In Bangalore and wondering where to go next weekend? Take your pick from this list of best weekend trips from Bangalore chosen by your favourite travel bloggers!
Bangalore | India
Bangalore, the heart of India’s multibillion-dollar IT industry, is loved by locals and travellers alike for its mild weather and cosmopolitan culture. Beautiful parks, historical buildings, religious centres, and legendary eateries make it the perfect destination but where do you go on weekends? Bangalore’s geographical location makes it easy to explore the gorgeous Coromandel and Malabar coasts, the tea plantations and rolling hills of Tamil Nadu, and the metropolises in neighbouring states. In this post, travel bloggers share their best weekend trips from Bangalore.
All the destinations in this list of weekend trips from Bangalore can be reached by bus or train because public transport is good for you and great for the planet!
Weekend Trips from Bangalore: Less than 300 km from Bangalore
Shivanasamudra Falls (133 km)
By Ketki of Explore with Ecokats
If you love nature and adventure then head straight towards Mysore road for a trip to Shivanasamudra Falls. Located approximately 130 km from Bangalore, Shivanasamudra Falls are segmented waterfalls. Gaganachukki and Barachukki Falls are collectively called Shivasamudram waterfalls and these waterfalls are one of the best weekend gateways from Bangalore. The Kaveri River divides itself into two different falls, forming the Gaganachukki waterfalls and the Barachukki waterfalls. It is possible to climb down to the water stream at Barachukki Wells to take a bath or even ride a coracle during the summer or winter months. The waterfalls come alive during the monsoon with the fresh spell of rain and also form a water fog that can be seen from a long distance.
Unlike Barachukki, Gaganachukki Falls are not bath friendly and one cannot climb down because of strong currents. Visitors can see the waterfalls from a watchtower. Because of the strong current, Gaganchukki waterfalls were the first-ever host in India to have Asia’s first hydroelectric power station which was set up in the year 1902. It is presently one of the oldest power-generating stations in India.
Karnataka State Tourism Development (KSTDC) has a hotel near the waterfalls which is perfect if visitors are spending a weekend here and are tired after the road trip from Bangalore. KSTDC – Hotel Maurya offers a budget-friendly accommodation option.
How to Reach Shivanasamudra Falls from Bangalore: KSRTC buses regularly ply between Bangalore and Kollegal. Get down at the Sathegala hand post (SG Hand post) bus stop. Barachukki Falls is 8 km from here and can be reached by auto rickshaw. However, it is difficult to get another auto to go from Barachukki to Gaganachhukki and to accommodation or bus stop. So visitors will have to hire an auto for the entire day or hitchhike to different stops.
Mysore (143 km)
By Sarah Carter of A Social Nomad.
Any list of weekend trips from Bangalore would be incomplete without mentioning Mysore, home to the grand Mysore Palace, one of the most spectacular royal buildings in all of India. It’s one of seven palaces in Mysore, but the only one within the old fort walls. The palace is also known as the Amba Vilas Palace – the exterior is beautiful and the interiors are incredible. You can take guided tours (but no photos inside sadly) and learn about the history of this building which dates from 1912 after the previous one was burned. Try and stay around for the early evening light show.
The gardens and waterfalls of the Brindavan Gardens are also a great place to explore, again, try for the evening when it’s cooler and when there’s usually a light and sound show too. A third recommendation for what to see in Mysore over a weekend is to take a visit to the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary. This 40-acre bird sanctuary is the largest in the state of Karnataka and you’ll find around 170 species of birds here, from pelicans to kingfishers and all types of storks. Take the boat trip to get the best experience.
The Grand Mercure Mysore is a great central place to stay with excellent air conditioning and service and for food, the Mysore Mylari Family Restaurant Pure Veg does amazing Mysore masala dosas and is open all day.
How to Reach BR Hills from Bangalore: Take the train from KSR Bangalore to Mysore Junction and then a taxi (about 30 mins). You can also take a twice-daily bus (Kallada Travels) from Bangalore to Mysore Infosys Gate No 2, then a taxi (about 30 mins).
