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As Walt Whitman puts it “I take to the open road, healthy, free, the world before me.”, a road trip will make you feel all of it, at once! One of the best ways to explore the beauty of nature is by undertaking a road trip. Gushing rivers, calm seas, giant mountains, and above all green carpets welcome you at each step, making the overall trip more refreshing. While all these are some of the basic returns a good road trip embodies, there are a handful of exotic locales that primarily take the center stage.

Road trips from Mangalore are blessed with all the above features and much more that excites every wanderlust. Each journey taken from Mangalore to the list of destinations around is power-packed with hidden beauty. To make your upcoming trip even more fascinating, here is a compiled guide that will help you to set foot on some of the exciting destinations away from the gorgeous city of Mangalore.

7 Best Road Trips From Mangalore

If you were wondering where the road trips from Mangalore will lead you then stop wondering and read on! We have listed out some of the best places for you to take a road trip to and have an exciting time!

1. Halebid – 171 Km From Mangalore
2. Siddapur – 233.5 Km From Mangalore
3. Bhadra – 129 Km From Mangalore
4. Kumta – 208 Km From Mangalore
5. Sirsi – 268 Km From Mangalore
6. Karkala – 52 Km From Mangalore
7. Kakkabe – 162 Km From Mangalore

1. Halebid

Halebid

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One of the absolute best road trips from Mangalore will lead you to Halebid. Located at a distance of 171 km from Mangalore city, the city once served as a capital for the Hoysala empire. While arts and architecture rule the place until today the locale also abounds with numerous temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. A tour around the city will certainly provide a gateway to the yesteryear culture that is carefully locked and kept alive until now in the form of scriptures. Halebidu is also regarded as a famous heritage site of the country and is a favorable option for a road trip.

Things to do in Halebidu: Sightseeing, Pilgrimage.
Ideal for: Adventure, family, friends
Distance: 171 km

Must Read: 23 Mesmerizing Places To Visit In Mangalore For A Peaceful Sojourn

2. Siddapur

Siddapur

Image Credit: sachinbv for Wikimedia commons

This small yet intriguing town is a respite for all nature lovers. Nestled away at a distance of 177 km from Mangalore in the Kodagu district, Siddapur is famed for its natural beauty and makes for one of the best Mangalore road trips. The town is perched at an elevation of 1,850 feet above sea level and experiences a pleasant climate for the most part of the year. Given its location, there are a plethora of places to visit in this rather sleepy town. One can either take a trek through the coffee and pineapple plantations, or stopover at the Burude waterfalls to enjoy its beauty. Also, while at place do not forget to make a visit to the Lakshmi Narayana and the Bankeshwara temple which also pose as one of the main attractions of this locale.

Things to do in Siddapur: Sightseeing, Pilgrimage.
Ideal for: Adventure, friends, family
Distance: 233.5 km

Suggested Read: These 5 Hotels Near Mangalore Have Everything That The Travelers Need For A Laid-back Vacay!

3. Bhadra

Bhadra

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The third destination to make it to the list is Bhadra. This spectacular town is renowned for the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary and is a paradise for nature lovers. While the dense green forests of the Western Ghats are home to over 120 varieties of flora and fauna including animals, there are other varieties of activity that can be enjoyed in the leafy wilderness. Visitors and adventure lovers get a choice to pick their favorites from the heap of activities like trekking, rock climbing, boating, bird watching, camping organized by the forest department. A natural getaway from all aspects, and one of the road trips from Mangalore destinations this is a gem of a place.

Things to do in Bhadra: Sightseeing, Trekking, Wildlife tour.
Ideal for: Adventure, Family, friends
Distance: 129 km

Suggested Read: 5 Remarkable Cottages In Mangalore For A Luxurious Staycation

4. Kumta

Kumta

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If you are looking to take a trip to one of the most impressive places near Mangalore, then Kumta shall be in your bucket list. Loaded with stunning beaches, monuments, and a rich culture to top it, the locale will never disappoint you. The overall distance from Mangalore to Kumta is 208 km and is adorned with changing landscapes at each step. While beaches and rock formations form the backbone of this ever-sprawling destination, there are also a handful of temples worth exploring in the main city. Apart from all these, what really takes away the limelight is the place Yana in the city which has its share of rock climbing and trekking trails for adventure lovers out there.

