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Weekends are getaways from your boring monotonous life. All that stress from Monday to Friday and finally some breath of fresh air. But is it fresh? We mean keep the pollution aside, have you planned something other than surfing through Netflix and being a couch potato? If not allow us to surprise you with some of the best places and hidden gems that always had been around you and you were sleeping on them. Yes, we are going to give you a list of places near Bangalore that you can explore alone or with your family or friends. You need to make sure your weekend doesn’t get monotonous like your work life and sometimes it is necessary to escape the hustle and bustle of the metros in search of tranquillity. Check out some of these awesome places for the upcoming long weekend during Good Friday to make your weekend worth remembering.
1. Hoskote
Hoskote is a popular South Indian town that is barely 27 kilometres from Bangalore, the country's capital. This city features beautiful lakes, well-known landmarks, religious temples, and much more. Hoskote's many attractions give guests a wide variety of exciting opportunities. However, if you ever find yourself at Hoskote, you just must stop by the renowned Hoskote Lake and the temple of Devarayana Durga. This picturesque tourist destination features a natural environment is stunning. It is a religious spot, along with a local market and a great site for outdoor excursions.
2. Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur is a cool and inviting place to get lost for the weekend. Besides being a chief site for coffee plantations the city is surrounded by thick lush green forests, valleys, and picturesque waterfalls. The place attracts all sorts of visitors from trekkers, photographers, honeymoon couples, and nature lovers. Mullayangiri, Hebbe Falls, Jhari Falls, Kudremukh National Park, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Belavadi, and Hirekolale Lake are a few places to visit around Chikmagalur.
3. Mysore
Mysore had been the capital of Tipu Sultan and a city full of mysticism and culture. It offers a lot of historical places, and you would love this place if you love archaeological marvels and history. The city is a great place for cultural events as well as relaxation. There are resorts, restaurants, entertainment spots, and hotels around every nook and corner for you to explore. Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hills, Brindavan Gardens, Shivasamudram Falls, Mysore Zoo, and St. Cathedral Church are a few must-visit tourist attractions that you should visit if you are planning to check out Mysore.
4. Wayanad
Wayanad is a great place for its pristine lakes, lush green hills, and vibrant culture which is why it is a great place for your weekend getaway. It is a relatively lesser-known destination among tourists so you will be able to avoid what you have been trying to avoid, the crowd. The mesmerizing waterfalls, endless hills, and flourishing rainforests are a thriving ecosystem comprising of species like the Asiatic elephants, tigers, leopards, and egrets. Although being in Kerala it is only 278km away from Bangalore. Edakkal caves, Pookode Lake, Soochipara waterfall, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, E3 Theme Park, and Chembra Peak trekking are a few places to visit around.
5. Udupi
Udupi, a coastal town in the southern Indian state of Karnataka, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and delectable vegetarian cuisine, particularly the world-famous Udupi cuisine. The town is also known for its historic temples and pristine beaches, making it a popular destination for travellers seeking a blend of spirituality and natural beauty. St. Marry Island, Malpe Beach, and Krishna Temple are some of the places that you should visit if you are picking Udupi as your weekend destination.
6. Dandeli
Nestled in the Western Ghats of Karnataka is Dandeli, a nature lover's paradise known for its lush forests, wildlife, and the Kali River. The region offers thrilling activities like white-water rafting, jungle safaris, and birdwatching, making it a popular destination for adventure enthusiasts and eco-tourists. For the amount of fun and adventure Dandeli provides to its visitors, it is often known as the ‘Adventure Capital of South India’. River rafting in Dandeli, Kali Tiger Reserve, and Magod Falls are some of the things that you can’t miss if you are visiting Dandeli.
7. Badami
Another interesting historical place which once was the heart of the Chalukya Kingdom. Badami is in the southern state of Karnataka and is renowned for its ancient cave temples, stunning rock-cut architecture, and archaeological significance. It was once the capital of the Chalukya dynasty and boasts intricately carved cave temples, beautiful Agastya Lake, and a rich cultural heritage that draws history and art enthusiasts. Cave temples and Badami Fort are marvels of this place that you shouldn’t miss.
