Road trip from Bengaluru in a Porsche 911: What are my route options

When it comes to driving something as powerful as the Porsche 911, we are both inexperienced.

BHPian topgun_ssg recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

A big hello to everyone. This is my first post in the forum, so please forgive me if anything is not up to the mark.

My buddy is purchasing a Porsche 911 in Bangalore, and I have been tasked with organising a two-day driving trip to a neighbouring place to enjoy the new purchase.

I'm torn between Pondycherry (better roads from Bangalore) and Sakleshpur (some twisties and nicer weather).

When it comes to driving something as powerful as the Porsche 911, we are both inexperienced.

As a result, I'd want to hear from experienced sports car owners about their impressions on these routes, as well as suggestions for a better route.

Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:

Good thing he's getting a relatively practical & useable 911 instead of an Italian. Just saying. When it comes to sports cars, it's best to err on the side of safety.

Make your first road-trip on the "good roads". Good tarmac, less bumps / broken patches...where you will have a lot of fun.

Come back & share pictures.

Here's what BHPian Suryendu87 had to say on the matter:

No experience with sports cars but I do have some on the roads leading out of Bengaluru.

You can add couple of new locations (Yercaud, Koli Hills) to the mix. Both offer butter smooth highway and lots of twists on a good wide road. Although you would have less things to see at destination, but I believe it's the ride that matters much in this case rather than the destination

Yercaud - Less hairpin bends and well wide as well if you are going via Salem.

Koli Hills - Maybe at a later stage once you are familiar with the dynamics and power of the vehicle.

Here's what BHPian shankar.balan had to say on the matter:

I drive my Mini Cooper S to Coorg and back at times.

Superb road all the way to Madikeri and from Madikeri to Virajpet and back too.

Bangalore- Mysore via Expressway.

Then right onto the ring road and further turn right to Hunsur. Hunsur to Coorg.

All the way the roads are butter smooth.

Well worth the drive.

The road to Sakleshpur is also lovely but there are places where some road works are going on.

If you would like to just do a nice long enjoyable straight drive then do Bangalore to Coimbatore and back. And then Coimbatore to Valparai and back (half day trip). Beautiful roads.

You can also do Ooty and back after you get a but of practice.

(You’ll need to use Premium High Octane Petrol OR add Octane Boost Additive if you fill regular petrol).

I wish you and your friend safe and enjoyable drives.

And I also envy you the opportunity to drive such a beautiful dream car.

Please post lots of pics for us common folk to enjoy.

Here's what BHPian ardrodev had to say on the matter:

Congratulations to your friend - and to you as well!

"Need for speed": Bangalore - Pune road, but you have to go all the way to Belgaum to enjoy some fantastic roads. Bangalore - Belgaum - Hampi - Bangalore. Bangalore - Hampi - Bangalore if you don't have time for a longer route. No other route from Bangalore is "faster" than this. You can expect something like this in the Hospet tunnel.

"Country roads": Bangalore to western ghats (reachable via Mysore, Coimbatore, Kunigal) but you will have to venture a bit deeper beyond the national highways - gorgeous scenery. Check out travel posts by @Dr.Ad on this forum.

If you wish to go East, I would say skip Pondy - hardly worth the trouble. The highways are crowded, interior roads have a lot of speed humps and Pondy as a destination itself is meh. Go to Dhanushkodi instead, a worthy destination even if the route is a bit dull.

Would be great if you can get another car/friend to tag along for company. Sometimes it's more fun to drive along a 911 than to drive one. Best to drive leisurely and choose your moments.

Precautions:

Tire damage risk is VERY high. Err on the side of caution if you don't have a clear view of the road ahead. Do think about your course of action in case there is a breakdown (helps to have company).

Don't engage in racing duels with other drivers on the road - you'll come across so many drivers wanting to race a fast car.

You will have to ensure to get a safe parking spot - or use a car cover to be less conspicuous.

Check availability of XP95 along your route (Use Indian Oil One app + Google maps reviews to locate popular outlets, call in advance and confirm the availability). You can also carry octane booster additives - but XP95 is widely available these days.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Picture used is for representation purposes only.