Picture this: cruising along winding roads, surrounded by lush greenery and misty mountains, with the aroma of spices and freshly brewed coffee in the air. In December 2022, I set off on an enthralling road trip from the bustling metropolis of Bangalore 🏙️ to the serene coastal city of Kozhikode (Calicut) 🏖️ in Kerala.

Starting my journey at 7:30 am, I followed the Mysore-Vythiri-Kozhikode route, reaching my destination by 2 pm, just in time for a sumptuous lunch. This captivating drive featured breathtaking landscapes, fascinating historical landmarks, and an ever-changing terrain that left me awestruck at every turn. Join me as I recount the unforgettable sights and experiences of this mesmerizing journey. 🌟

Route: Bangalore 🛣️ Mysore 🏞️ Vythiri 🌄 Kozhikode 🏖️ The expressway from Bangalore to Mysore was still under construction at the time, causing a few detours. Nevertheless, the journey offered a fascinating blend of urban landscapes, verdant forests, misty mountains, and coastal vistas.

📍Mandya The first major town after leaving Bangalore is Mandya, known for its sugarcane fields and thriving silk industry. The Gaganachukki and Bharachukki waterfalls, part of the Shivanasamudra Falls, are located nearby and make for a refreshing pit stop. 🌊

📍Srirangapatna Further ahead lies Srirangapatna, an island town surrounded by the Kaveri River. It boasts rich historical significance as the capital of the Kingdom of Mysore under the rule of Tipu Sultan. Key attractions include the Srirangapatna Fort, Dariya Daulat Bagh, and the Ranganathaswamy Temple.

📍Mysore As I drove through Mysore, the cultural capital of Karnataka, the city’s royal heritage and stunning architecture caught my attention. Notable landmarks include the magnificent Mysore Palace, the historic Chamundi Hills with the Chamundeshwari Temple, and the vibrant Devaraja Market. Though I didn’t stop to explore the city, it’s worth a visit if time permits. 🕌

📍Bandipur National Park The road then took me through Bandipur National Park, a wildlife sanctuary where elephants, tigers, and various species of deer reside. The winding roads through the dense forests provided a sensory treat, with the sights and sounds of nature accompanying me on my journey. 🐘🌳

📍Wayanad Upon entering Kerala, the landscape changed to showcase the lush, green hills of the Western Ghats. The route from here to Kozhikode went through the picturesque Vythiri region in the Wayanad district, known for its misty mountains, tea estates, and aromatic spice plantations. The cool, crisp December air added a refreshing touch to the already mesmerizing scenery. 🌄

📍Chain Tree En route, I spotted the Chain Tree, a local landmark steeped in legends and folklore. According to the tales, the tree is bound by a chain to restrain the spirit of a tribal chieftain who once guided British engineers through the treacherous Ghats. 👻🌳

📍Coffee Break Around 120 kilometers before reaching Kozhikode, I took a much-needed coffee break at a roadside café. Surrounded by lush greenery, sipping on a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee was a rejuvenating experience. ☕🌿

📍Final Stretch to Kozhikode As I continued driving, the terrain gradually transformed from mountainous to coastal, signaling my proximity to Kozhikode. The final stretch showcased quaint coastal towns, swaying coconut palms, and the distant sight of the Arabian Sea. 🏝️🌊

At around 2 pm, I finally arrived in Kozhikode, just in time for a delicious Kerala-style lunch. The journey, covering a distance of approximately 356 kilometers, had been a visual treat, offering an enchanting mix of urban landscapes, verdant forests, misty mountains, and coastal vistas.

✨📸 Here’s a glimpse of the stunning photos I captured during my drive, guaranteed to spark your wanderlust and inspire you to embark on this exhilarating road trip! 🚗💨

During the journey, I encountered several toll plazas that ensured smooth traffic flow and well-maintained roads. Here’s a summary of the toll charges and toll plazas you might come across on this route:

  1. NICE Road Toll Plaza (Bangalore): This toll plaza is located on the NICE Road (Bangalore-Mysore Infrastructure Corridor) on the outskirts of Bangalore. The toll charges for a one-way journey for a car are approximately ₹50.
  2. Bellur Cross Toll Plaza: Situated on the Bangalore-Mysore highway (NH 275), the Bellur Cross Toll Plaza charges around ₹45 for a one-way journey for a car.
  3. Gundya Toll Plaza: On the Mysore-Vythiri stretch, you’ll come across the Gundya Toll Plaza. The toll charges for a car are roughly ₹50 for a one-way trip.
  4. Thalappady Toll Plaza: As you approach Kozhikode, you’ll encounter the Thalappady Toll Plaza. A one-way toll charge for a car is about ₹40.

Please note that these toll charges are approximate and may vary slightly. It’s always a good idea to carry some spare change and be prepared for any updates in toll fees.

As the sun dipped towards the horizon, casting a golden hue over the coastal city of Kozhikode, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment and profound gratitude for this extraordinary journey. From the vibrant streets of Bangalore to the lush forests of Bandipur and the misty hills of Vythiri, every twist and turn of the road unfolded a new chapter in this unforgettable odyssey. The memories of aromatic coffee breaks, enchanting historical landmarks, and the ever-changing tapestry of nature etched themselves into my mind, leaving an indelible impression. As I sat down to savor a delicious Kerala-style lunch, I realized that this was more than just a road trip – it was a voyage through the very essence of life itself, a celebration of the beauty and diversity that our incredible country has to offer. This journey not only rekindled my wanderlust but also reminded me that sometimes, the best way to truly experience the world is by embracing the open road, one breathtaking mile at a time. 🌟🚗🌅

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