Top 10 Weekend Getaways from Bangalore
One of the USPs of Bangalore is undoubtedly its weather. No wonder even the areas surrounding the city enjoy an awesome climate throughout the year. Hence it is not a bad idea to plan one day self-drive trip near Bangalore during summers even. Though the poor conditions of the roads leading to the prime hotspots around the city often play spoilsport, road trip enthusiasts are hardly dampened by it, right? We have curated a list of some of the most desirable locations for road trips and weekend getaways from Bangalore. Start ticking these off your bucket list!
Top Tourist Places in Bangalore:
1. Nandi Hills – 62 Km
An idyllic destination, this weekend escapade is only 60 kms from Bangalore. On one hand, the hills provide the perfect rejuvenation to those seeking serenity, while if you are in the mood for an adrenaline rush, you can try the adventurous activities here. The roads are in good shape and the traffic is decent, though it is advisable to avoid the monsoons as it may get slippery on the hills. We suggest you to save this for summer vacation road trips from Bangalore with Revv.
2. Ooty – 270 Km
Nestled amidst the blue mountains, Ooty is one of the most enchanting road trip destinations from Bangalore. The drive through the Bangalore-Mysore Highway followed by the SH 66 is 266 kms long. The best time to plan a trip would be between October and June.
3. Skandagiri – 61 Km
Located at a distance of about 70 kms from Bangalore, Skandagiri is an ancient hill fortress, also known as the Kalavara Durga. It is particularly popular as a destination for night trekking, allowing you to witness the splendid sunrise before proceeding downhill. The NH44 is the commonest route to reach Chikkaballapur and from there you can move to Pappagni Matt. Park your car there and begin the trek. The roads are more or less decent with a few rough patches.
4. Coorg – 248 Km
Usually hailed as the best hill station of South India, Coorg is yet another dreamy destination for a road trip from Bangalore. The hilly town is surrounded by the forest slopes of the Western Ghats, lending it an incomparable beauty that you can experience within a distance of just 280 kms from Bangalore. It also offers ample scope for adventure sports such as river rafting and trekking. The best part is that you can visit Coorg at any time of the year, since it promises a pleasant climate all throughout. You simply have to take the Mysore Highway followed by a deviation after Srirangapatana, bypassing Mysore city on the way.
Must Read: Weekend Getaways from Coimbatore
5. Mysuru – 143 Km
The third-largest city in Karnataka, Mysuru is famous for its magnificent buildings and palaces that are rich in historical and cultural significance. No wonder Mysuru has also earned the tag of being the Cultural Capital of South Karnataka. One of the chief attractions of the city is the Mysore Palace which is a World Heritage Site. You can cover the distance of 140 kms in about 3 hours. Thanks to the excellent 4-lane state highway connecting the two cities, you will have an amazing journey. Despite being a busy route, the traffic is quite uninterrupted and fast-moving. This is also a fitting destination for any time of the year, though the months between October and February are cooler, making this period the ideal one.
6. Hampi – 346 Km
Several historians refer to Hampi as the Forgotten Empire and very rightly so, as it is located in the ruins of the once-magnificent Vijayanagara kingdom. The terrain here is characterized by rocky boulders and banana plantations. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is also a major religious centre, housing the Virupaksha Temple besides other old temples and monuments. However, as far as the road condition from Bangalore to Hampi is concerned, take note that the road from Chitradurga to Hospet is not in very good condition. You can avail the route from Bellary to Hiriyur, which is at par with the main highway, minus the divider. The ideal time to experience this road trip, spanning across 350 kms, would be from November to February just when the winter sets in.
7. Coonoor – 289 Km
Located at a distance of about 290 kms from Bangalore, Coonoor is famous for its tea plantations. If you are hunting for weekend destinations nearby Bangalore for short stays, you must keep Coonoor at the top of your list. This is the second largest hill station in the Nilgiri Hills, and one of the favorites amongst tourists in Southern India. Coonoor should ideally be visited between October and March, though the weather here is pleasant all-round the year. A ride in the toy train promises oodles of fun while many visitors are also fascinated by birdwatching.
8. Pondicherry – 312 Km
Want a glimpse of a French Colony within just 310 kms from Bangalore? Head to Pondicherry, an ex-French colony, where the overall culture and ambience is very much reminiscent of its French colonial ancestors. Be it the colonial-era buildings, churches and temples or the stunning beaches, or the delectable cuisine, Pondicherry will have you gushing! Plan your visit between October and March, and it will surely turn out to be one of the best places to see near Bangalore by self-drive road trips. However, do keep in mind that the road from Krishnagiri to Chengam is quite bad and we would recommend you to take the Mahabalipuram-Kanchipuram route, even though it is 100 kms more.
9. Chikmagalur – 244 Km
One of the most picturesque tourist destinations in Karnataka, Chikmagalur lies at a height of about 3400 ft. and the driving distance between Bangalore and Chikmagalur is roughly 250 kms via the NH75, though there are other routes too. Nestled in the foothills of the Mullayanagiri range, this place also offers a wide variety of home stays for the perfect weekend adventure spots near Bangalore on self-drive cars. Said to have been the site of the first coffee plantations in India, Chikmagalur will please your eyes with the mesmerizing views of the expansive tea and coffee plantations, beautiful waterfalls, lush greenery and so on. There are also some adrenaline-pumping trekking trails, perfect for adventure-seekers. Though a long uphill drive, the road is not very challenging.
10. Shivanasamudra Falls – 131 Km
Situated by the River Kaveri, this breathtaking waterfall lies slightly off the Mysore Highway. Start early in the morning from Bangalore and it won’t take much time to cover the distance of around 140 kms along the NH 209. The best time for this popular road trip to take from Bangalore is between August and February, when chilling by the silvery cascades will be an experience of a lifetime!
Now that you know some of the popular weekend road trips from Bangalore, get yourself the right self drive vehicle and take off without further ado!