BR Hills (168 km)
By Ellis from Backpack Adventures
If you are looking for the perfect weekend getaway from Bangalore, consider BR Hills. BR Hills is one of the lesser-known wildlife sanctuaries in Karnataka. The hills form a bridge between the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats. Therefore, it is a biodiverse area of rich flora and fauna. The lush and dense green forests are home to lots of wildlife and birds. Although less popular than nearby Bandipur or Kabini, it is equally beautiful and with the same chances of spotting the elusive tiger or the Asian elephant that roams the forests. Forest hikes or jungle safaris can be arranged by most hotels in BR Hills. One of the best options is the Gorukana Wellness Resort or the more budget-friendly Giri Darshini homestay.
While nature is the main attraction in BR hills, there is history and culture too. The local Biligiri Ranganathaswamy temple is an important place of worship for the local Soliga people. With its scenic location on top of a hill, it offers sweeping views over the BR Hills Wildlife Sanctuary.
How to Reach BR Hills from Bangalore: A 5-hour bus ride from Bangalore (a bus from Yelandur will reduce the travel time by an hour) will bring you to BR Hills. From Yelandur, there are frequent buses to the Biligiri Rangana Betta temple.
Coorg (248 km)
By Abhishek from Misfit Wanderers
Another popular contender for the best weekend trip from Bangalore is a trip to Coorg! With its wooded hills, misty skies, and enchanting valleys, Coorg, a hill station in Karnataka, promises a much-needed break to city dwellers. Popular things to do in Coorg include staying on a coffee estate, exploring the Dubare Elephant Camp, learning about Buddhism in Namdroling Monastery, going on a jeep safari to Mandal Patti, trekking, and camping. Make sure to include the top places to visit in Coorg, such as Nisargadhama, Abbey Falls, and Raja’s Seat, on your itinerary.
Coorg is also known for its food. The Kodagu cuisine, known for the popular Pandi Curry, Akki Otti, Kadambuttu (steamed rice dumplings), Bamboo Shoot Curry, and Paputtu, is loved by locals and travellers alike and is a must-try when visiting Coorg. Coorgi Cuisine, Udupi Garden, Taste of Coorg, and Raintree Restaurant are some top restaurants in Coorg. Don’t forget to taste homemade coffee and chocolates here. You can also enjoy homemade wine and take different spices home.
There are numerous places to stay in Coorg. Some of the more popular ones are Taj Madikeri Resort and Spa, Coorg Wilderness Resort, Hotel Mayura Valley, Heritage Resort, and Club Mahindra Resort.
How to Reach Coorg from Bangalore: The easiest way to reach Coorg is by a KSRTC or a private bus from Bangalore. You can travel via train to the Mysore Railway station (108 km), then onwards to Coorg by bus.
Kalpetta (299 km)
Kalpetta sits 8 km north of Chembra Peak, one of South India’s most popular hiking trails. En route to Chembra Peak is the Insta-famous heart-shaped lake. The Chembra Peak hike offers beautiful views of the lush surroundings and threads through tea plantations and tropical foliage. But if you don’t want to summit a peak and would prefer a relaxing vacation, no problem because the district of Wayanad has a wealth of other attractions: rolling tea plantations and many waterfalls like the Soochipara Waterfall and the Meenmutty Falls, a wildlife sanctuary where you can spot tigers and elephants in the wild, the Eddakal caves, and the Banasura Sagar Dam, all of which are easily accessible from Kalpetta. While at Wayanad, you can opt to stay with a local family at a homestay, try the local food, and learn about the local culture. There are many eateries in Kalpetta where you can try the Malabar cuisine which has dishes like Puttu and Kadala curry, Nadan Kozhi Varthatu, and Meen Moilee. Thalassary Biriyani is also a must-try here!
How to Reach Wayanad from Bangalore: Wayanad is not on the railway map but you can avail of overnight buses from Bangalore.
Weekend Trips from Bangalore: 300 km to 500 km from Bangalore
Hampi (341 km)
By Sinjana of Backpack & Explore
Hampi, the erstwhile capital of the glorious Vijayanagara empire of the 14th-16th century, is truly a hidden gem of India and one of the best weekend trips from Bangalore. The unique landscape, the rock-cut monuments, and the peaceful surroundings help you transcend into a whole new world. It is home to a UNESCO Heritage Site called the Hampi Group of Monuments.
