Searching for the best Weekend getaways from Bangalore? You aren’t alone if your days in the city are nothing but a round of shoddy traffic jams and back-to-back appointments. The good news? Some of the most beautiful hill stations, waterfalls, coffee estates and heritage towns of India are just a drive away. No matter how short or long the time, if it’s a 48-hour trip or a long weekend, there’s a getaway from Bangalore that fits the package.
So if you aren’t tired of scrolling yet, you can stop now and start packing for any of these 10 best weekend trips from Bangalore; ranging from 2 hour drives to 5-6 hour road trips.
Why Bangalore is the ideal destination for a weekend getaway
The city of Bangalore is nestled in the Deccan Plateau, surrounded by an unique combination of landscapes ranging from misty coffee plantations to the western side, ancient temple towns to the north, waterfalls to the south and wildlife sanctuaries almost at its doorstep, and royal heritage cities right next door.
“For a broader look beyond Bangalore’s immediate surroundings, check out our guide to the best places to visit in Karnataka.”Incorporate well connected roads and a pleasant climate year round and one can only imagine why Bangaloreans are known for their weekend getaway culture. Consider these ten places, well-worth the trip.
1. Nandi Hills, The Classic Sunrise Escape
Difficulty: ~60 km | Suited for: Half day/ early morning trip
Nandi Hills is the place every Bangalorean tries out, at least once and will definitely go back. It sits at approximately 1478 metres and is renowned for its cold weather and the stunning view of the sun rising over foothills of rolling hills. The sunrise is a popular sight in the city and most of the visitors depart from the city around 4 AM. Most of the visitors leave the city around 4 AM for the sunrise from Tipu’s Drop or Amrut Sarovar. In addition to the perspectives, visit Tipu Sultan’s summer pavilion, an ancient fort and some small temples on the hilltop. Nandi Hills is also an excellent short bike ride for fitness freaks as it is located in close proximity.
Best time to visit: October to February, for the clearest skies.
Where to stay: The place most visitors make a sunrise visit to is Nandi Hills and they return the same day. For those who prefer to stay longer, there are only a few budget resorts near the base and the KSTDC’s Mayura Pine Top, with simple rooms.
Budget: If you are going as a day trip, then it is under ₹500 for entry, parking and breakfast at the stalls on the hilltop. The additional cost of an Overnight stay is approximately ₹2,000 to ₹3,500 per night for a couple.
2. Ramanagara, Rocky Terrain and Rock Climbing
This area is ideal for adventure lovers and day trips and is about 50 km away from the city.
If you have heard the name before, it’s likely because Ramanagara was the setting of the Bollywood classic Sholay. It is now more popularly known to Bangalore’s outdoor population for its dramatic granite hills where people go to rock climb and rap. The beginners can go for guided climbing while the more advanced trekkers trek to the Revanasiddeshwara Betta for a panoramic view. Ramanagara also has the largest sericulture (silk) market in Asia, so this is also an interesting half day cultural excursion.
Best time to see: At any time of the year except for the hottest times of day, when it’s better to be at home.
Staying overnight: Ramanagara can be covered on a day tour, but a couple of eco-resorts or riverside camps near the Cauvery offer an overnight adventure package with a climbing/rapelling experience.
The guided climbing / rappelling excursion fee is ₹1500 to ₹2500 per person. Overnight adventure camps are held at ₹3,000–₹5,000 per person and include meals, typically.
3. Mysore, Royal Palaces and Timeless Charm
The distance is ~150 km and it is good for families, history lovers and first-timers.
Mysore is the most complete Bangalore getaway weekend (heritage, food and shopping all rolled up into one). The gorgeous Mysore Palace, particularly on Sunday evenings and during Dasara definitely warrants a visit. Then add in the calm and picturesque Brindavan Gardens, the Chamundi Temple at the hill top and the legendary street food of Mysore — even the famous Mysore Pak is worth taking the time to try — and you have a schedule that can be easily expanded to 2 days. History enthusiasts can also stop by at the nearby Srirangapatna, which was the capital of Tipu Sultan.
Best seasons: September to March with Dasara (September–October) being the ideal time.