8. Coorg
Coorg, also known as Kodagu, is a breathtaking hill station in Karnataka. This lush region is known for its emerald-green coffee plantations, misty mountains, and abundant natural beauty, making it a perfect escape for nature enthusiasts. Coorg offers a serene retreat with its cool climate and a range of outdoor activities, including trekking, bird watching, and exploring its picturesque landscapes. October to March Count as the best time to visit the place. Abbey Falls, Raja’s Seat, and Mandalpatti are some of the exquisite places for you to check out.
9. Coonoor
Another beautiful hill station surrounded by tea estates, Coonor is in the Nilgiri Hills and has a lot of things to offer. The place is a perfect weekend getaway from the metro as it offers several cultural places. The beautiful landscapes are perfect for taking a serene walk with your loved ones. You can also enjoy the stunning scenic view while travelling on the Nilgiri mountain steam railway that runs between the towns of Ooty and Coonoor. Dolphin’s Nose, Wellington Lake, Tiger Hill Cemetery, Heritage Railways, All Saints Church, Droog Fort, and tea estates are a few excellent sites to make your recreation count.
10. Hampi
Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Karnataka, India, is a captivating historical and archaeological treasure. Its striking landscape is dotted with ancient ruins, grand temples, and boulder-strewn terrain, showcasing the remnants of the mighty Vijayanagara Empire. Exploring this open-air museum of history and culture is a must for history buffs and adventurers alike. Sree Virupaksha temple, Shree Vijaya Vitthala Gudi, Hemakuta Hill Temple, Elephant stables, Hampi Archaeological Ruins, and Pushkarani are some of the few tourist attractions to visit around the city.
11. Kabini
Kabini is a breathtaking wildlife destination located in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. It is renowned for its lush landscapes, pristine Kabini River, and thriving wildlife, including tigers, elephants, leopards, and a rich avian population. Visitors can enjoy wildlife safaris, nature walks, and boat rides, immersing themselves in the natural wonders of this pristine sanctuary. Jungle safari and boating in Kabini are some of the fun activities to indulge in here.
12. Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, located in the Indian state of Kerala, is a paradise for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers. The sanctuary is renowned for its rich avian diversity, offering the opportunity to spot numerous rare and migratory bird species. With its lush greenery and serene ambience, the bird sanctuary provides a tranquil escape for those seeking an up-close encounter with the region's feathered inhabitants. People who are thinking of dropping this gem off their list just because you are not fascinated by birds or bird lovers, don’t worry Thattekad will make you one.
13. Srirangapattanam
Sriringapattanam is a historic town in the Indian state of Karnataka, known for its cultural and architectural significance. It is home to the famous Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Ranganatha and also boasts historical sites associated with Tipu Sultan's rule, including the Dariya Daulat Palace.
14. Mangalore
Mangalore, a coastal city in Karnataka, is known for its beautiful beaches, rich cultural heritage, and delectable South Indian cuisine. With its historic temples, vibrant markets, and laid-back coastal atmosphere, it's a destination that offers a blend of tradition and modernity, making it an attractive place to explore. Get all your stress off with blue sea waves kissing your feet.
15. Galibore Fishing Camp
Tucked away just over two hours from the cosmopolitan city of Bangalore, the Galibore Fishing Camp is in the thick, luscious forests of Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary. It is the perfect escape from the bustling city life. Nature lovers can enjoy the gorgeous view of the gushing Cauvery River over jagged rocks. The serenity of the place is mind-boggling, if you had always been stuck in a metro among the crowd and all that noise, this place will give you peace you can’t fathom.
Above are some of the good destinations out of the exhaustive list and options available. These are our top picks of 2024 for you to embark on a journey to unwind your stress and find yourself during the weekends. Living among all the hustle and bustle of the metros can be a privilege as well as a curse. Anything too much has never been good for mankind. These places come as a boon to strike a balance between your routine metro weekdays and adventurous offbeat weekends. For more such interesting information subscribe to our Youtube channel and follow us on Facebook and Instagram . Join our WhatsApp group to be part of one of the largest grooming communities.
