Experience the monsoon getaways from Bangalore. Places like Shimoga, Gokarna and Mahabaleshwar are one of the best monsoon getaways from Bangalore.
Bengaluru >> Shivamogga >> Gokarna >> Goa >> Mahabaleshwar >> Mumbai >> Pune >> Hyderabad >> Bengaluru (Approximately 2600 km)
BENGALURU TO SHIVAMOGGA (337 km)
There are mainly three routes to reach out there.
These routes take approximately the same time. Check out for the least traffic route and head right away to Shimoga.
There are five elements that make for a great road trip – fantastic climate, great company, good food, interesting sights, and finally, an awesome four-wheeler.
Shimoga is also known as ‘Shivamogga’ is a wonderful place filled with mystical temples, picturesque landscape, lush greenery, and waterfalls. The driving distance between Bangalore and Shivamogga is 302 km. Monsoon is the ideal time to head out to Shimoga, Karnataka. Four rivers namely Kumudvathi, Tungabhadra, Varada, and Sharavathi flow through this charming city.
Top Attractions in Shimoga
Jog Falls located near the Jog Village, around 100 km drive from Shimoga. Jog Falls is one of the main attractions of Shimoga. It is the highest untired waterfall in India located in Sagara, created by River Sharavathi.
The best time to visit Jog Falls is during and after the monsoon season. The fall has four cascades – ‘Raja’, ‘Roarer’, ‘Rocket’, and ‘Rani’. Visitors can walk down to the bottom of the falls which takes around 30 minutes.
Agumbe an untouched nature in Karnataka near Shimoga which is known to receive the highest rainfall. There are a few viewpoints, the sunset point, and waterfalls. Agumbe is a village with very few houses. The famous TV serial Malgudi Days was shot here.
Dabbe Falls is another remarkable waterfall that offers enchanting views to the visitors. Being a part of the Sharavati Valley of the lush green Western Ghats the waterfall is surrounded by a landscape of pristine beauty. The sound of the water as it gushes down the rocks in a steep descent and the resplendent atmosphere is hard to forget for anyone who visits the Dabbe Falls.
Kodachadri – An escape into nature, an amazing place for trekkers. This mountain in the Shivamoga region is one of the most spoken about the treks of Karnataka. There are two temples of the Mookambika Devi and the Adi Shankara Temple on top of the peak. These temples are both covered in between dense and misty forests, and this is also an adventure when you visit these.
SHIVAMOGGA TO GOKARNA (212 km)
Gokarna is a small temple town on the Western Coast of India in the Uttara Kannada district of the state of Karnataka. With its pristine beaches and incredible landscapes, Gokarna is a Hindu pilgrimage town in Karnataka and a hub for beach lovers and hippies.
Top Attractions in Gokarna
The Om Beach of Gokarna is one of the best places to have a great time. Shaped like the symbol ‘Om’, this beach offers several adventure sports to the junkies. This beach is formed by two semi crescents joined together. The fine sand lovely rock creations here attract a lot of travelers. The driving distance between Shivamogga and Gokarna is 212 km.
The Mahabaleshwar Temple, Gokarna is a 4th-century CE Hindu temple located in Gokarna, which is built in the classical Dravidian architectural style. The temple is beside the Arabian Sea and is surrounded by hills. This place is also known as “Bhookailas”.
Maha Ganapati Temple is located just a few meters away from Mahabaleshwar Temple. This temple was built in honor of Lord Ganesha, who succeeded in taking the Atmalinga away from Ravana. As per legend, tourists need to first visit this temple before heading towards Mahabaleshwar Temple.
Kudle Beach is one of the many beaches of Gokarna, situated only a few minutes’ walks from Gokarna Beach or Om Beach. Among all the beaches, Kudle Beach is one of the most visited ones because of its unmatched natural beauty. The beach has large cliffs around the ends in such a beautiful fashion that there is always a wonderful breeze blowing on you while you sit back and relax there.
Paradise Beach – The final beach along the coast of Gokarna town is Paradise Beach which is also known as Full Moon Beach. It can be accused by three different ways since there is no road connectivity one can board a motorboat from Om beach or Half-moon beach. Another way is to hike from the Half-moon beach. It is a 20 minutes hike and walking on the big rocks and going around the hill is enjoyable.
