Adventurous Road Trip from Bangalore to Gorakhpur in my Hyundai i10 Nios with Unforgettable Stops

Embarking on a road trip is always an adventure, and my journey from Bangalore to Gorakhpur in my dependable Hyundai i10 Nios was filled with excitement. From stunning landscapes to delightful food and unexpected discoveries, this trip turned out to be a collection of vibrant memories woven into the beauty of the Indian scenery.

Setting Off from Bangalore

We began our road trip at the crack of dawn. By 5 AM, 27th March 2025, Bangalore was just waking up, and the early morning roads were peaceful. The fresh air and open road offered a sense of freedom that is hard to beat. Starting early allowed me to avoid night driving and enjoy several stops along the way.

As we left Bangalore, the diverse terrain unfolded before us. The Hyundai i10 Nios, with its efficient performance and smooth handling, was the ideal companion on this adventure. The journey to Hyderabad was picturesque, showcasing lush green fields and small villages, representing the heart of rural India.

First Stop: Hyderabad

After about nine hours on the road, we arrived in Hyderabad by 2:30 PM. We maintained a steady speed of no more than 90 KMPH, which allowed us to enjoy the shift in scenery throughout the drive.

Hyderabad effortlessly combines modernity with rich history. We indulged in delicious Indian snacks like chole bhature, samosas, and refreshing lassi—an excellent way to kick off our culinary journey.

Delicious Indian cuisine at Haldiram's

Onward to Jabalpur

Leaving Hyderabad was bittersweet, but we were eager for the next leg of our trip to Jabalpur, approximately an eleven-hour drive. We set out again at 5 AM, eager to reach our destination by 5:30 PM. On the way, just before Nagpur, we had an unforgettable lunch at Haldiram's Nagpur. We took some rest for about 1:30-2 hours; my 8 year old son enjoyed it a lot more than us.

The journey to Jabalpur was delightful through Pench National Park, with the performance of the i10 Nios keeping our spirits high. Upon our arrival, we checked into the Royal Orbit Hotel (spending about 3800 INR with breakfast; the hotel is good and on the highway only), where the warm hospitality and comfortable amenities made for a refreshing end to a long day.

Exploring Maihar Devi Temple

After having breakfast, we started at about 8 AM from Jabalpur towards Varanasi.

A highlight of our trip was undoubtedly the visit to the revered Maihar Devi Temple. After leaving Jabalpur, we dedicated 3 to 4 hours to this spiritual gem set amidst serene hills (we booked the ropeway ticket through their WhatsApp facility at the temple itself, and it saved a lot of time as there was a much smaller crowd in the online booking queue). This temple is known for its deep spiritual atmosphere and attracts pilgrims nationwide.

The breathtaking views while approaching the temple were stunning, overlooking green valleys and hills. It was a moment of complete tranquility, reminding us of the beauty of spirituality in travel.

Stunning hills surrounding Maihar Devi Temple

Varanasi Awaits

After our enriching experience at the temple, we resumed our journey around 3 PM, heading to Varanasi. The drive from Jabalpur was not just a transfer; it was a showcase of stunning views and impressive landscapes.

We reached Varanasi by 8 PM, greeted by a city renowned for its ghats and vibrant spiritual essence along the Ganges River. The atmosphere here is electrifying, attracting visitors from all walks of life. Although our stay was brief, we felt the city's energy leave a lasting impression.

Reflecting on the Journey

This adventurous trip from Bangalore to Gorakhpur was more than just reaching a destination; it was a celebration of the journey itself. Each city we visited contributed to our story, enriched by local cuisines, spiritual experiences, and breathtaking vistas.

The total cost for this journey hovered around 12,000 INR for petrol, 3,000 INR for tolls, and approximately 10,000 to 12,000 INR for accommodation and meals—a small price for such an enriching experience.

As travelers, we often overlook that the true essence of our adventures lies in the winding roads we explore and the moments we cherish. If you’re considering a road trip, don’t hesitate to make those unforgettable stops along the way. You’ll return with lasting memories and stories to tell.

In conclusion, before starting the journey, we were thinking about how things would go in a small hatchback through unexplored roads. However, after reaching Gorakhpur, we felt like, Wahoo, and decided to come back with the car itself (that journey we did after 2 months).