Bengaluru is one of the best-placed cities in India for weekend travel, with hills, wildlife, heritage and coffee country all within a few hours. Here are six favourites.
1. Nandi Hills
Distance: about 60 km (about 1.5 hours) · Best for: a quick sunrise trip
Famous for its sunrise above a sea of clouds, especially in the cooler months. Combine it with the ancient Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple at the foot of the hill. Gates open early, and weekends get crowded, so arrive before dawn.
2. Mysuru
Distance: about 145 km (about 3 hours) · Best for: families, history and culture
Visit the magnificent Mysuru Palace (lit up on Sunday evenings and during festivals), Chamundi Hills, St Philomena's Church and the Brindavan Gardens. Try Mysore pak and masala dosa at local favourites, and visit Srirangapatna on the way.
3. Coorg (Kodagu)
Distance: about 250 km (5 to 6 hours) · Best for: couples, nature lovers
Coffee estates, misty hills, Abbey Falls, Raja's Seat, the Dubare elephant camp and the Tibetan settlement at Bylakuppe. Stay at a coffee estate homestay to taste Kodava cuisine.
4. Chikkamagaluru
Distance: about 245 km (about 5 hours) · Best for: trekkers, coffee lovers
Karnataka's coffee birthplace, with treks to Mullayanagiri, the state's highest peak, plus Baba Budangiri and Hebbe Falls. Ideal for a slower, scenic weekend.
5. Kabini
Distance: about 210 km (about 5 hours) · Best for: wildlife enthusiasts
A riverside wildlife destination on the edge of Nagarhole National Park, known for elephants, gaur, leopards and, if you are lucky, tigers. Book forest department safaris or a resort that offers them well in advance.
6. Hampi
Distance: about 340 km (overnight train or about 6 to 7 hours by road) · Best for: history buffs, photographers
The ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, spread across a surreal boulder landscape. See the Virupaksha Temple, the stone chariot at Vittala Temple and sunset from Hemakuta Hill. Best as a long weekend.
Quick comparison
| Getaway | Approx. distance | Ideal trip | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nandi Hills | 60 km | Half day | Sunrise views |
| Mysuru | 145 km | 1 to 2 days | Palaces and culture |
| Coorg | 250 km | 2 days | Coffee and mist |
| Chikkamagaluru | 245 km | 2 days | Treks and coffee |
| Kabini | 210 km | 2 days | Wildlife safaris |
| Hampi | 340 km | Long weekend | Ancient ruins |
Tips
- Leave Bengaluru before 6 am on Saturday to avoid traffic on the exit roads.
- October to March is ideal; the monsoon makes coffee country lush but roads slippery.
- Homestays in Coorg and Chikkamagaluru fill quickly on long weekends.
- Carry light woollens for early mornings in the hills.
Weekend Getaways: the full series
- Part 1: From Chennai
- Part 2: From Bengaluru (you are here)
- Part 3: From Hyderabad
- Part 4: From Mumbai and Pune
- Part 5: From Delhi
- Part 6: From Kolkata
- Part 7: From Kochi
- Part 8: From Coimbatore and Madurai
- Part 9: From Ahmedabad
- Part 10: How to Plan a Budget Weekend Trip
Travel times, distances and prices are approximate and can change with season, traffic and local rules. Check weather, road conditions, entry permits and timings before you travel.
