at Hassan and take a state highway to reach Belur. Halebeedu is around 17 km from Belur. While the exquisite twin heritage sites are not directly on the NH75 route, they are convenient detours for travellers who take this route.
- Sakaleshpura: The hill station of Sakleshpura invites you with its lush green environs, crystal-clear waterfalls, coffee estate tours, and trekking trails. Sakleshpura is located directly on NH-75 and is an important link between Bangalore and Mangalore.
Bangalore to Mangalore Routes – Via Mysore
The road map from Bangalore to Mangalore via Mysore is as follows.
Bangalore – Mandya – Mysore – Madikeri – Sullia – Puttur – Mangalore
- Distance: 405 km
- Driving time: Around 9 hrs
Of the Bangalore to Mangalore routes, the one via Mysore is more scenic, though the roads are a bit narrow and variable. Hence, the driving time via Mysore is longer than that via NH75 (Shiradi Ghat Route).
Places of interest via the Mysore route
- Jaganmohan Palace Art Gallery and Auditorium, Mysore: Stop at Mysore to visit this royal palace turned art gallery for some glimpses of art and artefacts.
- Mysore Palace: Halt to witness the regal beauty of the Mysore Palace and the residence of the Wadiyars. It is sure to enthral one and all.
- The Raja’s Seat, Madikeri (Coorg): You get a beautiful view of the surrounding hills and valleys below. The garden is an ideal place to relax a bit.
You could also visit the Madikeri Fort and Gaddige, known as the Raja’s tomb, a series of tombs belonging to the Kodava dynasty.
Bangalore to Mangalore Routes – Via Chikmagalur (Route 3)
Of the Bangalore to Mangalore routes, you can also opt for the one via Chikmagalur. There is no direct route connecting Bangalore and Mangalore that passes through Chikmagalur. Hence, it is a multi-leg journey. You will have to drive from Bangalore to Chikmagalur, then from Chikmagalur to Mangalore.
The road map from Bangalore to Chikmagalur via NH75 is as follows.
Bangalore – Kunigal – Channarayapatna – Hassan – Belur – Chikmagalur
- Distance: 248 km (Bangalore to Chikmagalur)
- Driving time: 4.5 hours (Bangalore to Chikmagalur)
Furthermore, to reach Mangalore from Chikmagalur, you can either take the Charmadi Ghat route or the Shiradi Ghat route.
- Charmadi Ghat Route: When you take this route, you traverse through small towns and villages. The road is narrower than the Shiradi Ghat route. Hence, there are no heavy vehicles plying on the road. There could be rough patches on the road due to ongoing road widening before reaching the ghat. However, once at the ghat, the road is smooth, free of potholes. The Charmadi Ghat route is very scenic. It is adventurous owing to the blind curves in the ghat section. You will have to drive cautiously. Also, plan your journey accordingly so that you travel through the ghat section when there is ample daylight for safety.
- Distance: 78.7 km
- Driving time: 2.5 hrs
- Shiradi Ghat Route: This route is more direct and hence prone to having more traffic. Since it is a highway, there are many heavy vehicles also plying on the road. There are ongoing road expansions that can deter you from speeding up, even though the route is more direct. Also, opt to travel when there is ample daylight in the ghat section for safety.
- Distance: 93.1 km
- Driving time: 2.7 hrs
Places of interest via Chikmagalur while journeying from Bangalore to Mangalore
- Shettyhalli Church: Also known as the ‘Submerged Church’ or the ‘Floating Church’, the ruins of this church attract many visitors. It is called so owing to its submergence in water during the monsoon season.
- Belur and Halebeedu: Take some time off to visit the architectural beauty of the Chennakesava temple, Belur and the Hoysaleswara and Kedareswara temples in Halebeedu.
- Chikmagalur: If you can break your journey at Chikmagalur before proceeding towards Mangalore, you can visit Mullayanagiri for breathtaking mountain views, Baba Budangiri for trekking and some memorable coffee experiences.
Also read
- 8 Things To Do On A One Day Mangalore Trip
- Mangalore – A City of Diverse Culture
- Enchanting Travel: 5 Scenic Road Trips From Bangalore