Road Trip from Goa to Coorg – Everything You Need To Know

The Konkan Coast is a treasure trove of biodiversity waiting to be admired. It continues to flourish as the monsoon breathes new life into the ghats. If the cool weather, occasional downpours, and lush greenery rejuvenate your spirit, a road trip along the Western Ghats should be on your agenda.

Driving from Goa to Coorg

I’ve done the Mumbai to Goa road trip several times, and this time around, I decided to drive down to Coorg from Goa. The route promises gushing waterfalls, exotic species of flora and fauna, and breathtaking views of the hills. Moreover, the road trip only gets better as you reach Coorg. Well-known for its rolling hills, hikes, food, and coffee, Coorg leaves no stone unturned in offering you the experience of a lifetime. You can make a weekend trip or take a long vacation to the land of the proud Kodagu people for the perfect short getaway from Goa.

How to go from Goa to Coorg by road?

The drive from Goa to Coorg takes you through the Western Ghats and then along the Konkan Coast. The roads are smooth for the most part; however, it is recommended to travel during the day to have good vision and a view of the majestic landscapes. The best road that you can take on your drive from Goa to Coorg is along National Highway 66.

I left home (Saligao, North Goa) at around 3 PM and my first pit stop was in Canacona at Malabar Veg and Non-Veg Restaurant. This hole-in-the-wall eatery serves local Goan food, but for me, it’s not a road trip without copious amounts of chai – and the ‘special chai’ here was excellent!

From the serene coastline of the Canacona Taluka, you head towards Mangaluru through Gokarna, Murudeshwar, and Udupi. From there, take a detour to reach Coorg. At around 10 PM, I stopped for dinner at Silver Arch Family Restaurant and Bar (Shiroor, Karnataka) and upon driving for an hour more, checked in to Hotel Shivprasad Grand at Kundapura for the night. For Rs. 3,500, I was given their Suite Room (the only room available) and was very pleased with the soft mattress and strong shower after a long day!

The next morning, I checked out of the hotel at 9 AM and stopped for breakfast at Mitra Samaj in Udupi – because I couldn’t pass by Udupi without my fill of dosa, idli, and medu vada! This restaurant was a mere 4 km detour from the highway. The drive after that was uneventful until Mangalore and we stopped for lunch at a restaurant called Udupi Garden at Sullia, an hour before Coorg. Finally, I entered Coorg at around 1 PM and was at my hotel, The Island Homestay at 2 PM.

Road Conditions and More

To get into more details of the Goa-Coorg route, from Goa, take NH 66 to Mangalore via Karwar, Gokarna, Murudeshwar, Kundapura, and Udupi. It is a newly built coastal highway with a couple of patches in between remaining to be filled in, but your journey on these roads will be as good as it gets in India. From Mangalore, get on to the Bangalore highway – which is a sharp left turn along your route. Here, you will find the road to be in a bad shape until Mani as it is still under construction. From Mani, take another right turn to Madikeri via Puttur and Sullia. This is a double-lane highway with not much traffic and great scenery.

The journey should not take you more than 10 hours, but if you plan on making pit stops then schedule that into your trip accordingly. I made a couple of pit stops on the way and halted for about two hours at Mudeshwar for a series of Zoom calls in my car  – hence the journey was prolonged.

On my way back from Coorg to Goa, I departed at 10 AM and was home at 10 PM on the dot, with torrential downpours causing us an hour of delay, coupled with several roads being without streetlights. One of the highlights of this journey will be driving along Maravanthe Beach Road, lasting 3-4 kms that has the Arabian Sea just meters away on one side and the Western Ghats on the other.

What sights can you visit on your drive from Goa to Coorg?

The best part about your road trip from Goa to Coorg is the dozen stops you can make along the way. Here are some that definitely should be on your list:

The Biggest Shiva Statue in Murudeshwar

The coastal town of Murudeshwar is well-known for holding the second-tallest Shiva statue in the world. While you are there, do visit the Murudeshwar temple as well. It boasts a magnificent coastal location and intricate Indian architecture – a sight that will mesmerize you. This would have been a nice place to stop for the night if you leave for Coorg in the evening, however, the hotels here are horrendous.

Galgibaga Beach, Canacona

A large part of South Goa continues to stay hidden from the tourist’s eye. Amongst the many gems in South Goa, the Galgibaga beach is worth stopping at. Its tropical beauty, secluded location, and expansive white sand should be marveled in. If you plan your trip right, you could take a stop here for a cozy brunch. You can stretch your legs and enjoy the peace the beach has to offer. 

Kundapura

It is believed that the original Ghee Roast Chicken originated in the kitchen of the Shetty Lunch Home in Kundapura. So while you are driving down from Goa to Coorg, head there for a taste. Just don’t go into a food coma afterward.

Udupi Cuisine

If you are a fan of buns, bisibele bhath and dosa, you need to make a stop at Udupi. Its popularity comes from the namesake chain of restaurants all over India. However, the food here is no match for these restaurants. If you plan on making a trip during monsoons try their Colocasia leaf fritters, or Pathrade as they are known there. Pair them with a cup of chai and it can’t get any better!

Gokarna/Karwar Beach

Gokarna is a gorgeous little village known for its pretty beaches and quaint little streets. While it tends to get crowded during peak tourist seasons, it is well worth making a stop. You can take a tour of the beaches and even stay the night there. Gokarna’s beaches also throw up bioluminescent waves during peak winter (between December to February). If you would like to see that, plan a road trip from Goa to Coorg during the winter.

Driving from Goa to Coorg is not difficult. The 4-lane highway is in good condition and many travelers have reported safe driving conditions too. However, it is important to prepare for your trip to avoid any accidents. Make sure you know how to change a flat tyre, check the spare one in your car, and pack a first-aid kid. Apart from that, pick a good playlist and try to have at least one other driver on board. This way you can take a break and enjoy the scenery for yourself.

Are you a road-trip enthusiast like I am? You may like to read about my road trips from Mumbai to Bhuj and from Kolkata to Sikkim,