We’ve put together a list of places for your Weekend road trips/Weekend trips from Bangalore that should definitely be on your Post-COVID travel bucket list!
How about some fascinating weekend getaways from Bangalore?
1. Mysore (144 km):
One of the best weekend getaways from Bangalore and a recipe for a perfect road trip within 150km is definitely Mysore. This city is known for The Mysore Palace, authentic Masala Dosa, Mysore silk, and the beautiful celebrations of the 10 day Dasara festival which attracts tourists from all over the world! If you are looking forward to a 1-day road trip from Bangalore, then how this cant be your go-to option?
Things to do here:
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Have breakfast in Mylari Hotel to kick start your day with authentic flavors of South Indian food!
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Visit the Mysore Palace at the heart of the city and prepare to lose yourself in the grandeur of it.
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Seek blessings at the Chamundeshwari temple, Somnathpur temple, and visit Avadhoota Datta Peetham to take a stroll in the bonsai garden and bird sanctuary called Shuka Vana.
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Visit St. Philomena’s church, take a stroll in Brindavan gardens, explore beautiful artwork in the Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery, Railway museum.
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Go for a morning walk to Karanji lake to experience the local life and explore the city on a rented cycle or a two-wheeler to get the best out of it!
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The best time to visit is from October to February.
2. Kabini (230 km):
If you are a nature lover and just can’t get enough of it, Kabini should definitely be on your Post Pandemic travel bucket list! A 230 km drive from Bangalore is the perfect place to witness wildlife in its natural habitat!
Things to do here:
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Enjoy an early morning jeep safari at the Nagarahole National Park which is a thrilling experience
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Take a boat safari in the evenings to spot beautiful birds which lasts for 3 hours.
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Explore Nagarahole national park, Iruppu Falls, and Kabini Dam.
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You can shop handicrafts made by the tribals in the area if you’re lucky!
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You should check out beautiful tree house options for stay at safari lodges!
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You can also embark on a nature walk and other exciting adventure activities like trekking to explore the real beauty of western ghats!
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Hire a cycle to explore this place at your own pace.
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The best time to visit for wildlife lovers is November to January and visit in July to October if you want to witness the lush green forests in all its glory!
3. Sakleshpur (220 km):
If you are missing the lush green hill station views and cold breeze, then Sakleshpur is the perfect weekend getaway for your post COVID travel plans. It is one of the best road trips from Bangalore around 200 km. If you are planning for a 3-day road trip from Bangalore why not the beautiful Sakleshpur.
Things to do here:
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Explore Manjarabad Fort built in 1792 is a star-shaped fort known to be an architectural marvel.
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Seek blessings at Sakleshwara temple.
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Railway bridge trekking has to be one of the best things you can do here! It is a 52 km trek along the abandoned railway track with mesmerizing views of the western ghats
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Visit Bisle ghat viewpoint. You can trek Ombattu Gudda (9 peaks) and Bisle ghat as well!
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Hike to Agni Gudda hill and camp here to experience the beautiful night sky!
4. Yercaud (230 km):
Yercaud is a hill station in the state of Tamil Nadu. It lies in the Shevaroy Hills, known for its orange groves, and coffee, fruit, and spice plantations. It is one of the best places to cool off the busy routines! why not a hill station like Yercaud if you are planning for a 4-day road trip from Bangalore by car.
Things to do here:
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Visit Yercaud Lake and Anna Park which is located at the heart of the city.
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Do not miss the drive on the 32-Km Loop Road also leads to the villages of Semmantham, Nagaur, Manjakuttai, and Kaveri Peak and enjoy picturesque views of coffee and tea plantations and pause to taste and buy them as well!
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Pagoda point is the main attraction best visited to witness beautiful sunrise or sunsets!
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You can also visit a silk farm, rose garden, and a bear’s cave.
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Kiliyur waterfalls, located in the Servaroyan hill range of the Eastern Ghats in Tamil Nadu, the waterfall can only be reached through the rugged and rustic terrains.
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Seek blessings at Sri Raja Rajeshwari Temple, one of the peaceful places in Yercaud.
