Weekend getaways from Bangalore

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Bangalore, the city that wakes up every day with constant momentum. Packed with multinational companies, startups, and many more business firms and companies, the city is always in motion. Five days a week are spent in hustle and bustle. It is perfectly legitimate to spend the weekend having fun or relaxing.

This article serves as a guide to planning weekend getaways from Bangalore and seeking respite from busy life.

1. Ooty in Tamil Nadu

One of the most preferred weekend getaways from Bangalore, Ooty is perfect for 1 or 2 days stay. It is one of the picturesque hill stations in India, located in Tamil Nadu. Considered as a traveler’s paradise, the enticing beauty and the greenery are a treat to the eyes. Situated in the heart of the majestic and gorgeous Western Ghats, Ooty has a plethora of wonderful viewpoints for tourists. The quaint hamlets, meandering walking trails, the valleys, the gorges, and the plainlands amalgamate to amplify the beauty of the hill station. You can go boating in the lakes of Ooty, perfect for spending a relaxed and leisurely time during your weekend trip. Further, hop on to the tea gardens, and click some memorable photos. Do not miss buying some homemade chocolates.

The top sightseeing spots in Ooty are:

1. Doddabetta peak
2. Rose garden
3. Toda temple
4. Ooty boathouse
5. Botanical garden
6. Government museum
7. St. Stephen’s Church
8. Mudumalai tiger reserve
9. Ketty valley
10. Pykara waterfalls
11. Murugan temple
12. Sim’s park
13. The Tea factory and the Tea museum
14. Avalanche Lake
15. Emerald lake

The best time to visit

The temperature at Ooty remains pleasant throughout the year. But because of the school and college holidays, the crowd is maximum between March and June, and is considered the peak season. But if you want to spend a weekend in peace, then avoid the peak season.

How to reach from Bangalore

If you have your own vehicle, then you can easily drive down to Ooty. Else, there are cabs available to hire or rent a car. The other option is to board a bus and travel to Ooty.

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2. Coorg in Karnataka

Popularly known as the Scotland of India, Coorg in Karnataka is another one of the spectacular hill stations in India. Nestled in the majestic Western Ghats, Coorg is considered to be one of the best weekend getaways from Bangalore. Adorned with nature’s eccentric beauty, the quaint hamlet is a perfect destination to spend a memorable vacation. The prominent thing about Coorg is its coffee plantations. You can walk around them, while soothing your ears with the melodious chirping of the birds, and refreshing your mind with the soothing breeze, and the pristine environment.

The top sightseeing spots in Coorg are:

1. Mandalpatti peak
2. The Dubare elephant camp
3. Iruppu waterfalls
4. Omkareshwara temple
5. Brahmagiri peak
6. Abbey waterfalls
7. Mercara coffee estate
8. Nagarhole National Park
9. Raja’s Seat
10. Kabini river bank
11. Mallalli waterfalls
12. Namdroling Monastery Golden Temple
13. Talakaveri temple
14. Puspagiri wildlife sanctuary

The best time to visit

Coorg has good options for trekking and walking across the mountain trails, and the best time for the activities is between October and March. Rest for a normal weekend getaway, the best time is between September and June.

How to reach from Bangalore

The best way to reach Coorg from Bangalore is via car. You can also travel by bus, you need to get down at the Madikeri bus stand. Coorg does not have any rail connectivity.

3. Nandi Hills in Karnataka

One of the preferred weekend getaways from Bangalore is Nandi Hills in Karnataka. You can spend a good time with family in the hills. The natural beauty of the place is amazing, enticing for a memorable weekend stay. Nandi Hills is not only renowned for its panoramic landscape but also for its historical significance. There are religious temples, historical sites, and many mythological sculptures, representing its existence from the past years. There are plenty of pepper and coffee plantations, where you can walk across and be enriched by their marvellous beauty.  The weather is comfortable and pleasant, ideal for a vacation. Adventure lovers can go for paragliding and cycling for a thrilling experience. Nandi Hills are frequented by many migratory and local birds. So if you are a bird watcher, then you will love to visit the place and observe numerous bird species.

