If you are an avid traveler, you can never deny that road trips have a wonderful charm and offer some of the best adventures of your life. The thrill of driving to your favored destination and numerous surprises on the driveway is undoubtedly heaven for experiential travelers and adventure buffs. As you might have heard, it is not always about the destination but the journey that matters.
And given India’s unlimited diversity in geographical landscape and climatic conditions, road trips can be fun, with each trip offering distinctive native experiences. One route that presents some truly surreal adventures is the journey between Bangalore and Mysore via the newly constructed expressway between these two prominent south Indian cities.
A scenic road trip on the Bangalore to Mysore expressway
Situated approximately 150 km from each other, the trip between Bangalore to Mysore unravels magnificent temples, quaint towns, local cuisines, and scenic backdrops that are some of the best in Karnataka state.
Inaugurated in 2003, State highway 17 (SH-17), famously known as the Bangalore to Mysore expressway, runs through the major towns of Ramanagara, Bidadi, Maddur, Channapatna, Mandya, and Srirangapatna. A remarkably popular and well-maintained expressway, this route is unquestionably a treat to eyes that you can explore via booking private Bangalore to Mysore cabs for a scenic road trip.
Popular scenic attractions along the way
Here are some prominent scenic attractions you can visit when driving via Bangalore to the Mysore expressway.
- Ramnagar
Popularly known as the silk town, Ramnagar has a booming sericulture industry making it the most extensive market for silk cocoons in Asia. The silk made here is the prime input and raw material for the world-renowned Mysore silk sarees. Housing several endangered bird species like the long-billed vulture and yellow-throated bulbul, Ramnagar is home to India’s exclusive Vulture Sanctuary.
Moreover, if you are a history buff or have a religious inclination, do not miss visiting the ancient Ramadevara Betta temple that dates back to about a hundred centuries and is dedicated to Lord Rama. Encompassed by lush greenery, the place is scenic and offers spectacular views of the surroundings from the hilltop.
- Channapatna
Approximately 60 km from Bangalore is the village of dolls, Channapatna. Furthermore, this town has to be on your list if you are a regional art and craft fan. Well-known for vivid colored wooden toys that date back to the era of Tipu Sultan, the toys of Channapatna are entirely handmade. Essentially made from ivory, the toys are now built from an expansive variety of wood, including rose, teak, pine, and cedar.
- Maddur, Mandya and Melkote
When driving through the Bangalore to Mysore expressway, your next stop should be the village of Maddur. You can stop at this quaint village to savor the famous Maddur Vada, a delicious snack made from rice flour and onions.
Unique to the state of Karnataka, Maddur Vada is an ideal complement to a cup of tea or filter coffee. As you reach the town of Mandya, take a detour toward Melukote. Situated roughly 36 km north of Mandya, Melukote accommodates the renowned Yoganarasimha and Cheluva Narayana Swamy temples, considered two of the state’s most sacred places.
Apart from the different scenic locations and panoramas along the way between Bangalore and Mysore, this highway is full of vigor. In addition, countless eateries offer south and north Indian delicacies spanning various cuisines and a scenic route you can tour via Bangalore car rental for the perfect road trip experience.
