Goa has always been the favorite destination of Indian travelers – be it beach lovers, adventure seekers, party people, or even laidback tourists. There’s something special about this beachy, bubbly destination that lures people to visit it, especially at a time like now when traveling has taken a backseat for a while. Once the situation starts getting back to normal, can there be anything more exciting than a trip to Goa? Even better if it’s a road trip, right?
Now, a trip from Bangalore to Goa by road is something every traveler must take at least once in their lifetime. So if you haven’t until now, there couldn’t be a better time than post lockdown. The scenic beauty of the routes that lead from the Silicon Valley of India to the country’s party destination is breathtaking, to say the least.
If a weekend trip from Bangalore to Goa by car is on your mind, read on. This blog talks about the different routes you can take and the attractions and stopovers in each.
Popular Routes from Bangalore to Goa
There are four different trails that you can follow when you take a road trip to Goa from Bangalore. The best part is that each of the routes has a charm of its own. You can explore several natural and man-made attractions on the way, without having to deviate too much from your course. You can even take two different routes for your onward and return journey and make the most of your road trip. So, here’s an outline of these popular routes.
Route 1: The Hubli – Anmod Ghat Route
Route 1: The Hubli – Anmod Ghat Route
One of the most picturesque trails from Bangalore, the Hubli-Anmod Ghat route is your best bet if your destination is North Goa. Magnificent views of the Western Ghats and excellent road conditions will enhance your road trip experience. You can check out quite a few places en route, which makes this trail a fascinating option for everyone, especially history lovers. There is also a waterfall and a deer sanctuary you can explore on the way, so if you are traveling with your family and kids, you know which route to take. The best part is that this is among the relatively shorter routes for a trip to Goa from Bangalore.
Route: Starting from Bangalore, you will pass through Tumkur, Chitradurga, Hubli, Dharwad, Ramnagar, Anmod, and finally reach Panaji.
Distance: 600 km (approx.)
Travel Time: 9 hours (approx.) without any detours
Popular Stopovers:
- Chitradurga Fort: Nestled amidst a flat valley, the historic Chitradurga Fort boasts of seven concentric fortification walls. Also known as the Seven Circles Fort or Stone Fortress, the fort precincts offer panoramic views of the valleys.
- Ranebennur Blackbuck Deer Sanctuary: If you are a wildlife enthusiast, a detour of a few kilometers will lead you to Ranebennur that houses the protected blackbucks as well as the highly endangered great Indian bustards.
- Sira and Haveri: Are you a history buff? Then, a drive through the historically relevant and quaint towns of Haveri and Sira will leave you thrilled.
- Anmod Ghats: One of the prime attractions of this route is the splendid Anmod Ghats that boasts of some of the stunning waterfalls near Bangalore and offers excellent opportunities for shutterbugs to capture spectacular shots.
- Dudhsagar Falls: When it comes to scenic beauty, the Dudhsagar Falls definitely takes the cake. It is a four-tiered waterfall that rushes down against a green background of the Western Ghats and offers a sight to behold and cherish.
Suggested Stops for Breakfast and Lunch
You can stop at Kottureshwara in Davanagere to enjoy a satisfying breakfast of hot and yummy Benne Dosa. You can also stop at Kamat Upachar or Café Coffee Day at Sira and tuck in their delicious breakfast spreads along with steaming cups of coffee. For lunch, you can make a stop at Mollem at either the Mollem Karibu Garden Restaurant or the Roshan Restaurant, both of which are popular places, known for their food and service. While options for meals are aplenty en route, it’s best if you carry your own food for the road considering the current situation.
Route 2: The Karwar Route
Route 2: The Karwar Route
When you are traveling from Bangalore to the southern parts of Goa, this route is among the best ones to follow. Soaked in the beauty of the Western Ghats, this route will lead you to your destination via NH 48, followed by NH 66. The Karwar route offers excellent excuses for every nature lover to stop and enjoy some scenic delights. At the same time, it also holds a prime attraction for the curious souls who are interested to learn a thing or two about warships, namely the Karwar Warship Museum.
Route: You will be reaching Goa via Nelamangala, Tumkur, Chitradurga, Sirsi, Ankola, and Karwar.
Distance: 620 km (approx.)
Travel Time: 12 hours (approx.) without any detours
Popular Stopovers:
- Jog Falls: Jog Falls, which ranks second in the list of plunge waterfalls in the country, is one of the best sights this route has to offer. But you will have to go on a detour off Sirsi to reach the falls. Trust us; the detour is totally worth it!
- Gokarna: If you believe that the beaches in Goa epitomize natural beauty, then you must make a detour to Gokarna on your trip. A picturesque haven of sand and surf, it is one of the best spots to indulge in some exciting water sports. Make sure to visit the Om Beach and Paradise Beach while you are in Gokarna.
- Karwar Warship Museum: Standing on the Rabindranath Tagore Beach in Karwar, INS Chapal (K94) is a warship that now serves as a museum. While you are here, don’t forget to check out replicas of torpedoes and missile launchers.
Suggested Stops for Breakfast and Lunch
You can enjoy a wholesome breakfast at Upadhya Veg Restaurant located just before reaching Chitradurga (after you have crossed the windmills). As far as lunch is concerned, Karwar has quite a few good spots for the same. Hotel Amrut (famous for seafood delicacies) and Swetha Lunch Home are worth a visit. If you are looking for vegetarian options, you can head over to the Udupi Café. Another option is to stock up some snacks and keep some easy-to-eat meal options like sandwiches, stuffed paranthas, fruits, etc. for the road to avoid multiple stops en route.