Murdeshwar is a town in Bhatkal Taluk of Uttara Kannada district in the state of Karnataka. The driving distance between Gokarna and Murudeshwara is 76 km. Murudeshwar is one of the most famous tourist places to visit in Karnataka, for its pilgrimage importance apart from the beach. Murudeshwar is famous for the world’s second tallest Shiva statue (123 ft) & tallest temple tower (249 ft) of Murudeshwar Temple. The sea on three sides surrounds the temple towering on the small hill called Kanduka Giri. This is a great place to watch the sunset.
GOKARNA TO GOA (144 km)
Colva Beach, Baga Beach, Calangute Beach, Anjuna Beach, Vagator Beach, Dudhsagar Falls, Se Cathedral, Bom Jesus Basilica, Aguada Fort, Chapora Fort, and Sri Mangueshi Temple are the popular Goa Tourist Places. With a seashore stretching for over 100 kilometers, Goa has numerous beaches that attract millions of visitors. Whether you are looking to party or relax, Goa nightlife has something for everyone.
Top Attractions in Goa
Dudhsagar Falls is a four-tiered waterfall located on the Mandovi River. It is 60 km from Panaji by road and is located on the Madgaon-Belagavi rail route.
Jeep drive to the waterfall was full of off-roading crossing the rivers and finally reaching the pool. The showers and sights of this waterfall are so breathtaking that it can make anyone fall in love!
GOA TO MAHABALESHWAR (394 km)
Mahabaleshwar is a hill station in India’s forested Western Ghats range, south of Mumbai. This place is famous for strawberries and is also well known for its numerous rivers, magnificent cascades, and majestic peaks.
Top Attractions in Mahabaleshwar
Elephant’s Head Point – Serene place with majestic view after monsoon. The Elephant head point gives you a view of mountain actually in the shape of an elephant head and its trunk. From this point, tourist can also get a view of the Sahyadri mountain range. Apart from the attraction the Market Street offers memorabilia, leather footwear, baby carrots cosmetic ware, strawberries, roasted chickpeas and other sundry items to take away as mementos.
Lingmala Waterfalls is a must-visit, especially during monsoon. The sound of water is very soothing and nature gives you chill. Lingmala Waterfall is a breathtaking and absolutely awe-inspiring waterfall that is situated on the Mahabaleshwar-Pune Road. Situated at an altitude of 1278 m, Lingmala Waterfall is formed by Venna River. There are two waterfalls, one mini waterfall and the main waterfall which falls from a height of 500 feet.
Panchgani – The best season to visit Panchgani is the winters and the onset of summers. Panchgani in translation means five hills which means you have breathtakingly scenic places to visit. It is bestowed with beautiful colonial period cottages, forests, cool ambiance, fresh air, woody regions, and many more.
Mapro Garden is a famous tourist attraction nestled in the beautiful hill station of Panchgani. Mapro hosts the famous Strawberry Festival in the month of March/April during the Easter weekend. It is a must-visit place for everyone who is visiting Mahabaleshwar. They are having their retail outlet at this place. Before buying they are giving everything to taste. From here you can buy Strawberry products like chocolates, jams, fruit juice, etc.
Pratapgad is a hill fort in Maharashtra. It’s is 21 km from Mahabaleshwar on Mahad Road. Situated close to the famous hill station of Mahabaleshwar in the district of Satara, the citadel rises to an elevation of about 3500 feet from the ground.
Mini Kashmir – Also known as ‘Tapola’, This place is famous for the picturesque Shivsagar Lake, jungle treks, pastoral beauty and Eco Agro Tourism. Huge lake surrounded by beautiful valleys, its a reservoir of Koyna Dam. Get mesmerised by the simplistic beauty of this place.
MAHABALESHWAR TO MUMBAI (263 km)
A visit to Mumbai can inspire everyone because this heritage city is forever beaming with vibrance, vigor, and life. Mumbai is the sixth-most densely populated city in the world. Mumbai is one of the busiest cities in the world and also one of the most visited cities in Maharashtra.
Gateway of India is the most important landmark of the city of Mumbai. From beaches to Bollywood, the attractions and places to visit in Mumbai are diverse and interesting.
Top Attractions in Mumbai
Marine Drive is the most easily identifiable landmark associated with Mumbai and is indicative of the glamor and twinkle of the city. It stretches along the coastline of Arabian sea in South Mumbai. It is 3 km long Road which connects Nariman.
