January and February are the months with arguably the best weather in Bangalore and its surrounding regions. To take advantage of the mild temperatures, travellers embark on road trips across the state, exploring different cultures and landscapes. With a simple tap on a
car rental app, one can start on a journey at any time. Here are some endearing destinations that are perfect for the winter months.
Weekend Trip to Mysore
Mysore has some of the most astounding attractions in the state of Karnataka – after all, this was the original seat of power for many kingdoms before Bangalore took the mantle in more recent times. The centrepiece attraction remains the Mysore Palace – an extravagant and massive structure that celebrated the cream of architecture from across the world. One will come across the quintessential Indian architecture hallmarks mixed with something straight out of colonial Europe and much more. Apart from the palace and its surroundings, Mysore’s other major attraction is the hill-top Chamundi temple. The drive towards the summit is flanked by forests on both sides, and one gets magnificent views of the city from the temple.
Mysore Zoo is one of the oldest in the country and a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The lion enclosure is especially popular, and other exotic species include African herbivores and primates. The adjoining lake is a wonderful spot for bird watching.
The National Parks and Coorg
The drier setting of winter also provides the best chance to spot some wildlife in the many national parks that dot the Western Ghats. Nagarhole and Bandipur are adjacent ranges that have a healthy tiger and elephant population amongst other species. The former is located in Kodava district or Coorg. The thickly forested hills here are great for hikes and camping and driving through those winding forest roads provide a different, edgy experience altogether.
Masinagudi is a popular retreat for bird watchers, wildlife fans, and photographers. Kabini is another prime destination for some primaeval scenery.
Ruins of Hampi
A 350-km drive into the centre of Karnataka is Hampi. At one point in time, it was one of the richest capitals in the world. This was at the height of the Vijayanagara Empire. Today its ruins are a UNESCO Heritage site, and they have maintained their grandness after all these centuries. From intricately carved pillars to detailed mosaics, the temples of Hampi showcase the design prowess of India’s old civilisations. The sight of the sunset over the nearby Tungabhadra River with the structures on the foreground is a sight to behold.
Why travellers are renting cars for road trips
Intrepid travellers who focus on the joys of the journey, as well as the destination, prefer renting
self drive cars in Bangalore. This affords them complete privacy, extra space, and the freedom to control the pace of the trip. One can make stops and detours at any time. App-based Zoomcar is a favoured choice because it offers patrons the widest range of cars along with 24/7 on-road support – a reassuring feature especially for those taking long trips.