Kollur is a small town located in the Udupi district of Karnataka, famous for the Mookambika Temple. Bangalore, the capital city of Karnataka, is a major hub connecting southern India. Many travelers visit Kollur from Bangalore for religious and nature tourism.

This guide explains the best ways to travel from Bangalore to Kollur, covering trains, buses, cars, and taxis. You will find practical tips, travel times, and advice to help you plan your trip confidently and comfortably.

Getting from Bangalore to Kollur – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and economical option for reaching Kollur from Bangalore. However, Kollur does not have a direct railway station, so you need to combine train and road transport.

• The nearest railway stations to Kollur are Kundapura and Bhatkal, both around 40-50 km away. Trains from Bangalore City Railway Station (SBC) to these stations take approximately 8 to 10 hours, depending on the train.

• Popular trains include the Matsyagandha Express and Intercity Express, which run daily with fares ranging from ₹300 to ₹700 for sleeper and AC classes. Booking via IRCTC is recommended to secure seats in advance.

• From Kundapura or Bhatkal station, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Kollur, which takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. Shared autos and private cabs are available but may be limited during early mornings or late nights.

• Train travel is comfortable but can be crowded during festival seasons like Navaratri when many pilgrims visit Kollur. Booking early and avoiding peak days helps ensure a smooth journey.

Bus

Buses are a widely used and affordable way to travel from Bangalore to Kollur. Several state-run and private buses connect these places daily.

• KSRTC operates direct Volvo and non-AC buses from Bangalore’s Kempegowda Bus Station (Majestic) to Kollur, with journey times around 9 to 11 hours covering approximately 400 km.

• Ticket prices range from ₹400 to ₹900 depending on the bus type. Volvo buses offer more comfort with reclining seats and onboard amenities, suitable for overnight travel.

• Frequent buses run throughout the day, but night buses are preferred to save daytime and avoid traffic. Booking tickets online via the KSRTC website or app is advisable, especially during weekends and holidays.

• Road conditions on NH 75 and NH 66 are generally good, but monsoon rains can cause delays due to slippery roads and occasional landslides near the Western Ghats.

• Bus stops at Udupi and Kundapura provide options to switch buses or hire local transport to reach Kollur if direct buses are unavailable.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Bangalore to Kollur is a flexible and scenic option, letting you explore the Western Ghats and coastal Karnataka at your own pace.

• The distance is about 400 km via NH 75 and NH 66, and the drive typically takes 8 to 10 hours depending on traffic and stops. Early morning departures help avoid Bangalore city traffic.

• Popular rest stops include Hassan, Sakleshpur, and Udupi, where you can find clean eateries and fuel stations. Toll plazas on NH 75 and NH 66 charge moderate fees, so keep cash or FASTag ready.

• Roads through the Western Ghats are winding and require careful driving, especially during monsoon months (June to September) when fog and rain reduce visibility.

• Self-drive cars can be rented from Bangalore with daily rates starting around ₹2000. Ensure your vehicle is well-maintained for hill driving and carry a physical map or GPS device as mobile signals may be weak in some stretches.

• Parking near the Mookambika Temple in Kollur is limited, so plan to park in designated areas and walk or use local autos to reach the temple.

Taxi

Hiring a taxi or cab from Bangalore to Kollur is convenient for travelers seeking comfort and door-to-door service without driving themselves.

• Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola Outstation or Uber Intercity can be booked for this route, with fares typically ranging from ₹6000 to ₹9000 depending on car type and demand.

• The journey time is similar to self-drive, around 8 to 10 hours, with the driver managing navigation and stops as per your convenience.

• Booking in advance is recommended, especially during weekends and festivals, as availability can be limited. Confirm if tolls and parking charges are included in the fare.

• Taxi drivers usually know the best routes and rest stops, which helps avoid delays and ensures a smoother trip through the Western Ghats.

• Local taxis are also available in Udupi and Kundapura for the last leg to Kollur if you prefer to break the journey and explore nearby towns.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Bangalore to Kollur to make the journey easy and stress-free.

• Book your train or bus tickets early via IRCTC or KSRTC online portals to secure your seat and avoid last-minute hassles, especially during peak seasons.

• If traveling by train, choose a train to Kundapura or Bhatkal and arrange local transport in advance to reach Kollur smoothly from the station.

• If driving or hiring a taxi, plan your departure early in the morning to avoid Bangalore traffic and reach Kollur by evening, allowing time for rest and temple visits.

• Pack light but carry essentials like water, snacks, and an umbrella or raincoat during monsoon months, as roadside options can be limited in some stretches.

• Use GPS navigation apps like Google Maps or offline maps to track your route and check for traffic updates or road closures, especially near the Western Ghats.

• On arrival in Kollur, use prepaid taxis or local autos to reach your accommodation or the Mookambika Temple, as parking near the temple is limited and crowded during festivals.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry a bottle of safe drinking water and avoid roadside tap water to prevent stomach issues common among travelers in rural areas.

• Book tickets well in advance during Navaratri and other festival seasons when Kollur attracts large numbers of pilgrims, causing transport and accommodation shortages.

• Use prepaid taxi counters or trusted app-based cabs at railway stations and bus stands to avoid overcharging and ensure safety.

• Keep your luggage light and secure, as crowded trains and buses may cause delays or discomfort when handling heavy bags.

• During monsoon, check weather forecasts and road conditions before starting your journey to avoid landslides or roadblocks common in the Western Ghats.

• Try local eateries at Hassan and Udupi for authentic Karnataka cuisine, but avoid street food if you have a sensitive stomach.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Bangalore to Kollur is during the cooler months from October to March when the weather is pleasant and roads are safer.

Monsoon season (June to September) brings heavy rains and fog in the Western Ghats, which can cause travel delays and slippery roads. Summer months can be hot and tiring for long road trips.

• Avoid traveling during major festival days like Navaratri in Kollur, as roads and transport get crowded and accommodation prices rise sharply.

• Early morning departures help avoid Bangalore city traffic and provide a smoother drive through the Western Ghats before afternoon rains or fog set in.

• Check for any road maintenance or landslide alerts during monsoon to plan alternate routes or reschedule your trip.

• Night travel is common on buses and trains but exercise caution if driving yourself, especially on winding ghats roads with limited street lighting.

Arrival at Kollur & What to Expect

When you arrive in Kollur, you will find a small town with limited public transport but friendly locals and easy access to the famous Mookambika Temple.

Local transport options include shared autos, private taxis, and cycle rickshaws. Prepaid taxi counters near the bus stand and railway stations in nearby towns help avoid bargaining and scams.

Accommodation options range from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels near the temple. Staying close to the temple is convenient for early morning darshan and avoids last-mile travel hassles.

Walking is common within Kollur town, but if you have luggage or mobility issues, hiring a local auto or taxi is advisable. Food options include simple South Indian eateries serving fresh vegetarian meals.

Be prepared for crowds during weekends and festival days, and plan your temple visits accordingly to avoid long waiting times.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Kollur from Bangalore depends on your budget and comfort preferences. Trains combined with local transport offer an economical option, while buses provide direct connectivity with reasonable comfort. Self-drive and taxis offer flexibility but require careful planning, especially during monsoon.

Booking tickets early, starting your journey early in the day, and checking weather and road conditions are key to a smooth trip. With proper planning, you can enjoy a safe and comfortable journey to Kollur and experience the spiritual and natural beauty of this serene destination confidently.