South India by Road: Scenic Routes, Hidden Gems & Weekend Escapes

When you imagine a road trip in India, South India has something special to offer - green landscapes, cultural heritage, coastal scenery, and hill stations that appear to reach the sky. From temple towns to tea plantations, from ghat roads that twist and turn to peaceful beaches, the southern region of India is a road-tripper's heaven.

But what makes the experience really special is the journey itself.

Unlike airplanes or trains, road trips allow you to control your own pace. Stop at a roadside vendor for a steaming cup of filter coffee, take a detour down a secret waterfall, or make a photo stop at a stunning view that appeals to you. With Indusgo's safe and flexible self-drive car bookings, you can make every mile a memory.

Top 10 Road Trip Routes to Discover in South India

1. Bangalore to Ooty

Route: Bangalore → Ramanagara → Srirangapatna → Mysuru → Nanjangud → Bandipur → Mudumalai → Ooty

Distance: ~270 km

Driving Time: 6-7 hours

Best Time to Travel: July–September (lush greenery) or November–March (pleasant weather)

This legendary drive begins in the tech capital, passes through the royal city of Mysuru, and then climbs into the misty Nilgiris. You'll drive past wildlife sanctuaries such as Bandipur and Mudumalai, so don't be surprised if you catch a glimpse of an elephant or a deer along the way.

Ooty, or the Queen of Hills, greets you with its charming gardens and colonial ambiance. 

2. Bangalore to Goa

Route: Bangalore → Tumkur → Chitradurga → Hubli → Dharwad → Goa

(Alternate Scenic Route: Bangalore → Shimoga → Honnavar → Karwar → Goa)

Distance: 560–630 km

Driving Time: 11–12 hours

Best Time to Travel: November–February

This is not just a drive, it's a shift from crowded cities to palm-fringed coasts. The road is in good condition, and the drive has everything from ancient forts to riverbank halts.

Once in Goa, you know the routine: beaches, shacks, music, and never-ending fun. A place you should definitely visit? Palolem Beach if you're looking for tranquil vibes, or Baga for nightclubs.

3. Hyderabad to Araku Valley

Route: Hyderabad → Suryapet → Vijayawada → Rajahmundry → Visakhapatnam → Araku Valley

Distance: ~732 km

Driving Time: 13–14 hours

Best Time to Visit: November–February

This road trip is an entire package, passing through vibrant cities and coastal plains and then climbing into the Eastern Ghats. After you arrive in Vizag, you'll follow the coast before entering the lush, coffee-scented hills of Araku.

Araku Valley is the ideal retreat; cool climate, tribal culture, and pretty places such as Borra Caves and the Coffee Museum.

4. Goa to Coorg

Route: Goa → Gokarna → Murudeshwar → Bhatkal → Udupi → Mangaluru → Madikeri → Coorg

Distance: ~500 km

Driving Time: 10–11 hours

Best Time to Visit: June–September (greenery & waterfalls) or November–February (for the cool, dry weather)

Imagine beginning your journey amidst the sounds of waves in Goa and ending it in the coffee-scented slopes of Coorg. The journey is studded with coastal jewels: Gokarna for tranquility, Murudeshwar for snorkeling, and Udupi for its cuisine.

On arrival at Coorg, the coffee and culture land, you can proceed to the Coffee Museum or the Raja's Seat, or relax amidst the serene Abbey Falls.

5. Chennai to Munnar

Route: Chennai → Vellore → Salem → Dindigul → Theni → Munnar

Distance: ~590 km

Driving Time: 10–11 hours

Best Time to Travel: September–March

This road trip traverses from the city sprawl of Chennai to the cool, tea-burdened hills of Munnar. The roads grow more scenic as you head towards the Western Ghats.

Munnar's beauty is in its rolling tea estates, Eravikulam National Park, and refreshing mountain air. Best for couples, solo tourists, or nature enthusiasts.

6. Kochi to Kanyakumari 

Distance: Approximately 303 km

 Duration: 7 to 8 hours by road.

Ideal Time to Visit: October to February

If you’ve ever dreamed of a road trip hugging the western coastline of India, Kochi to Kanyakumari is just the ride. Start your journey from the heritage-rich city of Kochi and drive south along scenic coastal routes that offer stunning views of the Arabian Sea.