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The top sightseeing spots in Nandi Hills are:

1. Amrit Sarovar
2. Tipu’s Drop, a historical landmark
3. Sri Bhoga Nandishwara Gudi temple
4. Nandibetta Sunrise View Point
5. The hill view
6. Sri Yoganandishwara temple
7. Sri Bhoganandishwara temple
8. Satya Sports Village
9. Channagiri Betta trek point
10. Tipu Fort
11. Devanahalli Fort
12. Tipu Sultan’s summer palace
13. Skandagiri Hills
14. Canterbury Castles

The best time to visit

The weather at Nandi Hills is best between June and August, and hence the perfect time to visit. You will be enchanted by the calm and soothing weather, and be astonished by nature’s lush greenery.

How to reach from Bangalore

The best route to travel from Bangalore to Nandi Hills is via Bellary road. The traveling distance is about 65 km, the time taken being 1 and a half hours.

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4. Wayanad in Kerala

Wayanad in Kerala is one of the most popular weekend getaways from Bangalore and is renowned for its scenic beauty. It is a perfect place to spend a vacation with family and friends. Nature is at its best with its unparalleled lush greenery and topped with its magnificent flora. The place is eco-friendly with plenty of treehouses attached with the resorts, offering a time to spend in the vicinity of nature. You can soak yourself into the soothing atmosphere of Wayanad. For adventurous lovers, the place offers a plethora of activities like hiking, trekking, nature walks, bird watching, and safaris. You can visit the nearby villages and hamlets and witness the tribal culture.

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The top sightseeing spots in Wayanad are:

1. Edakkal caves
2. Lakkidi viewpoint
3. Sultan Bathery
4. Soocipara waterfalls
5. Priyadarshini Tea Estate
6. Kanthanpara waterfalls
7. Chembra peak
8. Wayanad Heritage Museum
9. Pookode lake
10. Wayanad wildlife sanctuary
11. Banasura Sagar dam
12. Wayanad Tea Museum
13. Meenmutty waterfalls
14. Neelimala View Point
15. Bansura hill
16. Karapuzha dam

The best time to visit

You can visit Wayanad at any time of the year. But the weather is pleasant and at its best between the months of November and February.

How to reach from Bangalore

It is best to book a cab from Wayanad to Bangalore. You can travel by bus and disembark at the Kalpetta bus stand, and then hire a cab to reach the place.

5. Hampi in Karnataka

Hampi in Karnataka is another good option for a weekend getaway from Bangalore. It is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and popularly known as the “World’s Largest Open-air Museum”.  Established in the 14th century, the place has historical significance. It was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. But then, invasions have transformed many of the temples and historical buildings into ruins. You will love to roam around the place and witness many temples, pavilions, fortifications, and ponds, standing as a testimony of the affluent royal households that existed in the yesteryears.

The top sightseeing spots in Hampi are:

1. Malyavanta Raghunatha temple
2. Virupaksha temple
3. Sasivenkalu Ganesha
4. Madhava temple
5. Vittala temple
6. Lakshmi Narasimha temple
7. Monolithic Bull

The best time to visit

The best time to visit Hampi is between the months of November and February. Best is to visit in January as the Virupaksha Temple Car Festival and the annual Purandaradasa Aradhana Music Festival at Vittala Temple happen at this time of the year.

How to reach from Bangalore

Board a train from Bangalore, and then a cab via Hospet to reach Hampi. Traveling time is almost 8 hours.

6. Chikmagalur in Karnataka

If you love hill stations, then Chikmagalur in Karnataka is one of the good options for weekend getaways from Bangalore. The place is particularly famous among tourists due to its coffee plantations, scenic views and the pristine environment. It is truly an ideal spot to relax and unwind yourself. Dams, temples, forests, the Western Ghat mountain ranges, and caves adorn the quaint hill station. The mystic atmosphere in Chikmagalur entices many travelers, especially the tranquility that prevails throughout the place. For adventure lovers, the place is ideal to go for trekking, hiking, jeep safaris, and rafting.

