20 Best Weekend Getaways from Bangalore – Rejuvenate Your Mind & Soul
The iconic city of Bangalore continues to be the frontier of the Indian IT revolution. Also known as the Silicon Valley of India, the city hosts the headquarters of several global tech companies. Despite this technical advancement, the city is home to some prominent tourist places of historical importance and biodiversity. From adventurous treks to spiritual solace, from natural flora and fauna to heritage structures, the city offers unique experience for everyone. Quite often, one looks to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and asks; which are the best places to visit near Bangalore for a weekend trip? Read on to know about the top 20 weekend getaways from Bangalore for a short, quick, rejuvenating vacation.
1. Shivagange
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Deriving its name from an old Shiva Temple and the nearby Ganga spring, Shivagange hillock is a popular pilgrimage as well as an adventurous spot. A 3 km long trekking trail to the top of the hill is thrilling to experience. Famous for its scenic beauty, Shivagange is one of the best picnic spots, perfect for a one-day trip near Bangalore.
Distance from Bangalore: 60 km
Travel Time: 1 Hour 20 minutes
2. Nandi Hills
Nandi Hills, known for its spectacular sunrise view, is one of the most famous nearby places to visit in Bangalore. An early morning drive to the Nandi Hills offers a perfect break from the chaotic city life for locals as well as tourists. The highest point of the hills is 4850 meters above sea level and is blessed with a pleasant climate throughout the year. Nandi Hills is a heaven for nature lovers with its stunning greenery and mesmerizing view. Although the highlight of the place is witnessing the sunrise, it welcomes adventure enthusiasts for cycling and trekking throughout the day. Nandi Hills was once a summer retreat of Tipu Sultan and is home to old shrines and monuments. Another popular tourist spot at Nandi Hills is a jaw-dropping 600-meter cliff, called Tipu’s Drop, used for capital punishment during Tipu Sultan’s reign.
Distance from Bangalore: 60 km
Travel Time: 1.5 hours
3. Ooty
The lush green plantations and the natural beauty make Ooty one of the best vacation destinations in India. Rightly dubbed as the Switzerland of India, Ooty sees millions of honeymoon couples throughout the year. The spectacular view, rich biodiversity, and misty climate make the place unforgettable experience. From dense tropical forests to majestic Nilgiri hills, from the Rose Garden to the Ooty Lake, a vacation in Ooty is memorable experience.
Distance from Bangalore: 274 km
Travel Time: 6 hours
4. Anthargange
The relatively less explored Anthargange is a unique hill range and one of the best places to visit near Bangalore within 100 km. The hill range is home to some spectacular caves formed by rocks. From rock climbing to trekking to caving, this place offers a heavenly experience for adventure seekers. The mysterious beauty of this place draws a lot of youngsters and makes it one of the most sought-after destinations in Bangalore.
Distance from Bangalore: 70 km
Travel Time: 1.5 hours
5. Skandagiri Hills
Skandagiri Hills, housing the erstwhile fortress of Tipu Sultan’s reign, is a mountainous terrain that offers a unique experience. The 10 km long trek atop the Skandagiri Hills in the serene atmosphere is a spectacular experience. On your way to the hilltop, you find yourself surrounded by majestic clouds from all sides and walking amidst them. Skandagiri Hills is perfect for one day trip near Bangalore as it takes around 5 hours to climb up the mountain and come back. Many trekkers opt for camping and stargazing at night and sleep inside tents or sleeping bags. In the morning, the place offers a mesmerizing view of a misty valley underneath and fresh winds.
Distance from Bangalore: 60 km
Travel Time: 1.5 hours
6. Kodaikanal
Located in the Palani Hills of the Western Ghats in the Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu, the beautiful hill station of Kodaikanal stands 7200 feet above sea level. The name Kodaikanal roughly translates to The Gift of the Forest, and the place is known for its serene atmosphere and stunning landscapes. At Kodaikanal, man-made tourist spots balance natural beauty, making it an ideal weekend getaway near Bangalore. From wild sanctuaries to century-old churches, from trekking stretches to spectacular lakes, from the solar observatory to the mesmerizing view of hills, Kodaikanal has enough to offer every age group. A pleasant, misty climate throughout the year enhances the beauty of this hill station.