Staying accommodation includes heritage hotels such as The Green Hotel (formally a royal era mansion), to dependable mid-range chains near the palace and Devaraja Market and budget stays around the railway station suitable for backpackers and travellers on a budget.
Budget: Budget stays start around ₹1,500–₹2,500/night; mid-range hotels ₹3,000–₹5,000/night. Include an extra ₹1000–₹1500 per person, per day for local sightseeing and food.
4. Coorg, The Scotland of India
Adventure Travel Inspired by coffee, nature and walking. Nature lovers, coffee drinkers, couples will enjoy this one.
Coorg (Kodagu) is always in the top of the lists when it comes to weekend trips from Bangalore for a reason. The rolling coffee plantations and mist draped hills along with the cool climate make it feel like a different country altogether. Be sure to visit the Namdroling Golden Temple (a working Tibetan Buddhist monastery), Dubare Elephant Camp (where you can interact with the gentle beasts of Karnataka), Abbey Falls and Raja’s Seat, where you can catch the sunset. Homestays on working coffee estates are the best way to experience Coorg’s slower pace of life.
Best time to travel: October to March for good weather; June to September for the lush, misty monsoons (leeches on trekking season).
Accommodation: Coffee-estate homestays in and around Madikeri and Napoklu are the best place to stay while the resorts around Galibeedu and Kushalnagar have better facilities.
Budget: The average estate homestay is ₹2,500–₹4,500/night (usually including meals), resorts are typically more expensive, at ₹5,000–₹9,000/night. Plan to spend ₹4,000 to ₹6,000 per person for a 2N3D (2 nights and 3 days) tour with local travel and food.
5. Chikmagalur, Karnataka’s Coffee Capital.
Few breathtaking scenic walks, a hot pot of coffee, and an offbeat traveller are the perfect ingredients for a recipe in this case. Trekkers, coffee lovers and offbeat travellers are the perfect ingredients to a recipe in this case.
Coffee is the first crop to have been grown in India and at Chikmagalur, it is a combination of adventure and relaxation. The highest peak of Karnataka, Mullayanagiri, is a sunrise hike for early risers, offering views of the Western Ghats. Nestled within a coffee plantation is the popular waterfall chasers’ favourite, Hebbe Falls, and for those who have more time, Baba Budangiri and Kemmangundi offer additional trekking opportunities. While staying at the plantation, you are also double-doubled for a crash course in how the coffee is grown.
Best season to visit: October to May and misty with atmosphere (but wet) during monsoon.
Where to stay: Plantation stays near Mullayanagiri and Kalasa offer estate walks and fresh coffee at your doorstep, while budget hotels are found in the town of Chikmagalur.
Budget: Plantation homestays range from ₹2,500 – ₹5,000 per night, town hotels are priced from around ₹1,800 per night. Add in the local trekking guides’ fees (₹500-₹800 per person per day) and entry fees.
6. Sakleshpur, The Offbeat Green Getaway
Best for: Trekkers, those who love the monsoon, and for offbeat weekends.
With fewer crowds than Coorg or Chikmagalur, but just as stunning, Sakleshpur is renowned for its lush forests, coffee plantations, and the dramatic Bisle Ghat viewpoint, where the Western Ghats cascade in layers of green. One of South India’s most mulled over monsoon hikes is the railway journey along the old Mangalore-Bangalore route, featuring old tunnels and bridges. An easy and charming visit to Manjarabad Fort, a star-shaped fort constructed by Tipu Sultan.
Best time to travel: June to September, when it is possible to trek across the monsoon region; October to February, when the weather is nice.
Accommodation: Many homestays and little hotels are scattered over the estates around Bisle and Manjarabad, which include railway excursions or a visit to the Manjarabad Fort in their packages.
Budget: ₹2,000–₹4,000/night for homestays. Guided monsoon trek packages (including transport and food) for the day range from ₹1,500 to ₹3,000 per person.
7. Shivanasamudra falls, A monsoon power house
A member of the New Zealand Alps. Located in the New Zealand Alps, the distance is ~130–140 km and it is ideal for day trips, photography, waterfall chasers.