Start your weekend with the archeological museum where you can get a grand introduction to the history and geography of the area. Then you can visit the Royal Enclosure, Danaik Enclosure, and Zenana Enclosure. These are parts of the royal complex of Hampi where the rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire resided. You can then hike to the stunningly beautiful Hemkunta group of temples followed by the Virupaksha temple. Both temples precede the Vijayanagara period and are magnificent examples of South-Indian temple architecture.
You can reserve the next day for a trip to North Hampi, on the other side of River Tungabhadra. There you will find the grand Vijaya Vittala Temple Complex which houses the iconic stone chariot. End your day with the coracle ride in Tungabhadra. This sums up the perfect Hampi itinerary for your weekend trip from Bangalore!
How to Reach Hampi from Bangalore: Hospet, the nearest railway station is just 13 km away from Hampi and is well-connected to Bangalore. From Hospet you can take a tuktuk to Hampi. You can also book Volvo buses from Bangalore to Hampi.
Pondicherry (359 km)
Another great option for a relaxing weekend trip from Bangalore is the former French colony of Pondicherry which is popular for its pretty pastel buildings and delicious Franco-Tamil food. & of course for the soul-soothing views of the Bay of Bengal.
Follow our Pondicherry itinerary to plan a weekend trip to Pondicherry. Explore the French Quarter with its countless pretty buildings, see the local architecture in the Tamil quarters, spend hours lingering in cafes, visiting markets, and just laze on the Promenade watching the sea and the sky. If you have time, visit Auroville. If not for the temple, come for the food and the artisan gourmet shops like Mason & Co. and Gastronomica which have made Auroville a popular haunt for young travellers.
If you have come for the food, we have you covered: The 20 Best Places to Eat in Pondicherry! Coromandel Cafe, Saveur, Maison Perumal, and Villa Shanti are highly recommended. For drinks, head to The Storytellers Bar!
How to Reach Pondicherry from Bangalore: Overnight buses are available from Bangalore to Pondicherry and take around 7 hours. There are two overnight trains (16573 and 11005) from Yeswantpur Junction to Pondicherry.
Ooty (373 km)
By Koyeli from Nature Diary
Known for its beautiful lakes and rolling tea plantations, Ooty is a popular weekend trip destination from Bangalore. The lakes– Emerald Lake, Bellikkal Lake, Ooty Lake, Avalanche Lake, Pykara Lake, and Kamaraj Sagar Lake– were originally built for fishing but today, they are popular for their scenic locales and boating facilities. Apart from the lakes, you can visit Ooty’s botanical garden and rose garden. For breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, especially at sunrise and sunset, hike to the Doddabetta Peak, Tiger Hill, or Needle viewpoint. Ooty is also a popular honeymoon destination among Indian couples!
NILGIRI MOUNTAIN RAILWAY: Don’t miss a ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway! A toy train, tugged halfway by heritage steam locomotives, chugs uphill from Mettupalayam (36 km from Coimbatore) to Ooty via Coonoor and offers breathtaking views of the scenic hillside.
The regional food is unique in its use of coconut oil and tamarind. Popular South Indian dishes like idli, dosa, and uttapam are readily available. Ooty is known for its tea and you can buy different flavours of tea here. Traditional bakeries sell homemade biscuits and chocolates. Sidewalk Cafe, Garden Restaurant, Kingstar Confectionery, and Shinkows are popular restaurants in Ooty.
Sterling Ooty Fern Hill, Destiny Farmstay, and Glyngarth Resort are some of the highly recommended places to stay in Ooty.
How to Reach Ooty from Bangalore: From Bangalore, you can take the train to Coimbatore, and then take a cab to reach Ooty. Bus service is frequent on the Bangalore-Ooty route, with overnight services taking around 8 hours. Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive from Bangalore to Ooty within 6 hours.
Thanjavur (392 km)
Home to the UNESCO Heritage-listed Brihadeshwara Temple, Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu draws lovers of history, architecture, and music from around the world. Plan your Thanjavur weekend trip from Bangalore around the three living Chola Temples: the Brihadeshwara Temple in Thanjavur, the Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram, and the Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram. Completed between the early 11th and the 12th century CE, the temples are outstanding examples of Dravidian architecture and showcase exquisite carvings and sculptures. While in Thanjavur, also visit the Maratha Palace whose main durbar hall features vibrant frescos. This region is the birthplace of Carnatic music, so if you can snag tickets to a recital, don’t miss it!
