Bangalore Weekend Getaways – 6 Scenic Escapes You Can’t Miss

Living in Bangalore has its perks—great weather, buzzing culture, and most importantly, easy access to some of South India's best weekend getaways. Whether you're looking for hills, wildlife, waterfalls, or just peace and quiet, there’s something just a few hours away waiting to refresh your soul.

As someone who regularly escapes the city chaos on weekends, I’ve explored quite a few gems—and in this blog, I’ll walk you through 6 of the best weekend getaways from Bangalore that are perfect for a quick break, a dose of nature, and a much-needed digital detox.

1. Coorg – Misty Hills & Coffee Trails

Just around 250 km from Bangalore, Coorg (also known as Kodagu) is a dreamy hill station famous for its coffee plantations, waterfalls, and cool climate. It’s perfect for couples, families, or even a solo escape.

Trek up Tadiandamol Peak, visit Abbey Falls, explore Dubare Elephant Camp, or sip freshly brewed filter coffee in a homestay surrounded by mist and green. What I love most about Coorg is how peaceful it feels—even when crowded.

Best time to visit: October to March

Travel tip: Book a plantation stay for a truly local experience.

Distance: 6 hours drive from Bangalore

2. Chikmagalur – Land of Coffee and Calm

About 245 km from Bangalore, Chikmagalur is another hill station that charms you with rolling hills, waterfalls, and Karnataka’s highest peak—Mullayanagiri.

You can hike, visit tea estates, relax at Hirekolale Lake, or just watch the clouds roll by. It’s less touristy than Coorg but equally beautiful. The winding roads through coffee plantations are a treat for road-trippers.

Best time to visit: September to February

Stay tip: Try heritage homestays or eco-lodges in the hills.

Ideal for: Trekkers, photographers, nature lovers

3. Sakleshpur – Hidden Gem in the Western Ghats

Looking for something quieter and more offbeat? Sakleshpur is a scenic hill town around 220 km from Bangalore. Known for its spice and coffee plantations, it’s also home to the Green Route Trek, an abandoned railway trail through thick forest and tunnels.

I camped here once under a sky full of stars, with the sound of a distant waterfall in the background. It’s raw, real, and rejuvenating.

Best time to visit: June to February

Activity tip: Don’t miss Manjarabad Fort for panoramic views.

Budget: Perfect for budget travelers and backpackers

4. Kabini – Wildlife and River Safari

If wildlife excites you, Kabini is hands down one of the best weekend getaways from Bangalore. Located around 210 km away, Kabini offers jungle safaris in Nagarhole National Park, home to leopards, elephants, and even tigers.

I remember my first safari here—we saw a herd of elephants by the riverbank, completely undisturbed by us. The silence, the thrill, the unpredictability—it’s unforgettable.

Best time to visit: October to May

Tip: Book safaris and stays well in advance; they sell out fast.

Who it’s for: Wildlife lovers, couples, photographers

5. Hampi – Ruins, Boulders, and Timeless Sunsets

Step back in time with a trip to Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site about 340 km from Bangalore. Once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, Hampi is now a surreal landscape of ancient ruins, giant boulders, and sunsets over the Tungabhadra River.

Cycle around Virupaksha Temple, explore Hippie Island, and climb up Matanga Hill for one of the best views in South India. Hampi is not just a place—it’s a feeling.

Best time to visit: October to February

Travel tip: Ideal for a 2-night trip; buses and trains run daily from Bangalore.

Ideal for: Culture lovers, backpackers, photographers

6. Yercaud – The Quiet Hill Station

Often overshadowed by big names like Ooty, Yercaud is a peaceful hill town in Tamil Nadu, about 230 km from Bangalore. With its cool climate, pine forests, and serene lake, it’s a great weekend escape if you want peace without too much planning.

The 32-km loop road drive around Yercaud is scenic and calming, especially during the monsoon. Visit Lady’s Seat, Pagoda Point, and Kiliyur Falls, and sip chai with a valley view.

Best time to visit: October to June

Tip: Great for a laid-back couple’s getaway or solo trip

Budget: Quite affordable; decent hotels start around ₹1,200/night

Final Thoughts: Which Escape Will You Choose?

Bangalore may be a bustling city, but just a few hours away lie dense forests, misty hills, serene lakes, and wild adventures. Whether you're a planner or a spontaneous traveler, these weekend getaways offer something for every kind of wanderer.

So next time the city gets too loud or your schedule too tight, pick a place, pack your bag, and just drive. Trust me—sometimes the best therapy is a road, a playlist, and the open sky.