Shivanasamudra is at its best during and immediately after the monsoons when the water rushes down the two falls, the Kaveri becoming the Gaganachukki and the Bharachukki. Relatively easy day trip from Bangalore, and often done in combination with Talakadu, a historic town on the banks of the Kaveri which is known for its buried temples. The rainbows made by the spray of the falls on sunny mornings are a favourite among photographers.
When to visit: After the peak of the monsoons (July-October).
Where to stay: It is a nice day trip and most people do not stay overnight, but if you are visiting Mysore or Talakadu, there are a few resorts along the river at Malavalli which have basic rooms.
Budget – It is basically a fuel and food outing, so plan for spending less than ₹1000 per person for the day (excluding travel).
8. Hampi – UNESCO World Heritage Time Capsule
The perfect day trip for history enthusiasts and photographers, this journey takes you about 340 km from the city.
Hampi is worth a little longer of a weekend, but it’s worth the extra hour of driving. It was once the capital of the mighty Vijayanagara Empire, but today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site dotted with ancient temples, royal ruins and bizarre boulder-strewn landscapes. Vittala Temple’s stone chariot, the Virupaksha Temple and the coracle ride across the Tungabhadra river are definitely worth doing. The sunset view from Matanga Hill offering an overview of the entire valley dotted with ruins is one of the best views in Karnataka.
Best time to visit: October to February; the summer season in Hampi is extremely hot.
Accommodation: Backpackers are common in the guesthouses and boutique hotels in Hampi Bazaar and Virupapura Gaddi (on the opposite side of the river), and the standard hotels are available in Hospet, 13 km away.
Budget: Guesthouses in the Hampi Bazaar are around ₹800 to ₹1,500 per night while Hospet hotel rooms cost ₹2,000 on up to ₹4,000 per night. For a tour that involves a coracle ride and local sightseeing, budget ₹3,500–₹5,500 per person for a 2N3D tour.
9. Wayanad — Kerala’s Misty Wilderness
Accommodation options: Camping, lodging. Activities: Wildlife watching, waterfall hunting, long weekends.
Move to Wayanad to enjoy a fresh experience among the thick forests, spice plantations and cascading waterfalls. Trekkers are drawn to the prehistoric rock carvings of Edakkal Caves and heart-shaped lake at Chembra Peak. The wayanad wildlife sanctuary offers an opportunity for wildlife lovers to see elephants, deer and in rare instances, tigers. It’s a refreshing contrast to the bustle and noise of Bangalore’s city life with its cooler and green weather.
Best seasons for visiting: October to May or June to September (monsoon season) when the waterfalls are in full bloom but with the heaviest rain.
Places to stay: Budget homestays are mainly at Kalpetta town and the plantation resorts and tree house stays are around Vythiri and Meppadi.
Budget: Budget homestays range from ₹2,000/night, while treehouse and plantation resorts range from ₹6,000–₹12,000/night. A wildlife safari will cost you an additional ₹300-₹600 per person.
10. Yercaud — The Quiet Hill Station
The Krishnagiri route is ideal for relaxed weekends, families and people wanting to go away from the city. Distance: ~200 km (via Krishnagiri route) | Ideal for: Relaxed weekends, families, away from the city.
Shrouded in the shadow of its more famous sibling, Ooty, Yercaud is a quiet hill station in the Shevaroy Hills of Tamil Nadu, that’s nestled by coffee and orange plantations. There are easy, low effort spots like Yercaud Lake, Killiyur Falls and Pagoda Point viewpoint that will make it perfect for a relaxed weekend without a busy schedule. Compared to other hill stations in the western ghats, it has fewer crowds and is a good choice if you are looking for quiet over show.
Best time to visit: March to June, for the pleasant weather; October to December post monsoon.
Accommodation: Yercaud Lake is surrounded by a network of small hill-view resorts and government-run guesthouses, but there are also a few coffee-estate homestays further away.
Budget: ₹1,800–₹3,500/night for lake-area resorts. The average price of a 1N2D trip is ₹3,000–₹4,500 per person with food.
Compare the distance and ideal trip length. Compare the distance and the ideal trip length.