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Drive up to a sunrise point for breathtaking views and the roads are a great delight!
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To make the best out of an evening, visit Lady’s seat to just sit and enjoy the fog covering up all over the place with Maggi and snacks.
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Visit The Servaroyan Temple to seek blessings and it is one of the highest places in Yercaud for scintillating views all around!
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Sri Chakra Maha Meru is the World’s biggest Shri Chakra Maha Meru temple and you are bound to feel refreshed!
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Try Uthappam, onion dosa which is a mouth-watering local breakfast option.
5. Chikamagalur (240 km):
Famously known as the Coffee Land of Karnataka, it is a paradise for coffee lovers. Lush green forests, trekking trails, waterfalls, and serene views make it a perfect choice for a weekend getaway from Bangalore! How on earth you will say no to this 3 days tour package in Karnataka, Chikamagalur.
Things to do here:
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Visit Kudremukh National Park
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Witness the beautiful wonder that is the Hebbe falls and explore the places around here.
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Take a dip in the Jhari falls which is one of the best waterfalls to truly experience the beauty of Chikamagalur
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Trek Mullayanagiri for scenic and picturesque views and an adrenaline rush.
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Bababudangiri is a must-visit trekking spot and you can trek from Mullayangiri as well which is a 9km trek.
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Explore coffee plantations, estates and indulge yourself in rich coffee flavors
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Visit Kalhatti falls and tries trekking nearby hills for beautiful views.
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You can also try the Kudremukh trek which is an absolute paradise of green lush views!
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If you love the adrenaline rush, try river rafting in the Bhadra River and kayaking in the Bhadra dam.
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Seek blessings at the divine Sringeri Mutt.
6. Coorg (250 km):
Famously known as the ‘Scotland of India’, Coorg is a nature lover’s favorite destination. Surrounded by lush green picturesque views everywhere and streams, it is famous for coffee and spice plantations and is a must-visit place for your Post COVID travel! Get out of your home on this 5 days road trip from Bangalore to the Scotland of India.
Things to do here:
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Visit Dubare Elephant Camp to witness and large herds of elephants that you can feed, bathe and ride.
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Visit the Golden Temple in Bylajuppe to experience a different world of cultures and traditions of the Tibetan monastery and go for a drive to the Raja’s seat in the evening for picturesque views!
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Some of the best treks from Bangalore are nestled in the western ghats like, Tadiandamol, Kumara Parvatha, Kodachadri, Brahmagiri and Kodachadri and others.
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Do not miss out on experiencing their locally sourced delicious cuisine.
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Coffee plantation tours are a must and if you are not a coffee lover, you are sure to transition into one!
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Camping is a famous activity in Coorg as the clear night starry sky is a bliss!
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You can make the best out of your stay by opting for homestays as they offer a more secluded and you can enjoy the authentic cuisine and culture of a Coorgi lifestyle.
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Visit the towns like Virajpet, Sowarpet, Kushalnagar, Gonikoppal, and Pollibetta to make the best out of your stay!
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River rafting and visiting Brahmagiri wildlife sanctuary are popular things to do here.
7. Ooty (265 km):
Ooty also known as the Queen of Hill Stations will leave you in awe for days! It is one of the best weekend getaways from Bangalore! How about a weekend getaway to the beautiful Ooty.
Things to do here:
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Visit Avalanche Lake, 28 km away from Ooty is famous for camping, rafting, and trekking to nearby hilly regions like Upper Bhawani.
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Visit Emerald Lake, 25 km away from Ooty lies in the place called Silent Valley. You can witness mesmerizing views of sunrise and sunset here!
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Take a stroll in the beautiful botanical gardens, boating in Ooty lake, and the deer park adjacent to it.
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A must-visit place is Doddabetta peak, the highest peak in the Nilgiris district offers beautiful views of the city and the drive is filled with fog and the scent of Nilgiri trees.
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Kalhatty waterfalls are one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Ooty. You can also visit Pykara waterfalls
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Ooty rose garden is a new addition that is well maintained and picturesque.
