Outstation route
Bangalore to Kanakapura: Distance and Cab
Kanakapura is a short drive south of Bengaluru, and it works as a gateway to the Cauvery gorge, hill temples and quiet countryside. This page gives the distance, the road and a few trip ideas for a private cab.
The route
How far is Kanakapura and how do you get there?
Kanakapura lies on NH 948, which leaves south Bengaluru and runs through Kanakapura Road. The trip is inside Karnataka, so there is no interstate permit to arrange.
| Road distance | About 58 km one way |
| Driving time (route planner) | About 1 h without traffic delays or stops |
| Main roads on the route | NH 948 |
| Round trip | About 115 km of driving, plus any local sightseeing |
Measured from central Bengaluru (Vidhana Soudha) using OpenStreetMap route data. Your exact distance depends on the pickup point and the route the driver takes, and real journey times are usually longer once city traffic, ghat sections and breaks are added.
These are route-planner figures from central Bengaluru, without traffic or stops. The distance itself is small, but the first stretch of Kanakapura Road through the southern suburbs can be very slow in peak hours, so the practical time is often longer than the table suggests. Leaving before the morning rush, or after it, makes a big difference.
Things to see
What to do around Kanakapura
The town itself is a market and granite-quarry centre with a rural feel, and it is also known for silk. Most day visitors use it as a base for places further along the Cauvery.
- Sangama and Mekedatu, where the Arkavathi meets the Cauvery and the river squeezes through a narrow rocky gorge. Mekedatu means ‘goat’s leap’ in Kannada.
- Chunchi Falls, a waterfall on the Arkavathi river that is best seen after the rains.
- Hilltop and village temples, and the quiet, rocky countryside of the Kanakapura region.
The gorge area and falls have seasonal access, so ask locally about conditions, especially in the monsoon, before you set out.
Plan your trip
Short drive, flexible plans
At about 58 km each way, Kanakapura is close enough for a relaxed morning or afternoon visit. The distances for the places beyond it vary, so tell us where you want to go when you book and the driver will plan the day accordingly.
A round trip to the town alone is far less than the daily minimum of 300 km, so for a short outing, many travellers combine more stops on the same day to use the booking well, such as a ride on to Ramanagara, or head towards Mysuru by another road. Weekend getaways are covered in our one-day trips guide.
Friends and family groups going to a farmhouse, a resort or a function nearby will find a Tempo Traveller practical, while two to four people can travel in a sedan. For a one-way drop only, see the one way taxi page.
Vehicle options
Cabs for the Kanakapura road
Vehicle availability depends on your travel date. Tell us your group size and luggage when booking and we will suggest a suitable option.
Tariff
Bangalore to Kanakapura: Distance and round-trip rates
| Vehicle | Round-trip rate | Driver allowance |
|---|---|---|
| Maruti Suzuki Dzire (sedan) | ₹14 / km | ₹350 |
| Toyota Etios (sedan) | ₹14 / km | ₹350 |
| Maruti Suzuki Ciaz (sedan) | ₹14 / km | ₹350 |
| Toyota Innova | ₹16 / km | ₹400 |
| Toyota Innova Crysta | ₹22 / km | ₹400 |
| Toyota Innova Hycross | ₹25 / km | ₹400 |
| Tempo Traveller | On request | ₹600 |
| Mini bus (21 / 24 seater) | On request | ₹600 |
Round trip, minimum 300 km per day. Fares are inclusive of GST, and the final bill is based on the actual distance travelled. Hill-station charges, interstate permits, state permits, tolls and parking are extra. One-way drop fares are confirmed when you book.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
What is the Bangalore to Kanakapura distance?
It is about 58 km one way from central Bengaluru, which is about 1 h of driving without traffic or stops in route-planner data. A round trip is about 115 km.
Which road goes to Kanakapura?
Route planners show NH 948, usually called Kanakapura Road within the city. Traffic on the early part can be heavy at peak hours.
Can I go to Kanakapura and Mekedatu in one day?
Many people do, but the drive from Kanakapura onwards, plus walking time at the gorge, depends on conditions. Start early and ask us about timing when you book.
Do I need a permit?
No. This is a within-Karnataka trip. Tolls and parking, where they apply, are extra.
How is a round trip billed?
Round trips are billed on actual kilometres with a minimum of 300 km per day, plus the driver allowance. The fare is confirmed when you book.
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