A weekend away from Bangalore often means Mysore and Coorg. One is a city of palaces and silk, the other a hill district of coffee estates and mist. They are not far from each other, and with a cab you can see both without the stress of driving through the Friday evening traffic. This guide explains how the weekend can be planned, what the road is like, and the points to check in your booking.
The road from Bangalore to Mysore
The expressway between Bangalore and Mysore has made the journey quicker and smoother than before. It is a controlled access road with rules for vehicles and speed, and it passes by places such as Ramanagara and Channapatna, where wooden toys are made. Many travellers still stop at the towns for food and a break. Because of the rules and cameras on the road, a driver who knows it keeps a steady, legal speed.
If your plan includes a long lunch or a visit to a coffee estate, tell the driver your timing, so that he can plan the drive in sections. Many travellers like to stop at a roadside place for a south Indian breakfast on the expressway side, which breaks the journey nicely. Keep stops short in the early morning, so that you reach Mysore before the heat and the crowd at the palace.
Beating the Friday traffic
Leaving Bangalore on a Friday evening is slow, because the city's roads fill with people heading out for the weekend. If you can, leave early in the morning on Saturday, or on Friday before the evening rush. The same is true for the return on Sunday evening, when traffic into the city is heavy. A rested driver who knows the exit points is worth a lot on these days.
A plan for Saturday and Sunday
A common plan is to spend Saturday in Mysore, and drive to Coorg the same evening or on Sunday morning. In Mysore, the palace is the main sight, and the city also has a zoo, a hill with a temple, and markets for silk and sandalwood. The palace is lit up on some days and during festivals, which is a good reason to stay the evening.
From Mysore, Coorg, also called Kodagu, is a drive of a few hours through the hills. The main town is Madikeri, with a fort and a viewpoint, and the countryside around has waterfalls, coffee estates and monasteries. With one night in Coorg, you can see a few places, enjoy the weather, and return to Bangalore on Sunday.
- Saturday morning: expressway to Mysore, palace and city
- Saturday evening: Mysore lights, or drive on to Coorg
- Sunday: Madikeri, a waterfall or a coffee estate
- Sunday late afternoon: start back, with time for traffic
The best season
The best months for Coorg are October to March, when the weather is cool and the hills are green. In the monsoon, from June to September, there is heavy rain and mist, and some roads can be slow. Waterfalls look their best then, but the roads need care. Mysore is comfortable for most of the year, and its festival season in autumn is the most crowded time.
The hill roads in Coorg
The roads to and around Madikeri have bends and can be slippery in the rain. Estate roads are often narrow and steep. A driver who knows the area saves you from awkward moments and knows which roads are open after heavy rain. Do not plan long drives after dark in the hills.
The hills of Coorg are cooler than the plains, and the weather can change fast. Carry a light jacket and an umbrella in the monsoon, and shoes with a grip if you plan to walk to a waterfall. Estate stays often have limited network, so share the address of your stay with someone at home, and save the driver's number on your phone before you leave.
Round trip or two drops
For a weekend with two overnight stops, a round trip is the simplest booking, because the driver and car are with you for the whole trip and the plan can change as you like. Check the daily minimum and the driver's night halt in the quote. If you end the trip in Mysore and take a train back, a one way drop to Mysore is enough.
Whether to choose a round trip or a drop also depends on how many people travel. A group of five or six may choose an Innova or a similar vehicle, which gives each person room for the long drive, and splits the cost across more people. Check the luggage space too, since a weekend bag for each person adds up, and a full car is not comfortable on the hill roads.
Questions
Is a weekend enough for Mysore and Coorg?
Yes, with an early start on Saturday and one night in Coorg. You will not see everything, but you will cover the main places.
When is Coorg at its best?
October to March is cool and pleasant. The monsoon is green and wet, and roads need extra care.
How do I avoid the Friday traffic out of Bangalore?
Leave early on Saturday or before the Friday evening rush. Coming back, avoid the late Sunday evening hours.
Should I book a drop taxi or a round trip?
A round trip suits a weekend with several stops. A drop taxi suits you if you plan to return by train or bus.