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You can also visit Madhumalai national park, a famous tiger reserve, and Mukurthi National Park.
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Needle Viewpoint is a must-visit place for its breathtaking views.
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Do not miss out on the Toy train that runs from Mettupalayam to Ooty to Coonoor passing through lush green landscapes and breathtaking Nilgiri mountains.
8. Wayanad (271 km):
One of the best road trips from Bangalore within 300km is Wayanad. It is a beautiful rural district famous for its Wayanad Wildlife sanctuary, trekking, camping, and lots of adventure activities. It is a perfect weekend getaway from Bangalore for nature lovers and trekkers!
Things to do here:
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Spot wild animals at Wayanad Wildlife sanctuary including Asiatic elephants, tigers, leopards, and egrets.
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Go on daring treks to Chembra peak, the Pakshipathalam trek, the Brahmagiri peak, Thusharagiri trek and have an amazing cave experience at Edakkal caves,
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A very famous fall to unwind is Soochipara falls.
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Visit Asia’s 2nd largest dam, Banasura Sagar Dam for trekking and boating experiences.
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Try out the Bamboo rafting in Kuruva Island which should be on your Post pandemic Bucketlist!
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You can also try paragliding, zip-lining, tea estate tour, and cycling through Nilgiri hills.
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Visit Neelimala view-point for mesmerizing views and to experience the true beauty of Wayanad.
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Seek blessings at the Thirunelli temple, more than 3000 years old perched on the Brahmagiri hills.
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Try staying in a treehouse resort/villa to make the best out of your experience!
9. Pondicherry (310 km):
One of the best beaches from Bangalore that you can drive up to is Pondicherry! Pondicherry is a French colonial settlement is now a Union Territory. This place offers serene views in every corner and quaint cafes are a steal for a road trip from Bangalore within 350km.
Things to do here:
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Visit Promenade Beach/Rock beach for a beautiful sunrise view to start your day with!
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Take a stroll in White town spotting graffiti work, munching in cute little cafes, and admiring picturesque roads everywhere.
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Visit Auroville to enjoy the bliss of the place and pay a visit to Aurobindo Ashram.
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Take a boat ride to Paradise Beach Island for a lot of fun activities and beach views!
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One of the cleanest and serene beaches is Serenity beach which is a must for your Post-COVID travels.
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Sunrise at the old lighthouse to relax after a tiring day.
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Visit Bread & Chocolate on your way to Auroville for one of the best croissants ever!
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Visit Boutique Du Kashmir on Chetty street if you are looking for Pashmina shawls or antiques and more!
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This place is best explored on a two-wheeler and spends evenings in the city’s MG Road for shopping, local food, and people watching.
10. Hampi (345km):
Famously known as the Land of the Ruins, Hampi is known for its historical significance and numerous ruined temples. Taking a walk in the same lands which traded diamonds and sapphire stones on the pavements back in the day is definitely something to experience and it makes for a good road trip from Bangalore within 400 km!
Things to do here:
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Hire a bicycle or a moped to explore Hampi
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Explore Old Hampi is all its glory. From the Vijaya Vittala Temple, the famous Queen’s bath, the Hazara Rama temple, the ruins of the Royal Enclosure which once housed 45 buildings including the durbar halls, underground chambers, etc.
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For mesmerizing sunset views, visit Anjaneya Hills
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Head over to Sanapur lake or Tungabhadra Dam for cliff jumping but try it at your own risk!
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Trek the Matanga Hills for mesmerizing views of the Virupaksha Temple and the Tungabhadra river!
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Explore rock climbing as well!
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Visit Hippie Islands, (Virupapur Gaddi) on the side of the Tungabhadra river which can be reached on a coracle boat or a moped for beautiful cafes and graffiti work.
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Shopping authentic Hampi Handicrafts in Hampi Bazaar.
Take a break from the busy city life and work from home routines and plan your safe travel to these places! We hope you have an amazing experience!
You can read about my experience in Hampi here! Do check out our travel feed to help you plan your post COVID travels!