The top sightseeing spots in Chikmagalur are:

1. The coffee plantations
2. Kudremukh National Park
3. Mullayanagiri Peak
4. Bhadra Wild Life Sanctuary
5. Jhari Falls
6. Hebbe Falls
7. Srinigiri Sharada Peetham
8. Coffee Museum
9. Bhadra Dam

The best time to visit

The best time to visit Chikmagalur is between the months of October and February. The weather is pleasant and perfect for being in the lap of nature and also engaging in outdoor activities. If you want to sit indoors and watch nature at its best, then visit during the monsoons.

How to reach from Bangalore

The best way to reach Chikmagalur from Bangalore is to drive a car or hire a cab. The traveling time is nearly 5 hours.

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7. Bandipur Forests in Karnataka

If you love wildlife, then a perfect weekend getaway from Bangalore is the Bandipur Forest or National Park in Karnataka. It is said to be hosting the second-highest Tiger population in India. You will enjoy watching the numerous animal and bird species residing in the forest area. The forest is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and is a protected one. If you are visiting the forest, ensure to avoid travel from 9 PM to 6 AM as traffic is banned at that time for safeguarding wildlife.

The typical animals to be found in the forest are the tiger, panther, leopard, gaur, chital, deer, boar, sloth bear, sambhar, malabar squirrel, four-horned antelope, black-naped hare, porcupines, and many more. Among the birds, the green pigeon and the jungle fowl are quite famous.

You can opt for a jeep safari. The timings are:

Morning 6 AM till 8 AM and Evening 3 PM till 5 PM. The ride is for one hour.

The best time to visit

The best time to visit Bandipur Forest is between the months of October and March, when the winters have set in and monsoons are over. The weather is pleasant and cooler for enjoying time with the wildlife.

How to reach from Bangalore

You can reach Bandipur forest from Bangalore by train, bus, and cab. If you travel by train, then you need to get down at the Mysore railway station and hire a cab.

Hope by now you have gained a fair understanding of the prominent weekend getaways from Bangalore. So, do visit the places and enjoy a perfect weekend with your family and friends.

8. Jog Falls in Karnataka

A perfect weekend getaway from Bangalore, alluring visitors with its unparalleled beauty and gorgeous views. Jog Falls in Karnataka is said to be showered with the Almighty’s immense blessings. The power of the falls originates from the river Sharavathi. Nature is at its best at this place, surrounded by splendid views of the evergreen forests. The waters of the falls gushing down and splashing against the rocks is a treat to the eyes. The sound of the splashes is music to the ears. You will love to be near the Falls and enjoy the beauty of the magnificent nature.

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Jog Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in the country, and is also known by the names of Gerusoppe Falls, Gersoppa Falls, and Jogada Gundi. There are two viewing decks where you can stand and be engulfed by the beauty of the waterfalls. You can also go up hiking about 1400 steps to reach the falls.

The best time to visit

The best time to visit Jog Falls is during the monsoons from June to September, when you can observe the huge gushing of the waters from high above.

How to reach from Bangalore

You can reach Jog Falls from Bangalore by train, bus, and cab. If you travel by train, then you need to get down at Talgappa and hire a cab. By bus, you need to change at Shimoga. Traveling time is approximately 7 hours.

9. Mysore in Karnataka

If you want to visit the cleanest city in India, then you need to visit Mysore in Karnataka. A perfect weekend getaway from Bangalore, and be a witness to its immense historical buildings and monuments. You can check out its plethora of options for food like the Mysore Dosa and Mysore Pak. Not to forget the famous Mysore Silk, be it a saree or be it a dress material.

The top sightseeing spots in Mysore are:

1. Mysore Palace
2. Mysore Zoo
3. Chamundi Hills
4. Brindavan Gardens
5. St. Philomena Church
6. Jaganmohan Palace
7. Karanji Lake
8. GRS Fantasy Park
9. Shuka Vana
10. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
11. Bonsai Garden

The best time to visit

The best time to visit Mysore is from July to February, which are the monsoon and winter months.  The weather is pleasant at that time, and you can spend time outdoors.

How to reach from Bangalore

Bangalore International Airport is the nearest airport to Mysore if you have plans to travel to Bangalore and then explore Mysore. If you are residing in Bangalore, then best is to hire a cab or drive a car.