Distance from Bangalore: 465 km
Travel Time: 9 hours
7. Madurai
With a history that goes more than 2500 years, Madurai, situated on the banks of the River Vaigai, is the third-largest city of Tamil Nadu. Madurai was the major economic hub during the Chola and Pandya kingdoms, and the Dravidian-style architecture of several monuments is testimony to its culturally rich heritage. Also known as the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu, Madurai is one of the most important religious and pilgrimage places to visit near Bangalore. The city is home to several historical monuments and attracts over 1 million tourists throughout the year. The world-famous Meenakshi Amman Temple is the center of the attraction of the city.
Distance from Bangalore: 436 km
Travel Time: 8 hours
8. Goa
The small coastal state of Goa is one of the top tourist attractions in India and one of the best places to visit near Bangalore. Bordering the Arabian Sea, Goa has many famous beaches, food joints, party places, making it the most loved destination for youngsters, honeymoon couples, and foreigners. Additionally, this old Portuguese Colony is also home to several sacred churches and is an important pilgrimage for Christians. Goa, with its exotic beaches, water activities, cafes, pubs, forts, shopping streets, etc., is the ultimate partying destination. Some of the key tourist places in Goa include The Naval Aviation Museum, Aguada Fort, Chapora Fort, Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, Mapusa Market, etc.
Distance from Bangalore: 560 km
Travel Time: 11.5 hours
9. Horsley Hills
Located in the eastern ranges, the scenic beauty of Horsley Hills offers an unbeatable experience. The mesmerizing 3-and-a-half-hour drive amidst thick vegetation and beautiful scenery make it an ideal destination for weekend getaways from Bangalore. Once you are here, spend time appreciating the lush greenery through several viewpoints or see the world’s biggest banyan tree. Other key places to visit near Horsley Hills include Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary, Gangotri Lake, Environment Park, etc.
Distance from Bangalore: 153 km
Travel Time: 3.5 hours
10. Mysore
The stunning cultural heritage of Mysore makes it another must-visit tourist place near Bangalore. Located in the Chamundi Hills, the city was the capital of the Kingdom of Mysore from the 14th century till India gained its independence. Also called the City of Palaces, Mysore is famous for its grand palaces, heritage buildings, and revered temples. Mysore Palace is the highlight of the city, and its glass windows, intricate architecture, and grand design are a testimony of its rich cultural heritage. The annual Dasara festival sees thousands of tourists from all over the world. Mysore Pak, silk sarees, Mysore paintings, sandalwood, etc. make the city a paradise for shoppers. From Chamundi Hill temple to Brindavan Gardens, from Chamarajendra Academy of Visual Arts to Mysore Zoo, Mysore is the perfect destination for everyone.
Distance from Bangalore: 143 km
Travel Time: 3 hours
11. Kanyakumari
The popular tourist destination, Kanyakumari, is a district in Tamil Nadu and is famous for its unique oceanic view. Located at the convergence of the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean, Kanyakumari is India’s southernmost tip. The highlight of the place is the sunset point that offers a stunning view as the sun goes down amidst kilometers of water in the ocean. Other popular tourist places include the world-famous Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Gandhi Memorial, 133-feet-high Thiruvalluvar Statue, and the Kanyakumari Beach.
Distance from Bangalore: 153 km
Travel Time: 3.5 hours
12. Hogenakkal Falls
The small village of Hogenakkal in Tamil Nadu is famous for its beautiful waterfalls and is one of the top tourist places near Bangalore. Sometimes called the Niagara of the East, Hogenakkal falls is the place where the mighty River Cauveri breaks into multiple water streams. While visiting Hogenakkal Falls, spend time admiring the beautiful waterfalls or enjoy the boat ride, or trek to the nearby Melagiri Hills.
