10 Best Weekend Getaways: Bangalore

If you had a tough week and want to get away from the mundanity of life, call your friends, get in a car, and drive 60 km from the city to the beautiful Nandi Hills. Rich in historical significance, the spot is known for its scenery and greenery. Fun fact, Tipu Sultan used the Hills as his summer destination and you can find several remnants of his legacy around the place. You can spend a few hours inside the hallowed walls of the Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple and have some peace. And if that is not what your ideal getaway looks like, you can always indulge in the many adventure sports such as trekking, cycling, and paragliding to have the best weekend ever!

Have you ever thought of spending a night beneath the stars, away from the bustle of the city life of Bangalore? Your wish will be granted if you decide to spend your weekend at the mystical place called Ramanagara. It is one of the best weekend trips from Bangalore. Not even the velvet sheets of a 5-star hotel bedroom can beat the silence you can get amidst nature. Star-gazing around the bonfire with your significant other or telling stories to your children, all can be done within one night of camping. Amongst other things that you can do on your getaway, bird-watching and shopping around the markets surely top the list.

If you want a getaway full of lush greenery, plan a trip to Wayanad. A 6-hour drive from Bangalore, spending the weekend here would definitely help you detox. Known as the spice garden of India, you can smell the fragrance of cardamom, star anise, and fenugreek orchards. Apart from the natural bounties, there are a lot of places to explore. For instance, you can trek to Chembra Peak to witness a beautiful sunset or go back in time at the Edakkal Caves with its collection of Neolithic artefacts. And if you want to adorn your photo albums back home, head to architectural marvels like the Thirunelli temple or the ancient Jain temple, and capture some stunning frames.

You don’t need to be on a plane to witness fluffy clouds. All you have to do is visit Skandagiri. One of the known spots for weekend getaways near Bangalore, the Skandagiri Sunrise trek is a popular one amongst adventurers as well as photographers. The sublime, panoramic view that it affords, is simply stunning. Once you have experienced the feeling of literally being above everything else, you can also indulge in some trekking on the Skandagiri Hills. We have more! The nearby Bhimeshwara temple is the ultimate spot to get some much-needed serenity over your weekend getaway.

This one is for those who yearn to get in some adventure gear to scale heights. It is the best spot to have some long-awaited fun with your friends while you race each other to the summit of the twin peaks. Being one of the largest rock formations in Asia, the view from the zenith is breathtaking. While rock climbing and a casual trek are always on the cards during a trip to Savandurga, a visit to the Thippagondanahalli reservoir and the Manchinbele Dam will only enhance your weekend.

One destination that certainly tops the list of short trips from Bangalore is Mysore. A three-hour drive from Bangalore will take you to this historically enriching place, full of heritage and culture. You will feel like a tourist in front of the several archaic monuments as you stand to take a picture with them in the backdrop. One of the many things that attract visitors from all around is Ashtanga yoga. A session of Ashtanga yoga will surely make you have the most relaxing weekend. And of course, don’t forget to indulge in some delicious Mysore Pak and pack some for everyone back at home!

If you want your weekend getaway to be one with nature, a trip to Kabini would be a perfect choice. One of the main attractions here is the Kabini Wildlife sanctuary. You can witness the beauty of the sanctuary while riding on the back of an elephant! After this once-in-a-lifetime ride, you can get on a boat on the Kabini River to enjoy the scenic beauty all around you. If this is not enough, you can also spend your weekend by stuffing yourself with some delicious local dishes like the Bisi Bele Bhaat, Vada Sambar, and Akki roti.

It is natural that you would want some peace and quiet whenever you go somewhere for a trip. Some place a little off the grid can be the answer to that! One of the best weekend getaways near Bangalore that is untouched and unblemished is the hill station of Yercaud. The raw natural beauty and the rustic village aesthetic that the spot holds is unrivalled. Combined with the diverse flora and fauna, the compact nature of the town makes it perfect for a weekend trip. What else? The many fruit orchards and coffee plantations can be explored in a jiffy. A cup of freshly brewed coffee and a magnificent view, do you need anything else?

Another hill station near Bangalore that exudes a peaceful environment? Coonoor is what you need. You can head to the Dolphin’s Nose Viewpoint to see the ravishing view of the Nilgiris or stand in front of the gorgeous Catherin Falls. And to perfectly top your weekend, take a ride on the Nilgiris Mountain Railway toy train. You can feel like a child again as you snake through the winding tracks and see the picturesque nature all around you. This will surely leave you with unforgettable memories.

The weekend is not enough to take a trip to France, but it is certainly enough to go to the French colony of India, Pondicherry. You can walk along the many beaches that dot the town and bask in the humdrum of the waves. To get a little culturally enriched, places like Auroville are there to give you the perfect heritage tour. And finally, to end your weekend, you can indulge in some of the most authentic French dishes from the innumerable cafes and restaurants. It is surely one of the most popular tourist places near Bangalore.

When you talk about weekend getaways from Bangalore, there’s a plethora of options for you. Just select a place from the list and get going!