Summer drive-aways for the last-minute non-planner

Just pick your car wisely and take these road trips to escape from the city for a weekend of fun family bonding

May 16, 2018 12:00 pm | Updated 12:02 pm IST

 

Chennai – Tharangambadi, in a convertible

NAGAPATTINAM, TAMILNADU: 22/06/2016:  A view of Sri Masilanathaswamy temple on the shores of Tranquebar in Nagapattinam district.  Photo: M.Srinath

NAGAPATTINAM, TAMILNADU: 22/06/2016: A view of Sri Masilanathaswamy temple on the shores of Tranquebar in Nagapattinam district. Photo: M.Srinath

Tharangambadi (earlier Tranquebar), the quaint little coastal town about 280 kilometres from Chennai, is worth exploring for Dutch East India Company colonial past. The road is a brilliant stretch of tarmac which is what makes it ideal for a nice drive. Starting with Fort Dansborg, make your way around town to explore numerous churches including the Zion Church, set up in 1701. The coastal road is an easy drive, however if you happen to have a convertible, it could really up the experience! To unwind, there’s Neemrana’s Bungalow On The Beach.

The route: Chennai-Mahabalipuram-Puducherry-Cuddalore-Chidambaram-Tharangambadi

Chennai – Yercaud, in a 4WD

Salem, Tamil Nadu 14/05/2018: Story by SMS: All the 20 hair pin bends on the Salem - Yercaud ghat road have been named after the Tamil scholars, rulers and freedom fighters. Photo: E_Lakshmi Narayanan

Salem, Tamil Nadu 14/05/2018: Story by SMS: All the 20 hair pin bends on the Salem - Yercaud ghat road have been named after the Tamil scholars, rulers and freedom fighters. Photo: E_Lakshmi Narayanan

Located in the Salem district, Yercaud is a hill station located about 370 kilometres from Chennai, however thanks to a good road, the journey takes only 7 hours to cover, despite a bit of winding ghats towards the end of the drive. Do the cliché: boating in the picturesque lake or a visit to Bear’s Cave and Killiyur Falls. For the off-road enthusiast, we suggest you check into Tipperary Estate which offers you an exotic homestay in a colonial-style bungalow and the opportunity to go off-roading in a Toyota Hilux. Or take your Isuzu mu-X 4x4 out there for some fun in the dirt!

The route: Chennai-Chengalpattu-Tindivanam-Villupuram-Kallakurichi-Ramalingapuram-Kuppanur-Yercaud

Bengaluru – Chikmagalur, in an SUV

BANGALORE: The Kurinji Flowers (Strobilanthes) flowering after 16 years in the Baba Budangiri Ranges in the western ghats of Chickmagalur. The last Flowering had happened in 1990. This has become a major tourist attraction for people around this region.     October 09, 2006.             Photo: K Murali Kumar.

BANGALORE: The Kurinji Flowers (Strobilanthes) flowering after 16 years in the Baba Budangiri Ranges in the western ghats of Chickmagalur. The last Flowering had happened in 1990. This has become a major tourist attraction for people around this region. October 09, 2006. Photo: K Murali Kumar.

Chikmagalur is an easy 4-hour drive from Bengaluru, as it lies only 245 kilometres away. The four lane highway is a fantastic stretch of tarmac that allows you to clip along at a fast pace without breaking a sweat. Known for its coffee estates, Chikmagalur offers a number of scenic locations that include Baba Budan Giri, Mullayanagiri and Kalasa. There is enough walking to be done, so ensure you have the right footwear and since it is hilly terrain we do suggest getting there in a nice SUV like a Mahindra Scorpio or a Volkswagen Tiguan. There are numerous homestays on the coffee estates, but if you’re looking for the convenience of rooms service then the Gateway Hotel or the Serai are hotels to pick from.

The route: Bengaluru-Nelamangala-Bellur Cross-Shettihalli-Hassan Bypass-Belur-Karagada-Chikmagalur

Bengaluru – Wayanad, in a Jeep

Kozhikode, Kerala,19/08/2016: a view of Wayanad ghat road .by K_Ragesh
 Kozhikode, Kerala,19/08/2016: a view of Wayanad ghat road .by K_Ragesh
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Kozhikode, Kerala,19/08/2016: a view of Wayanad ghat road .by K_Ragesh Kozhikode, Kerala,19/08/2016: a view of Wayanad ghat road .by K_Ragesh -

Head out of Bengaluru towards Mysore and then on to Wayanad in Kerala. The scenic 285-kilometre drive is a treat in itself. You have great roads throughout the drive, however the Kerala ghat section is a little narrow. Having said that, the sheer greenery of Wayanad is what will take your breath away. From great highways to a bit of a hill climb, the drive sure does test a driver’s skill. Find a local who can take you on a trek through the spice plantations and tea estates. If you don’t want to walk, there are jeep tours that can be organized, after all Kerala is jeep country and taking a nice 4x4 out to Wayanad can make your holiday quite special. The Windflower Resorts & Spa is the perfect place to unwind after a day out.

The route: Bengaluru-Ramanagara-Madduru-Srirangapatna-Thithimathi-Kothur-Kutta-Kattikulam-Panamaram-Wayanad

Hyderabad – Horsley Hills in a sedan

For MetroPlus. Horsley Hills wakes up as the sun climbs up the sky. Photo: Prince Frederick

For MetroPlus. Horsley Hills wakes up as the sun climbs up the sky. Photo: Prince Frederick

This scenic set of hills is located approximately 535 kilometres away from the capital city of Telengana and the drive takes around 9 hours, so stay comfortable in a sedan. The drive is a mix of highways and state routes, however the overall road quality is commendable. There is a lot to do once you get there, including a visit to Gangotri Lake, Kalyan – a 150-year old eucalyptus tree, and a visit to the zoo. The Chennakaseva Temple is a must visit as it is a heritage site that was originally built by the late Cholas.

The route: Hyderabad-Mahbubnagar-Kurnool-Dharmavaram-Kadiri-Horsley Hills

Hyderabad – Tadoba Andhari National Park in an SUV

Located in Maharashtra, Tadoba Andhari National Park and tiger reserve lies 450 kilometres north of Hyderabad. The journey takes approximately 8 hours and it’s best to take an SUV because some of the roads near the park can be challenging for a sedan. Despite the summer heat, the reason to visit Tadoba is that this is the prime time to spot the elusive tiger as they come out to the watering holes more often for a drink. There are ample tour operators to take you through the reserve and experts to guide you as you discover the wild side! To unwind in the evening and experience glamping, check out the Jharana Jungle Lodge or the IRAI Safari Retreat.

The route: Hyderabad-Nizamabad-Nirmal-Adilabad-Korpana-Chandrapur-Tadoba Andhari National Park

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