Destination | Distance | Ideal Trip Length | Budget |
Sri Lanka | 800 Kms. | 2 Nights/3 Days | Rs. 50,000 (per person) |
Nandi Hills | ~60 km | Half day | Under ₹500 |
Ramanagara | ~50 km | Half-day/1 day | ₹1,500–₹2,500 |
Mysore | ~150 km | 1–2 days | ₹3,500–₹6,000 |
Shivanasamudra Falls | ~130–140 km | 1 day | Under ₹1,000 |
Sakleshpur | ~210 km | 2 days | ₹3,000–₹5,000 |
Yercaud | ~200 km | 1–2 days | ₹3,000–₹4,500 |
Coorg | ~250–265 km | 2–3 days | ₹4,000–₹6,000 |
Chikmagalur | ~240–245 km | 2–3 days | ₹4,000–₹6,500 |
Wayanad | ~280 km | 2–3 days | ₹5,000–₹8,000 |
Hampi | ~340 km | 2–3 days | ₹3,500–₹5,500 |
For anyone planning a weekend getaway from Bangalore, these are some tips to keep in mind.
- Take a shorter cut to work and get there early. One should leave Bangalore in time before 6 AM to save a few hours particularly from Mysore and Nelamangala.
- Save accommodation in advance the long weekend. Around Indian public holidays, Coorg, Chikmagalur and Ooty are extremely inundated and bookings are recommended at least 3–4 weeks in advance.
- Have cash on hand for smaller towns. Acceptance for cards and UPI may be inconsistent in plantation and remote homestays.
- Check monsoon road conditions. Heavy monsoon may cause landslides on ghat roads to Sakleshpur, Chikmagalur and Wayanad—please check local advisories before travelling by road.
- Pack layers. Even in summer, the temperature can be warm during the day and cold at night at hill stations.
This is a quick pre-trip checklist to have on hand before you depart.
On a short trip, a little preparation is all that is needed, there is no time to turn around and look for something that you forgot.
- ID proof: You’ll need to have a government ID at check in at most homestays and resorts, including in Coorg, Chikmagalur, and Wayanad, so be sure to have one on hand, not just on your phone.
- Cash buffer: Also carry at least ₹2000 to ₹3000 in cash even for card-enabled travel, in and around remote toll booths, small restaurants and forest check-posts don’t accept digital payments.
- Fuel before you go off the highway: After leaving the highway for the hills (Sakleshpur, Chikmagalur, Wayanad), petrol pump locations become scarce, so fill your tank at the last big town.
- Western Ghats offer poor cellular reception: Offline maps can be downloaded. Plan your route on Google maps prior to the trip so you are not lost without directions.
- Medical kit which includes motion sickness tablets for ghat tracks, mosquito repellent and any personal medication — pharmacies are not always readily available once off the highway.
- Weather appropriate layers: It gets really cold at night, even during the summer — bring a light jacket no matter what the weather is like.
- If necessary, get entry permits: Some forest treks and wildlife safaris (in Wayanad, Kabini) require advance booking or permit — see the official forest department website before you go.
- Full tank + spare tyre check: If you self drive, check vehicle, particularly tyres and brakes before turning your vehicle into ghat roads with sharp turns.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Both Mysore and Nandi Hills are suitable for families; there’s no need for a trek like the ones that are made at Sakleshpur or Chikmagalur and have easy sightseeing in the form of palaces, gardens and viewpoints.
Yes, the KSRTC buses and trains from Bangalore are well connected to Mysore, Hampi and Coorg and local buses or shared cabs will help you get around once you reach your destination. Nandi Hills and Ramanagara can be reached via public bus in a day trip also.
It’s best avoided. Ghat roads are not wide, are poorly lit and wildlife cross the roads after dark particularly during the monsoon season; drive early enough to get to before it gets dark.
Hampi and Mysore are comfortable and popular destinations for travellers to go on their own as they also have a good number of hostels and guest houses.
Yes — most safaris are booked on-line through the forest department, and it is usually advisable to book a few days in advance, as slots are often fully booked on weekends.
Final Thoughts
It isn’t a matter of having to take a long vacation to see some of South India’s most beautiful landscapes, only a free weekend and a full tank of petrol. With its scenic sunrise views from Nandi Hills and the misty coffee plantations of Coorg, Bangalore’s environs have something for everyone. Each of the three words, picked up, packed light and hit the road, is an essential component to creating your next favourite memory.
