The drive is half the adventure. Here is how to plan Bangalore's three favourite hill trips with your dog in the car.
Bangalore to Coorg
- Distance: about 250 to 270 km
- Time: 5 to 6 hours
- Route: Mysuru Road to Mysuru, then on through Hunsur or Kushalnagar to Madikeri
Stops: the stretch to Mysuru has plenty of places to pull over. Plan a longer break around Mysuru, before the final leg.
Watch out for: busy weekend traffic leaving Bangalore. Leave early in the morning when it is cooler and roads are clearer.
Bangalore to Ooty
- Distance: about 270 to 300 km
- Time: 6 to 8 hours
- Route: via Mysuru and Gundlupet, through Bandipur and Mudumalai
Watch out for:
- Forest roads: Bandipur and Mudumalai are tiger reserves. Night traffic is restricted, and stopping or getting out inside the forest is not allowed. Give your dog a good break before you enter the forest stretch.
- Hairpin bends: the climb into Ooty has many sharp bends. Dogs prone to car sickness struggle here. Feed lightly before the climb and drive slowly.
- Cold: Ooty can be cold at night. Short-haired and senior dogs may need a jacket and extra bedding.
Bangalore to Chikmagalur
- Distance: about 240 to 250 km
- Time: about 5 hours
- Route: via Hassan on the Mangaluru highway, then up to Chikmagalur
Stops: good highway stretches with places to pull over, and a sensible break at Hassan before the hills.
Watch out for: the last climb has winding roads. Stop before it for water and a short walk.
Rules for every route
- Stop every two to three hours. Water, a short leashed walk, a toilet break.
- Never leave your dog in a parked car, even with windows open.
- Keep your dog leashed at highway stops. Traffic is fast and stray dogs are common.
- Carry water from home. Sudden changes can upset some dogs' stomachs.
- Check for ticks at the end of each day.
Not driving yourself?
Mylopaws Travel runs outstation trips on all three routes, with prepared vehicles and stops planned around your dog.
Where to stay: pet-friendly resorts in Coorg, Chikmagalur and Nandi Hills.