Bandra – Worli Sea Link is one of most beautiful Bridges of India. This famous sea link is also known by the name Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link.It connects the CST or churchgate end of the city to the Bandra on Western Line via Western Highway.
Sri Siddhivinayak Temple – This is must visit in Temple in Mumbai. It is said that if you pray here, all your wishes and dreams turn into reality if you wist this temple. If you are planning to visit it you must avoid going on tuesdays and Ekadashi’s because it is very crowded and the ques are long.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, formerly known as Victoria Terminus, is the most important train station in the city and in the railway network spread across Mumbai. Located in the heart of Mumbai, the CST is also a ‘World Heritage Site’ declared by UNESCO in 2004.
Chowpatty Beach – It is one of the best known public beaches adjoining Marine Drive in the Girgaon area of Mumbai, India. The beach is noted for its Ganesh Visarjan celebrations when thousands of people from all over Mumbai and Pune come to immerse the idols of Lord Ganesh in the Arabian Sea. Situated in the heart of the city, this shoreline is known for its nearby indulgences that one appreciates best with loved ones.
Versova Beach – A continuation of Juhu Beach towards the Andheri suburbs, Versova beach is comparatively less crowded and only separated by a creek from the former beach. Versova is a 20-minute auto ride from Andheri Railway station. The best to visit Versova beach from September to March when the weather is relatively pleasant.
The Gateway of India was build in order to welcome Queen Victoria who was coming from England. The Gateway of India is an arch monument built during the 20th century. After the Colonial Raj ended, this monument was Indianized and now is a tourist hot spot. the gateway faces the Arabian sea and is also flanked by the beautiful Marine Drive.
Juhu Beach – Mumbai was never complete without the famous Juhu Beach. This place is not a typical swimming and bathing beach, this beach is best visited on weekend afternoons and evenings, when it comes alive with children’s rides, carnival-like amusements and food stands.
Haji Ali Dargah is one of the oldest landmarks in Mumbai and you can go there only when the tide is low. A popular attraction here is to find a Tambourine Qawwalli performer singing religious songs. Many Mumbaikars, from every religion are said to have faith in the blessings of the Haji Ali Dargah and visit the place regularly for prayers.
Don’t MISS the Mumbai Street Food.
MUMBAI TO PUNE (148 km)
Mumbai Pune Expressway is a masterpiece and country’s best road ever built. Limit your top speed to 80 Km / hr as speeds in excess have have a risk of tyre bursts and can prove fatal. So fasten your seat belts, shift gears and zoom ahead. There are plenty of food options, and 90% of the people travelling on the Expressway stop here to freshen-up and to eat a quick snack or meal with hot tea or coffee.
Top Attractions in Pune
Shaniwar wada is located in the heart of the city and though may not look interesting in the scorching sun at daytime, comes alive at the twilight. Shaniwar wada is a historical fortification in the of Pune in Maharashtra.This place must visit for the tourist. This wada was built during the Peshwa Era.
Sinhagad is a hill located at around 35 km South West of the city of Pune. Monsoon is the best time to visist Sinhagad Fort and it’s the best place for trekking.
Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganapati Temple in Pune is dedicated to the Hindu God Ganesha. A visit to this temple is a must for any traveler.
History: Dagadusheth Halwai (Dagadusheth Gadve) was a Lingayat trader and Sweet maker (Halwai in Marathi). He originally came from Ausa, District Latur, Maharashtra, and settled in Pune. After he gained fame as a Halwai, that became his surname. His original Halwai shop still exists under the name Kaka Halwai near Datta Mandir in Pune.
Mr. Dagdusheth Halwai was a successful sweetmeat seller and a rich businessman. In the late 1800s, he lost his son in a plague epidemic. This caused Dagdusheth and his wife to go into a deep depression. To heal themselves, their Guru, Shri Madhavnath Maharaj recommended building a Ganesh temple. This was completed in 1893.
The temple is situated in the center of the city; the local shopping market is also the nearby temple. The trust organizes various cultural activities like music, concerts, bhajans, and Atharvasheersh recitation.
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Parvati Hill is located in 15 mins distance from Sarasbaug, Center of Pune. Best time to visit is early in the morning. The third Peshwa, Balaji Bajirao alias Nana Saheb built the temple, in 1749. It is a good example of the Maratha style of temple architecture. This is one of the most popular spot for Punaikars also has four smaller temples, dedicated to Ganesha, Bhavani, Vishnu and Surya.
