Many people in Silicon Valley spend their entire week coding, and the recent Diwali holidays may have made the week even more challenging. So why plan a weekend getaway near Bangalore City to explore beautiful destinations to alleviate this? Here are some suggestions for fantastic weekend trips.
Kunti Betta Trek
The area around Bangalore offers many opportunities for adventure activities. Even if you don’t typically seek out thrills, you may enjoy them in this region. Kunti Betta is located in Pandavapura town and stands at an altitude of 2882m, making it an excellent destination for adventure enthusiasts.
Things to do: Experience the excitement of rappelling and kayaking during the day at Kunti Betta, and join a night trek starting at 1 a.m. with a group of people. Please take advantage of the opportunity to see the sunrise from the hills; it’s an experience you will remember.
Nandi Hills
Nandi Hills should be at the top of the list for weekend getaway near Bangalore. It’s a popular destination among city residents, offering a well-rounded experience with breathtaking views, adventure sports, and camping opportunities, making it an ideal choice for a refreshing weekend.
Things to do: Take a trek or bike ride to Nandi Hills with friends and test your endurance. Once you reach the summit, you will feel a sense of accomplishment. Enjoy camping at night and gazing at the stars for a unique and memorable experience.
Mysore
Mysore should be at the top of the list for weekend getaway near Bangalore. It’s located in southwest Karnataka, known for its rich heritage and well-maintained tourist spots. Shopping for silk, sandalwood and handicrafts is a must-do during Dussehra, as the city attracts millions of tourists worldwide.
Things to do: Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Mysore Palace, the Mysore Zoo, the Brindavan Gardens, the Chamundeshwari Temple, and the St. Philomena’s Cathedral. Rent a bike or car to discover more of the city and enjoy a relaxing evening.
Shivanasamudra Falls
Shivanasamudra Falls, located in Mandya District, is a must-see destination for its natural beauty and serene atmosphere. The 320-foot falls, the second-largest in India, split from the Cauvery river into two downstream falls: Gaganachukki and Bharachukki.
Things to do: Take a boat ride in the Cauvery river. The boatmen will ensure a thrilling experience and take you close to the falls. Visit the Ranganathaswamy Temple, surrounded by markets for food, local handicrafts, clothes, and wood and brassware. Trekking is also a popular activity in Shivanasamudra.
Masinagudi
Observing wildlife in its natural habitat is an unforgettable experience. Take a jungle trail at Mudumalai National Park, Masinagudi, located in the Nilgiri Hills, and have the chance to spot deer, elephants, pythons, cobra, bears, and wild boars.
Things to do: Take an early morning safari or an elephant ride through the 321 km wildlife sanctuary at Mudumalai National Park. Or, relax and enjoy a cup of tea at the tea plantations. If you have more time, visit the nearby Bandipur National Park, a 40-minute drive from Masinagudi.
Dubare
Dubare, located on the banks of the Cauvery in the Kodagu District, is known for its Elephant Camp, where elephants are trained by expert mahouts and roam freely. So why plan a weekend getaway near Bangalore City to explore beautiful destinations to alleviate this? Visitors can take an elephant ride around the camp and see other animals like sambhar, wild dogs, leopards, and crocodiles.
Things to do:
- Take a jeep safari in Dubare Forest, and enjoy the views of the wildlife.
- Take a nature walk with experts in the morning to spot interesting flora and fauna.
- Have fun with elephant bathing and feeding activities with the mahout.
- Visit the Chikliholi Reservoir to enjoy the lush greenery and serene views.
Ooty
Ooty is a fantastic hill station with a pleasant climate all year round, known for its blooming flowers, chirping birds, squirrels, and lush greenery. The views are not only picture-worthy but also unforgettable. It’s a perfect destination for any traveller, whether traveling with friends, family, solo, or as a couple.
Things to do: Visit Mukruthi peak by walking or cycling and see Nilgiri Tahr. Go to Ooty Tea Factory to learn how tea tastes fresh. Other places to visit in Ooty include Avalanche Lake, Doddapetta Peak, Pykara Lake and Waterfall, and Rose Garden. Book a resort in Ooty with a good view and amenities at a reasonable price, but make sure to book in advance.
Coorg
Coorg, also known as Kodagu, is a hill station in southern India surrounded by the Western Ghats. It offers excellent views and a pleasant climate and is a fantastic place to relax and rejuvenate in the Weekend Getaway near Bangalore. It’s often called the “Scotland of India” due to its natural beauty.
Things to do: Coorg offers many activities for adventure lovers, such as white river rafting. The Nagarhole National Park is nearby and provides jeep and elephant safaris. Tadiandamol peak is a challenging trek for experts, and other smaller, easier treks are also available. Coorg also has many viewpoints with beautiful views.
Wayanad
Wayanad is a beautiful Western Ghats district located on the border of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. It’s a great place to stay, with delicious Kerala cuisine and a pleasant climate surrounded by lush greenery. It’s a great spot to relax and rejuvenate.
Things to do: Pookot Lake is a great place for boating; you can take a boat tour in the Kuruva Dweep River Delta to see different plants and animals. Visit the Edakkal Caves in Ambukutty Mala, a pre-historic rock shelter with impressive rock engravings. Trekkers can enjoy the trek to Chembra Peak, the highest in the district at 2100 meters. For a thrilling experience, drive through sharp hairpin bends and narrow lanes to reach Lakkidi village.
Hampi
Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagara Dynasty and is filled with rare and well-crafted monuments and temples. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit in Karnataka. Around 1,600 temples, monuments, structures, and memorials of the Vijayanagara Empire are still present here. Shopping and delicious food are additional reasons to visit Hampi.
Things to do: Explore the ruins and temples of Hampi. It’s an excellent place for photography. Check out Hippie Island, a hidden gem for backpackers with continental food and hut stays. Hike to the Veerabhadra Temple and enjoy the view from Matanga Hill. The highest point of Hampi offers beautiful sunsets. Rent a scooter to roam around the town and discover its different sights.
Thus, these are fantastic places to spend an exciting weekend with your family, friends, and loved ones. Check out the places and plan your trip accordingly.