Thanjavur has several places to stay depending on your budget but for a memorable experience, book a room at the Svatma. They organize Carnatic concerts, Bharatnatyam recitals, Vedic chanting, cookery classes, and visits with master craftsmen specializing in Thanjavur painting and bronze sculpting. You can also try the regional Thanjavur Maratha cuisine at the in-house restaurant.
How to Reach Thanjavur from Bangalore: There are two trains from Bangalore to Thanjavur but the 16232 Mysuru – Mayiladuturai (Thanjavur) Express that leaves KSB Bengaluru City Junction at 19:00 every day is your best bet. Overnight buses are also available from Bangalore.
Dandeli (475 km)
By Raksha of Solo Passport
One of the most amazing weekend trips from Bangalore is Dandeli. Dandeli is around 450 kilometres from Bangalore and is an overnight journey by road. Now known as Kali Tiger Reserve, the town of Dandeli is a natural habitat for wildlife, especially tigers, and is the second-largest sanctuary in Karnataka. The forest is great for jungle jeep safaris, operated by the forest department. It is a great way to spot the wild tigers and the sanctuary is said to have about 13 to 14 tigers in the wild. The guests can also take guided forest walks among the moist deciduous and semi-evergreen trees.
The wildlife reserve also has an abundant variety of birds and reptiles such as freshwater crocodiles. As the town is on the banks of River Kali, one of the most adventurous things to do in the town is white-water rafting. The rafting is for 9 kilometres with around 10 rapids of 3+ grades. Another adrenaline activity to do is to take a coracle ride to go spot the crocodiles.
The best time to visit Dandeli is between October and May. There are many accommodations catering to all kinds of travellers. One of the best stays operated by Jungle Lodges is Kali Wilderness Camp. It is part of the government, so the preference for jungle lodges and guided walks is given to the guests.
How to Reach Dandeli from Bangalore: Overnight buses take around 9.5 hrs from Bangalore to Dandeli.
Gokarna (486 km)
By Soujanya at The Spicy Journey
Perhaps the most beloved destination for a weekend trip from Bangalore is Gokarna, a small temple town and a major Hindu pilgrimage centre located on the west coast of Karnataka. While the major attraction in Gokarna is the Mahabaleshwar Temple for the Shiva Linga, in recent times, Gokarna has begun to emerge as a popular beach destination as well. With a long coastline, numerous beaches, up-and-coming resorts and hostels, and beach shacks, Gokarna is now a hot spot for backpackers and young travellers. Its proximity to Goa, Mumbai, Pune, and Bangalore makes it the perfect getaway from any of these places.
Some of the best things to do in Gokarna in 2 days include paying a visit to the temples – Mahabaleshwar temple, Bhadrakali temple, and Sri Rama temple. Next, there are 5 popular beaches in Gokarna – the Gokarna main beach, Om Beach, Kudle Beach, Half-moon Beach, and Paradise Beach. One of the popular activities in Gokarna is to wake up at sunrise and trek to each of these beaches. Some people also choose to camp overnight at Paradise Beach.
There are plenty of places to stay overnight but Zostel and Trippr are popular choices among backpackers. Both these hostels have dorm rooms as well as private rooms at budget-friendly prices.
How to Reach Gokarna from Bangalore: To reach Gokarna from Bangalore, one can hop on an overnight sleeper bus that takes approximately 9 hours to reach its destination. Within Gokarna, one can easily walk to most tourist attractions or rent a two-wheeler on a day-to-day basis.
Weekend Trips from Bangalore: Over 500 km from Bangalore
Kochi (547 km)
By Sundeep & Bedabrata of Delhifundos
Kochi offers a heady mix of nature, history, religion, culture, and modernism with a glimpse of Kerala’s famed backwaters. Start your Kochi trip at Ernakulam in Kochi, the functional part of the city with the hustle-bustle of daily life. You are close to the markets and not far from Broadway. Broadway is famous for its spice shops. Kochi has had an active spice trade for more than 600 years, since the 14th century. Don’t forget to try the freshly fried banana chips and Calicut halwa! Broadway is also adjacent to Marine Drive, the seafront with a decorated pathway and boating facilities.
