12 Best Weekend Getaways from Bangalore: From Quick Escapes to Long Drives

Bangalore is one of those rare cities where you can escape the chaos without needing a flight ticket. Drive a couple of hours and you’re at a fort, a waterfall, a hill station, or even a wildlife safari. Push a little further, and you’ve got beaches, UNESCO sites, and coffee-scented mountains. Whether you have just one day or a whole weekend, here are 12 weekend getaways from Bangalore that fit every kind of mood and timeline.

Quick Day Trips (Within 150 km)

1. Nandi Hills – Sunrise Favourite

Distance: 60 km | Travel Time: 1.5 hours

Nandi Hills is the classic Bangalorean morning escape. Start at 4 am, wind your way up the hill, and catch the sunrise with clouds beneath your feet. Add Tipu’s Drop, Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple, and a plate of hot idlis before heading back.

Why go: When you want a reset without burning your weekend.

2. Lepakshi – Art, Myth, and Architecture

Distance: 120 km | Travel Time: 3 hours

A small Andhra town with big surprises. The Veerabhadra Temple is famous for its hanging pillar and intricate carvings, while the giant monolithic Nandi statue nearby is one of the largest in India.

Why go: A cultural fix that’s close to home.

3. Shivanasamudra Falls & Talakadu

Distance: 135 km | Travel Time: 3 hours

Perfect for a quick getaway with friends or family. The twin falls—Gaganachukki and Barachukki—are especially thunderous after monsoon. Pair it with a visit to the temple town of Talakadu, which is half-buried in sand and wrapped in legends.

Why go: A day of waterfalls and history, just outside the city.

Overnight Getaways (150–300 km)

4. Mysore – Royal City of Karnataka

Distance: 150 km | Travel Time: 3.5 hours

From the grandeur of Mysore Palace to the buzz of Devaraja Market, this city packs culture, food, and history into one easy trip. Add Chamundi Hills for views and the famous Mysore dosa for fuel.

Why go: Quick, affordable, and full of experiences.

5. Kabini – Wild Encounters by the River

Distance: 210 km | Travel Time: 5 hours

Safari lovers, this one’s for you. Once the hunting grounds of the Mysore royals, Kabini is now a hotspot for wildlife sightings—elephants, leopards, and if you’re lucky, tigers. Stay in a riverside lodge for the full jungle vibe.

Why go: A close-to-home wildlife weekend.

6. Sakleshpur – Coffee Country Charm

Distance: 220 km | Travel Time: 5.5 hours

An underrated gem, Sakleshpur is dotted with coffee estates, small treks like Jenukal Gudda, and viewpoints like Bisle Ghat. Less crowded than Coorg, it’s perfect if you want quiet green hills without tourist buzz.

Why go: An offbeat hill retreat.

7. Coorg – Classic Plantation Retreat

Distance: 260 km | Travel Time: 6 hours

Coorg is a crowd favourite for a reason. Misty hills, sprawling coffee estates, and delicious Coorgi food make it ideal for couples and families. Trek Tadiandamol Peak, visit Abbey Falls, or just stay cozy in a homestay.

Why go: When you want a relaxed, all-in-one getaway.

Longer Weekend Getaways (300+ km)

8. Chikmagalur – Land of Tall Peaks

Distance: 245 km | Travel Time: 6 hours

Famous for its coffee plantations and Mullayanagiri, Karnataka’s highest peak, Chikmagalur is equal parts adventure and relaxation. Plantation walks, treks, and homestays surrounded by mist make it a perfect weekend.

Why go: A balance of trekking and laid-back stays.

9. Hampi – Ruins and Boulders

Distance: 340 km | Travel Time: 7 hours

If history fascinates you, Hampi is unmissable. Cycle among ancient ruins, marvel at temple carvings, and end your day watching the sunset from Matanga Hill. The landscape of boulders and banana plantations is unlike anywhere else in India.

Why go: A UNESCO World Heritage Site within driving distance.

10. Wayanad – Kerala’s Cool Hills

Distance: 280 km | Travel Time: 6.5 hours

Trek up Chembra Peak, boat at Pookode Lake, and explore the prehistoric carvings at Edakkal Caves. Add spice plantations and hearty Kerala meals, and you’ve got a wholesome mountain weekend.

Why go: For Kerala’s green charm without a long trip.

11. Pondicherry – Beaches and French Vibes

Distance: 310 km | Travel Time: 6.5 hours

A little further but worth it, Pondicherry blends French colonial architecture, bohemian cafés, and serene beaches. Auroville offers meditation and alternative living experiences, while Paradise Beach is perfect for lazing.

Why go: A mix of sea, food, and culture.

12. Gokarna – Beaches Without the Chaos

Distance: 485 km | Travel Time: 9–10 hours (overnight bus/train)

Stretching the definition of “weekend,” but if you can manage an overnight journey, Gokarna pays off with clean beaches and a laid-back vibe. The beach trek connecting Om, Kudle, Half-Moon, and Paradise beaches is a highlight.

Why go: A quieter alternative to Goa.

Planning Your Escape

Best Time: Most spots shine between September and February. Summers can be hot; monsoons bring beauty but also heavy rain.

Travel Modes: Self-drive cars/bikes give freedom. Buses and trains work well for Mysore, Hampi, Gokarna.

Budget: A weekend can cost anywhere from ₹2,500 (budget homestay + bus) to ₹7,000+ (luxury stays + safaris).

Stay Choices: Karnataka is famous for its homestays, especially in Coorg, Chikmagalur, and Sakleshpur—affordable and authentic.

Final Word

From quick sunrise drives to Nandi Hills to all-out adventures in Hampi or Gokarna, these weekend getaways from Bangalore prove that travel doesn’t need long leaves. Sometimes, the best breaks are the ones you take spontaneously—a bag packed on Friday, a road trip with friends, and a new story by Monday morning.

So next time the week drains you, don’t stay in. Bangalore is surrounded by escapes that are waiting to reset your soul.