Laxmi Road is the shopping hub for Puneites since many decades; especially ladies ? You can just find anything here – at very cheap rates. Parking is little difficult here. If you want to buy yourself some nice sarees and exquisite jewelry, Laxmi road is the best option. It houses several shops that have an amazing collection of Sarees, ranging from Silk, Cotton, Chiffon and many more- you name it and they have it.
The famous temple “Sri Dagdu Sheth Ganapati” is at a walkable distance from this place.
PUNE TO HYDERABAD (547 km)
Hyderabad is one of the historical cities in India. The city has Museums for art lovers, gardens for kids, lakes, and boating for young couples, shows & film city for family and all this is a very economical price. Language is never a problem if you know Hindi or English. Hyderabad has many different places to see from Charminar to Golconda fort; from Hussain Sagar lake to Falaknuma Palace.
Top Attractions in Hyderabad
Charminar – The magnificent rectangular structure was built by Quli Qutub Shah in 1591. Charminar is a global icon of Hyderabad and it’s listed as an archaeological and architectural treasure on the official “List of Monuments” prepared by the Archaeological Survey of India. Roads are narrow, so you have to be careful. Laad Bazar area must is wonderful to travel in the night when glittering lights sparkles bangles hanged in shops. People often visit hear for Pearls, Bangles, etc. The best part of this place is Irani Chai and Biscuits.
Golconda Fort (“Round shaped hill”) is an outstanding example of brilliant engineering and magical architecture. Located at a distance of 11km from the city. It is one of the biggest fortresses in the Deccan Plateau that rests above the land at approximately 400 ft. Built around 12th and 16th Centuries by various Qutub Shahi rulers, this fort has a rich history that is almost 400 years old. It is definitely a place worth visiting in case you are traveling to the South of India.
Hussain Sagar Lake is located at the center of the city. You can enjoy the boat ride in the evening hours to Buddha Statue. The statue is on the middle of the lake, where Lord Buddha statue is in white granite standing on the ‘Rock of Gibraltar’. This statue of Buddha is about 16 meters high and weighs about 350 tonnes. 3D laser show and musical fountains are available in the evening time. There are many other places near to the Hussain Sagar Lake like Necklace Road, NTR Garden, Lumbini Park etc.
Salar Jung Museum – A museum with all the traditional Deccan rulers’ weaponry, antique furniture, jewelry, old currency, crockery, ancient scriptures. Salar Jung Museum is situated on the banks of River Musi. This Museum exhibits artifacts that were collected by Salabat Jungs, the Nizam of Hyderabad.
The Chowmahella Palace was constructed by the Asif Jahi Nizams of Hyderabad. Chowmoholla means “Four Palaces” consists of two stupendous courtyards, marvelous palaces, Durbar hall, clock tower & council hall. The southern courtyard is the oldest part and it has four palaces named Afzal Mahal, Mahtab Mahal, Tahniyal Mahal, and Aftab Mahal.
Birla Mandir in Hyderabad, dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara of Tirumala Tirupati Temple is said that a whopping quantity of white marble, which is almost 2000 tones, was brought from Rajasthan for building this temple. From Birla temple, you can see the entire Hussain Sagar Lake.
Ramoji Film City is World’s Largest Film City complex spread across 2000acres of land is the first choice of every film maker for Bollywood, Tollywood Film Shoot & a must visit Tourist Destination. Spread across a sprawling 2000 acres; Cerified by the Guinness World Records as the world’s largest Film studio complex, Ramoji Film City attracts millions of tourists every year from all over India.
Chilkur Balaji Temple, popularly known as “Visa Balaji Temple”, is an ancient Hindu temple of Lord Balaji on the banks of Osman Sagar in Hyderabad. They say, that with a parikrama of the temple 11 times, the wish is bound to fulfill. And once such a wish is fulfilled, the devotees come back and do a 108 parikrama. There was a continuous chant of mantras. There is no hundi in the temple.
Best places to eat in Hyderabad
HYDERABAD TO BANGALORE (563 km)
Hyderabad >> Jedcharla >> Kurnool >> Dhone >> Gutty >> Ananthpur >> Penugonda >> Bagepally >> Chikballapur >> Hebbal >> Bangalore