The arty area of Kochi with many accommodation options is Fort Kochi. Many Dutch and British colonial houses have been turned into heritage hotels here. Homestays and hostels are also popular. Fort Kochi has a lot of attractions. There are century-old churches, a beach, and the famous Chinese fishing nets! Also, the very picturesque cafes are a must-visit.
Jew Town at Mattancherry is not far. It is a must-visit for its old-world charm and a 16th-century Jewish worship centre, Pardesi Synagogue. At Jew Town, try the traditional multi-course Sadhya meal served on a banana leaf at Vijayalaksmi Caterers.
How to Reach Kochi from Bangalore: The easiest way to travel from Bangalore to Kochi is by overnight train. Overnight sleeper buses are also available.
Hyderabad (569 km)
By Anwar from Beyond My Door
You may think of Hyderabad only as a technology and biotech center, but the city founded in the 16th century has a lot to offer to the discerning traveller and makes for the perfect weekend trip from Bangalore.
Think Hyderabad, think food! The Hyderabadi Biryani is the crowning glory of the city’s gastronomy but you can try other favourites like pathar-ka-gosht, a wide variety of kebabs, and khubani-ka-meetha, a well-known Hyderabadi dessert containing apricots. Visit during Ramadan, the season for haleem, and go on a food walk in the old city to experience the best of the local cuisine! Southern specialties such as dosas, idli, and vada are widely enjoyed but try the spicy local Telugu food: dishes like Natu Kodi, Royyala Vepudu, and Gongura Mamsam will win your heart!
IRANI CAFES IN HYDERABAD: Visit one of Hyderabad’s Irani cafes for the famous chai and Osmania biscuits! Most of these cafes are decades old and are a place for locals to meet and chat over tea.
Visit the Charminar (built to commemorate the end of a plague)– of course, the top thing to do in Hyderabad— and Qutub Shahi Tombs (tombs of Hyderabad’s founders) to experience some of the earlier architecture of the city. For a bit of opulence, visit Chowmahalla Palace, the palace of the Nizams, and also the Salar Jung Museum which houses art and antiques collected by one man over his lifetime. Take a quick trip to Golconda Fort to work off all the calories and enjoy the light and sound show if it’s running on that day.
There is no dearth of places to stay in Hyderabad. OYO rooms offer numerous haunts and almost all popular hotel chains, including Novotel and Taj, have properties here. And if you have the cash, there’s the Taj Falaknuma Palace, a former palace of the Nizam, that is dripping luxury and opulence!
How to Reach Hyderabad from Bangalore: Overnight buses from Bangalore to Hyderabad are the easiest way to reach the city.
Panaji (591 km)
Panaji, the capital of Goa, is the perfect place for a weekend if you love to explore cities steeped in history and boasting splendid architecture. Also, cities that promise excellent food! Follow our Panaji travel guide to plan a weekend trip from Bangalore.
Stay in the old quarters, a neighbourhood of vibrantly painted houses at the heart of Panaji. Panaji is one of the most walkable cities in the country, so explore the city on foot. A walking tour of Fontainhas is a must! Spend some time on Miramar beach, or some time at the casinos if that rocks your boat, and the rest exploring the city’s culinary map. Visit Panaji’s old cafes like Bhonsle Cafe and Cafe Tato to try a traditional Goan breakfast. To try a Luso-Goan meal, go to the Horseshoe. Mum’s Kitchen serves mouthwatering Saraswat Goan food and at Viva Panjim, you can dig into Goan dishes like Xacuti and Xec-Xec. Then there’s The Black Sheep, an exceptional eatery serving European-style dishes and drinks featuring locally sourced produce.
TIP: If you have an extra day, take the bus to old Goa to see the ancient churches that dot this region.
How to Reach Panaji from Bangalore: The Yeswantpur-Vasco da Gama Express is the most convenient way to travel to Panaji. From the Vasco da Gama station, take a bus to Panaji. If you prefer overnight buses, Intrcity runs a single service from Bangalore and it takes about 14 hrs to reach Panaji. We have used Intrcity on the Bangalore-Hyderabad route and recommend their service; the buses are clean and toilets are available on some services.
What are your favourite weekend trips from Bangalore? Let us know in the comments!
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