Bengaluru (also called Bangalore) is the capital of India's southern Karnataka state. The center of India's high-tech industry, the city is also known for its parks and nightlife. There are loads for you to do in this city, but if you step out of it, there are innumerable destinations for a quick weekend getaway. You can select from a number of destinations offering different types of activities for a fun-filled weekend. From beautiful, lush green hills to serene beach side, it is all just a moderate drive away. Some of the most beautiful locations of south India are at short distances from Bangalore. Here are the weekend getaways from Bangalore you must not miss:
1. Mysore
Located 151.6 km south of Bangalore at the base of the Chamundi Hills, Mysoreis called as the city of palaces. The beautiful monuments and the rich history of this place make it one of the most popular tourist destinations. The city is also the hub of sandalwood, incense and silk production. Many tourists visit Mysore to learn Ashtanga Yoga, which is practice across the city. From 1399 to 1947, Mysore was the capital of Kingdom of Mysore and was ruled by the Wodeyar dynasty. In the late 18th century, for a short period, Mysore was ruled by Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. The Wodeyars contributed immensely to the growth of the city’s culture. Mysore is known for Dussera celebration and it palace, the Mysore Palace. Tourists flock to the city during Dussera festival to see the colorful procession. Mysore was the location of India’s first private radio station.
Distance from Bangalore : 151.6 km (3 hours 24 minutes)
Best Time to Visit : September to March
Places to See : Mysore Palace, Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Garden, Somnathpur Temple, Devaraja Market, Namdroling Monastery, Sri Chamundeshwari Temple, Brindavan Temple, Venugopal Swamy Temple
2. Yercaud
Nestled among the Shevaroy Hills in the Eastern Ghats, Yercaud is a quaint hill station near Bangalore, ideal for a weekend trip.
The key attraction of Yercaud is the Emerald Lake. Surrounded by dense woods and hills with a lush garden on its banks, the lake is a feast for the eyes. You can enjoy boating through the glimmering waters of the lake and capture envy-inducing pictures.
While in town, trek through the mystic thick forests to the Killiyur Falls. The spectacular waterfall lies close to the Yercaud Lake and cascades down to the Killiyur valley offering an awe-inspiring view.
On the Eastern side of the Yercaud hills lies the famous Pagoda Point. A Rama Temple sits close to this spot. You can enjoy a picturesque view of Attur and Ayothiapattinam from this picnic spot.
Yercaud is famous for oranges and coffee plantations. Close to one of these sprawling coffee estates is the famous Bear’s cave which ranks high on every traveller’s itinerary.
Distance from Bangalore: 205 km
Best Time to Visit: October to February
Places to See: Killiyur Falls, Lady’s Seat, Shevaroy Hills, Bear’s Cave, Pagoda Point, Big Lake, Sri Chakra Mahameru Temple, Karadiyur View Point, Anna Park, Gent's Seat
3. Nandi Hills
Located in the Chikkaballapur dirstric, Nandi Hills is an ancient hill fortress. The hills are located about 60km north of Bangalore. It is believed that the Arkavathy River has originated from the hills. The hills are called Nandi Hills probably because it looks similar to a sleeping bull or Nandi. The hilsl were called Ananda Giri during the Chola period. The Nandi fort or Nandidurg, which was constructed by Tipu Sultan, was another reason for the name of the hill. According to another legend, the hill derived the name from an ancient temple located on top of the hill. The Nandi temple is about 1300 years old. There is another temple on this hill dedicated to Parvati and Shiva. The Nandi Hills offer a stunning view of the entire city. The cliff of the hill also has a past. It is said that the prisoners were pushed down the cliff as a punishment and the scream of each prisoner is represented by the rustling of leaves. The cliff is known as Tipu’s Drop.
Distance from Bangalore: 61 km
Best Time to Visit: September to May
Places to See: Tipu’s Summer Residence, Tipu’s Drop, Sunrise Point, Yoga Nandeeshwara Temple, Amrita Sarovar, Brahmashram, Muddenahalli, Nehru Nilaya
4. Ooty
Verdant hills, panoramic views and vast tea estates justify why Ooty earned the moniker of ‘Queen of Hills’. Driving through the town lofty mountains, dense forest, sprawling grasslands and miles and miles of lush pasture will pleasantly greet you.
With several key attractions to explore, plan your schedule to include most of them in your itinerary.
Go for a joyful toy train ride through dark tunnels and misty deep forests to discover the pristine treasure of the Nilgiri Hills. Take a stroll through the well maintained terraced gardens at Ooty Botanical Park. Several diverse varieties of flowers and trees are found in abundance here. A sole 20-million years old fossilized tree is a popular attraction of the gardens.
Capture the scenic beauty of Ooty with your lens at the Doddabetta Peak. Enjoy a trek to the Dolphin’s Nose to catch the breathtaking view of the Catherine falls and the confluence of Coonoor stream and Kotagiri stream. Gather your picnic baskets to spend a great time with your folks near Kamraj Sagar Lake. Ensconced between woodlands, the spot is great for a sweet picnic and also fishing.