When you arrive in Kanyakumari, get ready to be awed by the meeting of three seas, the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, and sunset/sunrise vistas that are pure magic.

7. Chennai to Kodaikanal

Route: Chennai → Villupuram → Tiruchirapalli → Dindigul → Theni → Kodaikanal

Distance: Around 526 km

Duration: 9 to 10 hours 

Best Time to Travel: October to May

Begin from Chennai, drive through the temples of Villupuram, visit Tiruchirapalli (Trichy) to view the Rock Fort Temple, and possibly even take a quick diversion through Dindigul for the local cuisine and ancient forts. The final part of the drive towards Batlagundu and Kodaikanal is along hairpin curves and wide-angle views.

Within Kodaikanal, do not miss Kodai Lake, Coaker's Walk, and the Pine Forests.

8. Bandipur to Periyar

Route: Bandipur → Ooty → Coimbatore → Parambikulam → Kodaikanal → Periyar

Distance: Approximately 531 km

 Duration: 10–11 hours

Best Time to Visit: July to September

Begin your journey at Bandipur National Park and drive on to Ooty, allowing time for tea and colonial quaintness. After that, there's Coimbatore with its temples and history of textiles. There's the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary and Kodaikanal before you arrive at last at Periyar.

At Periyar, go to the Periyar National Park, go for a boat trip on the lake, or hike through the spice plantations.

9. Madurai to Rameshwaram

Route: Madurai → Ramanathapuram → Rameshwaram

Distance: Around 170 km

Duration: approximately a 4-hour drive.

Best Time to Travel: October to April—pleasant for sightseeing and temple visits.

You’ll travel via Ramanathapuram, where the sea begins to show itself in patches. Once in Rameshwaram, cross the legendary Pamban Bridge—a unique experience.

In Rameshwaram, visit:

• Ramanathaswamy Temple

• Agni Theertham

• Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s House

• Dhanushkodi Beach.

10. Bangalore to Chikmagalur

Route: Bangalore → Shravanabelagola → Gorur Dam → Shettihalli Church → Manjarabad Fort → Halebeedu → Kudremukh → Chikmagalur

Distance: Approximately 240 km

Duration: taking around 5 to 6 hours.

Best Time to Visit: September to March

Key Stops:

• Shravanabelagola—a Jain pilgrimage center.

• Gorur Dam, Shettihalli Church, and Manjarabad Fort.

• Halebeedu Temples and the Kudremukh National Park provide cultural and natural stops.

Once in Chikmagalur, unwind in the plantations or trek to Mullayanagiri, Karnataka's highest point.

11. Mysore to Kabini

Route: Mysore → Brindavan Gardens → Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary → Nagarhole National Park → Kabini

Distance: Only 60–70 km, 

Duration: approximately 2 hours.

Best Time to Visit: October to March for a pleasant safari experience.

Must-Visit Places on the Way:

• Brindavan Gardens

• Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary

• Nagarhole National Park

Kabini is a popular destination for wildlife safaris, particularly for leopard and elephant sightings. Kabini River Lodge is a favorite choice for an overnight stay.

12. Bangalore to Sakleshpur

Distance: Approximately 220 km

Duration: approximately 5 to 6 hours along NH75.

Best Time to Visit: October to February for the coolest experience.

Highlights:

• Manjarabad Fort

• Sakleshwara Swamy Temple

• Jenukal Gudda Trek

• Coffee Estates and the well-known Green Route Railway Trek

Once in Sakleshpur, you’ll be surrounded by misty hills, spice farms, and endless greenery.

13. Madurai to Thekkady

Distance: Around 150 km

Duration:  approximately 4 hours.

Best Time to Travel: October to March for dry, cool weather.

On the Way:

Travel on NH183 and pass by small towns such as Theni, with scenic views of the Western Ghats and hills covered with spices.

In Thekkady, don't miss:

• Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

• Periyar Lake Boat Safari

• Spice Plantation Tours

• Elephant Camps & Cultural Shows

Feeling adventurous and want to drive one of these breathtaking South Indian roads? With IndusGo's self-drive car rentals, you can go at your own speed, on your own terms, and with complete freedom.

Book your road trip with IndusGo today.