Bangalore to Mysore to Coorg: Once in a Lifetime Monsoon Road Trip
India’s monsoons personify as revival, beauty and adventure. The sight of landscapes turning into lush green backdrops tend to bring out the traveller within all of us. For those looking to make the most of monsoon showers without the overbearing pressure of long vacation planning, road trip from Bangalore to Mysore to Coorg is one of most scenic and culturally engaging road journeys during monsoon. This South India itinerary combines urban vibrancy, royal heritage and misty mountains making it an unforgettable car journey.
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Starting Point: Bangalore – The Silicon Valley of India
The journey begins at Bangalore which is a bustling city famous for its cosmopolitan culture and tech-savvy residents. However, upon leaving the city, one comes across vast open fields, swaying coconut trees and wet roads caused by the rain. This transition from Bangalore especially during monsoons provides a calm respite from the hustle and bustle.
Bangalore to Mysore
Distance: 150 km
Travel Time: 3 to 4 hours
The Bangalore-Mysore road trip through NH 275 is known for being a well maintained and popular route. It’s ideal for those who prefer long drives with extra charm from rains falling on it in monsoon season. The rain drops gently fell like drizzle on our windscreen thus setting favourable conditions for a cool trip.
On the way from Bangalore to Mysore, there are few notable stops:
Channapatna: Channapatna is renowned for its handcrafted wooden toys making it an ideal spot to get your souvenirs when you visit this place. These bright coloured toys stand out against the dullness of rainy clouds above.
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary: Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is found along Kaveri River; this offers home to many species of birds hence birders enjoy their time here. During this time migrating birds come down with the monsoon so taking a boat ride in the sanctuary offers a new experience.
Upon arrival in Mysore, the grandeur of this city is impossible to ignore. This “City of Palaces” has all the trappings of royalty. The soft glow of rain soaked clouds only make Mysore Palace more breathtaking, with its Indo-Saracenic architecture. While you are here take a short walk around the palace or head to Chamundi Hill and savour the panoramic view of the city.
Mysore to Coorg: Into the Heart of Nature
Distance: 120 km
Travel Time: 3 to 4 hours
Leaving behind regal Mysore city, going towards Coorg through this same way would be a delightful sightseeing experience. As you climb up the Western Ghats, you can notice some significant changes in the landscape. The air becomes cooler; roads meander through dense forests while mist hugs rolling hills gently. As one nears Coorg, they will sniff wet mud mixed with coffee plantations’ scent taking over their senses.
The notable place on this route is Kushalnagar, which has a Tibetan settlement featuring Namdroling Monastery (Golden Temple). With serenity enveloping this place especially during monsoons; it is worth spending several hours here. Amidst darkening skies one sees shining spires of golden temple promising best space for meditation or contemplation as well as offering good reflection spots for that matter.
Coorg: The Scotland of India
Often known as the “Scotland of India”, Coorg (or Kodagu) is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. It has undulating hills, thick jungles and coffee plantations, which makes it one of the most beautiful mountain stations in India. However, during monsoon time, the charm of Coorg cannot be compared to anything else when the hills make lush green carpets and rain fragrance fills the air.
Top Tourist Attractions in Coorg During Monsoon
Abbey Falls Coorg: This waterfall swells in the monsoons located amidst coffee plantations. It is an amazing sight with water gushing down from the rocks and mist rising up from falls.
Raja’s Seat: Raja’s Seat is a famous viewpoint in Coorg and provides spectacular views of valleys below it. During monsoons clouds hover around hills making them appear like something out of a dream.
Dubare Elephant Camp: In fact, spending some time with elephants in Dubare Elephant Camp is one unique experience every visitor to Coorg must not miss. Elephants can be seen around and even bathed at Dubare Elephant Camp.The lush green canopy created by rainforest during monsoon enhances this experience even more.
Coffee Plantations: Coffee and Coorg are inseparable; therefore, visiting coffee plantations during rainy season will give you one of those unforgettable moments for your senses only.if you want to walk through these estates for fresh pungent smell of damp earth after rain or know about growing coffee while sipping fresh brews then go ahead.The leaves on coffee plants are decorated by tiny droplets from rains enhancing beauty on these estates during rainy season.
Tadiandamol Trek: Tadiandamol trek provides one of the best experiences to partake during monsoons if you love adventure in the Coorg region.The trek will take you through dense woods, waterfalls and misty trails with panoramic views of the Western Ghats.
Why This South India Road Trip Stands Out
The Bangalore-Mysore-Coorg route is beautiful at any time of the year, but in monsoons it turns into a magical journey. Rain makes everything better from lush landscapes to cultural detours. Though sometimes foggy, these roadscape offer some kind of solitude which is hard to find at other times of the year.
For those who enjoy nature or are photographers and those seeking peace and quiet this trip has it all. Mysore’s rich history combined with Coorg’s natural beauty offers both culture and adventure making this journey ideal for relaxation too.
Practical Things to Remember For a Monsoon Road Trip in India
Check your vehicle: Make sure that your car is in good condition before setting off because monsoon driving requires nice tyres, working wipers and dependable headlights.
Drive cautiously: Cars can skid due to rain especially on Coorg hilly areas during monsoon so maintaining a reasonable speed should be ensured while taking care on corners too.
Pack wisely: Carry rain gear including umbrellas, raincoats, waterproof shoes plus extra clothes and towels.
Make sure to reserve a room in advance as Coorg is a popular tourist spot primarily during monsoon. You will be guaranteed the best lodging if you book your accommodation on time.
Essential things like food, drinking water, and first aid kit would be necessary during a road trip such as this especially in the rainy season when there could be delays due to weather conditions.
A drive from Bangalore to Coorg via Mysore during the monsoons is an experience that one never forgets because it is a journey that unfolds the essence of South India – from the grandeur of Mysore to the serenity of Coorg, all made livelier by rains that bring out more charm at each stop soaking up scenic beauty in togetherness with other attractions which include the falls, coffee gardens and sitting idly listening to the droplets falling off above your head.