Distance from Bangalore: 265 km
Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to November
Places to See: Government Rose Garden, Doddabetta Peak, Botanical Garden, Ooty Lake, Nilgiri Mountain Railway, St. Stephen's Church, Tea Factory & Museum
5. Coorg
Also known as Kodagu, Coorg is a hill station located 240 km west of Bangalore. The hill station is famous for tea and coffee plantation. Coorg is also called the ‘Kashmir of South’ and ‘Scotland of India’ thanks to its cool climate and stunning landscape. Located at an elevation of 3500 ft amidst the lush greenery of the Western Ghats, Coorg will mesmerize you with its natural beauty. The mist covered hills, stream, lake and the sweet smell of coffee will make you forget about the stressful life of the city. The beautiful terrain of Coorg is ideal for hiking and trekking. For adventure enthusiasts, Coorg offers activities like paintball and dirt biking.
Distance from Bangalore: 266 km
Best Time to Visit: September to June
Places to See: Abbey Falls, Talakaveri, Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Namdroling Monastery, Honnamana Kere Lake, Raja's Seat, Maikeri Fort, Omkareshwara Temple, Raja's Tomb, Mandalpatti Road
6. Chikmagalur
Surrounded by sprawling coffee plantations and breathtaking view of the valley, Chikamagalur is an important economic and trade hub of Karnataka. But that is not all to it.
The town has several nature parks, wildlife sanctuaries, hill retreats and adventure sports sites. Enjoying rafting in the wild waters of Bhadra River as the lush green Western Ghats cast shadow on you. If you seek solace, drive to Mullayanagiri. Known for its peaceful ambience, the peak is nestled between Nilgiri Hills and the Himalayas. The area is popular among trekkers owing to its rugged rocky terrain.
Distance from Bangalore: 244 km
Best Time to Visit: September to May\
Places to See: Mullayanagiri Peak, Mahatma Gandhi Park, Kudurekuha Jamly Hill, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Baba Budan Giri, Hebbe Waterfalls
7. Yelagiri
Located in Tamil Nadu, Yelagiri is called as the Poor Man’s Ooty. The hill station, which is located at an elevation of 4,626 ft in Vellore district, is a famous trekking destination. Surrounded by rose gardens, orchards and lush green valleys, Yelagiri is one of the most beautiful hill stations in South India. The hill station has 14 hamlets. The roads to this scenic hill station have several hairpin roads offering the breathtaking view of the hills and slopes. Yelagiri is not as commercialized as other famous hill stations and the government has undertaken many steps to promote this place. The place offers many adventure sports like rock climbing, trekking and paragliding. Once the property of the zamindars of Yelagiri, the land was taken over in 1950s by the government. The hills station is has pleasant climate throughout the year.
Distance from Bangalore: 163 km
Best Time to Visit: May to June and November to February
Places to See: Punganoor Lake, Jalagamparai Falls, Yelagiri Nature Park, Thrill Valley, Moksha Vimochana Temple, Perumal Temple
8. Wayanad
Located gorgeously over the Western Ghats, this rural paradise welcomes weekenders, adventure seekers, and wildlife enthusiasts. Expect to be mesmerized by the beautiful nature trails, cascading waterfalls, aromatic acres of coffee plantations, green rice fields, and abundant natural reserves. Apart from soaking in the natural grandeur, you can go for trekking in one of the many trails or visit a coffee plantation to taste freshly brewed coffee or take a wildlife tour to spot some elephants.
Distance from Bangalore : 271 km
Best Time to Visit: September to April
Places to See : Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary, Banasura Sagar Dam, Phantom Rock, Edakkal Caves, Kuruvadweep, Soochipara Waterfall, Chembra Peak, Thirunelli Temple, Lakkidi View Point, Pookat Lake
9. Belur
Located on the bank of Yagachi River in the district of Hassan, Belur is famous for the Chennakesava temple, which is one of the best examples of Hoysala architecture. Belur, along with Halebeedu, was once the capital of Shravanabelagola and Hoysalas. Belur became the capital after the Delhi Sultanate invede the place. Belur has rich history and beautiful heritage structures. Apart from Chennakesava temple, there are several temples in Belure like Veera Narayana temple and Kappe Chennigaraya temple. Belur’s temples give you a peek into the exquisite Hoysala craftsmanship and architecture style.
Distance from Bangalore : 220 Km
Best Time to Visit : October to April
Places to See : Chennakesava Temple, Yagachi Dam, Halebidu, Doddagaddavalli, Belavadi, Kedareswara Temple, Hoysaleswara Temple
10. Bandipur
Bandipur was once the hunting ground for the Mysore Maharajas. It is now a well-protected tiger reserve and national park – home to majestic tigers, Indian elephants, bison and antelopes. You can stay in jungle resorts and enjoy wildlife tours in Bandipur.
Distance from Bangalore: 219 km
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Places to See : Mudumalai National Park, Bandipur Tiger Reserve And National Park, Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta, BRT Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajiv Gandhi National Park