A road trip from Bengaluru to Kodagu is not only a road trip from one place to the other. You leave behind the chaos of Bengaluru, go through Mysuru and Hunsur, approach Kushalnagar and eventually the greenery, plantations and hills surround you.
The journey to Madikeri is roughly 250-270 km, which can take around five to six hours if you do not have any stops. With traffic, weather, road conditions and sightseeing stops in between, it is those gradual changes on the way that make this road trip memorable.
The Journey Begins in Bengaluru
An early start can make the journey a comfortable one. Bengaluru traffic can take your time, which means if you want to get ahead of it, you must leave as the sun rises.
Once you are out of the city, the Bengaluru-Mysuru corridor is a wide strip of a relatively easy highway. There is no need to speed; the journey makes as much sense as the destination.
Bengaluru to Mysuru: The Highway Stretch
Mysuru is a good place to stop for breakfast, coffee, fuel or a break. It is as well a good point to assess the weather and route you will take towards Kodagu.
The surroundings will gradually change once you leave Mysuru behind, turning more and more 'countryside'. The chaos of the city disappears as you make your way towards Hunsur.
Mysuru to Hunsur: When the City Starts Disappearing
The road ahead takes you through smaller settlements, open stretches and countryside. Local traffic, buses and motorbikes draw your attention, which means that keeping a comfortable speed and a careful overtake is a must.
You may not see any dramatic hills yet, but the changes in the scenery give you a sense that you are getting closer to Kodagu.
Hunsur to Kushalnagar: The Greenery Takes Over
As you approach Kushalnagar, you will notice more and more greenery and plantations. It is a good point to stop for fuel, food or a tea break before you continue your journey towards Madikeri.
A Cultural Stop at Bylakuppe
A cultural detour around Kushalnagar is the Bylakuppe, where the Namdroling Monastery, popularly known as the Golden Temple, attracts thousands of devotees every year. You can admire the grandeur of Tibetan Buddhist architecture, with golden statues of Lord Buddha.
It can add a different dimension to your road trip, although you can skip this stop if you are pressed for time.
Kushalnagar to Madikeri: The Road Gets More Interesting
Once you are past Kushalnagar, the road continues to change character gradually. It twists and turns as you enter the 'green' Kodagu. Curves and slow-moving traffic demand your attention, especially at blind turns.
Seeing through the mist and rain can be challenging. Slow down, keep a distance and avoid sudden overtaking. The journey can take longer than what your navigation app says, but it is safer to arrive late than to run into an accident.
Coffee Plantations and the Landscape of Kodagu
Kodagu is a land of coffee plantations, forests, hills and dramatic landscape that you stumble upon as you move deep into the region. More and more plantations and green stretches of different shades greet you as you move deeper into Kodagu.
The monsoon can make the region even greener, and the mist can make the hills look mysterious, but it can also cut off your visibility.
What Can Make the Road Trip Difficult?
Bengaluru Traffic
Heavy traffic can eat into your time, more so if you leave late.
Changing Road Conditions
The journey can take you from a super highway to roads with local traffic and winding hills.
Rain and Mist
The weather can play tricks on you, especially around the hills.
Driving Fatigue
Driving for five or six hours can be tiring, which means you should not push yourself to continuous drives.
What Can You See After Reaching Madikeri?
Once you reach Madikeri, you can explore Abbey Falls, Raja's Seat, Mandalpatti, Talacauvery and Dubare, depending on the time you have. However, after driving for so long, sometimes the best thing to do is check-in somewhere, have a warm meal and enjoy the evenings wrapped in greenery.
The Road Is Part of the Destination
A road trip from Bengaluru to Kodagu may only be 250-270 km, but it has been a journey for me. It has been watching Bengaluru disappear in the rearview mirror and witnessing the gradual change in scenery after Mysuru, as I made my way through Hunsur and Kushalnagar to reach the winding green roads of Kodagu. Once I reached Madikeri, I realised that the journey had been as important as the destination.