Route 3: The Belgaum Route
Route 3: The Belgaum Route
If you go through any Bangalore to Goa road trip blogs, you will realize that this route is preferred by many road-trippers and for all the right reasons. Adorned with lush green landscapes, sparkling waterfalls, forts, and caves, the journey is nothing short of a fascinating experience in itself. For those who are planning a holiday in North Goa, this route, which takes you through NH 75, is an ideal option. Once you reach Belgaum, you will be driving under a canopy of trees, with valleys and green fields adding to the scenic beauty of the route. And that’s what makes this route a hot favorite among nature lovers.
- Route: This route starts at Bangalore and traces its way through Nelamangala, Tumkur, Chitradurga, Belgaum, Chorla Ghat, and Panaji.
- Distance: 630 km (approx.)
- Travel Time: 11 hours (approx.) without any detours
Popular Stopovers:
- Surla Waterfalls: Roaring down against a lush green background, this milky white waterfall offers a refreshing sight for the tired eyes. It is also a great spot for trekking all year round.
- Belgaum Fort: The historically significant Belgaum Fort is one of the oldest forts in Karnataka and a visit to this place is often recommended among the things to do in Bangalore and its surrounding areas. The colossal structure is built in an oval shape. History buffs will love to explore this ancient beauty.
- Anjunem Keri Dam: For the shutterbugs, the Anjunem Keri Dam presents ample opportunities to try their skills at capturing stunning sights. It will also be a delightful experience to just soak in the tranquil sights and sounds of the dam.
- Chorla Ghat: Part of the Sahyadri Mountain Range in the Western Ghats, the Chorla Ghat abounds with lush greenery and a number of waterfalls. This is a place where you can get a glimpse of several species of birds.
- Arvalem Caves: Also known as Pandava Caves, these are among the hidden gems of Goa. Located in the Sanquelim village, the rock-cut caves date back to the 6th century BC. Away from the trendy pubs in Bangalore and the nightclubs in Goa, this place has a quaint charm of its own.
Suggested Stops for Breakfast and Lunch
If you love having South Indian delights at your breakfast table, make a stop at the Pavitra Idli Hotel on NH 4, close to Tumkur, and dig into some of their soft and fluffy thatte idlis and vadas with dollops of butter. The place may seem like one of those busy joints for street foods in Bangalore, but it is the taste of the food here that draws in the crowd. Do not forget to try their filter coffee, which tastes awesome. You can stop at Paratha Cornet at Belgaum for a fulfilling lunch. Another good option is to stop at Delta Eco Huts that you can locate on the highway before you turn towards the Surla Falls. Although if you can skip on making multiple stops en route, it would be better.
Route 4: The Twin Falls Route
Route 4: The Twin Falls Route
The Twin Falls route is among the longest ones you can take to reach Goa from Bangalore. However, captivating vistas will keep you company throughout your journey. This is a popular Bangalore Goa bus route and you can see many Karnataka State Transport buses plying this route. The trail will take you through NH 4, NH 63, and NH 17, all of which are in good condition. And guess what the best part is? You can make a detour to enjoy two enchanting waterfalls en route, namely Magod Falls and Vibhuti Falls. And you guessed it right – the route gets its name from these two waterfalls.
- Route: Once you start from Bangalore, you will cross Hubli, Yellapur, Ankola, Karwar, Canacona, Margao, before you reach Panjim.
- Distance: 680 km (approx.)
- Travel Time: 11 hours (approx.) without any detours
Popular Stopovers:
- Magod Falls: This two-tier waterfall formed by the River Bedti falls from a height of about 200 m, presenting a picturesque sight. You will have to undergo a detour of 12 km from the highway to reach the waterfall.
- Kavadi Kere Lake: Surrounded by hills, the Kavadi Kere Lake is a picture of serenity. Do not miss out on visiting the ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Durga situated near the lake.
- Vibhuti Falls: Located close to Sirsi town, Vibhuti is a gorgeous waterfall that remains hidden in the Western Ghats. It is a perennial waterfall that cascades over the rocks and offers a breath-taking sight. A 14-km-detour from the highway will bring you to this waterfall.
Suggested Stops for Breakfast and Lunch
Make a stop at the Sai Palace Restaurant that is located between Sira and Hiriyur and indulge in a filling South Indian breakfast along with tasty filter coffee or tea. Kamat Upachar near Ankola is a good place to stop over for lunch. There is a chance that some restaurants en route are closed considering the current situation so make sure you’re also carrying some home-cooked food or snacks with you, just in case.
And finally, you’ll be in Goa. Once you check-in at one of the hotels in Goa, have a fabulous time checking out the lovely beaches and the lively casinos in Goa. For the night birds among you, the pubs in Goa are a great place to let your hair down and shake a leg. After all, an escapade to this beachy paradise is all about having fun and beating the lockdown blues, isn’t it? So use this time to plan that much-awaited trip to the land of sand, sun, and surf!
Fab Safety Tips for Road Trips from Bangalore to Goa
All set to hit the road? Before you head off, take our two cents on the dos and don’ts of taking a trip from Bangalore to Goa.
- Wear masks & gloves
- Wash your hands whenever you get out of the car or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Choose a 100% hygienic hotel for a safe stay
- Prefer bottled water and eat only at a clean restaurant
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth frequently
- Take Vitamin C and D along with zinc daily to boost your immunity
- Carry essentials like torch, hand sanitizer, light food, protein bars, sleeping bag and water
- Carry a pair of comfortable shoes in your luggage
Always keep a map handy or download offline maps when you are on your own and out exploring any unknown territory
Also read: Top 25 Places to Visit in South Goa | 28 Wonderful Places to Visit in North Goa
And obviously, follow all the COVID-19-related guidelines issued by WHO including hygiene practices and social distancing
Planning for a Goa trip? checkout: Couple friendly hotels in Goa | Budget hotels near Goa Airport