Things to do in Kumta: Sightseeing, Trekking, Rock climbing
Ideal for: Adventure, Family, friends
Distance: 208 km

Suggested Read: 4 Resorts Near Mangalore That Give You Space For Recreation And Rejuvenation!

5. Sirsi

Sirsi

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It is one of the popular destinations in the state of Karnataka and lies 268 km away from Mangalore. Located at the epicenter of the Western Ghats, it comes as no surprise to find lush greenery, streaming waterfalls in the locale. The town is blessed with scenic beauty which creates a perfect symphony with tropical forests and teeming wildlife. A popular spot for a weekend getaway, the town also has the famous Marikamba temple which sees a footfall of thousands of devotees each year.

Things to do in Sirsi: Sightseeing, Pilgrimage, Wildlife tour.
Ideal for: Family, friends
Distance: 268 km

Suggested Read: Top 16 Things To Do In Mangalore That Lets You Soak The Goodness Of This Port City

6. Karkala

Karkala

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Karkala is one of the stunning cities cuddled away on the map of Karnataka and makes for a great road trip near Mangalore. One of the secular cities in the country, the place has a history that dates back to the 10th century. There are a number of Jain Basadis and temples all around the city where one can take a glimpse of the glorious past . But what really catches the attention is the 42 feet Gomateshwara Statue. As the town celebrates all religions one can also find elegant churches, mosques all dotted around its perimeter. Set in the rocky terrains, the destination is a charmer in every way.

Things to do in Karkala: Sightseeing, Pilgrimage.
Ideal for: Family, friends
Distance: 52 km

Suggested Read: Mangalore In July: A Pocket Guide To Know More About This Hidden Beauty

7. Kakkabe

Kakkabe

Image Credit: booking.com

Located at a distance of 162 km away from Mangalore, this picturesque town is famous for the mountain peak Tadiandamol and an ideal road trip around Mangalore. With a daunting height of 1748 m above sea level, the peak is the second-highest in the state. Posing as a big-time challenge for trekkers and mountain climbers, the rocky terrain also is home to the Nalakand Palace and Padi Igguthappa temple which can be covered on the way towards the summit.

Things to do in Kakkabe: Sightseeing, Trekking, Pilgrimage.
Ideal for: Adventure, Family, friends
Distance: 162 km

Further Read: 8 Most Popular Homestays In Mangalore For A Heavenly Stay

Gone are the days when planning a road trip with family and friends was very difficult as routes were unknown and people feared dangers on the way. But with technology getting fast-paced and google maps guiding us on each step traveling has become a tad bit easier. Road trips from Mangalore are a natural detox. So get ready, pack your belongings and embark on a journey like never before with these excellent locales on your trip to Karnataka.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Road Trips From Mangalore

What are the places to visit on a trip from Mangalore?

The town of Mangalore has many exciting locations around its fringes. One can plan a journey to Sirsi, Kakkabe, Agumbe, Coorg, Gokarna and a lot more places from this locale.

What is the apt time to plan a journey to Mangalore?

Mangalore experiences a varied climatic change all throughout the year. However, the best time to visit the place will be from September to April as the climate remains pleasant.

What is the distance between Mangalore and Kakkabe?

The overall distance between the two destinations comes around 162 km that can be covered in 3-4 hours on average. The most preferred way of reaching the place will be via taxi or jeep.

What is Kakkabe famous for?

The place is home to the second-tallest peak of Karnataka “Tadiandamol”. The peak is around 1748 m above sea level and is renowned for trekking activities.

How to reach Sirsi from Mangalore?

The historical town of Sirsi is located 268 km away from Mangalore. Rich in history and architecture, the town is thronged by tourists to visit the famous Marikamba temple. One of the best possible ways to reach the place will be by hiring a jeep or a taxi.

How many days are required to visit Bhadra?

On average, a trip to Bhadra can be completed in a day. But to experience the thrill and adventure that lies in the destination it is advised to stay for two days and enjoy all the adventure activities and sightseeing places around the locale.

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Category: Karnataka, Mangalore, Road Trips, Things To Do

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