Distance from Bangalore: 181 km
Travel Time: 3 Hours
13. Gokarna
Gokarna is another famous pilgrimage spot in Karnataka and houses many centuries-old temples. Apart from its cultural and spiritual heritage, Gokarna also has less commercialized, pristine beaches that offer seclusion and solace. Once you are in Gokarna, you have plenty of things to do. From adventurous water sports like parasailing or snorkeling to spending quality time with your family at the beach amidst mesmerizing scenery, Gokarna has a lot to offer. Some of the other popular tourist attractions are Maha Ganapati Temple, Om Beach, Mahabaleshwar Temple, etc.
Distance from Bangalore: 485 km
Travel Time: 10 Hours
14. Belur
Renowned for its 12th– century Chennakeshava Temple, Belur is a town in Karnataka. Also known as the Kesava Temple, it is one of the finest testimonies of the Hoysala architecture on the banks of the Yagachi River.
Distance from Bangalore: 200 km
Travel Time: 3.5 Hours
15. Coorg
Rated as one of the best hill stations in India, the picturesque town of Coorg is a popular weekend getaway from Bangalore. Blessed with serenity and natural beauty, Coorg is famous for its foggy mountains and lakes. Also known as the Scotland of India, Coorg is a popular honeymoon destination. The lush green forests and hilly terrain are ideal for adventurous activities like dirt biking and trekking. Talakaveri, the originating place of the river Kaveri, is a notable tourist spot in Coorg and hosts one of the only two Lord Brahma temples in Southeast Asia. Other top tourist attractions of Coorg are the Abbey Falls, Nagarhole National Park, Brahmagiri Peak, Dubare Elephant Camp, etc.
Distance from Bangalore: 260 km
Travel Time: 5-6 Hours
16. Wayanad
Believed to be inhabited by tribes for over 3000 years, the rural district of Wayanad is a green paradise in Kerala. Nestled among the Western Ghat Mountains, Wayanad is famous for its dense forests, plantation, and diverse animal life. Stay in the treetop houses or mud huts or trek along the mist-laden mountains, Wayanad offers several unique experiences. Edakkal Caves, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Chethalayam Waterfall, Pookote Lake are quite popular with tourists throughout the year.
17. Chittoor
Chittoor is a famous religious tourism destination and is famous for its heritage architecture. Additionally, the cascading waterfalls make picturesque scenery and make Chitoor a perfect place for picnics and family outings. While visiting Chittoor, treat your taste buds by gorging on a large variety of mangoes.
Distance from Bangalore: 180 km
Travel Time: 3 hours
18. Kunti Betta
If you are a trekking enthusiast and looking for an adventurous destination near Bangalore, you must visit Kunti Betta. Believed to be their resting abode during the exile of Kunti and Pandavas, Kunti Betta holds special reverence in Hindu mythology. From rock climbing to kayaking, from camping to swimming, this place is the ultimate tourist destination for thrill-seekers.
Distance from Bangalore: 125 KM
Travel Time: 3 hours
19. Lepakshi
Lepakshi, a small town in Andhra Pradesh, is another must-visit weekend getaway near Bangalore. This heritage town is a testimony to the mighty Vijayanagara Empire, and its history goes back to the 16th century. Travel back in time at Lepakshi through the grandeur of paintings, the giant monolithic statue of Nandi, and the exquisite temple architecture of the Vijayanagara Era.
Distance from Bangalore: 120 km
Travel time: 2 hours
20. BR Hills
Located between the Western and the Eastern Ghats, the Biligirirangan Hills is rich in biodiversity and natural beauty. Popularly known as BR Hill, the place has a wide variety of flora and fauna. This hill station is near Mysore and is famous for trekking and safari. The 500-year-old Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple is an important and revered pilgrimage site. Other key places in the BR Hills include the Dodda Sampige – home to a 1000-year-old Champak Tree and the BRT wildlife sanctuary.
Distance from Bangalore: 185 km
Travel Time: 4.5 hours
The iconic, historical city of Bangalore presents you with several options to make your weekend exciting. The hidden gems situated around the Silicon Valley of India allow you to bask in the natural, historical glory as you take a break from your monotonous, routine life. This article includes some of the best weekend getaways from Bangalore to ensure that your next holiday stimulates your soul, mind, and body. Whether you are a resident of Bangalore or a visitor, experience a never-like-before vacation with these places.
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