Coorg, Chikmagalur and Nandi Hills are the three getaways Bangalore pet parents ask us about most. Each suits a different kind of trip.
Nandi Hills: the easy first trip
- Drive: about 60 km, 1.5 to 2 hours from central Bangalore
- Best for: day trips and one-night stays, dogs new to travel
- Watch out for: crowds and traffic at the hilltop on weekends and at sunrise. Go on a weekday, or stay at a farm stay below the hill.
Nandi Hills is the best place to find out how your dog handles a car journey and a new place before you commit to a long drive.
Coorg: plantations and cool weather
- Drive: about 250 to 270 km, 5 to 6 hours via Mysuru
- Best for: long weekends, active dogs who love walks
- Watch out for: heavy rain from June to September, leeches on estate trails, and unfenced plantations where dogs can wander off
Many coffee-estate homestays in Coorg accept dogs, especially smaller family-run ones. Ask whether the estate has resident dogs, and keep your dog on a leash on trails.
Chikmagalur: hills, estates and quiet
- Drive: about 240 to 250 km, 5 hours via Hassan
- Best for: relaxed stays, cooler weather, fewer crowds than Coorg
- Watch out for: winding ghat roads on the last stretch, which can cause motion sickness
Chikmagalur's homestays tend to be quieter, which suits older or anxious dogs. Plan a break before the climb into the hills.
Booking tips for all three
- Call the property and ask specifically: "Can my dog stay in the room, and where on the property can it go?"
- Ask about pet fees and deposits.
- Find the nearest vet before you go. In plantation areas it can be an hour away.
- Carry tick protection. Tick numbers are high in estates and long grass.
The drive
Plan stops every two to three hours for water, a short walk and a toilet break. Feed a light meal three to four hours before leaving to reduce car sickness. Our routes guide covers good places to stop.
If you would rather not drive, Mylopaws Travel runs outstation trips to all three, planned around your dog's breaks.
For places closer to the city, see our list of pet-friendly stays near Bangalore.