Outstation route
Bangalore to Shimoga Cab
Shivamogga, still widely called Shimoga, is the gateway to the Malnad and to Jog Falls. A cab from Bangalore to Shimoga gives you a steady, comfortable drive and a base for exploring the green hills around it.
The route
The drive from Bengaluru to Shivamogga
The route runs north-west on NH 48, then NH 369 and NH 75 as you approach the town, crossing the plains before the countryside turns greener.
| Road distance | About 305 km one way |
| Driving time (route planner) | About 4 h without traffic delays or stops |
| Main roads on the route | NH 48, NH 369, NH 75 |
| Round trip | About 610 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 without traffic or stops. The state highways and town bypasses can slow the pace, so plan on a longer journey than the numbers suggest.
Shivamogga is a good place to break the journey for a meal if you are continuing further into the hills. Tell us at booking whether you plan to stay in the town or push on, so the driver can plan fuel and rest stops sensibly. If you are travelling during heavy rain, an early start is the safest way to keep the plan on schedule.
Things to see
What Shivamogga offers
The district is one of Karnataka’s greenest, and the town itself is a convenient base. Popular places include:
- Jog Falls, where the Sharavathi river drops from a great height in several streams, best in the rainy season.
- Sakrebailu Elephant Camp on the Tunga river, where elephants are bathed and tended.
- Tyavarekoppa lion and tiger safari near the town.
- Keladi and Ikkeri, historic seats of the Keladi Nayakas with old temples.
- Agumbe, a rainforest village known for sunsets and heavy rainfall, and Kodachadri, a forested peak.
Entry arrangements and timings at wildlife and falls sites change, so check locally.
Plan your trip
Overnight or longer stay
At this distance most people stay at least one night. A typical plan is to drive up on day one, tour the nearby sights on day two and return on day three if you want to include Jog Falls and Agumbe. Rainy weather can make ghat roads slow, so keep some buffer.
For comparable Malnad plans, see our pages for Chikmagalur, Hassan and Coorg.
Who it suits
Vehicles for family and group trips
An Innova Crysta is a roomy option for family trips, and larger groups can ask about a Tempo Traveller. Round trips are billed on a minimum of 300 km per day, plus the driver allowance. Tolls and parking are extra, and the rate table on this page shows the outstation rates.
Two adults with a small amount of luggage can use a Dzire or Ciaz, but the Malnad trips involve several days of sightseeing, so many travellers prefer the extra room of an Innova or Hycross.
Vehicle options
Cabs for your Shivamogga trip
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 Shimoga 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
How far is Shimoga from Bangalore by road?
About 305 km one way, which is about 4 h of driving without traffic or stops in route-planner data. Allow extra for breaks.
Is a one-day trip to Shimoga practical?
Not really. A same-day return would leave almost no time there, so plan at least one night.
Can the cab take us to Jog Falls?
Yes. Tell us your plan when you book and the driver will cover the sightseeing days as part of the trip.
Do I need a permit?
No. Shivamogga is in Karnataka, so no interstate permit applies. Tolls and parking are extra.
What is the best vehicle for a family?
An Innova or Innova Crysta for most families. A sedan works for a couple.
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