This straightforward drive can be comfortably done in just over six hours. As always, leave early in the morning to avoid traffic in between Bangalore and Mandya. Road-widening work was in progress in mid-July and we were told that it would be completed by November 2004. Once this is done, the already good drive will become even better.
Once you enter the Bandipur wildlife sanctuary, cut down your speed as you
might be treated to some wildlife sightings. Remember not to step out of your car anywhere except at the reception centre at Bandipur or Mudumalai. On our previous trips, we’ve seen wild bison and elephants on this road. Exercise utmost caution: if angered or irritated, they can kill you without much guilt or inconvenience.

Set off early, around 6.00am and you’ll get a clear run all the way past Ramanagaram and Channapatna to the 24-hour Café Coffee Day just before Maddur. This is 68km away if you’ve zeroed your trip at the start of M G Road.
Even if you haven’t, there are huge signboards 17 and 10km before the café. Since the café is on the opposite side of a road where cars will be doing three-digit speeds, do take care while turning into it. You might get a little traffic congestion within Maddur and Mandya, but this clears up once you’ve passed the towns. .