As we approach the Republic Day long weekend road trips from Bangalore 2026, the excitement for a three-day break is palpable. With January 26th falling on a Monday, travelers have a perfect Saturday-to-Monday window. If you’re planning last minute getaways near Bangalore for Republic Day, the best time to leave Bangalore for a long weekend road trip is before 6:00 AM on Saturday to beat the inevitable city-wide exodus.
Road Trips From Bangalore For Republic Day Weekend
1. Sakleshpur: The Misty Coffee Trails
For those wondering which is better for Republic Day: Coorg or Sakleshpur, Sakleshpur is the winner for those seeking untouched green vistas. It remains one of the less crowded hill stations near Bangalore 2026, where the air is thick with the aroma of ripening coffee beans and damp earth.
- Distance: 220 km (approx. 4.5 hours).
- Vibe: A lush, emerald landscape draped in morning mist. Unlike commercial hubs, Sakleshpur feels like a secret garden filled with gurgling streams and winding estate paths.
- Must-Visit: The star-shaped Manjarabad Fort, which offers a surreal “walking above the clouds” feeling. This Bangalore to Sakleshpur road trip guide 2026 also recommends stopping at Swathi Delicacy for the best breakfast stops on Bangalore-Hassan highway.
2. Gandikota: The Grand Canyon of India
Where is the Grand Canyon of India located? Tucked away in the Kadapa district, Gandikota is a rugged masterpiece of nature. It is a premier choice for offbeat road trips from Bangalore for long weekends, especially for those who prefer desert hues over forest greens.
- Distance: 280 km (approx. 6 hours).
- Vibe: Dramatic and prehistoric. Imagine towering, rust-red granite cliffs slicing through the landscape, with the quiet Pennar River snaking through the gorge floor below.
- Must-Visit: The massive Gandikota Fort complex. It is one of the most rewarding hidden gems within 5 hours of Bangalore, offering an almost Martian landscape for sunset photography.
3. Mysore: Heritage via the Expressway
The Bangalore to Mysore Expressway 2026 has turned this into a high-speed dash into the heart of Karnataka’s royalty. However, travelers often ask: Is the Bangalore-Mysore Expressway crowded on long weekends? Yes, the entry points near Kengeri can be bottlenecks, but the drive itself is buttery smooth.
- Distance: 145 km (approx. 2 hours).
- Vibe: Regally nostalgic. The city greets you with wide, tree-lined boulevards, the scent of Mysore Mallige (jasmine), and the grandeur of a bygone royal era.
- Must-Visit: The Mysore Palace, which glows like a golden jewel on Sunday nights. Note that the toll charges Bangalore to Mysore Expressway 2026 now total approx. INR 355 for a one-way trip for cars; ensure your FASTag is ready.
4. Coorg: The Scotland of India
Coorg remains a staple for the best scenic drives from Bangalore under 300km. While you should check the Bangalore to Coorg traffic status Republic Day (expect slow-moving lines near Kushalnagar), the destination is worth the patience.
- Distance: 250 km (approx. 5.5 hours).
- Vibe: Enchanting and sophisticated. Think rolling hills that look like a green carpet, punctuated by luxury plantation bungalows and the distant sound of waterfalls.
- Must-Visit: The Golden Temple (Namdroling Monastery) for a meditative break. If you’re traveling with a dog, there are several pet-friendly resorts near Bangalore for road trips tucked away in the quieter coffee patches of North Coorg.
5. Kanakapura: Riverside Peace
If you want to avoid massive highway tolls and long drives, Kanakapura is the ultimate “last minute” pick for 3-day trips from Bangalore for January 26 weekend.
- Distance: 65 km (approx. 1.5 hours).
- Vibe: Rustic and raw. This is the land of rocky monoliths, scrub forests, and the sparkling Arkavathi River. It’s significantly quieter than the Mysore route.
- Must-Visit: The river camps that offer some of the best star-gazing sites near Bangalore for January weekend due to the lack of light pollution from the city.
6. Yelagiri: The Gentle Ascent
A budget-friendly favorite in Tamil Nadu, Yelagiri is one of the most accessible best scenic drives from Bangalore under 300km.
- Distance: 160 km (approx. 3.5 hours).
- Vibe: Unpretentious and breezy. The drive features 14 thrilling hairpin bends that overlook the plains, leading to a plateau where time seems to slow down.
- Must-Visit: Punganoor Lake for a quiet boat ride. It remains one of the more relaxed, less crowded hill stations near Bangalore 2026.
7. Bandipur & Wayanad: The Wild Corridor
Driving through the Bandipur forest is a sensory overhaul – from the scent of sandalwood to the sight of spotted deer. Keep in mind that while you do not need a permit for a Bandipur road trip to use the highway, the gates are strictly closed from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
- Distance: 220 km to Bandipur / 270 km to Wayanad.
- Vibe: Untamed and exhilarating. The transition from the dry deciduous forests of Bandipur to the rainforest-like canopy of Wayanad is one of the most beautiful drives in South India.
- Must-Visit: The Banasura Sagar Dam in Wayanad, where the mountains seem to rise directly out of the sapphire-blue water.
Summing Up
With three days to explore, focus on early starts. Whether you choose the red cliffs of Gandikota or the misty peaks of Sakleshpur, the best time to leave Bangalore for long weekend road trip is 5:30 AM. Pack your spirit of adventure, respect the “no plastic” forest zones, and enjoy the open road.
